Fun Things to Do in Columbus for LGBTQ+ Travelers
One of the most best things to do in June is celebrate Pride. In my home state of Ohio, the best Pride to attend is in our capital: Columbus. As of 2024, Columbus is the largest Pride celebration in the Midwest with more than 700,000 attendees. You don’t just need to visit during June. There’s plenty of fun things to do in Columbus for LGBTQ+ travelers ALL year long!
From fantastic shopping and nightlife to top-rated restaurants with rooftop views, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Columbus. It’s no wonder U.S. News & World Report named Columbus one of the Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest for 2021 and the Travel Channel selected Ohio’s capital as a Top 10 Domestic Travel Destination.
I’ve been fortunate to experience Columbus many times. Growing up in the Cleveland area, I always felt lucky that Columbus was a quick two hour drive. It’s also a close drive to other midwestern cities like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Detroit. Chicago is only a little over five hours away by car.
I had a lot of fond memories of Columbus growing up. As an out and proud LGBTQ+ traveler, my experience of the city has been different in a good way. I love my hometown of Cleveland but it doesn’t compare to it’s sister city to the South. The LGBTQ+ scene in Columbus isn’t only the best in the state, it’s one of the best in the Midwest. I’m going to give you the inside scoop on all of the fun things to do to in Columbus!
Disclosure: I took this trip in partnership with Experience Columbus but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Where to Stay
Before getting to all the things to do in Columbus, a comfortable, well located place to stay is a must. Fortunately, Columbus boasts many hotels in desirable locations like the Short North Arts District.
Situated primely in the middle of all the things to do in Columbus is The Joseph. Located right on the Pride parade route, you could literally watch the parade from your room above!
A luxe stay in the heart of it all, The Joseph offers contemporary conveniences with all the art and soul of the Short North. Enjoy over 500 pieces of art throughout the hotel, grab a cocktail from the Soul Bar, or take in the sky high views from your room.
Plenty of things to do in Columbus lie just within walking distance of The Joseph. Jenni’s Splendid Ice Cream, murals, coffee shops, and boutiques galore, it’s all just a quick jaunt up High Street. You’ll not be in want of things to do in Columbus staying at The Joseph.
Where to Eat
If bites with the best views tickles your fancy, one of the coolest things to do in Columbus is head to a rooftop. Whether you’re on the hunt for a craft cocktail or the best sushi you can find in the sky, Columbus has a number of rooftop dining options.
The Lumin Sky Bar & Kitchen atop The AC Hotel is one of the best. Sprawling skyline views of Columbus combined with Spanish style tapas small plates makes for a perfect dining experience alfresco.
Looking for a little sushi in the sky? Check out Mandrake Rooftop. The vibes at Mandrake Rooftop are immaculate. Plus furniture perfect for chill conversations with a vibrant menu of plates to share as well as world class sushi, Mandrake is the spot.
Back on ground level and a short walking distance from The Joseph, you’ll find Woodhouse Vegan, an entirely plant-based cafe. With fast casual service, you can easily grab a pastry or an iced lavender latte on the go!
And if you are looking for a tasty Italian meal with a side of ambiance – look no further than The Rossi Kitchen & Bar. Not only did they have fun Pride-themed cocktails but their Short North location made it just a quick walk from the Pride festival in Goodale Park.
Where to Go Out
After you’ve had your fill of eclectic menus and skyline views, it’s time to take in some nightlife. LGBTQ+ nightlife is well and alive in Columbus. Slammers, one of the few true Lesbian bars left, calls Columbus home and is a must on your list of things to do in Columbus.
Ample outdoor dance space, a late night slice, and dope tracks being spun by top tier DJ talent make for one of the most fun night’s out. The space radiates with good vibes and queer joy whether it’s Pride weekend or an average Tuesday night.
In 2022, the iconic Columbus lesbian bar added another location to the family: Slammies on High. Located right by The Ohio State University Campus, the crowd leans younger but the vibe is chill. We sipped on lavender lemonades and chatted while listening to Chappel Roan. Plus, there’s an ample amount of seating which was so nice after a long day of Pride festivities.
Union Cafe is right in the heart of the gayborhood of Columbus. This bustling, LGBTQ+ friendly hot spot offering hearty American style chow for brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as refreshing mixed drinks, a large outdoor patio, and ample room for entertainment.
Right across the street from Union Cafe is Axis nightclub, another staple in the Columbus LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Entertainment is the keystone of Axis, boasting acts like RuPaul’s Drag Race winners and contestants. Resident and renowned DJs provide tunes to dance the night away to at this double decker club in addition to all-male revues, cabarets, and other samplings of the nation’s best entertainment. If you have tickets to a show, arrive early!
If you are looking for more of a low-key and neighborhood feel, I suggest checking out Tremont Lounge and Club Diversity, both located in German Village. With back patios, these two spots feel like you are hanging out at a friend’s house for a drink.
Where to Recharge
After dancing the night away and experiencing some of the many things to do in Columbus, it’s time for a recharge.
Columbus is home to many coffee shops, One Line Coffee is a gem of Short North. This trendy coffee car offers house-roasted beans, locally made pastries, and even weekend brewing workshops. If you’re in the mood for an iced maple latte, One Line is your reprieve.
Hungry for more than coffee? Happy Little Treats Bakery bakes a bevy of rainbow treats to enjoy. From cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, to more savory options such as rainbow croissants and pesto twists, you have to stop for a bite. The icing on the cake? All the treats in shop are vegan.
Looking for some gluten free goodness? Check out Bake Me Happy. A queer and woman owned business serving up nostalgic treats and excellent baked eats all in a certified gluten free establishment.
LGBTQ+ Businesses to Support
Bake Me Happy is one of the many LGBTQ+ owned businesses to support in Columbus. Grab your friends and head over to The Plant Gays in the East Market. Take home a new plant friend, a pot or accessory for an old one, or go ham and deck out your whole space to be the jungle of your dreams.
If you’re in the mood for America’s favorite eats, check out Tasty Dawg. Build your dream dawg with over 26 topping offerings at this gay-owned grub spot with the best buns in town.
Stonewall Columbus is an institution. As Central Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community organization, Stonewall hosts events and offers many services like Coming Out Groups, Pride Pop Up Events, and a Sober Queer Writing Group.
As the organizer of Columbus Pride, Stonewall provided the LGBTQ+ folks and allies alike with a plethora of things to do in Columbus during Pride like a festival, the march, 5k’s, pride rides, parties, and performances all weekend long. They also provided the perfect selfie opportunity with a public art installation right in front of Stonewall called “Pride Circles.”
Over in German Village, the Book Loft is an LGBTQ+ owned heaven for bibliophiles. Twist and turn your way through this 32-room space. And don’t forget to check out their ample non-fiction and fiction LGBTQ+ offerings.
Right in the Short North Gayborhood, you’ll find Torso. This gay-owned clothing and gift boutique has been in business since 1998! Stock up on Pride-themed tees or something a little less covering.
There are so many wonderful in Columbus. For more recommendations on fun things to do in Columbus, Experience Columbus is an amazing resource!
With much of Ohio being a red state, a city like Columbus is truly a haven. A plethora of Nightlife offerings, LGBTQ+ owned businesses, and a commitment to inclusivity should bump Columbus to the top of your bucket list. With all the fun things to do in Columbus, you are welcome to celebrate your Pride not just during June, but all year long.