Nov. 1, 2024

Contact: Dominique Shank, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-512-0049

Seventh Annual WinterFest Columbus Returns to Bicentennial Park on Dec. 7

Special guest Saxsquatch will headline this free community event

COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will host WinterFest Columbus at Bicentennial Park, 233 S. Civic Center Dr., on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.

“We are excited to connect with our neighbors at WinterFest Columbus, the only outdoor festival our department hosts during the winter,” said Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “WinterFest Columbus takes place the first Saturday in December, making it the perfect time for residents to start celebrating the most special time of the year.”

In the spirit of giving this holiday season, all beverage tips will be donated to Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation’s Adopt a Center program. During the holiday season, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department provides meals, hygiene items, winter coats and clothing for families, as well as holiday toys for kids at each of its 28 community centers through Adopt a Center.

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.

About WinterFest Columbus:

First taking place in 2017, WinterFest Columbus is a celebration of music, food and drink in downtown Columbus, kicking off the winter season in style. Returning to Bicentennial Park in 2024, the downtown Columbus festival is free and open to all. For more information, visit WinterFestColumbus.com.