Nationwide Picnic with the Pops is coming back to Columbus Commons in Summer 2025. 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.
2025 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops Schedule
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, CSO and The Ohio State Marching Band.
Saturday, June 14, 2025: A Boy Band Symphony, featuring Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, Erik-Michael Estrada of O-Town, and Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC
Saturday, June 21, 2025: Rick Ross. The “Biggest Boss” Rick Ross lands in Columbus for a one-of-a kind night featuring his chart-topping hits bringing a new twist to fan favorites like “Hustlin’,” “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast),” and “Aston Martin Music,” with the lush, symphonic sounds of the Columbus Symphony.
Saturday, June 28, 2025: Yacht Rock Symphony with Ambrosia (and fireworks!). Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player) will take the stage to perform their chart-topping Billboard hits from the 1970s and 1980s, including favorites like “You’re the Only Woman”, “How Much I Feel”, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”, and “Baby Come Back”.
Saturday, July 5, 2025: Tower of Power. For 57 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and soul music with hits like “You’re Still A Young Man,” “Down to The Nightclub,” “So Very Hard to Go,” and “What Is Hip?”.
Saturday, July 12, 2025: Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony. Innovative multimedia experience featuring Dolly on screen, leading audiences in a visual musical journey of her songs, her life, and her stories. Accompanied by guest vocalist and musicians hand-picked by Dolly herself, audiences will hear new and innovative orchestrations of her hit songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to her personal favorites and an as-yet unreleased selection from her upcoming Broadway musical.
Saturday, July 19, 2025: Windborne: The Music of Journey. Everyone will recognize the enormous hits in this production of one of the top selling rock groups of all time! A full rock band and lead singer Justin Sargent fronts this high-energy show, nailing the difficult vocals with ease.
Fri/Sat, July 25 and 26, 2025: The Oho State University Marching Band. An annual tradition, TBDBITL joins the orchestra with fireworks for a night of fight songs and traditions as we celebrate the National Championship and have the first tailgate of the upcoming season!
Find full details on the website!
Tickets for concerts
General admission lawn tickets start at $43.35+ (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 $10.50. 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!
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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!