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)

Today • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

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

Today • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

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Lover Girl Chronicles: Love in Rotation — Soft Launch

Fri, Dec 11 • 9:00 PM

MĀYĀ Lounge & Hookah

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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)

Today • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

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

Today • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

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Lover Girl Chronicles: Love in Rotation — Soft Launch

Fri, Dec 11 • 9:00 PM

MĀYĀ Lounge & Hookah

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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

yesterday • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

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2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Wednesday • 9:00 AM

CSCC, Mitchell Hall

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Columbus Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup

Wednesday • 6:30 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

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Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

Thursday • 6:00 PM

The Athletic Club of Columbus

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A Table of Thanks: Nourishing Our Community

Sat, Nov 21 • 10:00 AM

Friendship Baptist Church

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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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100BMCO 2026 Newly Elected Officials Reception

Tue, Dec 15 • 5:30 PM

Columbus Museum of Art

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NEW BOMB TURKS w/ special guests Red Velvet Letdown @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Wed, Dec 16 • 6:00 PM

The Spacebar

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Culture: Black Fine Art Expo 2026

yesterday • 12:00 PM

The King Arts Complex

Check ticket price on event

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Wednesday • 9:00 AM

CSCC, Mitchell Hall

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup

Wednesday • 6:30 PM

DraftKings Sports & Social Columbus

Check ticket price on event

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

Thursday • 6:00 PM

The Athletic Club of Columbus

Check ticket price on event

A Table of Thanks: Nourishing Our Community

Sat, Nov 21 • 10:00 AM

Friendship Baptist Church

Check ticket price on event

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

Sun, Dec 6 • 10:00 AM

The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center

Check ticket price on event

100BMCO 2026 Newly Elected Officials Reception

Tue, Dec 15 • 5:30 PM

Columbus Museum of Art

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NEW BOMB TURKS w/ special guests Red Velvet Letdown @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Wed, Dec 16 • 6:00 PM

The Spacebar

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Online Events

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Today • 1:00 PM EST

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Singing & Emotional Regulation

Wednesday • 6:00 PM GMT

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HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

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HBR Press Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 8:00 AM EST

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How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Sat, Dec 5 • 12:00 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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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Today • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Singing & Emotional Regulation

Wednesday • 6:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 8:00 AM EST

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How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Sat, Dec 5 • 12:00 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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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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This Weekend

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

Today • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

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

Today • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Speed Dating Ages 24-39

Today • 2:00 PM

Eupouria (You Pour)

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Puff & Poetry

Today • 5:00 PM

6068 Channingway Blvd

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Saturday Shamatha Retreat

Today • 9:30 AM

Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling

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Crystal Singing Bowl Workshop 102 | hOm at Radiant

Tomorrow • 2:30 PM

Radiant Yoga and Wellness

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Intro to Puppetry

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

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In Person: Care Kits for Children Receiving Grief Support Services

Tomorrow • 1:30 PM

OhioHealth Hospice Community Room

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

Today • 10:00 PM

Klassic Lounge

Check ticket price on event

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

Today • 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Columbus Speed Dating Ages 24-39

Today • 2:00 PM

Eupouria (You Pour)

Check ticket price on event

Puff & Poetry

Today • 5:00 PM

6068 Channingway Blvd

Check ticket price on event

Saturday Shamatha Retreat

Today • 9:30 AM

Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling

Check ticket price on event

Crystal Singing Bowl Workshop 102 | hOm at Radiant

Tomorrow • 2:30 PM

Radiant Yoga and Wellness

Check ticket price on event

Intro to Puppetry

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM

The Hashtag Comedy Club

Check ticket price on event

In Person: Care Kits for Children Receiving Grief Support Services

Tomorrow • 1:30 PM

OhioHealth Hospice Community Room

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

Lover Girl Chronicles: Love in Rotation — Soft Launch

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

Lover Girl Chronicles: Love in Rotation — Soft Launch

RG BAND CHRISTMAS KOMPA

Popular in Columbus

Culture: Black Fine Art Expo 2026

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Columbus Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

A Table of Thanks: Nourishing Our Community

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

100BMCO 2026 Newly Elected Officials Reception

NEW BOMB TURKS w/ special guests Red Velvet Letdown @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Culture: Black Fine Art Expo 2026

2026 Ohio AI Summit (powered by OhioX)

Columbus Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup

Reafco's 2026 Q4 Networking Meetup!

A Table of Thanks: Nourishing Our Community

The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival

100BMCO 2026 Newly Elected Officials Reception

NEW BOMB TURKS w/ special guests Red Velvet Letdown @ Spacebar, Columbus OH

Online Events

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Singing & Emotional Regulation

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

HBR Press Webinar: Unspeakable

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Singing & Emotional Regulation

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

HBR Press Webinar: Unspeakable

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Sorted Live: A Food Nightmare Before Christmas

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

This Weekend

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

Puff & Poetry

Saturday Shamatha Retreat

Crystal Singing Bowl Workshop 102 | hOm at Radiant

Intro to Puppetry

In Person: Care Kits for Children Receiving Grief Support Services

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

Puff & Poetry

Saturday Shamatha Retreat

Crystal Singing Bowl Workshop 102 | hOm at Radiant

Intro to Puppetry

In Person: Care Kits for Children Receiving Grief Support Services

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?