A Long Gay Weekend in Columbus

Columbus, Ohio isn’t just flyover country - it’s a dynamic, progressive, and proudly queer-friendly city that’s making serious waves. With one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the Midwest and a thriving creative scene, this city is fast becoming a top-tier destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Check out our inspiration below for the perfect gay weekend in Columbus!

Friday: Downtown Energy and Exploring Franklinton

Start your weekend at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, a sleek, centrally located hotel featuring an art collection by local creators and rooftop cocktails at Stories on High. Looking for something a bit edgier or more boutique? The Moxy Columbus Short North offers a youthful, LGBTQ-welcoming vibe just steps from the gay bars, while Hotel LeVeque is housed in a striking Art Deco skyscraper. The Graduate Columbus is another fun, design-forward choice in the walkable Short North neighborhood.

If your visit coincides with the second Friday of each month, head to Franklinton Arts District between 6pm - 10pm where you'll see old warehouses transform into open studios, galleries, and queer-friendly performance spaces - but even on other days this district buzzes with energy, street art, and community spirit.

 

Saturday: Bagels, Bourbon and German Village Charm

Kick off your morning in the Short North Arts District with a bite at Lox Bagel Shop - a bagelry that fuses New York and Montreal styles, and has earned love from Bon Appétit and Food & Wine. Then, wander the Short North’s galleries, boutiques, and public art, including The Journey mural,  an interactive AR installation celebrating Columbus’s vibrant Somali community.

Lunch is a destination in itself at Barcelona, an LGBTQ+-owned restaurant offering Spanish tapas and sangria on a sun-drenched patio in German Village, one of the most picturesque historic districts in the country.  Spend the rest of the day exploration the German Village, strolling through Schiller Park, or getting lost in the literary maze that is The Book Loft, a 32-room independent bookstore that locals adore.

Afterward, a cozy dinner at Cento, known for handmade pasta and a warm, modern Italian atmosphere with a large lush patio, rounds off the day.

 

Sunday: Pancakes, Gardens and Electric Scooters

 

Sunday starts sweet at Katalina’s, a buzzy breakfast spot in a converted gas station famous for its Pancake Balls™ and Latin-inspired brunch plates.

Work off breakfast with a scenic electric bike ride along the Scioto Mile, a beautifully landscaped riverfront trail that showcases Columbus’s skyline and green spaces.

Next, head to North Market, a 150-year-old food hall packed with independent vendors. Highlights include Hoyo’s Kitchen (Somali cuisine), Momo Ghar (Himalayan dumplings), and of course, the original Jeni’s ice-cream stall.

For a peaceful afternoon, explore the stunning Franklin Park Conservatory, home to indoor gardens, outdoor landscapes, and the world’s largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical setting.