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Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

DRAC November Residents Event

@
Riffe Center
November 21st
6 - 8pm

Our DRAC Members event will be on Thursday the 21st at the Riffe Center.

We will meet on the 4th floor theater lobby for bites and beverages! Christy Farnbauch with the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio will speak, and Representative Dontavius Jarrells will be in attendance to connect with DRAC members. Light bites will be provided by Tast Dawg and there will be a cash bar for both non alcohilic and alcoholic beverages. The Art Gallery will be open for members to enjoy as well!

Free parking at Riffe Center parking on Front St. Note: the sign will say full but it is not, and will be free after 6pm. Please note this is a Thursday event!

Learn More

Columbus Blue Jackets Game vs Tampa Bay

@
Nationwide Arena
November 21st
7 - 7pm

Watch the Blue Jackets take on Tampa Bay in this regular season matchup. 

View the Blue Jackets full schedule here: Schedule

Learn More

FREE Wanderlights

@
Columbus Commons
November 22nd
5 - 10pm

Wanderlights will be a completely FREE holiday light experience with over half a million lights at Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile and along Town Street. This year, immerse yourself in the expanded lights, holiday decor, projection shows, a seasonal mural, plus all kinds of special holiday events. Plus — when you waddle over to the Scioto Mile, you may even spot some glowing penguins 🐧

Learn More

Threepenny Opera

@
Southern Theatre
November 22nd
7:30 - 7:30pm

Set in the impoverished back alleys of Victorian London, The Threepenny Opera follows underworld antihero Mackie Messer (a.k.a. Mack the Knife) as he tries to woo Polly Peachum and elude the authorities. With its palpable evocation of corruption and dread, set to Kurt Weill’s irresistible score, The Threepenny Opera remains a benchmark of early sound cinema.

A landmark 20th century work rarely performed by a professional opera company, The Threepenny Opera sends up a satiric critique of capitalism and the meaning of morality when living in the slums.

Classic tunes including “Mack the Knife,” “Pirate Jenny” and ballads for broken relationships, struggle, love, life and death are the heart of the production.

Get Tickets Here

Learn More

FREE Wanderlights

@
Columbus Commons
November 23rd
5 - 10pm

Wanderlights will be a completely FREE holiday light experience with over half a million lights at Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile and along Town Street. This year, immerse yourself in the expanded lights, holiday decor, projection shows, a seasonal mural, plus all kinds of special holiday events. Plus — when you waddle over to the Scioto Mile, you may even spot some glowing penguins 🐧

Learn More

Columbus Blue Jackets Game vs Carolina

@
Nationwide Arena
November 23rd
7 - 7pm

Watch the Blue Jackets take on Carolina in this regular season matchup. 

View the Blue Jackets full schedule here: Schedule

Learn More

Columbus Blue Jackets Game vs Montréal

@
Nationwide Arena
November 27th
7:30 - 7:30pm

Watch the Blue Jackets take on Montréal in this regular season matchup. 

View the Blue Jackets full schedule here: Schedule

Learn More

A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland

@
Palace Theatre
November 23rd
7:30 - 9:30pm

Get ready for a magical night of festive cheer with A Celtic Christmas! Coming to Columbus, Ohio, on November 23, this spirited performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the beautiful Palace Theatre.

A Celtic Christmas, brought to you by A Taste of Ireland, blends the best of traditional Irish dance, music, and storytelling with a holiday twist. Join an internationally acclaimed cast of dancers, musicians, and vocalists as they take you on a journey through the sounds of the Emerald Isle, with vibrant jigs, heartwarming ballads, and a lively atmosphere to celebrate the Christmas season. Perfect for all ages, this is an unforgettable holiday experience that brings the joy and warmth of an Irish Christmas to life.

Don’t miss this one-night-only event that promises to fill your evening with holiday spirit and Irish charm. Get your tickets now and experience the magic of A Celtic Christmas in Columbus!

Learn More

Threepenny Opera

@
Southern Theatre
November 24th
2 - 2pm

Set in the impoverished back alleys of Victorian London, The Threepenny Opera follows underworld antihero Mackie Messer (a.k.a. Mack the Knife) as he tries to woo Polly Peachum and elude the authorities. With its palpable evocation of corruption and dread, set to Kurt Weill’s irresistible score, The Threepenny Opera remains a benchmark of early sound cinema.

