The sixth annual Independents’ Day takes place on September 20-22 at Gay Street and Pearl Alley in downtown Columbus. The free all-ages festival features local bands, artists, crafters, filmmakers, comedy acts, fashion designers, food trucks, emerging chefs, brewers, and distillers.
More than 40 local bands will perform on four stages, including Lydia Loveless, Fields and Planes, Connections, The Whiles, The Regrettes, Cadaver Dogs, Way Yes, Nick Tolford & Company, Karate Coyote, Cliffs, Bummers, Sleep Fleet, Indigo Wild, The Girls!, Washington Beach Bums, and an appearance by New Bomb Turks.
Friday,
September 20: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in Pearl Alley
Nina West will emcee the kickoff
celebration, which includes live music by Forest & the Evergreens and Tin
Armor, food trucks, and craft vendors.
Saturday,
September 21: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Gay Street and in Pearl Alley
Crafts: Local crafters, including
Columbus Crafty Cotillion, will showcase wares. Columbus Craftacular will host a Make N’ Take
booth.
Food Trucks/Carts: Mikey’s Late Night Slice and Pattycake Bakery will be on hand, as well as newcomers The Coop, Ajumama, Explorers Club, Mashita Noodles, Tatoheads, Paddy Wagon, Freedom a la Cart, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and J-Pops.
Up-and-Coming Eats: Emerging chefs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and ambitious home cooks will share free samples.
Beverages: Local brewers and distillers will pour spirits, beer, and mead.
Film: Selections from the Film Festival of Columbus (FFOCOL) will be screened. The Residence Inn will host entries from the Wexner Center for the Arts Ohio Shorts competition, as well as a series of short films by Central Ohio filmmakers.
Comedy: Due Amici will host local comedy acts including Justin Golak and State of Play, and a live recording of the Comedy Sitdown podcast.
Fashion: Local fashion designers will host a collaborative fashion show and T-shirt Remodel workshops.
Records and Comic Books: An array of vinyl from local record stores and works from local comic book writers and artists will be available.
Chalk Art: As a preview to Chalk the Block at Easton, local artists will create chalk art alongside the festivities.
Sunday, September 22: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Pearl Alley
The Hills Market and Due Amici will host Brunch and Bloody Marys, followed by urban bobsled cart racing and live acoustic music.
“Expanding this festival to three days is beyond thrilling,” said Independents’ Day captain Alexis Perrone. “Each day was thoughtfully crafted so that people can experience the best of what independent outlets in Columbus have to offer.”
Design
Local designer and
pop art aficionado John
Buckley created this year’s troubadour-themed festival artwork, signage,
posters, and T-shirts.
Beneficiaries
The Dick and Jane Project,
Momentum, and Project Zero Ohio.
Volunteering
Sign up for volunteer shifts here.
Comments