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/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

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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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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

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

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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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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Popular in Columbus

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80s Dress UP party!!!

Friday • 7:00 PM

520 S Front St

Free

VHS Social Club

31 followers

Promoted

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Tuesday • 4:30 PM

Ohio Brewing Company Columbus

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SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

Wednesday • 8:30 AM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

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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

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Fall Kickoff 3.0

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

College Green

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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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Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Fri, Oct 30 • 6:00 PM + 1 more

The Arne Slettebak OSU Planetarium

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80s Dress UP party!!!

Friday • 7:00 PM

520 S Front St

Free

VHS Social Club

31 followers

Promoted

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Tuesday • 4:30 PM

Ohio Brewing Company Columbus

Check ticket price on event

SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

Wednesday • 8:30 AM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

Check ticket price on event

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

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

College Green

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

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Fri, Oct 30 • 6:00 PM + 1 more

The Arne Slettebak OSU Planetarium

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Online Events

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AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

Thursday • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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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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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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AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

Thursday • 6:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(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

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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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This Weekend

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The Sweet Soirée

Friday • 5:00 PM

Blanco Event Center

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Christian Singles Social [30 to 50] - Columbus, OH

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Daydreamer Coffee

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Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 1

Saturday • 12:30 PM

FRANKLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

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In Person: Boo Bags, Kindness Treats and Donation Drive

Saturday • 1:30 PM

Worthington Resource Pantry

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Chocolate Decadence: Classic Brownies & Chocolate Sauce

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Healthy Relationships Empowerment Event

Saturday • 12:45 PM

Columbus Metropolitan Library: Whitehall Branch

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HALLOWEEN DRAG + YOGA

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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Gothic Calligraphy 101 Workshop

Sun, Oct 11 • 11:00 AM

Best Side Design

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The Sweet Soirée

Friday • 5:00 PM

Blanco Event Center

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Christian Singles Social [30 to 50] - Columbus, OH

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Daydreamer Coffee

Check ticket price on event

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 1

Saturday • 12:30 PM

FRANKLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

Check ticket price on event

In Person: Boo Bags, Kindness Treats and Donation Drive

Saturday • 1:30 PM

Worthington Resource Pantry

Check ticket price on event

Chocolate Decadence: Classic Brownies & Chocolate Sauce

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Healthy Relationships Empowerment Event

Saturday • 12:45 PM

Columbus Metropolitan Library: Whitehall Branch

Check ticket price on event

HALLOWEEN DRAG + YOGA

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

Gothic Calligraphy 101 Workshop

Sun, Oct 11 • 11:00 AM

Best Side Design

Check ticket price on event

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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/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

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

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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

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

Popular in Columbus

80s Dress UP party!!!

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

80s Dress UP party!!!

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Online Events

AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Witch hunts and real lives

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Witch hunts and real lives

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

The Sweet Soirée

Christian Singles Social [30 to 50] - Columbus, OH

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 1

In Person: Boo Bags, Kindness Treats and Donation Drive

Chocolate Decadence: Classic Brownies & Chocolate Sauce

Healthy Relationships Empowerment Event

HALLOWEEN DRAG + YOGA

Gothic Calligraphy 101 Workshop

The Sweet Soirée

Christian Singles Social [30 to 50] - Columbus, OH

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 1

In Person: Boo Bags, Kindness Treats and Donation Drive

Chocolate Decadence: Classic Brownies & Chocolate Sauce

Healthy Relationships Empowerment Event

HALLOWEEN DRAG + YOGA

Gothic Calligraphy 101 Workshop

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?