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 HALLOWEEN EDITION

Friday • 10:00 PM

40 E Long St

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PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Sat, Oct 31 • 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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ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

Friday • 10:00 PM

40 E Long St

Check ticket price on event

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

Sat, Oct 31 • 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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ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Easton Town Center x CHI

Today • 10:00 AM

Vuori

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Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Thursday • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

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2026 Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Ceremony

Thursday • 10:00 AM

Lincoln Theatre

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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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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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ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Easton Town Center x CHI

Today • 10:00 AM

Vuori

Check ticket price on event

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Thursday • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Check ticket price on event

2026 Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Ceremony

Thursday • 10:00 AM

Lincoln Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

Check ticket price on event

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

Tuesday • 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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Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:30 PM GMT+11

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 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

Tuesday • 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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Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:30 PM GMT+11

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 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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This Weekend

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Columbus Speed Dating for Singles Age 37-54 ♥ by Pre-Dating Ohio

Today • 6:00 PM

Spires Social Brewing Co

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The Black Poets Mixer | Spooky Edition ️

Today • 6:00 PM

273 S 3rd St

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Intro to Indoor & Mini Bonsai Using Succulents @ Fall Foliage Festival

Today • 2:00 PM

Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center

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Old Forester Bourbon Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge | Short North, Columbus

Today • 7:00 PM

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Short North

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3Ms Meditation + Melody +Movement Throat Chakra Flow

Today • 5:30 PM

Pilates Plus

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Safe Space Running Presents - Community Beyond The Meetup

Today • 5:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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Succulent Pumpkin Workshop

Today • 2:00 PM

Aficionado's

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Halloween with Doctor Show X

Today • 7:00 PM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

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Columbus Speed Dating for Singles Age 37-54 ♥ by Pre-Dating Ohio

Today • 6:00 PM

Spires Social Brewing Co

Check ticket price on event

The Black Poets Mixer | Spooky Edition ️

Today • 6:00 PM

273 S 3rd St

Check ticket price on event

Intro to Indoor & Mini Bonsai Using Succulents @ Fall Foliage Festival

Today • 2:00 PM

Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center

Check ticket price on event

Old Forester Bourbon Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge | Short North, Columbus

Today • 7:00 PM

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Short North

Check ticket price on event

3Ms Meditation + Melody +Movement Throat Chakra Flow

Today • 5:30 PM

Pilates Plus

Check ticket price on event

Safe Space Running Presents - Community Beyond The Meetup

Today • 5:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

Check ticket price on event

Succulent Pumpkin Workshop

Today • 2:00 PM

Aficionado's

Check ticket price on event

Halloween with Doctor Show X

Today • 7:00 PM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

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 HALLOWEEN EDITION

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

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

Men Without Hats

ORANGE SODA - 2000s HipHop and R&B Dance Party HALLOWEEN EDITION

PRE SALE Saturday Costume Contest

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

Men Without Hats

Popular in Columbus

ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Easton Town Center x CHI

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

2026 Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Ceremony

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

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

ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Easton Town Center x CHI

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

2026 Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Ceremony

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

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

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Lean Global Connection 2026

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Lean Global Connection 2026

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

Columbus Speed Dating for Singles Age 37-54 ♥ by Pre-Dating Ohio

The Black Poets Mixer | Spooky Edition ️

Intro to Indoor & Mini Bonsai Using Succulents @ Fall Foliage Festival

Old Forester Bourbon Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge | Short North, Columbus

3Ms Meditation + Melody +Movement Throat Chakra Flow

Safe Space Running Presents - Community Beyond The Meetup

Succulent Pumpkin Workshop

Halloween with Doctor Show X

Columbus Speed Dating for Singles Age 37-54 ♥ by Pre-Dating Ohio

The Black Poets Mixer | Spooky Edition ️

Intro to Indoor & Mini Bonsai Using Succulents @ Fall Foliage Festival

Old Forester Bourbon Tasting at Wiseguy Lounge | Short North, Columbus

3Ms Meditation + Melody +Movement Throat Chakra Flow

Safe Space Running Presents - Community Beyond The Meetup

Succulent Pumpkin Workshop

Halloween with Doctor Show X

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?