Opening Ceremony

Friday, August 1, 2025

Save the Date: Opening Ceremony 2026 is July 31!

Opening Ceremony is an inspirational, community-rallying party of 15,000 guests in downtown Columbus to set the tone for Ride Weekend. This can't-miss celebration features live musical entertainment, impactful storytelling, delicious food, and brand new Pelotonia merch.

This year's event will take place on Friday, August 1, on the grounds of McFerson Commons and North Bank Park in the Arena District of downtown Columbus.

The following participants may attend the Opening Ceremony (includes stage program + O.A.R. concert):

2025 Ride Weekend Riders (plus one guest)
2025 Gravel Day Riders & Trail Run/Hike Participants (plus one guest)
Volunteers/Challengers who raise $1,250+ by July 31 (plus one guest)
High Rollers who commit to raise at least $5,000 (plus three guests)

For entrance into Opening Ceremony:

Ride Weekend Riders will receive wristbands in Rider credential packet.
Gravel Day participants and non-Rider High Rollers will receive wristbands by mail.
Eligible Volunteers/Challengers will be added to the entry list for easy admittance and will receive an email confirmation.

Schedule of Events

11:30am-8:00pm
Rider Check-in and Gift Distribution, First Aid Services, Bike Storage and Maintenance, Bag Drop-off, and Merch Sales
4:00-8:00pm
Gates Open, Dinner Buffet, Partner Expo, Beverages
5:00-6:15pm
DJ on Stage: Ari and Zak Blumer of Clubhouse
6:30-7:00pm
Stage Program with Speakers (including Dr. Kim Rathmell, new CEO of The James)
7:00-8:00pm
Headliner Performance by O.A.R.

Opening Ceremony Parking Passes 2025

Volunteer Parking Pass 2025
Rider Parking Pass 2025

Opening Ceremony Parking

IMPORTANT PARKING INFO: EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC

There are several events happening in the Arena District on Friday night. While the McConnell, Neil Avenue (after 5pm), and Marconi Garages are available on a limited basis, all participants and guests should park in the Front Street Garage, which is accessible from the east.

You can easily access this garage by traveling south on 3rd Street or north on 4th Street, turning west on Spring Street, then north on Front Street.

Please be patient and plan to allow extra time for traffic and parking!

Use the parking pass linked on this page to access free parking in the designated Arena District garages by scanning the QR code upon entry and exit to these garages. If you choose to park in a different lot or garage, you are responsible for all necessary payment and adhering to all restrictions.

PLEASE NOTE: Lots west of Neil Avenue will not be accessible. If you choose to park in any location outside of those covered by the parking pass, you are responsible for applicable fees.

The SR-315 North ramp to US-33 will be closed. If arriving via 315, it is recommended that attendees exit to 670 East to 3rd Street to access the Front Street garage.

Please note: Most parking garage entrances do not have the vertical clearance to accommodate bicycles mounted on roof racks, so please plan accordingly.

Explore the Event Handbook for Opening Ceremony map, Attendee to-do list, Rider credentials info, and more!

Event Handbook

O.A.R. to Headline Opening Ceremony 2025

Platinum-certified rock band O.A.R. – whose members are alumni of The Ohio State University – will headline Opening Ceremony on Friday, August 1 in downtown Columbus!
Known for songs like “Shattered (Turn The Car Around)” and “That Was A Crazy Game of Poker,” O.A.R. is a multi-platinum-selling band who has repeatedly sold out legendary venues like Madison Square Garden.
For more than 25 years, O.A.R. fans around the world have enjoyed their free-flowing sound and exhilarating live shows. Pelotonia is excited to bring their joyful energy to the Opening Ceremony stage for an unforgettable rock performance!

Learn more