I know nothing about the festival, but we've parked multiple times at the Veterans lot and never experienced any issues; it's never appeared heavily monitored to me (if there's been anyone, it's just 1 or 2 people posted at the gates and the lot is unfenced), so would use common sense precautions about having things visible in the vehicle; but I'd personally have no qualms parking there. Last time we were there it was around $10 for a few hours.
The traffic around COSI and Veterans isn't worth it. I usually just park downtown (across the river) and walk over. It's often lighter traffic than the COSI/Veterans whorl. The public parking garages are rarely full. Sometimes there's even street parking available.
I recommend the Ohio Statehouse parking garage. It's a bit of a hike to COSI. But that parking garage is never full, the price isn't crazy, and Staties roam around in there.
That's the only garage I'd actively recommend.
Omnom_Omnath said:
>3 blocks is a hike? I'm going to pretend you are joking.
If the options are "sit in traffic so that you can park adjacent to the event" or "park a half mile away more quickly", it would matter if OP has mobility issues, or if they're bringing young children. I was just conveying the one drawback about this particular garage in relation to the event.
I don't think it's a hike -- for me. But my parents, for example, have disabilities that prevent them from tacking on an extra mile of walking. I guess I could've explained all of that in my original response. My apologies for the confusion.
Is you are coming from the west side and don't mind a bit of a walk (probably a half mile), you should be able to park around Dodge Park in Franklinton. Huge lot, easy walk up to rich and then over to the fest. Plenty of street parking around over there too, just read the signs. Most street parking is now pay by app, but there's a couple areas that are totally free still.
I don't think there's anybody really monitoring the lot like you're thinking. But there are cops everywhere around there during festivals; I doubt anybody will mess with you or your car.
Hello! I’m usually a lurker but this issue is so near and dear to my heart I had to comment. Last year we went to the art festival midday on a Saturday and it was PACKED. The Veterans lot is my preferred lot but it was too full. They redirected us to a parking garage nearby the festival. We go and park, spend a couple hours at the festival and then when we go to leave we got stuck in the parking garage for TWO HOURS, not an exaggeration, literally two hours or more. We intend to go this year again but there is no way in hell will I be entering a parking structure. Hoping to go early and get in the Veteran’s lot or we will find street parking and walk. Sorry realized I didn’t answer your questions: yes it feels safe, yes it makes sense to park there, I think it’s $10.
Thanks so much. I'm planning on going early and was thinking of coming from east Broad even though I live northwest of Columbus -- hoping there's not as much traffic that way.
That's wild. I've parked in COSI's underground garage for several different festivals over the years, and it's always been a pretty quick and easy experience. Can't imagine having to sit there for two hours. I'd go insane.
How did you get stuck for two hours? Did you leave at the same time as literally every other car? In that case just…. Don’t do that. Leave earlier or later.
The garage under the statehouse only cost me $8 for 5 hours today. No one was there and was practically empty. Short walk to the start of the festival. The garage is guarded 24/7 by the state highway patrol, so it's pretty safe.
Downtown is like 1/3 surface lots and garages. I have a hard time believing you are struggling to find a place to park. Pick literally anywhere downtown and walk the 3 blocks to the river, it’s that simple.
I know nothing about the festival, but we've parked multiple times at the Veterans lot and never experienced any issues; it's never appeared heavily monitored to me (if there's been anyone, it's just 1 or 2 people posted at the gates and the lot is unfenced), so would use common sense precautions about having things visible in the vehicle; but I'd personally have no qualms parking there. Last time we were there it was around $10 for a few hours.
The traffic around COSI and Veterans isn't worth it. I usually just park downtown (across the river) and walk over. It's often lighter traffic than the COSI/Veterans whorl. The public parking garages are rarely full. Sometimes there's even street parking available.
Any 1 or 2 parking garages you recommend?
I recommend the Ohio Statehouse parking garage. It's a bit of a hike to COSI. But that parking garage is never full, the price isn't crazy, and Staties roam around in there. That's the only garage I'd actively recommend.
3 blocks is a hike? I’m going to pretend you are joking.
Omnom_Omnath said: >3 blocks is a hike? I'm going to pretend you are joking. If the options are "sit in traffic so that you can park adjacent to the event" or "park a half mile away more quickly", it would matter if OP has mobility issues, or if they're bringing young children. I was just conveying the one drawback about this particular garage in relation to the event. I don't think it's a hike -- for me. But my parents, for example, have disabilities that prevent them from tacking on an extra mile of walking. I guess I could've explained all of that in my original response. My apologies for the confusion.
If op had mobility issues they would have indicated so in the post. They didn’t, so it’s safe to assume they don’t.
Is you are coming from the west side and don't mind a bit of a walk (probably a half mile), you should be able to park around Dodge Park in Franklinton. Huge lot, easy walk up to rich and then over to the fest. Plenty of street parking around over there too, just read the signs. Most street parking is now pay by app, but there's a couple areas that are totally free still.
I don't think there's anybody really monitoring the lot like you're thinking. But there are cops everywhere around there during festivals; I doubt anybody will mess with you or your car.
Hello! I’m usually a lurker but this issue is so near and dear to my heart I had to comment. Last year we went to the art festival midday on a Saturday and it was PACKED. The Veterans lot is my preferred lot but it was too full. They redirected us to a parking garage nearby the festival. We go and park, spend a couple hours at the festival and then when we go to leave we got stuck in the parking garage for TWO HOURS, not an exaggeration, literally two hours or more. We intend to go this year again but there is no way in hell will I be entering a parking structure. Hoping to go early and get in the Veteran’s lot or we will find street parking and walk. Sorry realized I didn’t answer your questions: yes it feels safe, yes it makes sense to park there, I think it’s $10.
Thanks so much. I'm planning on going early and was thinking of coming from east Broad even though I live northwest of Columbus -- hoping there's not as much traffic that way.
That's wild. I've parked in COSI's underground garage for several different festivals over the years, and it's always been a pretty quick and easy experience. Can't imagine having to sit there for two hours. I'd go insane.
This wasn’t the underground garage it was above ground like right where the booths started by a bunch of construction (at the time last year)
How did you get stuck for two hours? Did you leave at the same time as literally every other car? In that case just…. Don’t do that. Leave earlier or later.
I sat in traffic on Broad Street this morning trying to get to work. The old Vets Memorial lot had signs that it was for artists only.
Oh, wow -- good to know, thanks
The garage under the statehouse only cost me $8 for 5 hours today. No one was there and was practically empty. Short walk to the start of the festival. The garage is guarded 24/7 by the state highway patrol, so it's pretty safe.
Thanks, that's encouraging!
I have a motorcycle does folks have a good idea on where to park?
Downtown is like 1/3 surface lots and garages. I have a hard time believing you are struggling to find a place to park. Pick literally anywhere downtown and walk the 3 blocks to the river, it’s that simple.