WinterFest Columbus

WinterFest Columbus, presented by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is a free annual celebration of the winter season in downtown Columbus. This free event marks the kickoff of winter in Columbus and draws thousands downtown to enjoy seasonal local craft beers, live music, food trucks, hot cocktails and activities for all ages.

WinterFest Columbus will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saxsquatch, the viral social media sensation who seamlessly blends saxophone mastery with quirky, Bigfoot-themed entertainment, will be headlining the event. With more than 2 million followers on TikTok, he has captivated live audiences with his special blend of humor, intrigue and music.

In addition to Saxsquatch, there will be live performances by Rumpke Mountain Boys and their string instruments and funk music with Austin & The Syd Experience. DJ BLCKUNICORN will be spinning throughout the event.

WinterFest Columbus is a family-friendly event that includes fun seasonal activities for all ages such as a mechanical reindeer, a holiday inflatable bounce house and slide, a giant snowglobe, cornhole and giant pong.

Attendees ages 21 and older can purchase seasonal craft beers made by local brewers as well as hot craft cocktails, including a bourbon chai cider made with Echo Spirits blended bourbon and Simple Times chai apple mule, and a spiced hot chocolate featuring Echo Spirits spiced rum and Winans Coffee and Chocolate’s hot chocolate.

For those who want to sample a variety of the craft brews, a beer tasting will be available for $14 that will include six 4-ounce pours and a complimentary WinterFest Columbus koozie. The following holiday-themed brews will be available as part of the tasting:

• Parabolic, a winter wheat by Nocterra Brewing Co.
• Midwest Goodbye, a winter lager by Wolf’s Ridge
• Deck the Hills, an English-style holiday ale by Jackie O’s
• Stick, an amber ale by North High Brewing
• Tracksuit Santa, a spiced holiday ale by Columbus Brewing Company
• Fox in the Stout, a salted chocolate imperial stout by Seventh Son

WinterFest will also feature some of Columbus’ favorite food trucks, including Buckeye Crepes, Cupzilla, Dos Hermanos, Fork in Nigeria, Monster Baby Donuts, Pitabilities, Schmidt’s Sausage Truck and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee.

For more information, visit WinterFestColumbus.com.