Blues Traveler (FREE)

Common Ground Concert Series

Event Info

Wow! Columbus turns out for free music! ALL TICKETS HAVE BEEN CLAIMED; no tickets are available at this time. As we draw closer to May 17, additional tickets may become available. Check the event listing here for the most up-to-date information.

FREE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS CONCERT. There is a two (2) ticket maximum per email address.

30 years ago, the four original members of Blues Traveler, who had known each other since their early teens -- John Popper, Chandler Kinchla, the late Bobby Sheehan and Brendan Hill -- gathered in the basement of their drummer's parents' Princeton, NJ, home and the seeds were planted for a band who has released a total of 13 studio albums, four of which have gone gold, three platinum and one six-times platinum. Over the course of its illustrious career, Blues Traveler has sold more than 10 million combined units worldwide, played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people, and, in "Run-Around," had the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history, which earned them a Grammy® for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Their movie credits include Blues Brothers 2000, Kingpin, Wildflowers and others. A television favorite, they have been featured on Saturday Night Live, Austin City Limits, VH1's Behind the Music and they hold the record for the most appearances of any artist on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Currently putting the finishing touches on their tenth studio album -- the first to feature outside songwriters in addition to the band members' contributions -- the group is taking the opportunity of their milestone to not just look behind, but ahead. Blues Traveler prepares for the next 25 years, with a comprehensive overview of the first, in one deluxe package.

Ticket Information: FREE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS CONCERT. There is a two (2) ticket maximum per email address.
About the Common Ground Concert Series: Forged as a partnership between the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) and CAPA, the Common Ground Concert Series is about providing central Ohio with an exciting line-up of free concerts. CDDC and CAPA have a long-standing partnership, and this new annual concert series aims to leverage the two organizations to create a memorable experience for the community.
FAQs: What time is the concert?
Gates will open at 6:00 PM. The headliner will take the stage at approximately 8:00 PM. Please note, Columbus Commons will be cleared for a security sweep before gates open, so anyone at Columbus Commons before gates open at 6:00 PM must leave. This means you will not be able to save seats before 6:00 PM.

Do I need a ticket?
Yes. FREE tickets are required. Tickets are limited in quantity to ensure a safe environment for patrons, so look below for your opportunity to claim tickets. Tickets are limited to a quantity of two per email address. Please only reserve the tickets you will use.

I have my tickets; do I need to print them?
Printed tickets are preferred.

I don’t have the ability to access Eventbrite to sign up for free tickets. What should I do?
You can stop by the Columbus Commons tent at the following Food Truck Food Court events until tickets are sold out, and Columbus Commons staff will assist with your ticket sign up and printing you a ticket.
Thursday, May 2 (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Does a ticket guarantee entry into these concerts?
A ticket does not guarantee entry. The best way to ensure entry is to arrive early. Safety of our patrons is our top priority. It is possible that due to safety concerns, access to the park may be restricted, even preventing some guests with tickets from entering the concert. Columbus Commons staff will work with public safety officials to ensure safe conditions are maintained, and guests will be allowed in when conditions become safe once again.

I don’t have a ticket but I want to come. What can I do?
Look below for your opportunity to claim tickets. Tickets are limited and could sell out quickly. If they are sold out, that means all tickets have been claimed. We cannot guarantee any accommodations for day-of walk-ups due to crowd capacity.

Where is Columbus Commons?
The park is located at 160 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, one block south of the Statehouse in Downtown Columbus. The entrance for these concerts is along the south end of the park, off Rich Street.

Where should I park?
Parking at Columbus Commons is easy and convenient! We have two available garages, the Main Garage located at 55 E. Rich Street or the Underground Garage located at 191 S. Third Street. You can even prepay for parking on this page! If you park at the Main Garage at 55 E. Rich Street, you’ll be closest to the park entrance. Parking rates will be $5 per vehicle, and cash and credit card will be accepted upon entering the garage. If you’re taking Uber or Lyft, the ideal drop-off zone address is 54 E. Rich Street, which will place you near the concert entrance.

What time will gates open?
Gates will open at 6:00 PM at the south end of the park, near E. Rich Street.

What food and beverages options will be available?
Columbus Commons’ two cafes, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and Tortilla Mexican Street Food, will be open, along with some of our favorite food trucks. At the bars, you will be able to purchase a selection of Pepsi products, water, beer, wine and a specialty cocktail. Cash and card will be accepted.

Can I bring outside food/beverages into Columbus Commons?
Yes, however coolers and outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Bars and multiple food vendors are on site for the duration of the concert. Bags are subject to inspection and prohibited items will not be allowed in and are subject to removal once in the park.

Where do I sit?
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No chairs are provided and guests are welcome to sit directly on our grass. No seats will be able to be placed before 6:00 PM. Feel free to bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Sit close to your neighbors; we expect a full house!

I am in a wheelchair or have accessibility needs. Where can I sit?
There will be a reserved area in the North Lawn for patrons with accessibility needs.

Can I bring my dog?
Due to limited space, dogs other than service animals are not permitted for these concerts.

When will the music begin?
Opening music will begin at approximately 6:30 PM with local favorite Angela Perley and the Howlin’ Moons.
Blues Traveler will take the stage around 8:00 PM.

Will the carousel be running?
Yes, visitors can enjoy a ride on the carousel for $1 per ride, weather permitting.

Can I take photos and videos during the show?
No photos or videos of the stage are permitted.

Is this concert family friendly?
Yes, all ages are welcome.

What is not permitted in Columbus Commons for this concert?

Coolers

Outside alcoholic beverages

Smoking - Plastic tarps

Tents or canopies

Weapons of any kind

Animals, except for service animals

Disruptive behavior

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