A landmark 20th century work rarely performed by a professional opera company, The Threepenny Opera sends up a satiric critique of capitalism and the meaning of morality when living in the slums.

Classic tunes including “Mack the Knife,” “Pirate Jenny” and ballads for broken relationships, struggle, love, life and death are the heart of the production.

Get Tickets Here

Learn More

FREE Wanderlights

@
Columbus Commons
November 24th
5 - 10pm

Wanderlights will be a completely FREE holiday light experience with over half a million lights at Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile and along Town Street. This year, immerse yourself in the expanded lights, holiday decor, projection shows, a seasonal mural, plus all kinds of special holiday events. Plus — when you waddle over to the Scioto Mile, you may even spot some glowing penguins 🐧

Learn More
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Your Complete Guide to Brunch in Downtown Columbus

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Blog Posts to Get You in the Know

Your guide to Downtown Columbus, from happenings to happy hours.

View All Blog Posts

Downtown

Cheap Eats in Downtown Columbus

Who doesn’t love a good deal?! From sandwiches, to pizzas, to pierogis — check out…

Dining

Your Complete Guide to Breakfast in Downtown Columbus

The most important meal of the day is covered: check out this full list of…

Downtown

Your Guide to Kayaking in Downtown Columbus

The best views of Columbus come from the seat of a kayak. Grab a friend…

Downtown

Date Nights Under $10 in Downtown Columbus

Looking for some fun and cheap dates in Columbus? Enjoy these 10 ideas that are…

Downtown

Where to Karaoke in Downtown Columbus

Come Downtown for some of the best karaoke in town. Slammers202 E Long StSundays…

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Gay Street Downtown Columbus

Gay Street

Take a stroll along Gay Street and you’ll discover a dense mélange of lively, street-level bars, galleries, restaurants, retail shops, and cafes.

River South

RiverSouth

From Columbus Commons to the Scioto Mile, for an experience that’s equal parts urban flair and natural splendor, head to the RiverSouth District.

Fourth & Main

Fourth & Main

For fashion, food, fun, fabulous tunes, and fantastic retail, the eclectic Fourth and Main District is hard to beat.

Arena District

Arena District

Pro sports, world-renowned live entertainment, and vibrant restaurants and bars— the Arena District scores big every time.

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The Peninsula

The convergence of Downtown’s central business district and the historic Franklinton neighborhood, The Peninsula brings together the best of all worlds – just around the bend of the Scioto River.  

Warehouse District

Warehouse District

Historic buildings have been transformed into must-experience bars, venues and experiences in this up-and-coming District just east of the Scioto. 

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Discovery District

Home to a vibrant array of landmark institutions, historic sites, progressive galleries, and contemporary culinary establishments, make your next Discovery in this signature Downtown district.

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It’s getting dark earlier, but the sun isn’t setting on fun events around town 😉 From markets to theatre to races, there’s plenty of fall fun happening in Downtown. Here’s your weekend line-up ⬇️

COSI After Dark: COSI-Con
📍COSI, 333 W Broad St
🗓️ Thursday, 11/14 7-10pm

Wife of A Salesman
📍Studio Two at Riffe Center, 77 S High St
🗓️Thursday, 11/14 - Sunday, 11/17 | show times vary

Columbus Blue Jackets
📍Nationwide Arena, 200 W Broad St
🗓️Friday, 11/15 at 7pm

Slammers Fall Market
📍Slammers, 202 E Long St
🗓️Saturday, 11/16 at 11am-2pm

Columbus Symphony Orchestra Handel’s Messiah
📍Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St
🗓️Friday, 11/15- Sunday, 11/17 Show times vary

Hot Chocolate Run
📍 McFerson Commons, 218 West St
🗓️Sunday, 11/17 at 7:20am

Not Your Mama’s Craft Market
📍 The Kee, 225 Neilston St
🗓️Sunday, 11/17 at 11am - 4pm

