Things to do in Columbus, Ohio

Planning a night out in Columbus

Columbus has grown into one of the Midwest's busiest live-entertainment cities, and much of the action is easy to reach from downtown. The Short North Arts District along High Street is the obvious starting point, with galleries, bars and small music rooms packed into a walkable stretch. It is especially lively during the monthly Gallery Hop, when venues and shops stay open late.

For concerts, the city offers a wide range of room sizes. Arena tours and big hockey nights take place at Nationwide Arena in the Arena District. Mid-sized clubs and theaters around downtown and the Short North host touring bands, comedians and popular cover and party acts. The Amish Outlaws are one example: their high-energy shows of crowd-pleasing hits draw people who want a full night of singing along rather than a quiet listen. In warmer months, outdoor amphitheaters and riverfront spaces add open-air shows to the mix.

Festivals and seasonal events

Summer is festival season in Columbus. Large community celebrations, arts fairs and food events fill parks and the Scioto Mile. Big Ohio State football weekends in autumn change the mood of the whole city, so expect crowds and higher hotel demand when the Buckeyes play at home.

Practical tips

• Buy tickets through the venue's official box office or the artist's own website, and compare the final price with fees before you check out.
• Check age restrictions, bag policies and door times in advance, since club shows often run later than listed.
• Parking downtown fills up fast on event nights. Garages in the Arena District and rideshare drop-off points are usually simpler than street parking.
• Leave time for dinner nearby. The Short North and German Village both have plenty of places to eat before a show.

If you follow live music beyond Ohio, our schedule tracks upcoming streams and shows. The guides section has more advice on getting the most out of a night of live entertainment.