Most people don’t know downtown Columbus smells like cinnamon funnel cake and polished leather at once — trust me, it’s oddly comforting. You’re going to want a game plan for the Ohio Black Expo, May 23–24, because the music hits hard, the vendors sell out fast, and I’ve got a map of the best bites and booths you’ll regret skipping. Stick with me, and I’ll point you to where the crowd sings, the kids thrive, and your wallet survives.
Weekend Highlights and Must-See Performances
One not-to-miss moment? You’ll feel it when the stage lights hit and the crowd roars, that electric snap of the event atmosphere; you’ll grin, clap, maybe dance off-beat, I won’t judge.
You get performer highlights from headliners to surprise acts, tight vocal runs, slick choreography, a sax solo that sneaks up and steals your heart.
Walk closer, breathe the beat, taste the excitement on your tongue — drums thump against your chest like a friendly alarm.
I point out must-see sets, quick tips for snagging a front-row spot, and when to catch a mellow acoustic set if you need a breather.
You’ll leave buzzing, phone full of clips, shoes slightly sticky, memory bank upgraded.
Food Vendors and Culinary Experiences
When you follow that delicious smell across the lawn, you’ll know you’ve reached the food vendors zone — and yes, it’s worth wandering off schedule for.
You’ll see smoke, steam, bright signs, vendors calling out, and you’ll want to try everything. I’ll push you toward classics and surprises, because this scene celebrates culinary traditions and modern spins, a real peek into local food culture.
Grab a sample, chew slowly, savor spice, and say thanks — it’s polite and useful. I’ll nudge you to share plates, so you taste more without pretending you have room for another funnel cake.
Listen for sizzling, order with confidence, and don’t skip the homemade sauces; they’ll make you go, sincerely, “Wow.”
Vendor Marketplace and Small Business Spotlights
You’ll stroll through a marketplace full of local makers. I’ll point out the must-see booths, and you’ll smell fresh coffee and sizzling bites that practically wink at you.
Pop-up food and drink stalls will tempt your taste buds, while craft tables show off jewelry, prints, and slick streetwear you didn’t know you needed.
Swing by the Business Resources Hub too. I’ll nudge you toward mentors and quick workshops that can actually help your side hustle grow.
Local Makers Showcase
Think of the Local Makers Showcase as your treasure map to the city’s best-kept creative secrets — I’ll be your slightly over-caffeinated guide.
You’ll wander aisles of artisan crafts, finger the textures of fabrics, smell fresh-cut wood and ink, and grin at clever prints. I’ll nudge you toward booths where handmade goods gleam under string lights, where makers tell quick origin stories, proud and a little punchy.
Ask questions, try on a bracelet, test that candle’s scent. You’ll meet a potter with clay under their nails, a jeweler who sketches while you chat, a designer who’ll swap jokes for discounts.
Leave room in your tote, your heart, and your wallet. You’ll thank me later, trust me.
Food & Drink Stalls
We’re leaving the pottery dust behind and following our noses — trust me, it’s a good call.
You’ll find rows of food & drink stalls, vendors hustling smiles and spice, sizzling grills and steam. Bite into cultural cuisine from West African jollof to soul food shrimp, tacos with a twist, pastries that whisper “eat me.”
I’ll nudge you toward beverage tastings — tiny pours, big flavor, coffee cuppings and hibiscus spritzers that wake the cheekbones. Chat with owners, sample boldly, buy the secret sauce.
You’ll taste history, stories folded into recipes, laughter shared over condiments. Bring cash and an empty stomach.
I’ll carry the napkins, you pick the next stall, and we’ll argue joyfully about who found the best bite.
Business Resources Hub
If you wander past the food stalls and follow the hum of conversation, you’ll hit the Business Resources Hub — my unofficial favorite pit stop for hustlers and dreamers — where a vendor marketplace buzzes like a beehive and small business spotlights shine like prize jars.
You’ll smell coffee, leather, slick flyers, hear quick pitches, laugh, nod. I point you toward booths where artisans trade samples, consultants hand out business cards, and entrepreneurs swap war stories.
Jump into business networking, snag a seat at entrepreneurship workshops, then scribble notes so fast your pen squeaks. I’ll nudge you to ask bold questions, barter for promos, and try the popup demos.
