Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)

Sip, stroll, and soak up the scene in Columbus’s DORA District!

Here in downtown Columbus, we’ve made it easier than ever to turn an ordinary night out into an adventure. Thanks to our Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), you can now grab your favorite to-go drink — whether it’s a craft beer, a hand-mixed cocktail, or a glass of wine — and take it with you as you explore the heart of the city.

Picture this: you and your friends pick up a round from a DORA bar or restaurant, then step outside with your drinks in a DORA cup. From there, the evening is yours — wander past public art and modernist landmarks, shop local boutiques, linger in cozy alleys, or catch live music on the plaza.

The DORA District runs seven days a week, 10 a.m. to midnight, so you can sip and stroll whether it’s brunch, happy hour, or late-night. And it’s always easy: participating restaurants and bars will give you the official DORA cup (look for the window stickers to know who’s in), and then you’re free to roam within the district boundaries, cup in hand.

It’s not just about the drinks — it’s about the vibe. Downtown Columbus is alive with energy, from bold architecture to colorful murals to bustling patios. The DORA adds that extra bit of freedom and fun, letting you design your own “choose-your-own-adventure” night on the town. Think of it as a walking festival that never really ends.

A few friendly notes before you go: outside drinks aren’t allowed, cups need to stay inside the district, and every stop has its own personality.

So gather your crew, raise a glass, and let Columbus surprise you. The DORA District is your ticket to a downtown experience that’s social, walkable, and always a little more fun than you expected.

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