📍Comfest. Goodale Park. Columbus, OH.

Comfest, short for Community Festival, is a significant event in Columbus with a rich history dating back to 1972.

Initially organized by a coalition of progressive community organizations, including the Columbus Free Press and the Columbus Community Food Co-op, the festival aimed to celebrate inclusivity and community activism.

The festival is entirely volunteer-organized and non-profit, relying on attendance and sales rather than corporate sponsorship.

The first event featured music, movie marathons, and community activities and took place at the 16th Avenue Mall near Ohio State University.

In 1993, the festival found its permanent home in Goodale Park, where it has continued to grow and thrive.

While at the festival, you can visit the on-site museum that tells the history of comp fest and everything it continues to stand for.

By 1983, Comfest moved to an empty lot in the Short North area, significantly expanding its musical offerings from one stage to six.

Today, Comfest is known as “a party with a purpose,” emphasizing community unity, tolerance, and equity through music, art, and activism.

This structure supports local artists and performers, helping sustain the event’s community-driven spirit.

Whether you’re someone who wants to peruse the local artisan tents for art, trinkets, household goods, even clothing and body art,

or who is there for the carnival food faire,

or maybe to take all the diverse musical acts, there is something for everyone.