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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RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

Sat, Nov 14 • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

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FEATURING R&B PRESENTS: THE 100% R&B PARTY

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

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Silent Headphones Party: Sneaky Link by HUSH (COLUMBUS)

Sat, Nov 21 • 10:00 PM

Taboa night club

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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

Sat, Nov 14 • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

FEATURING R&B PRESENTS: THE 100% R&B PARTY

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Silent Headphones Party: Sneaky Link by HUSH (COLUMBUS)

Sat, Nov 21 • 10:00 PM

Taboa night club

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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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First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Thursday • 12:00 PM

835 Mt Vernon Ave

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Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair

Friday • 9:00 AM

Columbus Museum of Art

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Cooking With Dad

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Walnut Ridge High School

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KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

Sun, Nov 8 • 12:00 PM

1560 Polaris Pkwy

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FWC 2026: Macy's Destination Holiday Show

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:30 PM

Macy's

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Soul Talk: Relationships Presented by Franklin County and City of Grace

Fri, Nov 13 • 6:00 PM

East High School

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2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Wed, Nov 18 • 9:00 AM

CSCC, Mitchell Hall

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The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Sun, Dec 6 • 10:00 AM

The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center

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First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Thursday • 12:00 PM

835 Mt Vernon Ave

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Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair

Friday • 9:00 AM

Columbus Museum of Art

Check ticket price on event

Cooking With Dad

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Walnut Ridge High School

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KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

Sun, Nov 8 • 12:00 PM

1560 Polaris Pkwy

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FWC 2026: Macy's Destination Holiday Show

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:30 PM

Macy's

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Soul Talk: Relationships Presented by Franklin County and City of Grace

Fri, Nov 13 • 6:00 PM

East High School

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2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Wed, Nov 18 • 9:00 AM

CSCC, Mitchell Hall

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The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Sun, Dec 6 • 10:00 AM

The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center

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Online Events

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

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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FUTURIRE: FUTUR-WORLD 2026

Thu, Nov 26 • 3:30 PM GMT+1

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NY - Film History Livestream

Sat, Mar 13 • 3:00 PM EST

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

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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FUTURIRE: FUTUR-WORLD 2026

Thu, Nov 26 • 3:30 PM GMT+1

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NY - Film History Livestream

Sat, Mar 13 • 3:00 PM EST

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Music events

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FORTUNATE YOUTH FALL TOUR VIP EXPERIENCE - Columbus, OH

Wednesday • 4:00 PM

Newport Music Hall

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Taco Tuesday in COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stevie Mackey & Friends

Thursday • 7:00 PM

The Forum

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RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

Sat, Nov 14 • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

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FEATURING R&B PRESENTS: THE 100% R&B PARTY

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

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A Night of Soul at CUT 132 | A Live Band Experience

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

CUT132

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Blueprint Ball presents Vol. 6: The Prototype

Sat, Dec 5 • 7:00 PM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Skully's Music-Diner

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FORTUNATE YOUTH FALL TOUR VIP EXPERIENCE - Columbus, OH

Wednesday • 4:00 PM

Newport Music Hall

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Taco Tuesday in COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stevie Mackey & Friends

Thursday • 7:00 PM

The Forum

Check ticket price on event

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

Sat, Nov 14 • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

FEATURING R&B PRESENTS: THE 100% R&B PARTY

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

Check ticket price on event

A Night of Soul at CUT 132 | A Live Band Experience

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

CUT132

Check ticket price on event

Blueprint Ball presents Vol. 6: The Prototype

Sat, Dec 5 • 7:00 PM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

Check ticket price on event

Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

Check ticket price on event

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Skully's Music-Diner

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

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

FEATURING R&B PRESENTS: THE 100% R&B PARTY

Silent Headphones Party: Sneaky Link by HUSH (COLUMBUS)

Men Without Hats

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

FEATURING R&B PRESENTS: THE 100% R&B PARTY

Silent Headphones Party: Sneaky Link by HUSH (COLUMBUS)

Men Without Hats

Popular in Columbus

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair

Cooking With Dad

KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

FWC 2026: Macy's Destination Holiday Show

Soul Talk: Relationships Presented by Franklin County and City of Grace

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair

Cooking With Dad

KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

FWC 2026: Macy's Destination Holiday Show

Soul Talk: Relationships Presented by Franklin County and City of Grace

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Online Events

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

FUTURIRE: FUTUR-WORLD 2026

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NY - Film History Livestream

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

FUTURIRE: FUTUR-WORLD 2026

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NY - Film History Livestream

Music events

FORTUNATE YOUTH FALL TOUR VIP EXPERIENCE - Columbus, OH

Taco Tuesday in COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stevie Mackey & Friends

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

FEATURING R&B PRESENTS: THE 100% R&B PARTY

A Night of Soul at CUT 132 | A Live Band Experience

Blueprint Ball presents Vol. 6: The Prototype

Men Without Hats

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

FORTUNATE YOUTH FALL TOUR VIP EXPERIENCE - Columbus, OH

Taco Tuesday in COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stevie Mackey & Friends

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

FEATURING R&B PRESENTS: THE 100% R&B PARTY

A Night of Soul at CUT 132 | A Live Band Experience

Blueprint Ball presents Vol. 6: The Prototype

Men Without Hats

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?