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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THE HAUNTED STAR BALL

Friday • 8:00 PM

926 Cleveland Ave

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PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Saturday • 9:00 PM

The Go Go

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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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THE HAUNTED STAR BALL

Friday • 8:00 PM

926 Cleveland Ave

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PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Saturday • 9:00 PM

The Go Go

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'

Thursday • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

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Haunted Honky-Tonk Halloween Party

Friday • 8:00 PM

4495 Bridge Park Ave

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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Saturday • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair

Fri, Nov 6 • 9:00 AM

Columbus Museum of Art

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Cooking With Dad

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

Walnut Ridge High School

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Greater KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

Sun, Nov 8 • 12:00 PM

1560 Polaris Pkwy

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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'

Thursday • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Check ticket price on event

Haunted Honky-Tonk Halloween Party

Friday • 8:00 PM

4495 Bridge Park Ave

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Saturday • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

Check ticket price on event

Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair

Fri, Nov 6 • 9:00 AM

Columbus Museum of Art

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Cooking With Dad

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

Walnut Ridge High School

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Greater KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

Sun, Nov 8 • 12:00 PM

1560 Polaris Pkwy

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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) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Today • 11:30 AM EDT

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MENTORSHOP: Using Claude AI to Build a SaaS Site in about a Week

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM PDT

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Turn Your Ideas Into Income

Tomorrow • 10:00 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 Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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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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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Today • 11:30 AM EDT

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MENTORSHOP: Using Claude AI to Build a SaaS Site in about a Week

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM PDT

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Turn Your Ideas Into Income

Tomorrow • 10:00 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 Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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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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Music events

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

Saturday • 6:30 PM

2425 Bethel Rd

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The Pentagram String Band, Doom Scroll, OPE @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Wed, Nov 4 • 7:00 PM

The Spacebar

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Taco Tuesday in COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stevie Mackey & Friends

Thu, Nov 5 • 7:00 PM

The Forum

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Color Me Bad: R&B Bingo Cabaret

Fri, Nov 20 • 6:00 PM

Deb’s Event Center

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A Night of Soul at CUT 132 | A Live Band Experience

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

CUT132

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Blueprint Ball presents Vol. 6: The Prototype

Sat, Dec 5 • 7:00 PM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Skully's Music-Diner

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

Saturday • 6:30 PM

2425 Bethel Rd

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The Pentagram String Band, Doom Scroll, OPE @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Wed, Nov 4 • 7:00 PM

The Spacebar

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Taco Tuesday in COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stevie Mackey & Friends

Thu, Nov 5 • 7:00 PM

The Forum

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Color Me Bad: R&B Bingo Cabaret

Fri, Nov 20 • 6:00 PM

Deb’s Event Center

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A Night of Soul at CUT 132 | A Live Band Experience

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

CUT132

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Blueprint Ball presents Vol. 6: The Prototype

Sat, Dec 5 • 7:00 PM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Skully's Music-Diner

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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

THE HAUNTED STAR BALL

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

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

Men Without Hats

THE HAUNTED STAR BALL

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

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

Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair

Cooking With Dad

Greater KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

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

Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair

Cooking With Dad

Greater KidsLinked Columbus STEM & Arts Expo Registration (11.8.26)

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

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Online Events

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

MENTORSHOP: Using Claude AI to Build a SaaS Site in about a Week

Turn Your Ideas Into Income

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

MENTORSHOP: Using Claude AI to Build a SaaS Site in about a Week

Turn Your Ideas Into Income

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Music events

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

The Pentagram String Band, Doom Scroll, OPE @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Taco Tuesday in COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stevie Mackey & Friends

Color Me Bad: R&B Bingo Cabaret

A Night of Soul at CUT 132 | A Live Band Experience

Blueprint Ball presents Vol. 6: The Prototype

Men Without Hats

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

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

The Pentagram String Band, Doom Scroll, OPE @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Taco Tuesday in COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stevie Mackey & Friends

Color Me Bad: R&B Bingo Cabaret

A Night of Soul at CUT 132 | A Live Band Experience

Blueprint Ball presents Vol. 6: The Prototype

Men Without Hats

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

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?