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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Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Tomorrow • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Newport Music Hall, North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

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

Fri, Oct 23 • 9:00 PM

Aurora Nightlife

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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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Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Tomorrow • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Newport Music Hall, North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

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

Fri, Oct 23 • 9:00 PM

Aurora Nightlife

Check ticket price on event

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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Popular in Columbus

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AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Today • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON OCTOBER 15TH THURSDAY

Today • 10:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Easton

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Don't Drake And Drive

Tomorrow • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Monday • 8:00 AM

1739 N High St

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VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Thu, Oct 22 • 4:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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Summit on Sustainability

Wed, Oct 28 • 8:00 AM

Hilton Columbus Downtown

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614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 1:00 PM

Blacklick Plaza

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First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Thu, Nov 5 • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Today • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

Check ticket price on event

DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON OCTOBER 15TH THURSDAY

Today • 10:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Easton

Check ticket price on event

Don't Drake And Drive

Tomorrow • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Monday • 8:00 AM

1739 N High St

Check ticket price on event

VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Thu, Oct 22 • 4:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

Check ticket price on event

Summit on Sustainability

Wed, Oct 28 • 8:00 AM

Hilton Columbus Downtown

Check ticket price on event

614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 1:00 PM

Blacklick Plaza

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First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Thu, Nov 5 • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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Online Events

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today • 8:00 AM EDT

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Saturday • 9:00 AM EDT

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Beyond 1066: the legacy of the Norman Conquest

Fri, Oct 23 • 2:00 PM GMT+1

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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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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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Saturday • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Beyond 1066: the legacy of the Norman Conquest

Fri, Oct 23 • 2:00 PM GMT+1

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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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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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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Marcus Monroe LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club

Tomorrow • 9:00 PM

The Walrus

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Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Tomorrow • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Newport Music Hall, North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

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Halloween Dance Competition

Saturday • 12:00 PM

West High School

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Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Stonewall Columbus

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Columbus Halloween Singles Mixer 2026

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Eupouria (You Pour)

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The Art of Sauces: Week 6: Contemporary Sauces

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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R.S.V.P. Rosé Shades of Pink Brunch Day Party Social

Sunday • 12:30 PM

Mandrake Rooftop

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Marcus Monroe LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club

Tomorrow • 9:00 PM

The Walrus

Check ticket price on event

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Tomorrow • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Newport Music Hall, North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

Check ticket price on event

Halloween Dance Competition

Saturday • 12:00 PM

West High School

Check ticket price on event

Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Stonewall Columbus

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Columbus Halloween Singles Mixer 2026

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Eupouria (You Pour)

Check ticket price on event

The Art of Sauces: Week 6: Contemporary Sauces

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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R.S.V.P. Rosé Shades of Pink Brunch Day Party Social

Sunday • 12:30 PM

Mandrake Rooftop

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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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

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

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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

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

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

Popular in Columbus

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON OCTOBER 15TH THURSDAY

Don't Drake And Drive

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Summit on Sustainability

614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON OCTOBER 15TH THURSDAY

Don't Drake And Drive

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Summit on Sustainability

614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Online Events

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Beyond 1066: the legacy of the Norman Conquest

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Beyond 1066: the legacy of the Norman Conquest

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

Marcus Monroe LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Halloween Dance Competition

Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow

Columbus Halloween Singles Mixer 2026

The Art of Sauces: Week 6: Contemporary Sauces

R.S.V.P. Rosé Shades of Pink Brunch Day Party Social

Marcus Monroe LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Halloween Dance Competition

Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow

Columbus Halloween Singles Mixer 2026

The Art of Sauces: Week 6: Contemporary Sauces

R.S.V.P. Rosé Shades of Pink Brunch Day Party Social

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?