Short North Gallery Hop, including 3 special ‘Hops on High’ events

Short North Gallery Hop is a monthly tradition that spans 30 years. celebrating art, local shops, and good food.

On the first Saturday of each month, thousands of people head to the Short North Arts District for new gallery exhibitions, street performers, special events, food, and drinks throughout the District.

‘Art + Soul of Columbus’ offering a new, communal seasonal series called Hops on High in celebration of 40 years of Gallery Hop! For each event, portions of High Street will be closed to traffic and made to be enjoyed as the largest pedestrian-only experience in Central Ohio. 

Gallery Hop details

Most shops and galleries are open earlier, but the typical Gallery Hop runs from 4 – 10 pm.

Galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and salons showcase Ohio-based artists and feature the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, while musicians, singers, dance troupes, and other entertainers perform in the streets. 

Vendors also sell unique handcrafted items throughout the Hop.  No matter your age or style, you’ll find something to enjoy at Gallery Hop, and can enjoy a bite to eat or a beverage at some of the best restaurants and bars in the city,

Looking for some cool photo ops? Make sure to check out public art displays listed on the SNAD wesbite. 

2024 Gallery Hop Schedule

January 6

February 3

March 2

April 6

May 4

June 1: Hops on High: Pride Month Kickoff. See below for more details

July 6: Two new gallery pop-ups will be introduced to the district – Summer Spray Gallery Exhibition and Pop-Up Gallery at Winans Chocolates and Coffee. 

August 3: Additional events include Hashtag Comedy Company | First Saturdays with… ROT!, and Skully’s Music Diner SPACE CAMP from 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

September 7: Hops on High: 40th Anniversary Celebration. See below for more details

October 5

November 2

December 7: Hops on High Holiday Hop. See below and check here for updates about Holiday details and performances

Hops on High events

Portions of High Street are closed for these events, making it a pedestrian-friendly, open-streets format for more space and more fun!

Hops on High: Pride Month Kickoff

June 1, 2024  

As part of the June Gallery Hop, Hops on High will kick off Pride Month in the city by showcasing artists and artisans reflective of our diverse community.

The community is welcome to celebrate our open and inclusive neighborhood with vendor markets, performances and more. High Street is closed from E. 2nd Ave. to 5th Ave. during Hops on High at Gallery Hop.

Hops on High: 40th Anniversary Celebration

September 7, 2024  

As part of the September Gallery Hop, Hops on High will commemorate 40 years of Gallery Hop with retrospectives of the artists and organizations that made this the ‘Art + Soul of Columbus.’

This event will also feature a vendor market, performances, artisan displays, pop-ups and more. 

• HIGH Art Street Fair: Enjoy a creative carnival experience presented by Columbus’ finest creative organizations. Participate in interactive art activities and enjoy the pay-to-play games with proceeds supporting the Short North Alliance.
• Gallery Celebrations and Openings: Explore the diverse array of art galleries across the district, including Gallerie by CFA, Stonewall Columbus’ Between the Walls Visual Arts & Gallery, Sean Christopher Gallery, Sharon Weiss Gallery, Marcia Evans Gallery, Studios on High Gallery, and more.
• Main Stage Performances: Located at Hull Alley and High Street, the stage will host a series of musical acts, including The Groove, Luke Bollheimer, Narrow Arrow, and more. The stage will be emceed by local favorite Travis Hoewischer.
• Street Performers and Silent Disco: The entire district will be buzzing with street performers and a silent disco, making it an unforgettable day and night of entertainment.
• Hop Stop Trail: Visit six participating galleries or businesses, collect a Hops on High sticker at each stop, and redeem them for a free ice cream or cookie dough treat from The Yard Milkshake Bar throughout September. No purchase is required!

High Street will be closed from Russell St. to E. 2nd Ave. during Hops on High at Gallery Hop.

Hops on High: Holiday Hop

December 7, 2024

As is tradition, December is Holiday Hop, a Hops on High event that will transform the Short North into the city’s most artistic holiday destination.

The event features an artisan gift marketplace, featuring a vendor market, performances, artisan displays, pop-ups and more. High Street is closed from Russell St. to E. 2nd Ave. during Hops on High at Holiday Hop.

Safety Initiatives

The Short North Crime Interdiction Program returns for 2024, providing a dedicated unit of police officers patrolling neighborhood streets to help prevent violent crime and participate in the enforcement of safety initiatives.

Late-night rideshare pickup zones along High Street in the Short North continue to be successful. Look for the 15 designated no-parking zones for safer, more convenient rideshare pickups, targeting improved safety and reduced congestion.