I have been in Columbus, OH for almost 12 years now. There are many reasons why I have made this city my home. But the one that I tell family and friends about back home is the time from April to September. Those months are the best time of the year in this great city. Why? Well, it’s festival season. Every weekend there is some type of festival going on and I absolutely love it. However, Memorial Day weekend 2023 will be one for the books.  There are not One, not two, but three large festivals happening. And all three are huge festivals. There will be something for everyone this weekend. So if you are looking for something to do this weekend, you’ll have your choice of some pretty awesome festivals. And the great thing about this, most of us have Monday off, so go and enjoy yourself this weekend with some music, friends, and food. 

First up is Sonic Temple at Historic Crew Stadium. This hard rock/metal/alt-rock and everything in between festival kicks off on Thursday, May 25th. The headliners that day are Godsmack and Tool. This is a festival that has a long run here in Columbus. Before the name change, it was known as Rock on the Range. While this is just the second incarnation of Sonic Temple, ROTR ran for 12 years. So yeah this festival is a staple of this city. Other headliners are Avenged Sevenfold and Queens of the Stone Age on Friday, Rob Zombie and Kiss on Saturday, and then on Sunday, we have THe Deftones and The Foo Fighters. I know many folks that are really excited for Sunday. Some other acts I think you should catch are Fever 333, Ho9909, Converge, Jawbreaker, White Reaper, Nova Twins, and Bob Vylan.This will surely be a great weekend and the weather should be beautiful.

On Saturday, May 27th at Ohio Stadium we have The Buckeye Country Superfest. It always does an excellent job booking upcoming stars and established stars. This year is no different. Warren Zeiders is quickly making a name for himself, and Saturday very well could be his coming out party. Last year Zach Bryan was in that spot and we see what he has done since. Anytime Chris Stapleton is on a card, you know it’s going to be a great show. If you don’t know that name, look him up. That man has a voice of gold. Then there is the headliner, Mr. Country Music himself, George Strait.  I don’t think I need to say anything about him. You already know.

Lastly, we have the Ohio Black Expo happening on Saturday and Sunday. If I may so say, I’m really excited about this one. I get to see Sheila E and KRS-ONE and eat so much good food. There will also be a 50th-year Hip-Hop tribute w/Mix Master Ice of UTFO and J Rawls. The festival will also be presenting a Hall of Fame award to Hi-Tek and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Two acts without a doubt have put Ohio Hip-Hop on the map. There will also be a kickoff party on Friday at the Columbus Convention Center with live music and DJs.