Columbus boasts one of the biggest fireworks shows in Ohio: Red, White and Boom! drawing a crowd of nearly a million each year. The Red, White, and Boom! “experience” continues to please and excite residents and visitors of all ages. This year marks the 35th annual Red, White, and Boom! – and again the food, people, excitement, and fireworks show will not disappoint. We wanted to share with you the best tips and tricks we know for celebrating this awesome downtown Columbus event!
If you’re anything like me, events like these are great to attend for two reasons: the food options are plentiful and the crowds are colorful. If you want to have the full Red, White and Boom! “experience,” head to the event early, but make sure you check out which parking garages are still accessible.
With so many people coming into the Arena District and downtown for Red, White, and Boom!, the first order of business is parking. You will be happy to find on RedWhiteandBoom.org, and on arenadistrict.com parking lots and structures listed. Some structures even offer advance purchase options including arenadistrict.com/parking!

Taste of Boom presented by the Arena District and Yuengling, featured food and drinks from many of the restaurants in the area such as Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar, bd’s Mongolian Grill, Gordon Biersch, and Studio Movie Grill.
Before you get your grub on with all the food, be sure to snag one of your favorite Pennsylvania brews, Yuengling to hold you over while you search for your perfect meal.
Since it will be hotter than hot outside, you may want to to try and eat indoors, then see if you could grab a table outdoors to enjoy dinner drinks and people watching. Some of our recommendations are Boston’s Gourmet Pizzas, and Nada!
Following the meal, be sure and find some great seating outside and beat the heat with a fancy beverage like Boston’s Classic Mojito and Limeade. The Classic Mojito includes Cruzan Rum, club soda, Sierra Mist, lime juice, and fresh mint leaves, while the Limeade featured Three Olives Vodka, Finest Call Simple Syrup, club soda, and fresh lime juice.
As dusk approaches, you’ll need to find a spot from which to watch the fireworks. Our recommendation is to find a great grassy spot near Spring and Front Street, and close to the river. This year the speakers will be along the river to play the soundtrack that the fireworks are set to!
And the fireworks…will always be spectacular! You will love the music that goes along with the display.
Leaving downtown Columbus after an event of this magnitude can be tricky, so our advice is stick around! Don’t get stuck sitting in a parking garage when you could be listening to the last sets at any of the events stages!!! Be sure and finish off your drink tickets too and have another beer while the first onslaught of cars start to leave. Better yet, plan on catching a late night movie at Studio Movie Grill!

Hopefully these tips and tricks help you make this year’s Red, White and Boom! experience the best you’ve ever had.