A series of free events in downtown Columbus this fall will focus on celebrating transportation in all its forms.
Downtown Columbus Inc., in partnership with City Councilwoman Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, will hold three “UnderCurrent: Walk, Roll and Play” events as part of the Open Streets 614 effort. The free events will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 24, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.
To celebrate different forms of transportation, organizers will close portions of High Street to dedicate lanes for bikers, scooters and rollerbladers. Guests can also enjoy pop-up workout classes, live art, educational activities about transit and mobility, food trucks and activations from local businesses.
“Our streets belong to everyone, not just cars,” Barroso de Padilla said. “Open Streets is about reimagining one of our largest public spaces and creating opportunities for people to play, move and connect. It’s about giving the street back to the community, even if just for a day.”
The first two events will be held on High and Gay streets beneath Janet Echelman’s suspended sculpture, “Current.” The Oct. 26 finale will expand further, closing High Street from Long Street to Town Street and connecting to Columbus Commons to the artwork.
Amy Taylor, president of Downtown Columbus, Inc., said the event is meant to better create a pedestrian-friendly downtown experience.
“UnderCurrent: Walk, Roll, and Play is the natural next step in making Downtown a more livable, people-first neighborhood,” said Taylor. “This series will offer a glimpse into the possibilities of a pedestrian-forward urban core.”
The UnderCurrent series, which started in May 2024, is an effort to get the community outside under the “Current” sculpture. The upcoming Open Streets event particularly aims to make the downtown Columbus streets more vibrant and accessible, encouraging locals and visitors to explore the city in new ways—by foot or by wheel.
Local businesses interested in participating in the events can apply through Downtown Columbus, Inc.
Trending features reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.

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