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Best events in
Columbus

As evening energy often starts in walkable neighborhoods, there are countless events and things to do in Columbus, OH. The city's pulse can be felt in the creative corridors of the Short North Arts District and the historic streets of German Village. From major concerts and theatre productions downtown to intimate comedy shows and gallery openings, the local scene has a distinct rhythm.

A night out can begin by exploring the artist studios during Franklinton Fridays before catching a show or grabbing a drink nearby.
Downtown's historic venues, including the Ohio Theatre and Palace Theatre, present everything from Broadway tours to symphony performances.
The city's food hall scene, with spots like North Market Downtown and Budd Dairy Food Hall, offers a social hub for dining and drinks.

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Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow primary image

Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Stonewall Columbus

From $161.90

Stonewall Columbus, Inc.

1.1k followers

Promoted

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio primary image

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Today • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group primary image

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Today • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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Startup Columbus Happy Hour primary image

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Tuesday • 4:30 PM

Ohio Brewing Company Columbus

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Happy Hour Alert! primary image

Happy Hour Alert!

Tue, Oct 13 • 4:30 PM

Combustion Brewery & Taproom (Clintonville)

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AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John primary image

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thu, Oct 15 • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Don't Drake And Drive primary image

Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Fall Kickoff 3.0 primary image

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

College Green

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Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow primary image

Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Stonewall Columbus

From $161.90

Stonewall Columbus, Inc.

1.1k followers

Promoted

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio primary image

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Today • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

Check ticket price on event

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group primary image

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Today • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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Startup Columbus Happy Hour primary image

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Tuesday • 4:30 PM

Ohio Brewing Company Columbus

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Happy Hour Alert! primary image

Happy Hour Alert!

Tue, Oct 13 • 4:30 PM

Combustion Brewery & Taproom (Clintonville)

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AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John primary image

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thu, Oct 15 • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Don't Drake And Drive primary image

Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Fall Kickoff 3.0 primary image

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

College Green

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After 8pm

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS primary image

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Sat, Oct 10 • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

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Damn Girl: Dead Disco primary image

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH primary image

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 PM

Newport Music Hall, North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

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COLUMBUS' BIGGEST BACHATA PARTY • La Casa de la Bachata™ @ Spain Night Club primary image

COLUMBUS' BIGGEST BACHATA PARTY • La Casa de la Bachata™ @ Spain Night Club

Fri, Nov 20 • 9:00 PM

Spain Night Club

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS primary image

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Sat, Oct 10 • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

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Damn Girl: Dead Disco primary image

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH primary image

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 PM

Newport Music Hall, North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

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COLUMBUS' BIGGEST BACHATA PARTY • La Casa de la Bachata™ @ Spain Night Club primary image

COLUMBUS' BIGGEST BACHATA PARTY • La Casa de la Bachata™ @ Spain Night Club

Fri, Nov 20 • 9:00 PM

Spain Night Club

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Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting primary image

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Today • 10:00 AM PDT

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry primary image

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026 primary image

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting primary image

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Today • 10:00 AM PDT

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry primary image

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026 primary image

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group primary image

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Today • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio primary image

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Today • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

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PINKCHELLA 2026 primary image

PINKCHELLA 2026

Today • 11:00 AM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/ Brian Damage @ Spacebar, Columbus OH (10/3) primary image

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/ Brian Damage @ Spacebar, Columbus OH (10/3)

Today • 7:00 PM

The Spacebar

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Intro To Sketch Comedy primary image

Intro To Sketch Comedy

Today • 3:00 PM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

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The Art of Sauces (Week 4: Tomato Sauce) primary image

The Art of Sauces (Week 4: Tomato Sauce)

Today • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Fashion as Rebellion - An Immersive Afternoon in the 1920's primary image

Fashion as Rebellion - An Immersive Afternoon in the 1920's

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM

Enliven Health & Wellness

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Esther Rum Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge - Short North, Columbus primary image

Esther Rum Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge - Short North, Columbus

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Short North

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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group primary image

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Today • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio primary image

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Today • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

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PINKCHELLA 2026 primary image

PINKCHELLA 2026

Today • 11:00 AM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/ Brian Damage @ Spacebar, Columbus OH (10/3) primary image

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/ Brian Damage @ Spacebar, Columbus OH (10/3)

Today • 7:00 PM

The Spacebar

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Intro To Sketch Comedy primary image

Intro To Sketch Comedy

Today • 3:00 PM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

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The Art of Sauces (Week 4: Tomato Sauce) primary image

The Art of Sauces (Week 4: Tomato Sauce)

Today • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Fashion as Rebellion - An Immersive Afternoon in the 1920's primary image

Fashion as Rebellion - An Immersive Afternoon in the 1920's

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM

Enliven Health & Wellness

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Esther Rum Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge - Short North, Columbus primary image

Esther Rum Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge - Short North, Columbus

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Short North

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Frequently asked questions about Columbus

Where are the best venues for comedy shows in Columbus?

The Attic Comedy Club in Olde Towne East provides an intimate setting for stand-up, improv, and roast battles. For a different style, Shadowbox Live in the Brewery District blends sketch comedy and rock music into unique stage productions, offering a full night of entertainment.

Are there any free events in Columbus, OH?

Columbus Commons in the heart of downtown hosts over 200 free events annually, including concerts and fitness classes. Additionally, the annual ComFest in Goodale Park is a large, non-corporate community festival with local music and art that is always free to attend.

What are the best neighborhoods for art events?

The Short North Arts District is a primary hub, known for its monthly Gallery Hop event. For a more concentrated artist-studio experience, the Franklinton Arts District hosts Franklinton Fridays, where local galleries and workshops open their doors to the public.

What are some popular date night ideas in Columbus?

A classic date night could involve exploring the brick-lined streets of German Village before seeing a performance downtown. The area's historic theaters like the Palace Theatre host touring shows, while many nearby restaurants offer pre-show dinner.

Where can I find live music events?

Newport Music Hall on High Street is a staple for national touring rock acts, hosting regular live music events. For a different vibe, the historic Lincoln Theatre on the Near East Side is a landmark venue presenting a variety of jazz, soul, and international artists.

What kinds of family-friendly activities are available?

The North Market Downtown offers a great daytime outing where families can explore diverse food vendors. For outdoor fun, Columbus Commons provides ample green space and a schedule of public programming suitable for all ages, from movies to concerts.

How can I experience the local food and drink scene?

Food halls like Budd Dairy Food Hall and East Market offer a way to sample multiple local chefs in one spot, often hosting special food events. For fresh produce and local goods, seasonal farmers' markets such as the Pearl Market provide a taste of the region.

Which Columbus neighborhoods have the most active nightlife?

The Short North Arts District is known for its high-energy nightlife with many bars and late-night spots. For a more relaxed evening with craft breweries and unique bars in historic buildings, the Brewery District is another excellent destination.