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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Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Friday • 10:00 PM

Taboa

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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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Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Friday • 10:00 PM

Taboa

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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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Popular in Columbus

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

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Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit

Wed, Oct 7 • 8:30 AM

Columbus State Community College - Center for Workforce Development

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First Tuesday Tea - October 2026

Thu, Oct 8 • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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100 Years of Excellence: McGuffey School Building & CAHS Multiyear reunion

Sat, Oct 10 • 12:00 PM

2632 McGuffey Rd

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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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CelebrateOne's First Birthday Bash!

Sat, Oct 17 • 6:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

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

Sun, Oct 18 • 12:30 PM

Mandrake Rooftop

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7th Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:30 AM

The Boat House Restaurant

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

Check ticket price on event

Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit

Wed, Oct 7 • 8:30 AM

Columbus State Community College - Center for Workforce Development

Check ticket price on event

First Tuesday Tea - October 2026

Thu, Oct 8 • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

Check ticket price on event

100 Years of Excellence: McGuffey School Building & CAHS Multiyear reunion

Sat, Oct 10 • 12:00 PM

2632 McGuffey Rd

Check ticket price on event

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Thu, Oct 15 • 4:00 PM

The Columbus State Conference Center

Check ticket price on event

CelebrateOne's First Birthday Bash!

Sat, Oct 17 • 6:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Check ticket price on event

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

Sun, Oct 18 • 12:30 PM

Mandrake Rooftop

Check ticket price on event

7th Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:30 AM

The Boat House Restaurant

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Online Events

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Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Tomorrow • 2:00 PM EDT

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Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Saturday • 12:00 AM CDT

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Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Saturday • 10:00 AM PDT

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

Wed, Oct 7 • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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Simboli nel Paesaggio – Antropologia per camminatori

Thu, Oct 8 • 6:30 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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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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Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Tomorrow • 2:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Saturday • 12:00 AM CDT

Check ticket price on event

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Saturday • 10:00 AM PDT

Check ticket price on event

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

Wed, Oct 7 • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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Simboli nel Paesaggio – Antropologia per camminatori

Thu, Oct 8 • 6:30 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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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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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

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PINKCHELLA 2026

Saturday • 11:00 AM

The Columbus State Conference Center

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Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/ Brian Damage @ Spacebar, Columbus OH (10/3)

Saturday • 7:00 PM

The Spacebar

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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Saturday • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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Intro To Sketch Comedy

Saturday • 3:00 PM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

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

Sun, Oct 4 • 1:00 PM

Enliven Health & Wellness

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The Art of Seamless Blonding and Intentional Branding

Sun, Oct 4 • 9:00 AM

Byrd Salon

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In Person: TREATing Our Neighbors

Sun, Oct 4 • 2:00 PM

Godman Guild Association

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DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

Check ticket price on event

PINKCHELLA 2026

Saturday • 11:00 AM

The Columbus State Conference Center

Check ticket price on event

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/ Brian Damage @ Spacebar, Columbus OH (10/3)

Saturday • 7:00 PM

The Spacebar

Check ticket price on event

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Saturday • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

Check ticket price on event

Intro To Sketch Comedy

Saturday • 3:00 PM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

Check ticket price on event

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

Sun, Oct 4 • 1:00 PM

Enliven Health & Wellness

Check ticket price on event

The Art of Seamless Blonding and Intentional Branding

Sun, Oct 4 • 9:00 AM

Byrd Salon

Check ticket price on event

In Person: TREATing Our Neighbors

Sun, Oct 4 • 2:00 PM

Godman Guild Association

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

Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

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

Orange Soda: 2000s Hiphop and R&B Dance Party - LIBRA EDITION

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

Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit

First Tuesday Tea - October 2026

100 Years of Excellence: McGuffey School Building & CAHS Multiyear reunion

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

CelebrateOne's First Birthday Bash!

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

7th Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit

First Tuesday Tea - October 2026

100 Years of Excellence: McGuffey School Building & CAHS Multiyear reunion

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

CelebrateOne's First Birthday Bash!

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

7th Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo

Online Events

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

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

Simboli nel Paesaggio – Antropologia per camminatori

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

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

Simboli nel Paesaggio – Antropologia per camminatori

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

PINKCHELLA 2026

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/ Brian Damage @ Spacebar, Columbus OH (10/3)

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Intro To Sketch Comedy

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

The Art of Seamless Blonding and Intentional Branding

In Person: TREATing Our Neighbors

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

PINKCHELLA 2026

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists w/ Brian Damage @ Spacebar, Columbus OH (10/3)

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Intro To Sketch Comedy

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

The Art of Seamless Blonding and Intentional Branding

In Person: TREATing Our Neighbors

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?