Expanding on its monthly gallery hops that fill High Street with visitors taking self-guided tours of art exhibitions, exploring local businesses and enjoying area restaurants and entertainment, the Short North Alliance offers a new seasonal series, Hops on High, to highlight different themes that make the arts district unique.
The three hops in the series are aimed at creating memorable experiences for the community, as well as stimulating the flourishing business landscape in the Short North.
Portions of High Street are to be closed to traffic during each Hops on High event, making it the largest pedestrian-only experience in central Ohio.
“Gallery Hop has been an integral part of the Short North and Greater-Columbus community for 40 years, and we are excited to be able to expand this event with expanded programming as a part of this new citywide focus on open streets following the success of December’s Holiday Hop,” Betsy Pandora, executive director of the Short North Alliance said in a press release.
“We know from our recent market study that the community has been asking for more memorable events, and Hops on High will create a lasting impression on all who attend.”
With each event running from noon to 8 p.m., Hops on High is to consist of:
- Pride Month kickoff, June 1: As part of the June gallery hop, this event is to usher in Pride Month by spotlighting artists and artisans who reflect Columbus’ diverse community. High Street is to be closed from East 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue during the kickoff, which also features vendor markets, live street performances and more.
- Gallery Hop 40th anniversary celebration, Sept. 7: Hops on High observes 40 years of gallery hops with retrospectives of the artists and organizations that have made this the “art and soul of Columbus.” This event also features a vendor market, performances, artisan displays, pop-up art installations and more. High Street is to be closed from Russell Street to East 2nd Avenue.
- Holiday Hop, Dec. 7: The most festive gallery hop of the year transforms the Short North into a wonderland of gift-shopping, decorated storefronts and holiday lights, as well as a vendor market, performances, artisans, art displays and more. High Street is to be closed from Russell Street to East 2nd Avenue during Hops on High at Holiday Hop.
During each hop, galleries and nontraditional art venues (restaurants, boutiques and salons) are to showcase the best of established and up-and-coming Ohio-based artists. Nationally and internationally acclaimed artists also are to be featured.
Musicians, improv dance troupes, stage characters and other performers − even stilt walkers − add to the experience to create lasting memories.
