Step (dance) into the heart of Celtic culture at the Dublin Irish Festival this weekend. For 38 years, the first weekend of August has welcomed over 100,000 fans for the world’s largest three-day Irish festival, as non-stop entertainment ensues across seven stages all weekend long. This year, the festival is set to feature 60 acts and more than 800 performers, including high-energy headliners, traditional Irish musicians, dancers, cultural demonstrations and other family-friendly performances.

Starting this weekend, take a walk through an awe-inspiring display of more than 70 vibrant Asian lantern sets that bring wildlife scenes from around the globe to life at the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival. Beginning Thursday, July 31, the Lantern Festival runs Thursday - Sunday, 7:30-10:30 p.m., through Oct. 5. Pro tip: the Lantern Festival is best enjoyed after sunset!

Photo credit: Short North Arts District

Explore new works by Ohio-based artists at more than eight locally owned galleries during August Gallery Hop this Saturday, Aug. 2, from 4 - 8 p.m. in the Short North Arts District. In addition to art exhibitions and installations, this month’s event features 12+ new and returning live music acts, a hands-on creative activity with the Ohio Craft Museum, the Gallery Hop Mini Market and the continuation of the Summer Spray project, where you can watch as three local artists each paint a unique section of a collaborative mural wall, creating a new piece of public art that will live on in the Short North Arts District.

The reigning Leagues Cup champion, Columbus Crew, continue their title defense this weekend as the Black & Gold host Puebla of Liga MX, Mexico's premier league, on Saturday, Aug. 1 at Lower.com Field. In its third edition, the Leagues Cup is an in-season tournament that features 36 clubs – 18 select MLS teams and all 18 LIGA MX sides – with all games ending in a penalty shootout if they end in a tie. In a rematch of the 2023 MLS Cup, the Columbus Crew took home the 2024 Leagues Cup trophy with a 3-1 win over LAFC.

Photo credit: Blackberry Smoke/PromoWest

Georgia-based band Blackberry Smoke takes the stage at Kemba Live! for an outdoor show on Saturday, Aug. 2, with special guest Mike Campbell — the former lead guitarist of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers — and his band, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Birds. Drawing inspiration from southern rock, blues-heavy classic rock and vintage country, Blackberry Smoke has built a loyal rock-loving fanbase over the past two decades and remains known as one of the most entertaining live acts in their genre.

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