Nationwide Picnic with the Pops is coming back to Columbus Commons in Summer 2024. The full schedule hasn’t been released yet, but we will update as they are!
Enjoy the ultimate picnic with acclaimed artists and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra this summer with The Nationwide Picnic with the Pops concert series at the Columbus Commons.
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops and Richard Marx Columbus Commons credit: Randall L. Schieber
These concerts are such a fun event! Enjoy nationally-known artists and tribute bands as they perform WITH the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion in the Columbus Commons.
Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening at this casual family-friendly event. Bring your own food, beverages, alcohol, and coolers, so you can make it a more affordable outing.
Purchase food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from on-site vendors. Soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages can also be purchased at any of the CAPA bar stands.
Gates open at 6 p.m. (located on the Main and Rich streets), with the shows beginning at 8 p.m.
2024 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops Schedule
Saturday, June 15: Generation Radio with Jason Scheff and Jay DeMarcus
Generation Radio starring Jason Scheff, lead singer of the band Chicago and Columbus native Jay Demarcus, lead singer and keyboard player for Rascal Flats join the Columbus Symphony to play their hit songs along with classic hits from Journey, Tom Petty and more!
Saturday, June 22: Violent Femmes
Platinum-selling, folk rock band Violent Femmes joins the Columbus Symphony to celebrate their groundbreaking sound and cult classic hits like “Add it Up,” “Blister in the Sun,” “Kiss Off,” “Gone Daddy Gone,” “American Music,” and “Gimme the Car.”
Saturday, June 29: Patriotic Pops
The Columbus Symphony will celebrate the holiday with a tribute to George Gershwin’s hits including a special performance of “Rhapsody in Blue,” which marks its 100th anniversary in 2024. Enjoy your favorite patriotic melodies, an appearance by a U.S. Color Guard, a military branch recognition, and a flyover by members of the Cincinnati Warbirds all topped off with FIREWORKS!
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, CSO Patriotic Pops
Saturday, July 6: Windborne The Music of Led Zeppelin
This show features a massive array of song from the Led Zeppelin catalog, including “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Good Times, Bad Times,” “All of My Love,” and of course, “Stairway to Heaven.” It’s a rock show for rockers! Get ready to be amazed!
Saturday, July 13: Nas with the Columbus Symphony
This summer he teams up with the Columbus Symphony to stage a symphonic rendition of “Illmatic,” one of the most revered albums in hip-hop history.
Saturday, July 20: Cody Fry
Grammy Award nominee and American Idol finalist Cody Fry brings his singer-songwriter talents and genre-bending music to Columbus for one night only! Fry’s popular musical fusions and orchestrations have made him a viral sensation eclipsing 200 million global streams on TikTok and attracting a devout audience and fan base.
Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27: The Ohio State University Marching Band
TBDBITL joins the Columbus Symphony for the first big tailgate of the year! All ages welcome.
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, CSO and The Ohio State Marching Band.
Find full details on the website!
Tickets for concerts
General admission lawn tickets start at $35-$50+ (fees may apply) for adults when purchased by phone at 614-469-0939, or online via www.PicnicWithThePops.com. Tickets for children ages 3-14 are $10. Children 2 and under are free.
Tables on the front lawn, near the stage are available for purchase at each concert (subject to availability). For more information or to purchase a table call 614.469.0939.
Single table seats can be purchased in any quantity and range from $60-$90 (fees apply) per seat. Table seats can be purchased in advance by phone at 614.469.0939, online at www.PicnicWithThePops.com, or in person at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 E. State St.).
Check out the other activities going on at Columbus Commons this year!
- Columbus Commons Fitness Classes
- Popcorn Pops with Columbus Symphony Orchestra
- Food Truck Food Court on Thursdays at the Commons
- Free family fun: Commons for Kids
- Columbus Commons Free Movie Nights
Parking for Nationwide Picnic with the Pops
Parking is available at the Columbus Commons Parking Garage, located at 55 East Rich Street, just steps away from the park.
Spaces are also available in the lot beneath the Columbus Commons (entrance at 191 S. Third St.). Parking is $5. Pay for parking in advance to make your experience a quick and easy one! Or book Pre-paid parking!
Looking for more music?
Check out our huge list of outdoor concerts around Columbus!
- Subscribe to Columbus on the Cheap's email list
- Free and cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Inexpensive Date Nights in Columbus
- Columbus Happy Hours
- Bucket list of free and cheap fun for kid in Columbus
- Free outdoor concert roundup around Columbus
- Over 325 Central Ohio and Columbus Festivals
- Free outdoor movies around Columbus
- Discounted and Free Museum Days in Columbus
- Over 20 Farmers Markets around Columbus
- Best places to pick berries in Columbus
- Best places to pick apples and peaches in Columbus
Val says
We aren’t aware of any discounts for seniors. You could make the recommendation with Columbus Symphony Orchestra and/or Columbus Commons though!
Judy Bauchspiess says
Hello,
Are there any reduced fees for people 65 and over? I think we’d be more inclined to come out to events if this was the case!