May 16, 2025

Contact: Dominique Shank, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-512-0049

COLUMBUS – CBUS Soul^® Fest is coming back to downtown Columbus and expanding to two full days of music, food and culture!

Presented by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, this popular summer festival highlights the culture, music and soul of Columbus. It will take place on Friday, Aug. 15, and Saturday, Aug. 16, from 4-10 p.m. at Bicentennial Park, located along the scenic Scioto Mile at 233 Civic Center Dr.

Now in its fourth year, CBUS Soul® Fest continues to grow in size and popularity. This year marks the first time the festival will be held over two days, offering more music, more food and more opportunities to celebrate Columbus’ rich culture and community spirit. The event also moves from Genoa Park to Bicentennial Park to accommodate the expansion and enhance the festival experience.

“CBUS Soul® Fest is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of culture, community and creativity,” said Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “We’re thrilled to expand the festival to two days this year and to continue enhancing this experience for residents and visitors. We invite everyone to come out, dance, sing and celebrate everything that makes Columbus such a vibrant place to live, work and play.”

Headliners and Live Music Lineup:

The 2025 festival will feature six incredible musical acts across both nights. From national acts to local legends, this year’s lineup is designed to keep the energy high and the crowd on their feet. Headliners include:

Friday, Aug. 15

• 4 p.m. – MojoFlo
• 6 p.m. – Rahsaan Patterson
• 8 p.m. – Eric Benét

Saturday, Aug. 16

• 4 p.m. – Ria Blaq
• 6 p.m. – Goapele
• 8 p.m. – Raheem Devaughn

Learn more about the full lineup.

Food and Beverage Options:

Attendees can enjoy an exciting selection of local food trucks, vendors and beverages throughout the weekend. Come hungry—CBUS Soul® Fest promises flavors as bold and soulful as the music.

Food trucks include Cupzilla, Donna’s Delicious Dozen, Dos Hermanos, Family Affair Catering Company, Fat Boy Q, Flavor 91 Bistro, Fun’l Frenzy, G’s Flavor House, Posh Teatime Co., Suge’s Smokehouse Barbecue, Taesty’s and The Water Ice Shoppe.

About CBUS Soul® Fest

CBUS Soul® Fest builds upon Experience Columbus’ CBUS Soul® platform, which amplifies the city’s Black culture, creativity and contributions. This free, family-friendly festival is a must-attend event of the summer, offering an unforgettable weekend of entertainment and community connection.

Follow @cbussoulfest on Facebook and Instagram for updates, or visit CBUSSoulFest.com for full festival details.

To learn more about Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, visit ColumbusRecParks.com.