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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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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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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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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Popular in Columbus

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Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Free

Dra Tyson Presents

656 followers

Promoted

Fall... ing in love | Pumpkins, Brews, Boos Singles Event

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

Columbus Brewing Company Taproom

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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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Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Fri, Oct 30 • 6:00 PM + 1 more

The Arne Slettebak OSU Planetarium

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Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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Don't Drake And Drive

Fri, Oct 16 • 10:00 PM

Noir Lounge

Free

Dra Tyson Presents

656 followers

Promoted

Fall... ing in love | Pumpkins, Brews, Boos Singles Event

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

Columbus Brewing Company Taproom

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

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

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Fri, Oct 30 • 6:00 PM + 1 more

The Arne Slettebak OSU Planetarium

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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

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 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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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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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 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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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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The Sweet Soirée

Friday • 5:00 PM

Blanco Event Center

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Healthy Relationships Empowerment Event

Saturday • 12:45 PM

Columbus Metropolitan Library: Whitehall Branch

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Christian Singles Social [30 to 50] - Columbus, OH

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Daydreamer Coffee

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Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 1

Saturday • 12:30 PM

FRANKLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

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Chocolate Decadence: Classic Brownies & Chocolate Sauce

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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HALLOWEEN DRAG + YOGA

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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Gothic Calligraphy 101 Workshop

Sunday • 11:00 AM

Best Side Design

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Mat Pilates Class For A Cause!

Sunday • 10:00 AM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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The Sweet Soirée

Friday • 5:00 PM

Blanco Event Center

Check ticket price on event

Healthy Relationships Empowerment Event

Saturday • 12:45 PM

Columbus Metropolitan Library: Whitehall Branch

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Christian Singles Social [30 to 50] - Columbus, OH

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Daydreamer Coffee

Check ticket price on event

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 1

Saturday • 12:30 PM

FRANKLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

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Chocolate Decadence: Classic Brownies & Chocolate Sauce

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

Check ticket price on event

HALLOWEEN DRAG + YOGA

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

Check ticket price on event

Gothic Calligraphy 101 Workshop

Sunday • 11:00 AM

Best Side Design

Check ticket price on event

Mat Pilates Class For A Cause!

Sunday • 10:00 AM

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

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

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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

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

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

Damn Girl: Dead Disco

R&B ONLY LIVE - Columbus, OH

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

Popular in Columbus

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall... ing in love | Pumpkins, Brews, Boos Singles Event

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall... ing in love | Pumpkins, Brews, Boos Singles Event

AAMWA 2026 Financial Wellness Symposium Featuring Daymond John

Don't Drake And Drive

Fall Kickoff 3.0

Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Cosmic Creeps and Celestial Treats - 2026

Columbus Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Online Events

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

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

(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

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

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

(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

The Sweet Soirée

Healthy Relationships Empowerment Event

Christian Singles Social [30 to 50] - Columbus, OH

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 1

Chocolate Decadence: Classic Brownies & Chocolate Sauce

HALLOWEEN DRAG + YOGA

Gothic Calligraphy 101 Workshop

Mat Pilates Class For A Cause!

The Sweet Soirée

Healthy Relationships Empowerment Event

Christian Singles Social [30 to 50] - Columbus, OH

Advanced Consecutive Interpreting, Part 1

Chocolate Decadence: Classic Brownies & Chocolate Sauce

HALLOWEEN DRAG + YOGA

Gothic Calligraphy 101 Workshop

Mat Pilates Class For A Cause!

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?