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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NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Today • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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

Fri, Oct 2 • 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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NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Today • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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

Fri, Oct 2 • 10:00 PM

Taboa

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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Popular in Columbus

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Moment of Clarity

Today • 4:00 PM

Overlook at Astor Park

From $43.27

Dra Tyson Presents

637 followers

Promoted

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Sat, Oct 3 • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

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AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Sat, Oct 3 • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

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SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

Wed, Oct 7 • 8:30 AM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

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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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Moment of Clarity

Today • 4:00 PM

Overlook at Astor Park

From $43.27

Dra Tyson Presents

637 followers

Promoted

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

Sat, Oct 3 • 5:00 PM

Jesus Power Assembly of God Church

Check ticket price on event

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

Sat, Oct 3 • 6:00 PM

The Maroon Culture Lab

Check ticket price on event

SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

Wed, Oct 7 • 8:30 AM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

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

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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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Online Events

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Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM PDT

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Online Group Reading - September 27

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM ADT

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Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Tuesday • 2:00 PM EDT

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Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Sat, Oct 3 • 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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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 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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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM PDT

Check ticket price on event

Online Group Reading - September 27

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM ADT

Check ticket price on event

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Tuesday • 2:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Sat, Oct 3 • 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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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 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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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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Fang Fest and Street Faire

Today • 6:00 PM

Green Lawn Cemetery

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NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Today • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Kevin Farley LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club! September 26, 7 PM

Today • 7:00 PM

The Walrus

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Moment of Clarity

Today • 4:00 PM

Overlook at Astor Park

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General Public’s Summers Over Party Pt. 2

Today • 10:00 AM

The Forum

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Slow Wine Columbus

Today • 5:00 PM

Sahara Lux Restaurant and Lounge

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AUSTRALIA'S "GIRLS NIGHT OUT LIVE"TAKEOVER COLUMBUS, OH USA!!!

Today • 8:00 PM

Aurora Nightlife

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American Mahjong Guided Open Play

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM

Aficionado's

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Fang Fest and Street Faire

Today • 6:00 PM

Green Lawn Cemetery

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NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Today • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Kevin Farley LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club! September 26, 7 PM

Today • 7:00 PM

The Walrus

Check ticket price on event

Moment of Clarity

Today • 4:00 PM

Overlook at Astor Park

Check ticket price on event

General Public’s Summers Over Party Pt. 2

Today • 10:00 AM

The Forum

Check ticket price on event

Slow Wine Columbus

Today • 5:00 PM

Sahara Lux Restaurant and Lounge

Check ticket price on event

AUSTRALIA'S "GIRLS NIGHT OUT LIVE"TAKEOVER COLUMBUS, OH USA!!!

Today • 8:00 PM

Aurora Nightlife

Check ticket price on event

American Mahjong Guided Open Play

Tomorrow • 1:00 PM

Aficionado's

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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

NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Popular in Columbus

Moment of Clarity

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

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!

Moment of Clarity

DH Experience USA 2026 Columbus, Ohio

AFRO by Maroon Arts Group

SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

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!

Online Events

Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Online Group Reading - September 27

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

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

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

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

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Online Group Reading - September 27

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

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

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

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

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

Fang Fest and Street Faire

NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Kevin Farley LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club! September 26, 7 PM

Moment of Clarity

General Public’s Summers Over Party Pt. 2

Slow Wine Columbus

AUSTRALIA'S "GIRLS NIGHT OUT LIVE"TAKEOVER COLUMBUS, OH USA!!!

American Mahjong Guided Open Play

Fang Fest and Street Faire

NOIR 4th Year Anniversary

Kevin Farley LIVE @ The Attic Comedy Club! September 26, 7 PM

Moment of Clarity

General Public’s Summers Over Party Pt. 2

Slow Wine Columbus

AUSTRALIA'S "GIRLS NIGHT OUT LIVE"TAKEOVER COLUMBUS, OH USA!!!

American Mahjong Guided Open Play

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?