I’m excited to announce that this weekend will be Independents’ Day Festival in Columbus Ohio’s historic Franklinton neighborhood. Bigger and better than ever, this year will feature local and national bands, artists and vendors, in nine themed zones including “Fantasy and Folklore”, “Gritty City”, “Retropolis”, “Sideshow” and “Space Farm.” I was the festival’s diversity consultant this year, and I’m proud to announce a more diverse and welcoming festival, with new attractions including vendors from the African Village community, an authentic Chinese dragon dance, and the 2016 version of my own annual event, the Columbus Invitational Arts Festival.

This year, join us to watch top groups from across Ohio battle it out head to head. In the Vanderelli Room Gallery, Cleveland’s SPACES, Toledo’s Sofia Quintero, Cincinnati’s Visionaries + Voices, and Dayton’s African American Visual Arts Guild face off against one of last year’s local winners, ROY G BIV gallery for the title of best visual arts organization. Then, on Saturday, 3pm, join us in Strongwater Zone to watch Cincinnati’s Jazz Alive, Cleveland’s Djapo Cultural Arts, Toledo’s Childrens’ Theatre Workshop and Dayton’s Gay Mens’ Chorus face off against last year’s Grand Prize winner, Columbus’ own Thiossane Dance, with special guest CoMo Dance Company (Tickets here, or at the door).

Don’t miss it!