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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RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

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

Saturday • 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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RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

Fri, Dec 25 • 9:00 PM

2101 Noe Bixby Rd

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RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

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

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Men Without Hats

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:30 PM

Black Swan Bar & Grill

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RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

Fri, Dec 25 • 9:00 PM

2101 Noe Bixby Rd

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Popular in Columbus

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Culture: Black Fine Art Expo 2026

Friday • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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Soul Talk: Relationships Presented by Franklin County and City of Grace

Friday • 6:00 PM

East High School

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African Night Pregame Rave

Friday • 10:00 PM

The Summit Music Hall

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2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Wed, Nov 18 • 9:00 AM

CSCC, Mitchell Hall

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DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON NOVEMBER 19TH THURSDAY

Thu, Nov 19 • 10:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Easton

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Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

Thu, Nov 19 • 6:00 PM

The Athletic Club of Columbus

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OCRC Academy 2026

Mon, Nov 30 • 9:00 AM

Ohio Department of Transportation Headquarters

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First Tuesday Tea - December 2026

Tue, Dec 1 • 12:00 PM

835 Mt Vernon Ave

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Culture: Black Fine Art Expo 2026

Friday • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

Check ticket price on event

Soul Talk: Relationships Presented by Franklin County and City of Grace

Friday • 6:00 PM

East High School

Check ticket price on event

African Night Pregame Rave

Friday • 10:00 PM

The Summit Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Wed, Nov 18 • 9:00 AM

CSCC, Mitchell Hall

Check ticket price on event

DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON NOVEMBER 19TH THURSDAY

Thu, Nov 19 • 10:00 AM

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Easton

Check ticket price on event

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

Thu, Nov 19 • 6:00 PM

The Athletic Club of Columbus

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OCRC Academy 2026

Mon, Nov 30 • 9:00 AM

Ohio Department of Transportation Headquarters

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First Tuesday Tea - December 2026

Tue, Dec 1 • 12:00 PM

835 Mt Vernon Ave

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Online Events

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Today • 7:30 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Tomorrow • 2:00 PM UTC

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Gestion de l’anxiété dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires

Friday • 1:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM EST

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HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Animation du débreffage - 17 décembre 2026 - En ligne

Thu, Dec 17 • 12:30 PM EST

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Today • 7:30 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Tomorrow • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Gestion de l’anxiété dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires

Friday • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Animation du débreffage - 17 décembre 2026 - En ligne

Thu, Dec 17 • 12:30 PM EST

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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This Weekend

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Books & Brews

Friday • 7:00 PM

Old Worthington Library, High Street, Worthington, OH, USA

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Dinner + R&B | A Live Band Experience

Friday • 6:00 PM

Xperience Bar + Kitchen

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RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

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

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

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Columbus Speed Dating Ages 24-39

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Eupouria (You Pour)

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The Art of Soup-Making Part Three: American Soups

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

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Intro to Puppetry

Sunday • 10:00 AM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

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Crystal Singing Bowl Workshop 102 | hOm at Radiant

Sunday • 2:30 PM

Radiant Yoga and Wellness

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Books & Brews

Friday • 7:00 PM

Old Worthington Library, High Street, Worthington, OH, USA

Check ticket price on event

Dinner + R&B | A Live Band Experience

Friday • 6:00 PM

Xperience Bar + Kitchen

Check ticket price on event

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

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

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Speed Dating Ages 24-39

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Eupouria (You Pour)

Check ticket price on event

The Art of Soup-Making Part Three: American Soups

Saturday • 11:00 AM

Mitchell Hall

Check ticket price on event

Intro to Puppetry

Sunday • 10:00 AM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

Check ticket price on event

Crystal Singing Bowl Workshop 102 | hOm at Radiant

Sunday • 2:30 PM

Radiant Yoga and Wellness

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

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

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

Men Without Hats

RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

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

Men Without Hats

RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

Popular in Columbus

Culture: Black Fine Art Expo 2026

Soul Talk: Relationships Presented by Franklin County and City of Grace

African Night Pregame Rave

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON NOVEMBER 19TH THURSDAY

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

OCRC Academy 2026

First Tuesday Tea - December 2026

Culture: Black Fine Art Expo 2026

Soul Talk: Relationships Presented by Franklin County and City of Grace

African Night Pregame Rave

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

DANIEL'S LEATHER COLUMBUS POP - UP SHOP ON NOVEMBER 19TH THURSDAY

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

OCRC Academy 2026

First Tuesday Tea - December 2026

Online Events

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Lean Global Connection 2026

Gestion de l’anxiété dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Animation du débreffage - 17 décembre 2026 - En ligne

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Lean Global Connection 2026

Gestion de l’anxiété dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Animation du débreffage - 17 décembre 2026 - En ligne

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

This Weekend

Books & Brews

Dinner + R&B | A Live Band Experience

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

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

Columbus Speed Dating Ages 24-39

The Art of Soup-Making Part Three: American Soups

Intro to Puppetry

Crystal Singing Bowl Workshop 102 | hOm at Radiant

Books & Brews

Dinner + R&B | A Live Band Experience

RNB vs SLOW JAMS OHIO - Columbus' Biggest RnB Party (FREE BEFORE 11PM)

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

Columbus Speed Dating Ages 24-39

The Art of Soup-Making Part Three: American Soups

Intro to Puppetry

Crystal Singing Bowl Workshop 102 | hOm at Radiant

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?