Community Festival

ComFest started in 1972 at 16th and Waldeck in Columbus, Ohio, when a group of activists wanted to get the word out about what their community organizations had to offer. Many of the organizers were still in jail that weekend, arrested the day before while demonstrating against the war in Vietnam. Now, more than 50 years later, ComFest is one of the longest-running volunteer-run community festivals in the country.

For three days in June, ComFest still showcases community organizations alongside musicians, workshops, performances, speakers, food, libations, kids’ activities, and so much more, all for free. For the other 362 days of the year, ComFest volunteers work behind the scenes to offer community grants and organize one of the largest festivals the city has to offer.

Even though ComFest is still the festival we all know and love, the world around it is changing, and a festival that was primarily sustained by alcohol sales is no longer viable. Folks just don’t drink like they used to (which is fine!), but this means ComFest is in a transition period, where it has to adapt or perish.

It costs roughly $300,000 to run ComFest every year. Police and security costs alone nearly doubled this year, while ComFest’s primary source of income has fallen.

Over the past 10 years, the festival has drawn down nearly $250,000 from the reserves built up over the previous 40+ years. ComFest now has enough to produce one more festival, but without additional support, 2027 could be ComFest’s final year.

Here’s how you can help, right now:

Give just $5 a month and help us reach our $100,000 goal.

Become a sustaining member

Tell us what ComFest means to you and what you’d like to see in its future.

Fill out our community survey

All General Planning Committee meetings are open to the public, no experience or commitment needed. Just show up (calendar below), meet the people who make ComFest happen, and tell us your interests.

Please, if you have ever held your face upward and felt the sun on your cheeks on a beautiful June day, hugged an old friend you only ever seem to run into at ComFest, or just know what ComFest feels like (iykyk), consider helping keep ComFest alive for the next generation.

ComFest loves you, Columbus, and it has been an absolute privilege to grow up with you over more than 50 years. With or without a festival, remember to live every day the ComFest way.