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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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Sat, Oct 10 • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

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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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COLUMBUS' BIGGEST BACHATA PARTY • La Casa de la Bachata™ @ Spain Night Club

Fri, Nov 20 • 9:00 PM

Spain Night Club

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Sat, Oct 10 • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

Check ticket price on event

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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COLUMBUS' BIGGEST BACHATA PARTY • La Casa de la Bachata™ @ Spain Night Club

Fri, Nov 20 • 9:00 PM

Spain Night Club

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Popular in Columbus

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Today • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Today • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Tuesday • 4:30 PM

Ohio Brewing Company Columbus

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Happy Hour Alert!

Tue, Oct 13 • 4:30 PM

Combustion Brewery & Taproom (Clintonville)

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AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thu, Oct 15 • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Fall Kickoff 3.0

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

College Green

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Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Fri, Oct 30 • 6:00 PM + 1 more

The Arne Slettebak OSU Planetarium

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Today • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

Check ticket price on event

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Today • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Tuesday • 4:30 PM

Ohio Brewing Company Columbus

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Happy Hour Alert!

Tue, Oct 13 • 4:30 PM

Combustion Brewery & Taproom (Clintonville)

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AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thu, Oct 15 • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Fall Kickoff 3.0

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

College Green

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Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Fri, Oct 30 • 6:00 PM + 1 more

The Arne Slettebak OSU Planetarium

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Online Events

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Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Today • 10:00 AM PDT

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

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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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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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Today • 10:00 AM PDT

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

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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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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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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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Today • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Today • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

Check ticket price on event

PINKCHELLA 2026

Today • 11:00 AM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Intro To Sketch Comedy

Today • 3:00 PM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

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The Art of Sauces (Week 4: Tomato Sauce)

Today • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Fashion as Rebellion - An Immersive Afternoon in the 1920's

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM

Enliven Health & Wellness

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Esther Rum Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge - Short North, Columbus

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Short North

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LEZ BRUNCH

Tomorrow • 11:00 AM

2333 N High St

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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Today • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

Check ticket price on event

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Today • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

Check ticket price on event

PINKCHELLA 2026

Today • 11:00 AM

The Columbus State Conference Center

Check ticket price on event

Intro To Sketch Comedy

Today • 3:00 PM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

Check ticket price on event

The Art of Sauces (Week 4: Tomato Sauce)

Today • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Fashion as Rebellion - An Immersive Afternoon in the 1920's

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM

Enliven Health & Wellness

Check ticket price on event

Esther Rum Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge - Short North, Columbus

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Short North

Check ticket price on event

LEZ BRUNCH

Tomorrow • 11:00 AM

2333 N High St

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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

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

COLUMBUS' BIGGEST BACHATA PARTY • La Casa de la Bachata™ @ Spain Night Club

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

COLUMBUS' BIGGEST BACHATA PARTY • La Casa de la Bachata™ @ Spain Night Club

Popular in Columbus

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Happy Hour Alert!

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Happy Hour Alert!

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Online Events

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

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

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

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

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

PINKCHELLA 2026

Intro To Sketch Comedy

The Art of Sauces (Week 4: Tomato Sauce)

Fashion as Rebellion - An Immersive Afternoon in the 1920's

Esther Rum Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge - Short North, Columbus

LEZ BRUNCH

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

PINKCHELLA 2026

Intro To Sketch Comedy

The Art of Sauces (Week 4: Tomato Sauce)

Fashion as Rebellion - An Immersive Afternoon in the 1920's

Esther Rum Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge - Short North, Columbus

LEZ BRUNCH

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?