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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After 8pm

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DAVE TOLLIVER

Today • 8:00 PM

daniel crease MULTI cultural center

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Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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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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ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

40 E Long St

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DAVE TOLLIVER

Today • 8:00 PM

daniel crease MULTI cultural center

Check ticket price on event

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

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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ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

40 E Long St

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Popular in Columbus

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AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thursday • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Lightoberfest Columbus 2026

Thursday • 3:00 PM

The Fives Columbus

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Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Mon, Oct 19 • 8:00 AM

1739 N High St

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Summit on Sustainability

Wed, Oct 28 • 8:00 AM

Hilton Columbus Downtown

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Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Thu, Nov 5 • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thursday • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

Check ticket price on event

Lightoberfest Columbus 2026

Thursday • 3:00 PM

The Fives Columbus

Check ticket price on event

Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Mon, Oct 19 • 8:00 AM

1739 N High St

Check ticket price on event

Summit on Sustainability

Wed, Oct 28 • 8:00 AM

Hilton Columbus Downtown

Check ticket price on event

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Thu, Nov 5 • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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Online Events

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

Check ticket price on event

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Music events

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DAVE TOLLIVER

Today • 8:00 PM

daniel crease MULTI cultural center

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Yacobucci @ The Summit Music Hall

Today • 7:00 PM

The Summit Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 PM

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

Check ticket price on event

ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

40 E Long St

Check ticket price on event

The Winter Nap Concert

Sat, Nov 14 • 7:00 PM

3840 Kimberly Pkwy N

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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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KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Skully's Music-Diner

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DAVE TOLLIVER

Today • 8:00 PM

daniel crease MULTI cultural center

Check ticket price on event

Yacobucci @ The Summit Music Hall

Today • 7:00 PM

The Summit Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 PM

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

Check ticket price on event

ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

40 E Long St

Check ticket price on event

The Winter Nap Concert

Sat, Nov 14 • 7:00 PM

3840 Kimberly Pkwy N

Check ticket price on event

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

Fri, Nov 20 • 9:00 PM

Spain Night Club

Check ticket price on event

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Skully's Music-Diner

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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.

After 8pm

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DAVE TOLLIVER

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DAVE TOLLIVER

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

Popular in Columbus

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Lightoberfest Columbus 2026

Don't Drake And Drive

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Summit on Sustainability

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Lightoberfest Columbus 2026

Don't Drake And Drive

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Summit on Sustainability

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Online Events

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Witch hunts and real lives

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Witch hunts and real lives

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Music events

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DAVE TOLLIVER

Yacobucci @ The Summit Music Hall

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

The Winter Nap Concert

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

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DAVE TOLLIVER

Yacobucci @ The Summit Music Hall

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

The Winter Nap Concert

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

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Points of Interest near Columbus

Where are the best venues for comedy shows in Columbus?

Are there any free events in Columbus, OH?

What are the best neighborhoods for art events?

What are some popular date night ideas in Columbus?

Where can I find live music events?

What kinds of family-friendly activities are available?

How can I experience the local food and drink scene?

Which Columbus neighborhoods have the most active nightlife?