It’s equal parts useful and electric, the place ideas get elbow room.
Family Activities and Youth Programming
When you walk into the family zone, don’t be surprised if your inner kid perks up—I’m the one grinning at the craft table, glitter on my sleeve and a latte getting jealous.
You’ll find youth workshops that teach everything from dance moves to coding basics, hands-on and loud in the best way. Kids paint, build, and present, while you clap like their proud, slightly biased audience.
There are family games set up for quick-team laughs, relay races, and board challenges that pull even the shy cousin out of their shell. Staff guide activities, snacks smell like warm cinnamon, and the schedule drops in handy pockets on-site.
Bring sunscreen, an extra shirt, and your willingness to join a three-legged race.
Transit, Parking, and Accessibility Tips
You’ll want a plan for getting there, so I’ll walk you through transit options, nearby parking, and how the venue handles mobility needs.
Picture hopping off a bus, smelling kettle corn, and following clear signs to accessible entrances — I’ll tell you which routes and lots are easiest, and which to skip.
If you need ramps, seating accommodations, or wheelchair assistance, I’ve got the exact tips and phone numbers you’ll want in your pocket.
Transit Options Overview
Three smart moves will get you from the door to the festival floor without breaking a sweat — and I promise, I’ve tested embarrassing routes so you don’t have to.
I’ll walk you through public transportation options, then the quick ride sharing hacks that save time and patience. Take the COTA bus or Blue/Green Line, smell fresh pavement, hear brakes sigh, hop off two blocks from the entrance; I’ll point the exact stop on my mental map.
If you prefer ride sharing, request a shared ride to avoid surge, then switch to single when crowds spike. Walk one block with purpose, follow the music, and use the Expo app for live arrival updates — you’ll glide in like a local.
Parking Near Venue
If you don’t want to circle parking lots like a hawk eyeing fries, listen up — I’ve scoped the best spots so you can park, stride, and soak up the vibe without sweating your keys.
I’ll tell you where to pull in, how to save bucks, and which venue locations are easiest to reach. You’ll smell the city, hear distant music, and walk with purpose, not panic.
- Pre-book garage spaces near the convention center, they fill fast.
- Use pay-by-app lots on side streets for cheaper hourly rates.
- Look for metered spots two blocks out, then enjoy a brisk walk.
- Check event parking maps, they show official lots and vendor zones.
- Reserve accessible parking early if needed, it’s limited.
Accessibility & Mobility
Most folks think mobility means getting from A to B; I say it’s about getting there with your dignity intact, your knees happy, and maybe a cold drink in hand.
You’ll find clear transportation options — COTA buses, bike lanes, and ride-shares — plus nearby garages if you drive. Ask event staff about disability accommodations before you go; they’ll point you to drop-off spots, ADA seating, and accessible restrooms.
I’ll tell you where to wait, stand, or sit so you don’t miss a beat. Bring a portable fan if it’s hot, and earplugs if a band gets rowdy. Trust me, planning a little makes the weekend feel effortless.
Say hi to volunteers; they actually want to help.
Event Schedule and Planning Your Visit
Got a plan? You should. I’ve mapped the event highlights so you don’t wander like a lost tourist, and I’ll help with visit planning that actually works. Hear music, smell street food, feel the buzz — pick your moments.
- Arrive early for keynote energy, grab front-row vibes.
- Block sessions you’ll crash, note times, set alarms.
- Schedule food breaks, hydrate, scout restroom lines.
- Flag vendor demos, workshops, and surprise pop-ups.
- Plan exit strategy, transit, and a meetup spot.
I’ll be blunt: you’ll want a comfy pair of shoes, pockets for swag, and a backup battery.
I promise, with this quick plan you’ll hit favorites, dodge chaos, and leave bragging rights intact — maybe a little sunburned, but triumphant.
Conclusion
You’ll want to be there, trust me — I ran into an old friend in line for spicy wings and we both swore Columbus never smelled so good. Plan your day, snag a map, then follow the music like a compass. Kids will be laughing, vendors will be hustling, and you’ll buy something you didn’t know you needed. I’ll see you by the main stage, pretending I’m just passing through.