There’s always something exciting happening in Hilliard! Time your visit to check out events like the Sip & Shops, Celebration at the Station, and Freedom Fest featuring country duo Big & Rich, or explore local businesses and eateries at your own pace. See for yourself what makes this welcoming community special.
Once the site of a train station, Old Hilliard is once again a lively hub of activity and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. That festive community vibe is present today with an eclectic collection of shops and eateries, plus a full calendar of events all-year round — including Destination Hilliard’s Sip & Shops.
Downtown Hilliard offers boutique shopping all year round. Check out unique furniture pieces made by Ohio crafters, stunning home décor, boutique fashions for men and women, and healthy living goods at The Shoppes by Westwood’s MAK Home Furnishings, The Urban Market, Birch Tree Home, and alive614. Snag comfy and stylish women’s fashions in sizes small through 3X at The Happy Closet Boutique. Pay a visit to Brewing Intuition for organic herbs and teas, crystals, and other whimsical gifts. Pick out a floral arrangement or a thoughtful gift of candy, books, candles, or holiday décor for a special occasion at Hilliard Floral Design. Dive into magical, outrageous, and adventure-filled worlds at Packrat Comics, loaded with colorful comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and more.
Celebrate Christmas in July in Downtown Hilliard on July 27. Businesses will host family-friendly activities in the morning, and a new sip and shop event will be featured later in the day. Much like December’s Sip & Shop, the event features live entertainment, great deals, and unique gifts from local merchants. Plus, you can chow down on scrumptious small plates. Come back to sip on seasonal cocktails in December when Sip, Shop & Stroll returns for its third year — you can take them to go thanks to Hilliard’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)
Don’t forget to pick up a Shop
Local Passport at a participating business or download one from DestinationHilliard.org. Fill your passport as you visit hometown shops and eateries to earn special prizes and raffle entries. Many shops will even be punching passports in the days leading up to the events.
Come for a meal and stay a while since Hilliard’s DORA operates daily from noon to 9 p.m. Among the eateries within the DORA boundaries is Starliner Diner, a local favorite featuring Cuban cuisine — don’t miss the breakfast burritos and plantains with shareable salsa dressing. Next door, HillGarten is a German-leaning restaurant that offers up hearty bratwursts and locally brewed beers year-round. Enjoy the beautifully decorated heated tent or rent a heated “snow globe” dining igloo during the colder months. In the heart of Center Street Market, try some house-made brews at Crooked Can Brewing Company among a variety of quick eateries with options to satisfy any craving, and stroll down Franklin Street to feast on tasty tacos and margaritas at Yabo’s Tacos. If you’re looking for barbecue, Legacy Smokehouse brings a bit of Texas to central Ohio with brisket, pulled pork, and more. Then, head upstairs to the bourbon bar for a craft cocktail or a bourbon slushy. Sexton’s Pizza and their pies quickly rose to Hilliard fame after receiving an 8.1 rating from Dave Portnoy’s “One Bite Pizza Reviews.” Teas Your Spirits, a new arrival to Downtown Hilliard, offers specialty teas as well as botanical and herbal fusions you can enjoy at home. Gather a group of friends and savor a classic or seasonal coffee paired with a breakfast sandwich at Coffee Connections on Main Street.
TOP: Sip on local craft beer at Crooked Can Brewing Company. BOTTOM: Feast on smoked meat and a variety of sides at Legacy Smokehouse.
Celebration at the Station
From family-friendly fun to festive celebrations, Hilliard has a wide variety of events to keep the fun going all year long.
Thursdays beginning June 6 • The City of Hilliard closes Main Street in Downtown Hilliard for an opportunity to enjoy live music, dining, and shopping.
Freedom Fest
July 4 • On Thursday, July 4, Hilliard’s Freedom Fest is back at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park. This popular patriotic celebration is complete with live music by American country music duo Big & Rich, food trucks, a Kids Zone, chalk art, fireworks, and an Independence Day parade hosted by the Franklin County Agricultural Society.
Franklin County Fair
July 15–21 • Farm animals, magic, music, amusement rides, the Cincinnati Circus, and more provide entertainment for the entire family.
Christmas in July Sip, Shop & Stroll
July 27 • Get in the holiday spirit early at the Christmas in July-themed Sip, Shop & Stroll in Downtown Hilliard. Enjoy family events in the morning, and the fun continues with the Sip & Shop in the afternoon.
Columbus Food Truck Festival — Hilliard Edition
Aug. 17 • Located at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, the festival showcases flavors and fare of over 50 gourmet food trucks from Ohio and across the Midwest. Beyond cuisine, the festival also includes over two dozen artisans, a full lineup of live music throughout the day, and the Columbus Vintage Exchange.
For the Love of Hilliard
Sept. 7 • Experience the best of Hilliard with dining, art, music, and shopping, complete with vendor pop-ups and special deals from local businesses. Fill our your passport for a chance to win an ultimate Hilliard prize!
Columbus Coffee Festival
Oct. 5–6 • The 9th annual Columbus Coffee Festival is finding a new home at the Franklin County Fairgrounds this year! Sample coffees from over 40 roasters and tea vendors throughout the Midwest, accompanied by live music and poetry readings, craft vendors, and food trucks. Take home a collectable mug as a souvenir.
Music fills the streets of Hilliard. From Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and Ten Pin Alley to Crooked Can, HillGarten, and Hilliard’s Station Park, you can always find a place to enjoy live music. Teen Open Mic night, occurring the second Tuesday of every month at Coffee Connections on Main Street, has also become a local favorite event where you can listen to young musicians, lyricists, and poets share their art. Scan the QR code for the full calendar of live music offerings.
