Ready to start the summer? Downtown Columbus Inc. has you covered with a large schedule

'Los Trompos' art installation , Kayak Days, Fountain Dance and Fitness Classes, Dorrian Days, Party on the Peninsula, DORA at Dusk, Cornhole Leagues at High Water Alley, UnderCurrent Silent Disco, UnderCurrent Bastille Day Celebration, Wednesdays on the Water, Golden Hour Paddle, Scioto Social, Breakfast at Bicentennial Park

Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means: endless outdoor events.

Downtown Columbus Inc. is hosting dozens of free events, offering something everyone can enjoy from festival-style parties and kayaking to musical performances and UnderCurrent events.

Many events are already underway at the Scioto Mile Fountain, which reopened for the season May 23, along with the Scioto Mile Sensory Friendly Hour operating every Monday.

'Los Trompos' art installation , Kayak Days, Fountain Dance and Fitness Classes, Dorrian Days, Party on the Peninsula, DORA at Dusk, Cornhole Leagues at High Water Alley, UnderCurrent Silent Disco, UnderCurrent Bastille Day Celebration, Wednesdays on the Water, Golden Hour Paddle, Scioto Social, Breakfast at Bicentennial Park

The Patio at the Scioto Mile Fountain also began in May, offering house cocktails, beer and wine. Nonalcoholic drinks are also available at The Patio, along with nearby food trucks on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Free Street Beats has had live music on weekends since May 23, and it will continue until Aug. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Here's a list of free upcoming summer events from Downtown Columbus Inc.

'Los Trompos' art installation 

A new interactive art installation in Franklinton has colorful, woven, life-sized spinning tops that include interactive elements that are made in the traditional style of Mexican artisans. The installation will remain through the Peninsula’s big kickoff to summer party on June 13.

When and where: The installation will remain from June 9 until mid-September

Kayak Days

Experience breathtaking views of the Scioto River with free boat experiences under the Main Street bridge near Bicentennial Park. Kayak Days offers a complimentary kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental. Dates could change based on weather and river conditions.

When and where: July 12 and Aug. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Fountain Dance and Fitness Classes

Free fitness and dance classes are available at the Scioto Mile Fountain for all skill levels. Registration is encouraged but not required.

When and where: June 12 until Aug. 31; dates include:

  • Fitness at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.: June 12, 19 and 26; July 10, 24 and 31; Aug. 7, 21 and 28
  • Dance at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m.: June 15 and 29; July 6, 13 and 27; Aug. 3, 17, 24 and 31

Dorrian Days

Enjoy giant inflatables, games, the COSI curbside van, a themed activity station and a food truck at this family-friendly event. Once the summer days get unbearably hot, feel free to cool off in the Dorrian Green water feature.

When and where: Every Tuesday between June 10 to Aug. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 50 S. Belle St.

Party on the Peninsula

Usher in the new summer season with a pop-up zipline, food from local vendors, live music at High Water Alley, DORA drinks and more at Party on the Peninsula.

When and where: June 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. at 88 High Water Alley

DORA at Dusk

Enjoy the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area at the Scioto Mile Fountain and High Water Alley. A free trolley pub will roll you through Downtown hotspots like The Patio at the Scioto Mile Fountain, The Junto, Franklinton Fridays and Land-Grant Brewing.

When and where: June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. at 223 Civic Center Drive and 88 High Water Alley.

Cornhole Leagues at High Water Alley

When and where: Sundays starting June 15 until Aug. 3 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at 88 High Water Alley

UnderCurrent Silent Disco

It's a one-night only Downtown Silent Disco where you can choose your own channel of hits and dance in the streets. Frozen treats are available while supplies last, along with a food truck and DORA beverage.

When and where: June 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 12 W. Gay St.

UnderCurrent Bastille Day Celebration

Celebrate Bastille Day, a French national holiday, with a Downtown street festival adjacent to Chouette. Enjoy French-inspired dishes, live music performances and unique French goods.

When and where: July 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at 66 N. High St.

'Los Trompos' art installation , Kayak Days, Fountain Dance and Fitness Classes, Dorrian Days, Party on the Peninsula, DORA at Dusk, Cornhole Leagues at High Water Alley, UnderCurrent Silent Disco, UnderCurrent Bastille Day Celebration, Wednesdays on the Water, Golden Hour Paddle, Scioto Social, Breakfast at Bicentennial Park

Whether it be by kayak or other watercraft, locals can enjoy the Scioto Mile this summer on the water with the events put on by Downtown Columbus Inc.

Wednesdays on the Water

Hop on a boat under the Main Street bridge near Bicentennial Park with a 50% off discount on a one-hour watercraft rental. Spots are limited. Walk-ins are accepted but not guaranteed.

Golden Hour Paddle

Can't do Wednesdays? Try a boat launch under the Main Street bridge with the same 50% off discount on a one-hour watercraft rental starting in August. Spots are limited. Walk-ins are accepted but not guaranteed. Check windroseoutdoor.com for operating hours.

When and where: Aug. 1, 8 and 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; Aug. 29 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Scioto Social

Close out the summer with the season of interactive play at Scioto Mile Fountain. Scioto Social offers a live DJ and an evening ambiance light show. DORA beverages will also be available to purchase from The Patio. 

When and where: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 8 to 10 p.m. at 233 Civic Center Drive

Breakfast at Bicentennial Park

Enjoy coffee, waffles or ice cream at the Bean Machine food truck. And if you didn't stuff yourself too full, join a run club for a jog or walk along the riverfront.

When and where: Fridays through October from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 233 Civic Center Drive

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ready to start the summer? Downtown Columbus Inc. has you covered with a large schedule