Color of Summer Weekend

Where Passion, Culture, and Art Meet

Color of Summer

About Color of Summer

Step inside one of Columbus’s most iconic cultural venues for a night unlike any other. Color of Summer transforms the Columbus Museum of Art into a multi-layered experience filled with energy, elegance, and creativity. Immerse yourself in a full-sensory celebration featuring:

Live local art installations
Spoken word and comedy performances
A dynamic mix of live bands and DJ sets
The Color of Summer Fashion Show
20+ local chefs offering culinary masterpieces throughout the night—and yes, food is included with your ticket.

Official Afterparty: The Kee

As the main event concludes, the night continues at The Kee, one of downtown Columbus’s top nightlife destinations. Dance, sip, and vibe through the night with DJs, cocktails, and curated experiences that bring the weekend to a perfect close.

Thursday, June 26

- The Cigar Kickoff
  - An elevated kickoff to the weekend with evening from 6–10 PM featuring premium cigars, curated spirits, and great music. A stylish and intimate start to a weekend built on culture, entertainment, and connection.

Friday, June 27

- First Fridays Presents: OUTSIDE – The Graphic Tee Edition
  - Hosted at the Ohio Brewing Company “Outside” is a bold fusion of fashion, music, and nightlife. This high-energy night features top DJs, a cigar lounge, specialty cocktails, interactive visuals, and of course—graphic tees that speak volumes. Style meets street in this unforgettable summer vibe.

Meet Our Sponsors

We are proud to work alongside organizations that share our passion for culture, creativity, and community growth.

Sponsorship

Become a Sponsor

Partner with us and gain brand visibility while supporting an unforgettable cultural event.

Why sponsor?

Reach thousands of attendees and online followers.
Strengthen community engagement and brand alignment.
Exclusive marketing and branding opportunities at the event.

Event Gallery –Relive the Color of Summer

FACE614 Color of Summer Event Performance

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Fashion

Runway Experience

A centerpiece of the weekend: witness a stunning fashion show featuring 10 designers

Culinary

Flavors of the City

Indulge in culinary excellence with dishes crafted by some of your favorite local chefs and caterers. From familiar favorites to elevated bites, these flavors are included with your ticket—no extra cost, just exceptional taste.

Art

Artist Showcase

Explore a curated gallery featuring work from 30+ local artists, spanning visual art, mixed media, and live installations. With 100% of art sales going directly to the artists. Support Columbus’s vibrant and growing art community.

Entertainment

Amazing Performances

From live bands and DJs sets across multiple rooms to an unforgettable garden performance experience, Color of Summer delivers nonstop energy, rhythm, and soul. Every corner brings a new vibe—stay ready for the unexpected.

What Participants Are Saying...

"My first time at Excellence, I experienced it with my mom, who traveled in from NYC. We made sure to gather as much information as possible about the event beforehand. I really wanted to see the fashion show and poetry performances. My expectations were exceeded—the food, the artists, and the networking connections were all incredible. I’m excited for the events to come."

"Being a vendor with First Fridays was a smooth and fun experience. It gave me an opportunity to attend one of their exciting events, meet some amazing people, and share my books with the world."

"It is such a proud and satisfying experience to sponsor this magnificent, unparalleled event. My team and I connected with over 4,000 attendees from some of the most impacted communities. No one else within our geographical boundaries can match this level of engagement and impact. Hats off to FACE 614 and First Fridays for their incredible work. Keep building, leading, and connecting the dots—we are the change we seek."

"Attending the 2024 Black Tie Gala was an experience I’ll never forget. Walking into the grand venue, I was struck by the elegance and grace of everyone present. It was a celebration of excellence, beauty, and community. The evening was filled with stunning fashion, heartfelt conversations, and a shared vision of progress. This wasn’t just a night of glamour; it was a celebration of history, heritage, and the promise of what’s to come. To anyone who hasn’t experienced this—let me tell you, it’s not just an event; it’s a reminder of who we are and what we can achieve together."