King Arts Complex

All Arts Day: A Celebration Of Aminah Robinson
2026-02-21 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Each February, The King Arts Complex honors the life and legacy of one Columbus’ most celebrated artists at the Annual Aminah Robinson Family Day. This special event is an opportunity for people of all ages to create art with local visual artists, enjoy music, and learn more about Aminah’s rich contributions to the world of art.
An innovative multimedia artist, teacher, storyteller, and MacArthur Fellow, Aminah Robinson was known for her work within the African-American community of Poindexter Village on Columbus’ Near East Side. As home to one of Aminah’s earliest studios, The King Arts Complex proudly displays her work year round to inspire emerging artists, current artists, and our community.

Wil Haygood Launches THE WAR WITHIN A WAR! In conversation with WOSU's Amy Juravich!
2026-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Drexel Theatre, 2254 East Main Street, Bexley, OH, 43209, United States
Join acclaimed journalist Wil Haygood as he launches The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home, a timely exploration of the racial strife that dominated so much of life during the Vietnam era, and still prevalent today. Haygood will be in conversation with journalist Amy Juravich, host of NPR-member station WOSU’s All Sides with Amy Juravich.
Registration is on Eventbrite. A general admission ticket of $10 is waived if The War Within a War is pre-purchased when registering. The book will also be available for purchase at the event.
WOSU PUBLIC MEDIA, DREXEL THEATRE, and KING ARTS COMPLEX are Gramercy’s Community Partners for this event.
The Vietnam war era, in many ways, mirrored and was the beginning of the racial and political turbulence and divisiveness we are experiencing today. By tracing the lives of a group of Black men and women—soldiers, doctors, nurses, journalists—who experienced the battles in Vietnam as well as the socio-political war raging at home in America, Wil Haygood brilliantly contextualizes the racial strife that dominated so much of life in those years and still dominates it today. The most important book to deal with this subject since the bestselling Bloods.

First Tuesday Tea
2026-03-03 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-07 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-05 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-02 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders. Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents. Come sip some tea and be… This event is free and open to the public: Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome) Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

39th Anniversary Dream Awards
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
As part of the King Arts Complex 39th Anniversary Celebration, the Women’s Service Board will present the 30th Annual Dream Awards Reception. The King Arts Complex pays tribute to individuals and businesses within the Columbus community that have had a profound impact on the King Arts Complex and the Columbus community. The Dream Awards presentation is a celebration of service and is open to the public. Invited guests include major donors and key civic and cultural leaders. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a supporter of the King Arts Complex’s. “The Women’s Service Board is honored to host the Dream Awards in recognition of individuals and businesses that enhance the mission of the King Arts Complex.”, explained Women’s Service Board President Linda Broadnax.

39th Anniversary Gala honoring Ohio State Senator Hearcel F. Craig
2026-05-14 18:00 - 22:00 | Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, 43215, United States
Join us for our 39th Annual King Arts Complex Gala on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Statehouse Atrium, where we will celebrate Ohio State Senator Hearcel F. Craig for his extraordinary leadership, service, and longstanding commitment to our community.
For 39 years, The King Arts Complex has been a place where arts, culture, and community come together to educate, inspire, and empower. Through arts education, exhibitions, performances, and community programming, we create meaningful opportunities for connection, creativity, and cultural expression.
Support from this event helps sustain and strengthen that work, ensuring our continued impact for years to come.
Thank you for your commitment to the power of arts and culture to strengthen communities. We hope you will join us in supporting The King Arts Complex and our mission of connecting the community through the arts.
May 14,2026 @ The Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square. Columbus, OH
6 PM – 10 PM

Women's Service Board - 14th Annual Wine Sip & Taste of Jazz
2026-06-04 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The Women’s Service Board of the King Arts Complex hosts the 14th Annual “Wine Sip & Taste of Jazz” event. Scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, the event features wine tastings, live jazz music, and food. This social fundraiser supports the King Arts Complex, offering an evening of fellowship and community in Columbus, Ohio.

Summer Youth Academy
2026-06-08 09:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Summer Camp
June 8 – July 31, 2026 (M-F) | 9 AM – 4 PM
Ages 5 – 13 (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
Programming: $125 each week per student
Registration Fee: $25 per student
*Child must be 5 years old by Friday, May 29th to enroll.
Registration and Payments can be completed at the King Arts Complex. Please contact (614) 645-0627 with any questions or concerns.
Get ready for the most exciting, joy-filled summer ever during the King Arts Complex Summer Camp 2025! This camp is bursting with fun, creativity, and endless opportunities for kids to shine. It’s a place where young hearts and minds can explore the arts through hands-on activities in music, dance, theater, visual arts, and so much more! With the guidance of talented instructors and local artists, campers will dive into amazing projects that celebrate the vibrant culture and history of their community.
But it’s not just about the arts—it’s about building confidence, discovering new talents, and forming lifelong friendships. As campers learn about African American history and culture, they’ll gain a deep appreciation for their roots, all while having an absolute blast!
This is more than just a summer camp; it’s a place where creativity flourishes, memories are made, and every child leaves with a feeling of inspiration, empowerment, and ready to take on the world. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure at the King Arts Complex!
Summer Arts Camp is an 8-week, all day program. Summer Academy runs throughout the Columbus City Schools summer recess.
The camp will run on a STEAM module (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and will include:
• Dance
• Music
• Coding
• Visual Arts
• Creative Writing
• Photography
Scholarships
If this program is out of your price range, a scholarship opportunity may be available.

Juneteenth
2026-06-19 09:00 - 16:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, this historic day has been observed every June 19th since 1865. Join us as we honor this significant milestone in history with a day full of exciting activities. Event highlights include: Speakers Performances Local Vendors Reality Vibez with Taylor Branding Co. Come celebrate with us and be part of this meaningful occasion!

28th Annual Heritage Music Festival
2026-07-09 18:00 - 21:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Join the King Arts Complex for the annual Heritage Music Festival. Once known as the “Cradle of Jazz,” the Mount Vernon of the King Lincoln District is the place to be every Thursday in July and August. Performances from local, regional, and national musical artists will keep it hot with Jazz, Classical R&B, inspirational, and Blues! A Food Court and reserved tables on the Patio will be available.
The King Arts Complex’s Heritage Music Festival has been a signature Columbus community celebration for over two decades, consistently attracting crowds of nearly 5,000 attendees each week! Our annual festival is a family event enjoyed by men, women, and children of all backgrounds. Bring a blanket, or lawn chair, and relax in the beautiful Mayme Moore Park!
