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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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

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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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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

Check ticket price on event

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

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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Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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Popular in Columbus

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Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Today • 4:30 PM

Ohio Brewing Company Columbus

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SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

Tomorrow • 8:30 AM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

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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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Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

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Fall Kickoff 3.0

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

College Green

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Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

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

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

40 E Long St

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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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Startup Columbus Happy Hour

Today • 4:30 PM

Ohio Brewing Company Columbus

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SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

Tomorrow • 8:30 AM

Prototype: The Experimental Museum

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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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Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Check ticket price on event

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

College Green

Check ticket price on event

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Check ticket price on event

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

Fri, Oct 30 • 10:00 PM

40 E Long St

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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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Online Events

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

Tomorrow • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

Thursday • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 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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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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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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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Tomorrow • 7:30 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

Thursday • 6:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

Check ticket price on event

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

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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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

Check ticket price on event

Dinner + R&B | A Live Band Experience

Fri, Oct 16 • 6:00 PM

Drunch Eatery + Bar

Check ticket price on event

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 PM

Newport Music Hall, North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

Check ticket price on event

The Serenade 2

Sat, Oct 24 • 7:00 PM

GENESIS Downtown

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

Sat, Oct 31 • 6:00 PM

2425 Bethel Rd

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FORTUNATE YOUTH FALL TOUR VIP EXPERIENCE - Columbus, OH

Wed, Nov 4 • 4:00 PM

Newport Music Hall

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KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Skully's Music-Diner

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LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Social Club Lounge and Event Venue

Check ticket price on event

Dinner + R&B | A Live Band Experience

Fri, Oct 16 • 6:00 PM

Drunch Eatery + Bar

Check ticket price on event

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

Fri, Oct 16 • 9:30 PM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 PM

Newport Music Hall, North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

Check ticket price on event

The Serenade 2

Sat, Oct 24 • 7:00 PM

GENESIS Downtown

Check ticket price on event

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

Sat, Oct 31 • 6:00 PM

2425 Bethel Rd

Check ticket price on event

FORTUNATE YOUTH FALL TOUR VIP EXPERIENCE - Columbus, OH

Wed, Nov 4 • 4:00 PM

Newport Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

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

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Men Without Hats

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

Men Without Hats

Popular in Columbus

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

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

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Startup Columbus Happy Hour

SHIFT presented by Real Estate Rendezvous

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

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

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Online Events

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

AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

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

AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Music events

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Dinner + R&B | A Live Band Experience

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

The Serenade 2

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

FORTUNATE YOUTH FALL TOUR VIP EXPERIENCE - Columbus, OH

KING BUFFALO at Skully’s

LIBRA BIRTHDAY BASH WITH ED LOVER/DJ POOH/DAVE TOLLIVER/FREDERICK DAVIS

Dinner + R&B | A Live Band Experience

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

The Serenade 2

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

FORTUNATE YOUTH FALL TOUR VIP EXPERIENCE - Columbus, OH

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?