Downtown Concierge

THIS IS THE TIME. THIS IS THE PLACE. THIS IS DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS.

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Downtown Concierge

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Let us help you with your “what’s for dinner” dilemma TONIGHT (12/2): Stop by and say hi at the @commonthreadonthird Welcome Center, and spin to win $10 to a restaurant within walking distance while supplies last! We’ll be set up just around the corner from @columbuscommons Festive Friday (free hot chocolate + music!).

All of the Downtown holiday happenings have got us feeling awfully jolly. We’ve got your full holiday roundup up on our blog — it’s your go-to guide for holidays Downtown. (P.S. — this weekend’s looking particularly hoppin’.)

Ready to get in the ho-ho-holiday spirit? Join Mr. Claus himself for a FREE Santa Extravaganza at the Lazarus Building! While you’re here, kick start your holiday shopping at the Holiday Pearl Market on High Street between @theparableparable and First Financial, then make a stop at the Commons afterward for free hot chocolate and carousel rides from 5-9 pm.

P.S. — We’re just up the street from Winterfest happening at Bicentennial Park from 11-4 pm— make it a whole-day holiday affair! Details below ⬇️

🎅FREE Santa Extravaganza
🗓 Saturday, December 3, 1-5 pm
🎁 Face painting, balloon artists, letters to Santa, Secret Santa shipping and more
📍 Lazarus Galleria — 50 W Town St
🚗 Easy parking in Columbus Commons garage at 55 E Rich St

Getting a head start on your holiday shopping has never been more fun (or fashionable). Come out to @commonthreadshopsonthird on Thursday, December 1 for Fashion Night Out to keep showing that local love and support your local designers. And for a little extra gift, if you spend $50+ at a Common Thread shop, you’ll receive a $10 gift card to a local restaurant Downtown, with options including @dirtyfranks, @littlepalace, @thewalrus and more!

🧵Common Thread Fashion Night Out
📅Thursday, December 1, 6-9 pm
📍237-275 S Third St
🚗 Parking available at Columbus Commons Main Garage - 55 E Rich St. Rate $3 with validation, available with a store purchase.

Let it snow…and let it glow! @columbuscommons is now lit with a spectacular holiday light display daily from 5-11 pm through January 1.
Come down to the Commons for a holiday family outing or date night stroll 🎄

For extra cheer, stop by on Fridays in December (through 12/23) for free hot chocolate, carousel rides and music in the park!

More information is available at the link in our bio.

💡Columbus Commons Holiday Lights
📍160 S High St.
🚗 Parking available at 55 E Rich St.

Hello, snow❄️Although the warm weather seems to be gone for good, we can’t help but admire how beautiful Columbus looks covered in a little snow dust 😍

📸: @andyspessard

Chic styles ✅ Home decor ✅ Good vibes ✅ Common Thread on Third Street has it all — and we’re celebrating by giving away four $25 gift cards, good at any Common Thread store!

To enter for your chance to win:

🧵Like this post
🧵Tell us about your style (modern? minimalist?)
🧵Tag a friend for an extra entry

Giveaway ends Thursday, November 17 at 11:59pm. Four winners will be randomly chosen and notified on Friday, November 18.

*this giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram*

Join @nationalvmm this Veterans Day to honor the selfless individuals who have defended our freedom. Free admission will be offered at the memorial all day long on Friday, November 11 from 10 am – 5 pm. More information is at the link in our bio.

National Veterans Museum
📍300 W Broad St

🎶You Can’t Stop the Beat: HAIRSPRAY is hitting Columbus starting TONIGHT (11/8) at the Ohio Theatre! This funny and feel-good musical stars Columbus’ very own @andrewrobertlevitt (aka @ninawest) and is here through November 13, so hop on those tickets fast (link in bio). As always, convenient $5 parking is available in the Columbus Commons garage at 191 S 3rd St.

🎭Ohio Theatre
📍39 E State St

Our caffeine dreams are coming true -- @theparableparable is now open for service 7 days a week 🎉Parable’s plant-filled community oasis is the perfect spot for remote work, informal work meetings, or just chilling out. 🌱Their space is available to rent for events, too (great for holiday gatherings + meetings). Check out their website for more details + catering info (link in bio).

☕Parable Coffee
📍 149 S High St
🕘 Now open every day, 7am-5pm
🚗 Parking available at 191 S Third St (validation available at Parable)

Today is National Sandwich Day 🥪 so naturally we're spamming your feed with a sandwich from the legendary @wariosbeefandpork. #nationalsandwichday

📸: @crave_columbus

Today is officially National Sandwich Day 🥪 — so naturally we’re spamming your feed with the legendary steak sandwich from @wariosbeefandpork. Where are you celebrating the holiday?

