Columbus to Host Gay Softball World Series in 2026
Columbus, Ohio, which was recently voted a Top 10 Best Big City in the U.S., will host the Gay Softball World Series, the largest annual LGBTQ+ single-sport athletic competition in the world, in 2026.
From August 30 to September 5, 2026, the Gay Softball Series will play at the Berliner Sports Complex, where more than 230 teams and 5,000 athletes are expected to gather to attend the International Pride Softball event. This will be the fourth time Columbus will host the GSWS and the first time since 2021.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome the Gay Softball World Series back to Columbus for the fourth time,” said Linda Logan, Greater Columbus Sports Commission chief executive officer and president. “Columbus has a rich history of fostering inclusivity, diversity and a vibrant sports community. Hosting this prestigious event again highlights our commitment to creating an open and welcoming environment for all athletes and fans. We look forward to continuing this legacy and delivering an unforgettable experience in 2026.”
“International Pride Softball enthusiastically awarded the bid for the 49th Annual Gay Softball World Series to Columbus at our biannual council meeting,” said Jeff Sloan, iPride Softball board commissioner. “Columbus has proven itself to be a fantastic host city for our event after welcoming us in 2010, 2015 and 2021. The support of our event by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the state of Ohio has been nothing short of exceptional.”
In fact, Columbus seems crazy about LGBTQ sports! Columbus also hosts the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance Columbus Classic, Labor of Love Volleyball Classic, Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association’s Buckeye Softball Classic, and fundraising Bat-N-Rouge event. Columbus is also hosting the 11th annual Stonewall National Tournament & Summit on July 17–20, 2025. That event is expected to draw more than 4,500 people for competitions ranging from dodgeball and volleyball to bocce and billiards.
And about that award? On October 1, Condé Nast Traveler announced that Columbus had earned a place in its prestigious 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards as a Top 10 Best Big City in the nation! Others on the list included Chicago, Washington, D.C and Boston. More than 575,000 readers across the country contributed to the survey.
“Columbus is stepping into the spotlight and solidifying its place as one of the premier travel destinations in the U.S.,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus. “Being named among the top large U.S. cities is a testament to the diverse experiences we offer, from our award-winning culinary scene to our vibrant neighborhoods and cultural institutions. Travelers are catching on to the energy and warmth that make our city truly unique, and we’re excited to show the world how Columbus says ‘yes’ to innovation, culture and endless discovery.”
Columbus, In Brief
Each year, the Columbus Region welcomes 39.9 million visitors into the community. They discover a vibrant arts scene, lively urban neighborhoods and a diverse array of entertainment, sports, dining, nightlife and shopping that keeps them coming back again and again. With one of the top-ranked Zoos in the nation, top-ranked science centers in the nation [COSI], art galleries and museums galore, and the national phenomenon known as Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, it’s safe to say, people here know how to stay busy and have fun.
