September 13 - 15

Scioto Audubon Metro Park has a fascinating history. The land that used to be the impound lot was turned from blighted brownfield to an amazing urban Metro Park with help from the City of Columbus and Ohio Audubon. The park features wetlands, fields and river banks, creating an oasis where wildlife and birds are abundant. In addition to the natural habitat created by the conversion to a park, there are also many exciting recreational features for visitors including bocce and volleyball courts, an obstacle course, a dog park, and a rock climbing wall, all watched over by the water tower viewing deck, a remnant of the industrial landscape that used to dominate the space.

For a few years now, Scioto Audubon Metro Parks has held a Rock Climbing festival. This year, the festival has evolved into Scioto Fest, a celebration of the park featuring rock climbing, camping, music, and a very special treat from our friends at Land Grant.  

Day one of Scioto Fest featured some casual climbing and slack lining, gourmet s’mores with REI and Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse on the big screen after dark. This was also the first chance to taste the new beer from Land Grant, “Outpost Rustic Lager.”

The Outpost Lager wasn’t just any old beer though! This brew was crafted specifically for Scioto Fest, featuring our iconic water tower right on the label. Even more exciting, this beer was made with honey harvested right from the Metro Parks beehives! Many of these beehives were purchased through the Tad Jeffrey Memorial Grants that the Friends award the parks each year.  This beer was light and refreshing, and paired perfectly with the toasty weekend we had to celebrate Scioto Fest!

Day two of Scioto Fest started with a “Rise and Climb” and breakfast provided by REI for those who camped out overnight. Hikes were led by the Grange Insurance Audubon Center and DJ George Brazil provided tunes for the Learn The Ropes program at the climbing wall. The rest of the evening included live music from Hebdo, Brother Hill, and Steven Fox and the Whiskey Sneaks as visitors climbed, danced, enjoyed Land Grant beers, food from our food trucks, and watched the sunset over the city skyline. 

Scioto Fest was a lot of fun for us! We hope anyone who came out had a great time! If you have photos, please send them our way to friends@metroparks.net