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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PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Today • 9:00 PM

The Go Go

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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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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Today • 9:00 PM

The Go Go

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

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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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Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

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Haunted Honky-Tonk Halloween Party

yesterday • 8:00 PM

4495 Bridge Park Ave

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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Today • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Thursday • 12:00 PM

835 Mt Vernon Ave

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Cooking With Dad

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

Walnut Ridge High School

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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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The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Sun, Dec 6 • 10:00 AM

The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center

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Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Check ticket price on event

Haunted Honky-Tonk Halloween Party

yesterday • 8:00 PM

4495 Bridge Park Ave

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Today • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

Check ticket price on event

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Thursday • 12:00 PM

835 Mt Vernon Ave

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Cooking With Dad

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

Walnut Ridge High School

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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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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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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT

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Gestion de l’anxiété dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires

Fri, Nov 13 • 1:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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Gestion des données de recherche [en ligne, GDR101]

Wed, Nov 25 • 9:30 AM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Animation du débreffage - 17 décembre 2026 - En ligne

Thu, Dec 17 • 12:30 PM EST

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

Check ticket price on event

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

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Gestion de l’anxiété dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires

Fri, Nov 13 • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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Gestion des données de recherche [en ligne, GDR101]

Wed, Nov 25 • 9:30 AM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Animation du débreffage - 17 décembre 2026 - En ligne

Thu, Dec 17 • 12:30 PM EST

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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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Love Jones (R&B Day Party)

Today • 5:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

Today • 1:00 PM

Blacklick Plaza

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PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Today • 9:00 PM

The Go Go

Check ticket price on event

Concierto y Noche de Adoración con Paul Wilbur y Rony Chavez - Columbus

Today • 6:30 PM

2425 Bethel Rd

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Dressed to Kill Halloween Party

Today • 7:00 PM

The Loom

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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Today • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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THE BIG TAILGATE "OSU vs. USC" AT VICTORY'S

Today • 5:30 PM

Classic Victory's

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FREE EVENT!! 6th Annual All Disabilities Fall Festival

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM

J H Ross Community Center

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Love Jones (R&B Day Party)

Today • 5:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

Today • 1:00 PM

Blacklick Plaza

Check ticket price on event

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Today • 9:00 PM

The Go Go

Check ticket price on event

Concierto y Noche de Adoración con Paul Wilbur y Rony Chavez - Columbus

Today • 6:30 PM

2425 Bethel Rd

Check ticket price on event

Dressed to Kill Halloween Party

Today • 7:00 PM

The Loom

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Today • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

Check ticket price on event

THE BIG TAILGATE "OSU vs. USC" AT VICTORY'S

Today • 5:30 PM

Classic Victory's

Check ticket price on event

FREE EVENT!! 6th Annual All Disabilities Fall Festival

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM

J H Ross Community Center

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

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

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

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

Men Without Hats

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

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

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

Men Without Hats

Popular in Columbus

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Haunted Honky-Tonk Halloween Party

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Cooking With Dad

FWC 2026: Macy's Destination Holiday Show

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

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Haunted Honky-Tonk Halloween Party

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Cooking With Dad

FWC 2026: Macy's Destination Holiday Show

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

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Online Events

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Gestion de l’anxiété dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Gestion des données de recherche [en ligne, GDR101]

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Animation du débreffage - 17 décembre 2026 - En ligne

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Gestion de l’anxiété dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Gestion des données de recherche [en ligne, GDR101]

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Animation du débreffage - 17 décembre 2026 - En ligne

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

Love Jones (R&B Day Party)

614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Concierto y Noche de Adoración con Paul Wilbur y Rony Chavez - Columbus

Dressed to Kill Halloween Party

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

THE BIG TAILGATE "OSU vs. USC" AT VICTORY'S

FREE EVENT!! 6th Annual All Disabilities Fall Festival

Love Jones (R&B Day Party)

614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Concierto y Noche de Adoración con Paul Wilbur y Rony Chavez - Columbus

Dressed to Kill Halloween Party

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

THE BIG TAILGATE "OSU vs. USC" AT VICTORY'S

FREE EVENT!! 6th Annual All Disabilities Fall Festival

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?