Columbus, you’re looking awfully boo-tiful this Halloween. 🧹

Swipe for a surprise ➡️ Loved by young and old audiences alike, Where the Wild Things Are is now featured at the @columbusmuseum. Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak features more than 150 pieces by Sendak, author and illustrator of the iconic book. Stop by the museum to see his work before the exhibit heads on its international tour!

📍Columbus Museum of Art
480 E Broad St
Open Tues-Sun, 10-5pm
Exhibit on display through March 5, 2023

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED** With games, concerts and more than a dozen restaurants and bars all within walking distance, the @arenadistrict is the ultimate place for an action-packed outing Downtown. Columbus’ Sports Street, Nationwide Boulevard is the spot for home team fans and out-of-towners alike. Plus, on game nights, enjoy a drink while walking around in this DORA district. Music fan? The Arena District hosts local bands and national acts at venues like The Basement, A&R Bar and @nationwidearena.

To fuel your entertainment outings, we’re giving away FIVE (yes, really) $20 gift cards to @wariosbeefandpork, where they serve up larger-than-life sandwiches. Tag a friend in the comments for your chance to win. And check out the link in our bio to explore all of the excitement the Arena District has in store.

US Residents only. Giveaway will close Thursday (10/27) at 11:59PM EST. Winners will be drawn at random and notified on Friday (10/28). Per Instagram’s rules, this giveaway is not associated with Instagram, Inc in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram, Inc. By entering, you confirm that you are 18+ years of age and agree with Instagram’s terms of use and release Instagram of any responsibility.

We may be biased, but we can’t think of anything more beautiful than Downtown Columbus in the fall😍The weather’s looking fantastic this weekend — perfect for a Scioto Mile stroll! 📷: @zzeltman

The 2018 Women’s Final Four was a slam dunk for Downtown, but Columbus has only gotten better. With electric fans, amazing arenas and buzzing neighborhoods, we’re ready to run it back in 2027-31. Drop a 🏀 in the comments to show @MarchMadnessWBB how Columbus shows up! See ya on Columbus’ sports street. 😉

@columbus_sports @NationwideArena

Columbus Fashion Week has officially stepped onto the runway. Hearkening back to its days as the Midwest's ultimate fashion destination, the iconic Lazarus building will be host to the displays of Columbus' top designer creations during @FashionWeekColumbus' runway show finale on Saturday, October 15.

Come Downtown to snap a photo with the Flower Flash on High Street and while you're here stop by @theparableparable for a steamy seasonal beverage.

Check out the link in our bio for more Fashion Week information.
@columbusfashioncouncil

Welcome to Common Thread, Downtown Columbus' newest fashion and lifestyle destination, a partnership between @Columbusddc and @columbusfashioncouncil.

Located right around the corner from @columbuscommons, Common Thread is your new go-to stop for home goods, fashion finds, giftables and more.

Get ready to shop on Third Street and take a photo with the stunning new mural, “Grow Beyond the Fabric,” by @miss.birdy.

Whether you’re a dedicated scare fanatic or just here for the candy, we’ve got your full spooky-season roundup featuring adult-only, older kids’, and family-friendly activities happening Downtown on our blog at the link in our bio. 👻

A big project calls for a big statement. Thanks to the artistry and skill of Columbus’ very own @miss.birdy, the corner of Third and Rich is now bursting with color and imagination. It will serve as the “red carpet” to Downtown’s newest lifestyle and fashion destination on Third Street. Follow along for more updates on this burgeoning fashion district.

🎉GIVEAWAY (NOW CLOSED)🎉 Want your chance to win a $50 gift card to Wolf’s Ridge Brewing PLUS a $50 gift card to Lēf Floral & Botanical? Read on! ⬇️

In the Warehouse District, new life is blossoming in enduring spaces. Many of the District’s vintage buildings — featuring open floor plans, clean architecture and exposed brick — are finding new purpose as homes to modern businesses. Hosting retail, living spaces, breweries and restaurants, make time to explore the Warehouse District in Downtown Columbus. Check out our full list of recommendations in our blog (link in bio).

Tell us who you’d buy a beer🍻 or bouquet💐 for below and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card to Wolf’s Ridge Brewing AND a $50 gift card to Lēf Floral & Botanical! Share this post to your story for an extra entry (screenshot + DM if private). Easy as that! Official rules below.

