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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NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Fri, Oct 2 • 10:00 PM

Taboa

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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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NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Fri, Oct 2 • 10:00 PM

Taboa

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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Popular in Columbus

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Moment of Clarity

Saturday • 4:00 PM

Overlook at Astor Park

From $43.27

Dra Tyson Presents

631 followers

Promoted

Family Resource Fair

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Westgate Shelterhouse

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Lead The Way Open House

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Lead The Way

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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Sat, Oct 3 • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Sat, Oct 3 • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

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Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit

Wed, Oct 7 • 8:30 AM

Columbus State Community College - Center for Workforce Development

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First Tuesday Tea - October 2026

Thu, Oct 8 • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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100 Years of Excellence: McGuffey School Building & CAHS Multiyear reunion

Sat, Oct 10 • 12:00 PM

2632 McGuffey Rd

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Moment of Clarity

Saturday • 4:00 PM

Overlook at Astor Park

From $43.27

Dra Tyson Presents

631 followers

Promoted

Family Resource Fair

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Westgate Shelterhouse

Check ticket price on event

Lead The Way Open House

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Lead The Way

Check ticket price on event

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Sat, Oct 3 • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

Check ticket price on event

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Sat, Oct 3 • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

Check ticket price on event

Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit

Wed, Oct 7 • 8:30 AM

Columbus State Community College - Center for Workforce Development

Check ticket price on event

First Tuesday Tea - October 2026

Thu, Oct 8 • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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100 Years of Excellence: McGuffey School Building & CAHS Multiyear reunion

Sat, Oct 10 • 12:00 PM

2632 McGuffey Rd

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Online Events

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Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Sunday • 10:00 AM PDT

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Online Group Reading - September 27

Sunday • 8:00 PM ADT

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Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Tuesday • 2:00 PM EDT

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Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Sat, Oct 3 • 12:00 AM CDT

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

Wed, Oct 7 • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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International Webinar on Ultrasound Imaging in Physiotherapy

Sat, Oct 10 • 10:30 AM GMT+1

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Sunday • 10:00 AM PDT

Check ticket price on event

Online Group Reading - September 27

Sunday • 8:00 PM ADT

Check ticket price on event

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Tuesday • 2:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Sat, Oct 3 • 12:00 AM CDT

Check ticket price on event

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

Wed, Oct 7 • 7:30 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

International Webinar on Ultrasound Imaging in Physiotherapy

Sat, Oct 10 • 10:30 AM GMT+1

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

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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NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Slow Wine Columbus

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Sahara Lux Restaurant and Lounge

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General Public’s Summers Over Party Pt. 2

Saturday • 10:00 AM

The Forum

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Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Fri, Oct 2 • 10:00 PM

Taboa

Check ticket price on event

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

Sat, Oct 3 • 7:00 PM

The Spacebar

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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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KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Skully's Music-Diner

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NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Slow Wine Columbus

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Sahara Lux Restaurant and Lounge

Check ticket price on event

General Public’s Summers Over Party Pt. 2

Saturday • 10:00 AM

The Forum

Check ticket price on event

Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Fri, Oct 2 • 10:00 PM

Taboa

Check ticket price on event

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

Sat, Oct 3 • 7:00 PM

The Spacebar

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

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

NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Popular in Columbus

Moment of Clarity

Family Resource Fair

Lead The Way Open House

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit

First Tuesday Tea - October 2026

100 Years of Excellence: McGuffey School Building & CAHS Multiyear reunion

Moment of Clarity

Family Resource Fair

Lead The Way Open House

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit

First Tuesday Tea - October 2026

100 Years of Excellence: McGuffey School Building & CAHS Multiyear reunion

Online Events

Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Online Group Reading - September 27

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

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

International Webinar on Ultrasound Imaging in Physiotherapy

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Online Group Reading - September 27

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

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

International Webinar on Ultrasound Imaging in Physiotherapy

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Music events

NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Slow Wine Columbus

General Public’s Summers Over Party Pt. 2

Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Slow Wine Columbus

General Public’s Summers Over Party Pt. 2

Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

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?