Art is alive and well in Columbus, Ohio. The monthly Short North Gallery Hop is just one of many opportunities to enjoy visual arts in a city with a growing downtown district, historic neighborhoods, loads of entertainment options, and several higher education institutions. In this short guide, you'll learn more about the famous Gallery Hop — including how to get the most out of your experience.

What Is the Gallery Hop?
On the first Saturday of each month, the already vibrant Short North district transforms into a bustling area with art lovers visiting its galleries, shops, restaurants, and other local attractions. The event unofficially began in 1984 when several neighborhood galleries held cooperative openings to debut new exhibits on the first Saturday of every month. Dubbed "the Gallery Hop '' in 1985, it has helped turn the district into a top destination for art, culture, and community. Hotspots! also named the Short North as one of America's best LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in America.

What Kind of Art Can I Experience During the Hop?
The Short North's galleries exhibit a diverse collection of artworks by local, national, and international artists. Depending on the galleries you visit, you can see paintings, photography, illustrations, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Art styles on display may include everything from Classic Realism and Baroque to Surrealism and folk art. Many Gallery Hops also feature live music, pop-up shows, artist meet-and-greets, wine tastings, and other special events.

How Can I Get the Most Out of My Gallery Hop Visit?
Planning ahead is the first key to enjoying your Gallery Hop experience. You'll need to consider a few factors: transportation, parking, schedules, food and drink, your walking route, and the attractions you wish to enjoy.

How To Get There
The Short North Arts District occupies North High Street between Convention Center Drive and West Fifth Avenue. Several lodging options are available throughout the city, including nearby hotels like Hilton Columbus Downtown and the Courtyard by Marriot.
Parking is available on the street, at parking kiosks, and in garages throughout the Short North. Consider choosing potential parking locations in advance and plan to arrive early, as spots can quickly fill up due to the event's popularity.

Transit options include COTA buses, CoGo Bike Share, electric scooter rentals, and car-sharing services such as ZipCar and Free2Move. Both Uber and Lyft are available throughout the city. You can use these options to travel to the Hop, between points of interest, or from your parking spot to the Hop's starting and ending points.

Preparing for the Hop
Between all the gallery visits and added attractions, you'll undoubtedly do a lot of walking during the Gallery Hop. You'll want to wear comfortable shoes during the event, drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress appropriately.

If you're concerned about getting tired during the hop, you can prepare by increasing your physical activity levels beforehand. It's never too late to embark on a New Years fitness challenge, but keep your goals reasonable and attainable.

Tips for Enjoying the Hop
With so many things to see and do at the Gallery Hop, you don't want to rush through the experience. Check out the current list of galleries in the area: You can browse info about each one, including the types of works it typically exhibits. Pick a few galleries and events you'd like to see the most, and allow yourself plenty of time to browse and enjoy. If artists are present, don't be afraid to engage with them and chat about their work. Finally, don't forget to observe any public health protocols in place.

What Else Should I Know About the Gallery Hop?
While the Gallery Hop almost always takes place on the first Saturday of the month, you can find more detailed schedules on the Short North Arts District's event calendar. The Hop takes place between 12 p.m. and 8pm Additional events may take place before the event and well into the evening.