US Residents only. Giveaway will close Wednesday (10/12) at 11:59PM EST. Winner will be drawn at random and notified on Thursday (10/13). Per Instagram’s rules, this giveaway is not associated with Instagram, Inc in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram, Inc. By entering, you confirm that you are 18+ years of age and agree with Instagram’s terms of use and release Instagram of any responsibility.

Hamilton opens tomorrow at the historic Ohio Theatre and runs through October 24. If you’re lucky enough to to see this Broadway phenomenon turned nationwide sensation, here are our tips for showday:

🎵Park in the Columbus Commons Underground Garage (located at 191 S Third St) for easy access to the Ohio Theatre and $5 parking
🎵Grab a bite before the show at a nearby restaurant including @thelittlepalace, @aracriongay, @tiptopkitchenandcocktails and @lolaskitchenbar
🎵Take a stroll through the Statehouse grounds, around Columbus Commons or along the Scioto Mile before the show starts!

Find show info + purchase tickets at the link in our bio.

At the @nationalvmm, you can get your workout in while connecting with those who have served. Hosting free wellness programs such as Jiu Jitsu and Balanced Warrior Yoga, the NVMM’s goal is to bring citizens and veterans together to forge camaraderie. All ages and experience levels are welcome, and you do not need to be a veteran to participate. Check out the link in our bio to learn more and sign up.

It’s National Coffee Day, Columbus! What better way to celebrate the occasion than with a S’moretado at @therooseveltcoffeehouse? Expertly crafted with milk, espresso, chocolate sauce, marshmallow and crushed graham cracker, this decadent drink is only available for the fall season, so don’t wait. Check the link in our bio for the full list of coffee shops to visit Downtown!

📸: @eatplaycbus

Good news: the LunchBucks program has officially been extended once again, now through October 26. Just learning about LunchBucks? Here’s everything you need to know:

Each week, @columbusddc is giving away $10 vouchers to use at more than 25 participating restaurants around Downtown.

LunchBucks are distributed at four Downtown locations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am-2pm and can only be used on those days and times. Quantities are limited at only 200 per week across locations. When we’re out, we’re out — so stopping by promptly is your best bet.

We’ll update our website as locations run out, so check back frequently for the latest information. Head to the link in our bio for all the details.

Happy eating!

Kayaking on the Scioto with beautiful fall views? Sign us up! From now until October 16, @windroseoutdoor will be offering $5 off kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals on Thursdays and Fridays. Catch them before they close for the season on October 16! Sign up + find more info at the link in our bio.

Windrose Outdoor
Thurs-Sun, 9am-6pm
233 S. Civic Center Drive
Book online, then meet at Bicentennial Park.

It's official, Fall is here! What better way to celebrate than taking a selfie with our sunflower flower flash in the Fourth & Main District? It won't last long, so be sure to stop by this weekend.

Better yet, grab a drink and watch the game at a nearby bar like @hadleysbar or Little Palace. #cbusflowers #flowerflash

If you haven’t stopped by lately, stomp on in to the main @columbuslibrary before October 31 to see the RAWR-some Dino display. In addition to the life-sized Stegosaurus, Megalosaurus and Triceratops, they’ve got stations with complementary activities and of course, book recommendations.

Columbus Metropolitan Library
96 S Grant Ave
Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm
Fri-Sat, 9am-6pm
Sun, 1-5pm
Parking is available in the attached garage on Library Park North off S. Grant Ave.

Leveque, you're looking good. That glow though 🤩🌆

📸: @jqqzxv

An eclectic mix of glazed creations, The Kiln Room has taken over the Blockfort gallery with pottery pieces from 25+ artists, curated by Kiln Room founder Eric Rausch. A mix of hand built, wheel thrown and sculptural pieces, stop by before September 25 to check it out. Ceramic creations are also available for purchase.

@blockfort
Fridays & Saturdays, 12-5pm
162 N 6th St.
Columbus, OH 43215

The first ever Columbus Latine Parade will kick off this Saturday, September 17 in Downtown Columbus. Celebrating #hispanicheritagemonth, the parade will be followed by a program highlighting emerging leaders in the Latine/Hispanic community on the Broad Street side of City Hall.

While you're here, explore some of the Latine-owned businesses Downtown including @barroluco.argentine, @CincoTacos614 and @TortillaStreetfood.

Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month Parade
Saturday, September 17
11 am Parade, 12 pm Program
Parade will step off from Rich Street and Civic Center Drive, near @thesciotomile. For the full parade route, head to the link in our bio.

