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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Reggaeton Paradise | Columbus | Pre-Halloween Edition | 18+

Friday • 9:00 PM

Aurora Nightlife

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First Fridays Presents: The Black Label Mansion Affair

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

530 E Town St

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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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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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Reggaeton Paradise | Columbus | Pre-Halloween Edition | 18+

Friday • 9:00 PM

Aurora Nightlife

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First Fridays Presents: The Black Label Mansion Affair

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

530 E Town St

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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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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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Popular in Columbus

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Pursuit 15th Anniversary & Loft Grand Opening

Today • 6:00 PM

The Pursuit Loft

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VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Tomorrow • 4:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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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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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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Greater KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

Sun, Nov 8 • 12:00 PM

1560 Polaris Pkwy

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2026 Veterans Day Event : Honoring Our Ohio Medal of Honor Recipients

Tue, Nov 10 • 8:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Soul Talk: Relationships

Fri, Nov 13 • 6:00 PM

East High School

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Pursuit 15th Anniversary & Loft Grand Opening

Today • 6:00 PM

The Pursuit Loft

Check ticket price on event

VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Tomorrow • 4:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

Check ticket price on event

Greater KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

Sun, Nov 8 • 12:00 PM

1560 Polaris Pkwy

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2026 Veterans Day Event : Honoring Our Ohio Medal of Honor Recipients

Tue, Nov 10 • 8:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Soul Talk: Relationships

Fri, Nov 13 • 6:00 PM

East High School

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Online Events

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Beyond 1066: the legacy of the Norman Conquest

Friday • 2:00 PM GMT+1

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Saturday • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:30 PM EDT

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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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Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Sat, Dec 5 • 12:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Beyond 1066: the legacy of the Norman Conquest

Friday • 2:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Saturday • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:30 PM EDT

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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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Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Sat, Dec 5 • 12:00 PM GMT

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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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Reggaeton Paradise | Columbus | Pre-Halloween Edition | 18+

Friday • 9:00 PM

Aurora Nightlife

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Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 2

Saturday • 12:30 PM

FRANKLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

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Oct 24th halloween Go Go Drag Brunch

Saturday • 12:00 PM

The Go Go

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The Serenade 2

Saturday • 7:00 PM

GENESIS Downtown

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Columbus Speed Dating for Singles Age 37-54 ♥ by Pre-Dating Ohio

Sunday • 6:00 PM

Spires Social Brewing Co

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In Person: BINGO and Board Games with Senior Friends

Sunday • 1:00 PM

National Church Residences Harmony Trace

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The Black Poets Mixer | Spooky Edition ️

Sunday • 6:00 PM

273 S 3rd St

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Old Forester Bourbon Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge | Short North, Columbus

Sunday • 7:00 PM

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Short North

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Reggaeton Paradise | Columbus | Pre-Halloween Edition | 18+

Friday • 9:00 PM

Aurora Nightlife

Check ticket price on event

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 2

Saturday • 12:30 PM

FRANKLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

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Oct 24th halloween Go Go Drag Brunch

Saturday • 12:00 PM

The Go Go

Check ticket price on event

The Serenade 2

Saturday • 7:00 PM

GENESIS Downtown

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Speed Dating for Singles Age 37-54 ♥ by Pre-Dating Ohio

Sunday • 6:00 PM

Spires Social Brewing Co

Check ticket price on event

In Person: BINGO and Board Games with Senior Friends

Sunday • 1:00 PM

National Church Residences Harmony Trace

Check ticket price on event

The Black Poets Mixer | Spooky Edition ️

Sunday • 6:00 PM

273 S 3rd St

Check ticket price on event

Old Forester Bourbon Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge | Short North, Columbus

Sunday • 7:00 PM

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Short North

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

Reggaeton Paradise | Columbus | Pre-Halloween Edition | 18+

First Fridays Presents: The Black Label Mansion Affair

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

Men Without Hats

Reggaeton Paradise | Columbus | Pre-Halloween Edition | 18+

First Fridays Presents: The Black Label Mansion Affair

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

Men Without Hats

Popular in Columbus

Pursuit 15th Anniversary & Loft Grand Opening

VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Greater KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

2026 Veterans Day Event : Honoring Our Ohio Medal of Honor Recipients

Soul Talk: Relationships

Pursuit 15th Anniversary & Loft Grand Opening

VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Greater KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

2026 Veterans Day Event : Honoring Our Ohio Medal of Honor Recipients

Soul Talk: Relationships

Online Events

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Beyond 1066: the legacy of the Norman Conquest

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Beyond 1066: the legacy of the Norman Conquest

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

Reggaeton Paradise | Columbus | Pre-Halloween Edition | 18+

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 2

Oct 24th halloween Go Go Drag Brunch

The Serenade 2

Columbus Speed Dating for Singles Age 37-54 ♥ by Pre-Dating Ohio

In Person: BINGO and Board Games with Senior Friends

The Black Poets Mixer | Spooky Edition ️

Old Forester Bourbon Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge | Short North, Columbus

Reggaeton Paradise | Columbus | Pre-Halloween Edition | 18+

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 2

Oct 24th halloween Go Go Drag Brunch

The Serenade 2

Columbus Speed Dating for Singles Age 37-54 ♥ by Pre-Dating Ohio

In Person: BINGO and Board Games with Senior Friends

The Black Poets Mixer | Spooky Edition ️

Old Forester Bourbon Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge | Short North, Columbus

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?