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

Today • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Tomorrow • 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

Today • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Tomorrow • 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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Popular in Columbus

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Don't Drake And Drive

Today • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Fall Kickoff 3.0

Monday • 6:00 PM

College Green

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AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Monday • 8:00 AM

1739 N High St

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Pursuit 15th Anniversary & Loft Grand Opening

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

The Pursuit Loft

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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

835 Mt Vernon Ave

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Don't Drake And Drive

Today • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Monday • 6:00 PM

College Green

Check ticket price on event

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Monday • 8:00 AM

1739 N High St

Check ticket price on event

Pursuit 15th Anniversary & Loft Grand Opening

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

The Pursuit Loft

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

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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

835 Mt Vernon Ave

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Storytelling in Education

Tomorrow • 9:00 AM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thursday • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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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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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Storytelling in Education

Tomorrow • 9:00 AM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thursday • 6:00 PM GMT+2

Check ticket price on event

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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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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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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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This Weekend

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R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

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

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LATINO AF: A Comedy Show @ The Attic Comedy Club, Columbus

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

The Walrus

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Halloween Dance Competition

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM

West High School

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Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

Stonewall Columbus

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Columbus Halloween Singles Mixer 2026

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

Eupouria (You Pour)

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The Art of Sauces: Week 6: Contemporary Sauces

Tomorrow • 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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Singing Bowl Workshop 103 | hOm at Radiant

Sunday • 2:30 PM

Radiant Yoga and Wellness

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R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

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

Check ticket price on event

LATINO AF: A Comedy Show @ The Attic Comedy Club, Columbus

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

The Walrus

Check ticket price on event

Halloween Dance Competition

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM

West High School

Check ticket price on event

Come Out For Stonewall - A Brighter Tomorrow

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

Stonewall Columbus

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Halloween Singles Mixer 2026

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

Eupouria (You Pour)

Check ticket price on event

The Art of Sauces: Week 6: Contemporary Sauces

Tomorrow • 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

Check ticket price on event

Singing Bowl Workshop 103 | hOm at Radiant

Sunday • 2:30 PM

Radiant Yoga and Wellness

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

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

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Pursuit 15th Anniversary & Loft Grand Opening

VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Summit on Sustainability

614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

AI Rising Conference: Beyond the Hype

Pursuit 15th Anniversary & Loft Grand Opening

VOLUME UP SUMMIT 2026

Summit on Sustainability

614Us presents Trunk or Treat 2026

First Tuesday Tea - November 2026

Online Events

Storytelling in Education

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Storytelling in Education

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

LATINO AF: A Comedy Show @ The Attic Comedy Club, Columbus

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

Singing Bowl Workshop 103 | hOm at Radiant

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

LATINO AF: A Comedy Show @ The Attic Comedy Club, Columbus

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

Singing Bowl Workshop 103 | hOm at Radiant

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?