Back to school means Blend Cafe + Bakery (@blend_cscc) is back! The ultimate classroom for Columbus State’s hospitality and culinary arts students, that cup of coffee or pastry will be extra sweet knowing you’re supporting the next generation of culinary artists. It’s the perfect place for a morning meeting or midday snack, located in Downtown’s Discovery District. And the community impact keeps coming: tips go toward Columbus State’s Mid-Ohio Market, providing food and essentials to folks in need. What are you waiting for? Stop by today.

Pictured (menu may rotate based on day): Pizza scone, vegan poppyseed, orange and cherry Bundt cake, and vanilla lattés

Blend Cafe & Bakery
Open Monday - Thursday
7AM - 3PM

Museums, markets and more: the @artmakescbus Arts Passport is the perfect way to discover new places to enjoy in the Downtown arts community. Pick up your FREE passport and spend September and October collecting stamps so you can submit them for prizes starting November 1! Head to the link in our bio for the list of all locations to pick up and stamp your passport.

🎨Stop 1: Cultural Arts Center @caccolumbus
🎨Stop 2: Pearl Market @marketsatpearl
🎨Stop 3: OAC Riffe Gallery @riffegallery
🎨Stop 4: Blockfort @blockfort
🎨Stop 5: Columbus Museum of Art @columbusmuseum

Still want to try SUP Yoga on The Scioto Mile? Here's your last shot! Sign up now to reserve your FREE spot:

FREE SUP Yoga
Tuesday, September 13
5:30pm and 6:45pm
Meet at the Main Street Boat Launch near Bicentennial Park.
Link in bio to register.

Good news! We've got more LunchBucks to share in September. This popular pilot program has been extended through September 26, but if you're just discovering LunchBucks, here's what you need to know:

Each week, @columbusddc is giving away $10 vouchers to use at more than 25 participating restaurants around downtown.

LunchBucks are distributed at four downtown locations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 am - 2 pm and can only be used on those days and times.
Quantities are very limited, only 200 for each week. When we're out, we're out so stopping by promptly on Tuesday is your best bet.

We'll update our website as locations run out so check back frequently for the latest information.

Head to the link in our bio for all the details.

Happy eating!

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED**

Get ready to ride! In partnership with @colsrecparks we’ve got 40 FREE @cogobikeshare Annual Memberships to give away. Membership includes unlimited 45-minute classic bike rides + ebike discounts 🚲 To enter, comment below where you’d CoGo in #downtowncolumbus or tag your riding buddy.

US Residents only. Giveaway will close Wednesday (8/31) at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be notified on Thursday (9/1) and receive their unique code. 40 winners will be randomly selected to receive a CoGo Annual Membership. Per Instagram’s rules, this giveaway is not associated with Instagram, Inc in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram, Inc. by entering, you confirm that you are 18+ years of age. You agree with Instagram’s terms of use, and you release Instagram of any responsibility.

Thanks to everyone who showed up for the first-ever Sips on the Scioto Happy Hour, supporting the @green_columbus Scioto River clean-up this fall! It was a picture perfect night. If you missed out on the beer (thanks to @wolfsridgebrewing) but still want to do your bit, don’t worry. The Scioto Sweep is set for Sunday, September 25 and volunteer registration is now open. Sign up at the link in our bio!

Day or night, a trip to the 4th & Main District is always a good time. Here are a few of our favorite ways to play:

🌭Grab lunch at @dirtyfranksdogs or @hadleysbar
🛍️ Shop local at small businesses like @encinasdesigns, @studio_v_fashion, or @lajeunemariee
🎨Get inspired at @hawkgalleries or the @cbuslovemural
🍸 Enjoy dinner or drinks at @sidebar_columbus, @pecanpennys, @thelittlepalace or @thewalruscbus.
💆 Treat yourself to indulgent services from @squareonesalonandspa, @moss_hair_co or @thegarrison614
🕹️Let out your inner child with vintage arcade games from @16bitbar
🍕Chow down on pizza from @latenightslice

It'll be hard to leave, but getting here is easy! Roll on over on a @cogobikeshare bike or bring the crew in your car, because parking is easy! Check out the link in our bio for the full blog and add the 4th & Main District to your Downtown bucket list today ✔️

In a big move by @experiencecolumbus and @colsrecparks, the first ever @CbusSoul Fest will take place at @thesciotomile this Saturday, August 20. Stop by and celebrate Columbus' Black community, culture and history.

For more fun, head to @columbuscommons' Family Funday, featuring some of the best Black-owned businesses, authors and entertainers in Columbus.

Not convinced? Head to the link in our bio for five reasons why you're missing out if you're not at CBUS Soul Fest on Saturday, courtesy of our friends at Experience Columbus. 😉