Gahanna, Ohio’s largest annual event is happening this weekend (June 14-16)! With 90 hours of music, 5 stages, the Giant Eagle Family Fun Zone, Cocktail Tastings, amusement rides, comedians, magicians and MUCH more–it promises fun for all ages. Here’s the skinny on what to know before you go …
- Times/Dates/Venue
The 3-day event will be presented this weekend, June 14-16 at Creekside Gahanna (117 Mill St. Gahanna, OH 43230). Hours: Friday 5-11 pm / 11 am-11 pm Saturday / 12-6 Sunday - The Musical Line-Up.
50 bands/acts will perform at the event, on 5 different stages. This year’s headliners include John Scofield, Joe Louis Walker, Vanessa Collier, John Nemeth and Sarah Morrow (performing with Urban Jazz Coalition). See the full schedule. Festival maps/schedules will be available at the gates.
- Admission.
Weekend passes (available online only 6.14): $24
Daily adult tickets: $10 Friday or Saturday / $7 Sunday
Kids (ages 4-11) = $5
Kids under age 4/ Military (+1) = Free
Free admission 11:30 am-12:30 pm Sunday (6.16) with the donation of one new, individually wrapped, travel size personal care item to benefit Gahanna Neighborhood Bridges. (i.e. Mini-shampoo, soap, deodorant, hand lotion, etc.) - Party Like a VIP.
VIP reserved seats and tables are available in Club Blues (at the Union Bank Blues Stage) and All That Jazz (at the Heartland Bank Jazz Stage). Packages include admission, reserved seat with direct views of the stage (come and go as you please), a beverage token, access to private restrooms, a Festival Swag Bag and more. These are a great way to get a bird’s eye view of your favorite artists (instead of being left standing). Seats are limited – and are available per day or all weekend. Reserve your VIP spot now.
- Parking/ Shuttle.
Shuttles to the Festival will run from AEP Ohio located at 700 Morrison Rd. (Parking available there.) Overflow parking is also available at Gahanna Lincoln High School, with shuttle pick-up/drop-off there, as well. (140 S. Hamilton Rd.) These are handicap-accessible shuttles. Shuttles run: Friday 4:30pm–12am / Saturday 11am–12am / Sunday 11am–7pmShuttle to Family Fun Zone (ONLY) will run from the Columbus Public Library Distribution Center (101 S. Stygler Rd.) This shuttle does NOT drop off or pick up at the main Festival grounds.
The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street. Event parking will be collected at entrance to garage. Festival Admission also will be collected for all cars parking in garage. Cash or Credit Cards are accepted at garage entrance. (Note: Tickets pre-purchased online in advance will be accepted at garage entrance.)
FREE park-and-walk public parking is available at Friendship Park (150 Oklahoma), Shull Park (236 Granville Street), Gahanna Lincoln High School (140 S. Hamilton Rd.) and Clark Hall (380 Granville St.).
- Giant Eagle Family Fun Zone/ Amusement Rides
2-7 pm / Sun. 12-4 pm (Veterans Memorial Park – 73 W. Johnstown Rd.) — FREE. Doesn’t require Festival admission. (Note: Amusement rides are also located in this area—and DO require the purchase of tickets or wristbands to ride. Ride-all-day wristbands: $15 Friday or Sunday/ $18 Saturday.)The Giant Eagle Family Fun Zone offers free crafts, games and activities that the entire family can enjoy. Cuddle with cute turtles, visit a petting zoo, play a game or make a craft to take home as a souvenir of your fun festival day.
NOTE: The ONLY shuttle that runs specifically to the Family Fun Zone–picks-up/drops-off at the Columbus Metro Library Operations Center (101 S. Stygler Rd.), where parking is available. The shuttles running from AEP Columbus do NOT stop at the Family Fun Zone, but it is walkable from the Main Festival Footprint.
- Cocktail Tastings. (Creekside Plaza – 117 Mill St.)
6-10 pm Friday (6/14) Cocktail Tastings with Noble Cut Distillery + Simple Times Mixers.Join Gahanna’s Noble Cut Distillery and Simple Times Mixers as they show you how to craft the perfect combination of whiskeys, Limoncellos and mixers to create unique and delicious cocktails. The craft cocktail tastings will be offered on Friday evening of the Festival (June 14) at Creekside Plaza. 4 cocktail samples/$15. Seatings will be offered every 45 minutes, 6-10 pm. Seats are limited. Online reservations are strongly encouraged. Must be 21+.
5-8 pm Saturday (6/15) Bourbon and Whiskey Tastings with Whiskey Pete
Pete Wagner, Whiskey Ambassador to Brown-Forman, will entertain and educate you as he discusses the evolution of whiskey and the fine distinctions between varieties of bourbon and whiskey. Sample a flight of whiskeys or bourbon including some of Brown-Forman’s newest offerings. 3 samples/$10. 5 samples/$15. Seatings offered every 30 minutes; 5-8 pm Saturday, June 15. Online reservations are strongly encouraged. Seats are limited. Must be 21+. - Food & Drink.
There are dozens of food and drink vendors throughout the Festival. Additionally, there are many restaurants in the Creekside District. - FAQ’s.
Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions. Note: No coolers or pets (other than service animals) are permitted. While seats are provided at all of the stages, guests may bring their own folding chairs.
Have additional questions? Check CreeksideBluesandJazz.com or call Visit Gahanna 6141/418-9114. While visiting the Festival, be sure to share your #2019CBJF photos (and the hashtag) to share the Festival love!