Open
It’s getting dark earlier, but the sun isn’t setting on fun events around town 😉 From markets to theatre to races, there’s plenty of fall fun happening in Downtown. Here’s your weekend line-up ⬇️ COSI After Dark: COSI-Con 📍COSI, 333 W Broad St 🗓️ Thursday, 11/14 7-10pm Wife of A Salesman 📍Studio Two at Riffe Center, 77 S High St 🗓️Thursday, 11/14 - Sunday, 11/17 | show times vary Columbus Blue Jackets 📍Nationwide Arena, 200 W Broad St 🗓️Friday, 11/15 at 7pm Slammers Fall Market 📍Slammers, 202 E Long St 🗓️Saturday, 11/16 at 11am-2pm Columbus Symphony Orchestra Handel’s Messiah 📍Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St 🗓️Friday, 11/15- Sunday, 11/17 Show times vary Hot Chocolate Run 📍 McFerson Commons, 218 West St 🗓️Sunday, 11/17 at 7:20am Not Your Mama’s Craft Market 📍 The Kee, 225 Neilston St 🗓️Sunday, 11/17 at 11am - 4pm

NEW BUSINESSES AT NORTH MARKET 🚨

Get ready to tantalize your palate with this epic trio of cheese, meats and sweet treats — all to be enjoyed separately, or together if you’re feeling adventurous 🫣

🌭 Marlow’s Cheesesteaks
The local phenom is NOW OPEN at North Market Downtown! From the Classic Wiz Wit to the Parkside Salmon Cheesesteak, pair with a side of Steak Kobe Fries for the ideal craving-buster.

🥩 Butchery Macelleria
Meat lovers and home chefs will soon have a new favorite at North Market! Butchery Macelleria is bringing high-quality meat including beef, chicken, lamb and pork Downtown. They’re partnering with COLO to add dinner tastings to the menu too.

🍰 Littleton’s Market Bakery
These local baking legends have expanded to North Market! Led by Executive Pastry Chef Aaron Clouse and Lead Baker Desi Vasquez, Littleton’s is bringing fresh croissants, pastries and specialty breads to North Market. We treated ourselves to the delectable Biscoff Cookie Scone!

Open
NEW BUSINESSES AT NORTH MARKET 🚨 Get ready to tantalize your palate with this epic trio of cheese, meats and sweet treats — all to be enjoyed separately, or together if you’re feeling adventurous 🫣 🌭 Marlow’s Cheesesteaks The local phenom is NOW OPEN at North Market Downtown! From the Classic Wiz Wit to the Parkside Salmon Cheesesteak, pair with a side of Steak Kobe Fries for the ideal craving-buster. 🥩 Butchery Macelleria Meat lovers and home chefs will soon have a new favorite at North Market! Butchery Macelleria is bringing high-quality meat including beef, chicken, lamb and pork Downtown. They’re partnering with COLO to add dinner tastings to the menu too. 🍰 Littleton’s Market Bakery These local baking legends have expanded to North Market! Led by Executive Pastry Chef Aaron Clouse and Lead Baker Desi Vasquez, Littleton’s is bringing fresh croissants, pastries and specialty breads to North Market. We treated ourselves to the delectable Biscoff Cookie Scone!

Downtown traffic patterns are looking a little bit different today 🤔 Front Street is now two-way!

Why the conversion? ⬇️
The transformation from a one-way to two-way street will make commuting more convenient for drivers and pedestrians by reducing speed limits to 25 mph and making it safer to access nearby offices, amenities and retailers 🚗

While Front Street is open now, Marconi Boulevard’s conversion from E Broad Street to Spring Street will open later this week!

Thanks to @columbusgov for answering the call for a more connected Downtown experience! The two-way conversion comes on the heels of the passage of Issue 47 for LinkUS and the midst of design work on the Capital Line, two projects that will transform Downtown transit.

PS — Use extra caution as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern ⚠️

Open
Downtown traffic patterns are looking a little bit different today 🤔 Front Street is now two-way! Why the conversion? ⬇️ The transformation from a one-way to two-way street will make commuting more convenient for drivers and pedestrians by reducing speed limits to 25 mph and making it safer to access nearby offices, amenities and retailers 🚗 While Front Street is open now, Marconi Boulevard’s conversion from E Broad Street to Spring Street will open later this week! Thanks to @columbusgov for answering the call for a more connected Downtown experience! The two-way conversion comes on the heels of the passage of Issue 47 for LinkUS and the midst of design work on the Capital Line, two projects that will transform Downtown transit. PS — Use extra caution as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern ⚠️

10 ART GALLERIES IN DOWNTOWN 🎨

With earlier nights and less daylight hours on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to spend some more time inside — or at an art gallery! There’s no shortage of art to admire Downtown. Check out the link in our bio for the full list of places to see art.

