About This Festival
Event Overview: Columbus On Tap 2025
Columbus On Tap is a large-scale festival celebrating craft beer, wine, and spirits, held at Mill Race Park in Columbus, Indiana. In 2025, the event enters its second year and is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Custer-Nugent Amphitheatre & Festival Field. The festival is organized by Indiana On Tap, Hog Molly Brewing Co., and the Columbus Office of Downtown Development, aiming to showcase Indiana’s craft beverage scene and create a lively, community-focused experience.
Area Surrounding the Event
Mill Race Park is a scenic, well-maintained urban park in Columbus, Indiana—a city known for its architectural heritage and vibrant downtown. The venue features the Custer-Nugent Amphitheatre, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year, as well as open festival grounds perfect for large gatherings. The park is easily accessible, with ample parking and proximity to downtown Columbus, which offers additional dining, shopping, and lodging options. The setting is both convenient and picturesque, making it a popular destination for festivals and community events.
The Vibe of the Event
Columbus On Tap is billed as “one of the biggest parties of the year,” combining the laid-back, convivial spirit of a beer garden with the energy of a music festival. Attendees can expect a festive, social atmosphere with live music, local food, creative arts, and interactive games. The crowd is a mix of craft beverage aficionados, local residents, and visitors from across the region, all coming together to sample new drinks, enjoy live entertainment, and explore local culture. The event emphasizes fun, community, and accessibility, with a variety of activities designed to appeal to a broad audience.
Activities at the Event
Craft Beverage Sampling:
Unlimited pours from more than 50 craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries, featuring over 250 different beers, wines, and spirits from across Indiana. This is the festival’s core attraction, with pour stations spread throughout the festival grounds.
Live Music:
A dedicated main stage hosts headline performances by Indiana favorites such as Medicated Mind. In 2025, a second stage was added, featuring local acts like Brett Denney Music. The music lineup provides a dynamic soundtrack to the afternoon, with both local and regional talent.
Local Food & Drink:
Multiple local food vendors offer a range of dishes for purchase, allowing attendees to pair their beverages with fresh, regional cuisine. Food options are available for all tastes and preferences.
Art & Local Vendors:
A showcase of local artists and artisans offers attendees the chance to browse and purchase unique, handmade items, crafts, and souvenirs.
Games & Activities:
Interactive games and lawn games are available throughout the event, encouraging social interaction and friendly competition.
Giveaways & Swag:
Festival-goers receive a welcome gift (while supplies last) and an event wristband that grants access to both the main festival and an official afterparty at Hog Molly Brewing Co. The afterparty extends the fun into the evening with additional drink specials and entertainment.
Area Merchants & Partnerships:
Local businesses, including the Hotel Indigo, offer special discounts to festival attendees, encouraging visitors to make a full weekend of the experience.
Event Schedule (Approximate)
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM | Gates Open | Festival Entrance |
| 1:00–5:00 PM | Unlimited Pours | Pour Stations (throughout park) |
| 1:00–5:00 PM | Food Vendors | Food Court Area |
| 1:00–5:00 PM | Art & Vendor Market | Vendor Booths |
| 1:00–5:00 PM | Games & Activities | Lawn Areas |
| 1:30–2:30 PM | Live Music (opening act) | Main Stage |
| 2:30–3:30 PM | Live Music (featured act) | Main Stage |
| 3:30–4:30 PM | Live Music (headliner) | Main Stage |
| 4:30–5:00 PM | Closing Set | Main Stage |
| 5:00–6:00 PM | Festival Ends | |
| 6:00 PM–Close | Afterparty | Hog Molly Brewing Co. (830 Depot St.) |
Note: Music acts and times are subject to change; check the festival website for the latest lineup.
History and Founding
Columbus On Tap debuted in 2024 and quickly established itself as a major regional event. The festival was created through a collaboration among Indiana On Tap (a statewide craft beverage organization), Hog Molly Brewing Co. (a local Columbus brewery), and the Columbus Office of Downtown Development. The inaugural event was well attended and praised for its broad selection, live entertainment, and community engagement. The 2025 festival builds on this foundation, adding a second music stage and expanded vendor and food options. The goal is to celebrate Indiana’s craft beverage culture, support local businesses, and highlight Columbus as a destination for food, drink, and festivals.
Summary
Columbus On Tap is a vibrant, all-ages festival at the intersection of craft beverage culture, live music, and local community spirit. Held in the beautiful Mill Race Park, it offers unlimited pours from dozens of Indiana producers, a robust music lineup, abundant local food and art, interactive games, and a lively afterparty. The event is a testament to grassroots organizing, local pride, and the growing popularity of Indiana’s craft beverage scene.