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.

autocomplete

After 8pm

Explore more events

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

Check ticket price on event

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

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Popular in Columbus

Explore more events

SkinSpirit Dublin Ohio Grand Opening

Tomorrow • 5:00 PM

4375 W Dublin-Granville Rd

Check ticket price on event

CBUS HBCU ALUMNI & FRIENDS HAPPY HOUR VIBES

Friday • 5:00 PM

Terrace Bar

Check ticket price on event

Family Resource Fair

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Westgate Shelterhouse

Check ticket price on event

Team Buckeye Fall Gathering and Gravel Day Send Off Party

Thu, Oct 1 • 5:00 PM

Ohio Stadium - Recruit Room

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

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

Sat, Oct 10 • 12:00 PM

2632 McGuffey Rd

Check ticket price on event

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thu, Oct 15 • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

Check ticket price on event

SkinSpirit Dublin Ohio Grand Opening

Tomorrow • 5:00 PM

4375 W Dublin-Granville Rd

Check ticket price on event

CBUS HBCU ALUMNI & FRIENDS HAPPY HOUR VIBES

Friday • 5:00 PM

Terrace Bar

Check ticket price on event

Family Resource Fair

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Westgate Shelterhouse

Check ticket price on event

Team Buckeye Fall Gathering and Gravel Day Send Off Party

Thu, Oct 1 • 5:00 PM

Ohio Stadium - Recruit Room

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

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

Sat, Oct 10 • 12:00 PM

2632 McGuffey Rd

Check ticket price on event

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thu, Oct 15 • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Online Events

Explore more events

Le repreneuriat : une opportunité d'affaires entre le Québec et le Bénin

Today • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Devenir un leader exemplaire

Today • 12:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

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

Sunday • 10:00 AM PDT

Check ticket price on event

Atelier en ligne Psycom : prise en main du Cosmos Mental®

Thu, Oct 1 • 9:00 AM GMT+2

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

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Le repreneuriat : une opportunité d'affaires entre le Québec et le Bénin

Today • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Devenir un leader exemplaire

Today • 12:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

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

Sunday • 10:00 AM PDT

Check ticket price on event

Atelier en ligne Psycom : prise en main du Cosmos Mental®

Thu, Oct 1 • 9:00 AM GMT+2

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

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

This Weekend

Explore more events

Rin Reczek Author Event

Friday • 6:30 PM

Prologue Bookshop

Check ticket price on event

Fang Fest and Street Faire

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Green Lawn Cemetery

Check ticket price on event

The Faith & Wellness Social!

Saturday • 9:00 AM

1755 E Broad St

Check ticket price on event

Fall in Love with Cake - Fall Cake Decorating Class

Saturday • 1:30 PM

Donatos Pizza

Check ticket price on event

Moment of Clarity

Saturday • 4:00 PM

Overlook at Astor Park

Check ticket price on event

Kevin Farley LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club! September 26, 7 PM

Saturday • 7:00 PM

The Walrus

Check ticket price on event

NOBLE GEMS: Radiant by Design Fashion Show

Saturday • 2:00 PM

The Potter's House Church of God

Check ticket price on event

In Person: Wrapping Babies in Love: Diaper Drive @ 9:30AM

Sunday • 9:30 AM

Columbus Diaper Bank

Check ticket price on event

Rin Reczek Author Event

Friday • 6:30 PM

Prologue Bookshop

Check ticket price on event

Fang Fest and Street Faire

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Green Lawn Cemetery

Check ticket price on event

The Faith & Wellness Social!

Saturday • 9:00 AM

1755 E Broad St

Check ticket price on event

Fall in Love with Cake - Fall Cake Decorating Class

Saturday • 1:30 PM

Donatos Pizza

Check ticket price on event

Moment of Clarity

Saturday • 4:00 PM

Overlook at Astor Park

Check ticket price on event

Kevin Farley LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club! September 26, 7 PM

Saturday • 7:00 PM

The Walrus

Check ticket price on event

NOBLE GEMS: Radiant by Design Fashion Show

Saturday • 2:00 PM

The Potter's House Church of God

Check ticket price on event

In Person: Wrapping Babies in Love: Diaper Drive @ 9:30AM

Sunday • 9:30 AM

Columbus Diaper Bank

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

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

SkinSpirit Dublin Ohio Grand Opening

CBUS HBCU ALUMNI & FRIENDS HAPPY HOUR VIBES

Family Resource Fair

Team Buckeye Fall Gathering and Gravel Day Send Off Party

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

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

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

SkinSpirit Dublin Ohio Grand Opening

CBUS HBCU ALUMNI & FRIENDS HAPPY HOUR VIBES

Family Resource Fair

Team Buckeye Fall Gathering and Gravel Day Send Off Party

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

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

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Online Events

Le repreneuriat : une opportunité d'affaires entre le Québec et le Bénin

Devenir un leader exemplaire

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

Atelier en ligne Psycom : prise en main du Cosmos Mental®

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

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

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Lean Global Connection 2026

Le repreneuriat : une opportunité d'affaires entre le Québec et le Bénin

Devenir un leader exemplaire

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

Atelier en ligne Psycom : prise en main du Cosmos Mental®

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

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

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Lean Global Connection 2026

This Weekend

Rin Reczek Author Event

Fang Fest and Street Faire

The Faith & Wellness Social!

Fall in Love with Cake - Fall Cake Decorating Class

Moment of Clarity

Kevin Farley LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club! September 26, 7 PM

NOBLE GEMS: Radiant by Design Fashion Show

In Person: Wrapping Babies in Love: Diaper Drive @ 9:30AM

Rin Reczek Author Event

Fang Fest and Street Faire

The Faith & Wellness Social!

Fall in Love with Cake - Fall Cake Decorating Class

Moment of Clarity

Kevin Farley LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club! September 26, 7 PM

NOBLE GEMS: Radiant by Design Fashion Show

In Person: Wrapping Babies in Love: Diaper Drive @ 9:30AM

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?