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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Silent Headphones Party: Sneaky Link by HUSH (COLUMBUS)

Sat, Nov 21 • 10:00 PM

Taboa night club

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Lover Girl Chronicles: Love in Rotation — Soft Launch

Fri, Dec 11 • 9:00 PM

MĀYĀ Lounge & Hookah

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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

Fri, Dec 25 • 9:00 PM

2101 Noe Bixby Rd

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Silent Headphones Party: Sneaky Link by HUSH (COLUMBUS)

Sat, Nov 21 • 10:00 PM

Taboa night club

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Lover Girl Chronicles: Love in Rotation — Soft Launch

Fri, Dec 11 • 9:00 PM

MĀYĀ Lounge & Hookah

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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

Fri, Dec 25 • 9:00 PM

2101 Noe Bixby Rd

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Popular in Columbus

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2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Wednesday • 9:00 AM

CSCC, Mitchell Hall

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Columbus Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup

Wednesday • 6:30 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

Thursday • 6:00 PM

The Athletic Club of Columbus

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DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON NOVEMBER 19TH THURSDAY

Thursday • 10:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Easton

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A Table of Thanks: Nourishing Our Community

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Friendship Baptist Church

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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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100BMCO 2026 Newly Elected Officials Reception

Tue, Dec 15 • 5:30 PM

Columbus Museum of Art

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NEW BOMB TURKS w/ special guests Red Velvet Letdown @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Wed, Dec 16 • 6:00 PM

The Spacebar

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2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Wednesday • 9:00 AM

CSCC, Mitchell Hall

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup

Wednesday • 6:30 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

Check ticket price on event

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

Thursday • 6:00 PM

The Athletic Club of Columbus

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DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON NOVEMBER 19TH THURSDAY

Thursday • 10:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Easton

Check ticket price on event

A Table of Thanks: Nourishing Our Community

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Friendship Baptist Church

Check ticket price on event

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Sun, Dec 6 • 10:00 AM

The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center

Check ticket price on event

100BMCO 2026 Newly Elected Officials Reception

Tue, Dec 15 • 5:30 PM

Columbus Museum of Art

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NEW BOMB TURKS w/ special guests Red Velvet Letdown @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Wed, Dec 16 • 6:00 PM

The Spacebar

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HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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JOHN LEVIN MEMORIAL CONFERENCE ON ALZHEIMER'S: BRAIN HEALTH REIMAGINED

Fri, Dec 4 • 10:00 AM EST

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Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Sat, Dec 5 • 12:00 PM GMT

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HBR Press Webinar: The Scientific Mindset

Tue, Dec 8 • 8:00 AM EST

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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NY - Film History Livestream

Sat, Mar 13 • 3:00 PM EST

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HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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JOHN LEVIN MEMORIAL CONFERENCE ON ALZHEIMER'S: BRAIN HEALTH REIMAGINED

Fri, Dec 4 • 10:00 AM EST

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Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Sat, Dec 5 • 12:00 PM GMT

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HBR Press Webinar: The Scientific Mindset

Tue, Dec 8 • 8:00 AM EST

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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NY - Film History Livestream

Sat, Mar 13 • 3:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Britton Emert LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club

Today • 8:00 PM

The Walrus

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Sqwerv Fall Tour 2026 @ The Summit Music Hall

Today • 8:00 PM

The Summit Music Hall

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Dauber (FMO Screaming Females), Jake King, Jack Off Demons, Dingo Dango

Today • 6:00 PM

Cafe Bourbon Street

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Second Sundays Comedy Showcase

Today • 6:00 PM

Bon Aire Restaurant & Lounge

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Ecstatic Dance Columbus with DJ Ayala

Today • 1:00 PM

2350 Indianola Ave

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Britton Emert LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club

Today • 8:00 PM

The Walrus

Check ticket price on event

Sqwerv Fall Tour 2026 @ The Summit Music Hall

Today • 8:00 PM

The Summit Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

Dauber (FMO Screaming Females), Jake King, Jack Off Demons, Dingo Dango

Today • 6:00 PM

Cafe Bourbon Street

Check ticket price on event

Second Sundays Comedy Showcase

Today • 6:00 PM

Bon Aire Restaurant & Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Ecstatic Dance Columbus with DJ Ayala

Today • 1:00 PM

2350 Indianola Ave

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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

Silent Headphones Party: Sneaky Link by HUSH (COLUMBUS)

Lover Girl Chronicles: Love in Rotation — Soft Launch

Men Without Hats

RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

Silent Headphones Party: Sneaky Link by HUSH (COLUMBUS)

Lover Girl Chronicles: Love in Rotation — Soft Launch

Men Without Hats

RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

Popular in Columbus

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Columbus Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON NOVEMBER 19TH THURSDAY

A Table of Thanks: Nourishing Our Community

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

100BMCO 2026 Newly Elected Officials Reception

NEW BOMB TURKS w/ special guests Red Velvet Letdown @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Columbus Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON NOVEMBER 19TH THURSDAY

A Table of Thanks: Nourishing Our Community

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

100BMCO 2026 Newly Elected Officials Reception

NEW BOMB TURKS w/ special guests Red Velvet Letdown @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Online Events

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

JOHN LEVIN MEMORIAL CONFERENCE ON ALZHEIMER'S: BRAIN HEALTH REIMAGINED

Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

HBR Press Webinar: The Scientific Mindset

PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NY - Film History Livestream

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

JOHN LEVIN MEMORIAL CONFERENCE ON ALZHEIMER'S: BRAIN HEALTH REIMAGINED

Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

HBR Press Webinar: The Scientific Mindset

PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in NY - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

Britton Emert LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club

Sqwerv Fall Tour 2026 @ The Summit Music Hall

Dauber (FMO Screaming Females), Jake King, Jack Off Demons, Dingo Dango

Second Sundays Comedy Showcase

Ecstatic Dance Columbus with DJ Ayala

Britton Emert LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club

Sqwerv Fall Tour 2026 @ The Summit Music Hall

Dauber (FMO Screaming Females), Jake King, Jack Off Demons, Dingo Dango

Second Sundays Comedy Showcase

Ecstatic Dance Columbus with DJ Ayala

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?