🖼️Urban Arts Space
📍50 W Town St, Suite 130

🖼️Blockfort
📍162 N 6th St

🖼️National Veterans Memorial and Museum
📍300 W Broad St

🖼️Hawk Galleries
📍153 East Main St

🖼️No Place Gallery
📍1 E Gay St

🖼️ Sarah Gormley Gallery
📍95 N High St

🖼️ Cultural Arts Center
📍139 W Main St

🖼️ Columbus Museum of Art
📍480 E Broad St

🖼️ Beeler Gallery at CCAD
📍60 Cleveland Ave

🖼️Riffe Gallery
📍77 S High St

Open
10 ART GALLERIES IN DOWNTOWN 🎨 With earlier nights and less daylight hours on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to spend some more time inside — or at an art gallery! There’s no shortage of art to admire Downtown. Check out the link in our bio for the full list of places to see art. 🖼️Urban Arts Space 📍50 W Town St, Suite 130 🖼️Blockfort 📍162 N 6th St 🖼️National Veterans Memorial and Museum 📍300 W Broad St 🖼️Hawk Galleries 📍153 East Main St 🖼️No Place Gallery 📍1 E Gay St 🖼️ Sarah Gormley Gallery 📍95 N High St 🖼️ Cultural Arts Center 📍139 W Main St 🖼️ Columbus Museum of Art 📍480 E Broad St 🖼️ Beeler Gallery at CCAD 📍60 Cleveland Ave 🖼️Riffe Gallery 📍77 S High St

NEW BUSINESS ALERT: @soul_2go 🚨🍽️

Lynn Alley has a new soul food hidden gem 👀Soul 2 Go Café at 72 E Lynn Street is now open for dine-in and carry-out! We stopped in to try a Soul Bowl and Chocolate Soul cocktail and they hit the spot (and the soul 😉). Plus, there was even a painting class happening 😎

The service was just as good as the food! It makes for the perfect lunch break or weeknight dinner. Build your own soul bowl or try a signature like the porkchop or jerk chicken bowl — the choice is yours! Either way, you won’t regret it.

🍽️Soul 2 Go
📍72 East Lynn Street
🕐Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 12pm - 10pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm - 12am
Sunday: 12pm- 6pm
Monday: Closed

Open
NEW BUSINESS ALERT: @soul_2go 🚨🍽️ Lynn Alley has a new soul food hidden gem 👀Soul 2 Go Café at 72 E Lynn Street is now open for dine-in and carry-out! We stopped in to try a Soul Bowl and Chocolate Soul cocktail and they hit the spot (and the soul 😉). Plus, there was even a painting class happening 😎 The service was just as good as the food! It makes for the perfect lunch break or weeknight dinner. Build your own soul bowl or try a signature like the porkchop or jerk chicken bowl — the choice is yours! Either way, you won’t regret it. 🍽️Soul 2 Go 📍72 East Lynn Street 🕐Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 12pm - 10pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm - 12am Sunday: 12pm- 6pm Monday: Closed

Glory to Columbus! The @columbuscrew is playing the New York Red Bulls in their first match in the MLS playoffs tonight right here in Downtown 🖤💛

Thanks to widespread support, the Black and Gold sold out all of their home matches at @lowerfieldcbus during the regular season! The first round of playoffs is a best-of-three format, with the second match in New York on Sunday. If needed, the tiebreaker match would be back in Columbus.

The Crew has won the MLS Cup in 2008, 2020 and 2023. We’re taking predictions for this year 🏆 ⬇️

Who’s cheering on the Crew tonight? 🙋

Open
Glory to Columbus! The @columbuscrew is playing the New York Red Bulls in their first match in the MLS playoffs tonight right here in Downtown 🖤💛 Thanks to widespread support, the Black and Gold sold out all of their home matches at @lowerfieldcbus during the regular season! The first round of playoffs is a best-of-three format, with the second match in New York on Sunday. If needed, the tiebreaker match would be back in Columbus. The Crew has won the MLS Cup in 2008, 2020 and 2023. We’re taking predictions for this year 🏆 ⬇️ Who’s cheering on the Crew tonight? 🙋

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Downtown Columbus Inc. is a private, non-profit development corporation with a mission to lead city-changing projects in the heart of Ohio’s capital city. Downtown Columbus Inc. was created in 2002 to implement the Downtown Strategic Plan.

 

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