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Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

Dinner for Two Special at FYR Short North

The perfect date night awaits at FYR Short North! Join us for our Dinner for Two special, available Monday through Wednesday beginning April 6. Three courses are available for $75.

The Black Madonna & Other Sacred Spaces Exhibition

The Black Madonna & Other Sacred Spaces is a multidisciplinary exhibition and cultural experience that centers healing, ancestral memory, and sacred creative practice within Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

Through visual art, installation, and public programming, the exhibition explores the Black Madonna as both symbol and portal—an archetype of protection, resilience, divinity, and maternal power across time and geography. Artists were invited to interpret “sacred spaces” expansively: as physical environments, interior landscapes, spiritual inheritances, and sites of resistance, rest, and restoration.

Presented by The Sacred Spaces Collective in collaboration with community partners like The Urban Arts Space, Wexner Center for the Arts, The Pollen Patch Columbus, and Straight Through, the exhibition will transform the gallery and community spaces into an immersive, reflective environment that prioritizes care, accessibility, and collective storytelling. Programming will include workshops, artist talks, and healing-centered gatherings that deepen engagement beyond the visual experience.

COSI: Farm Days

COSI is bringing the farm to Downtown Columbus!

Learn about real farm equipment and the science behind farming from farmers, how plants grow, and where food comes from. You’ll be able to get “eggcited” about baby chickens hatching and other farm animals, as well as for opportunities to ask all your garden questions.

Farm Days will be located on the West side of the COSI building and is included with COSI General Admission and Memberships.

Commons for Kids

Every Friday, kids of all ages can enjoy hands-on educational activities that align with the theme of the week. Plus, take free carousel rides, explore lawn games or take a lunch break at one of the food trucks. 

Activities vary weekly.

Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) will host Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, a collection of original paintings by former President George W. Bush. The exhibition opens to the public on August 8, 2026.

The exhibition features more than 60 portraits of post-9/11 service members and Veterans, each one hand painted by President Bush and paired with a personal story of service, sacrifice, and resilience written by the former president.

The NVMM is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Scioto Mile Fountain

Cool off and splash in the fountain!

Summer Music Series: The Lawn at High Water Alley

Join us this summer on the back lawn for live music, yard games, and cocktails from Little West Poutine on Franklinton Fridays at this FREE event!

There’s always something happening on The Lawn! From sunset sets by local musicians to great cocktails and cookout classics from the Little West Poutine window, we’ll see you for the second Friday of the month to celebrate the summer Franklinton Fridays!

Friday, July 10: James Gaiters Jazz Quartet

Friday, August 14: Angela Perley

Friday, September 11: Hawa

The Navigators

A group comprised of Columbus executives and professionals playing high-energy rock tunes from the 1960s to today. Since their formation in 2002, they have helped to raise more than $500,000 to help local and national charities such as the City Year Columbus, United Way, Salvation Army, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Hilltop YMCA, the American Red Cross, A Kid Again and more.  

Tickets are NOT required. Blankets and chairs are welcome. Beverage sales and food trucks are available on site beginning at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm.

Columbus Clippers Game

Cheer on the Columbus Clippers at a home game at Huntington Park.

Scioto Mile Concert Series: Dumpstaphunk

Summer nights in Columbus just got better. On top of the many festivals that call the riverfront home, Columbus Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the CAPA, Columbus Symphony and Columbus Jazz are bringing FREE outdoor concerts to the Bicentennial Park Stage on select Friday evenings with a lineup you won’t want to miss. Grab a blanket, bring the crew, and catch a world-class act under the open sky. All concerts start at 7 p.m. Food and drinks will be available starting at 6 p.m.

Blog Posts to Get You in the Know.

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

Downtown

Where to Eat in the Gay Street District

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How to Spend a Day on Gay

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9 Unique Date Night Ideas

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20+ Things to do in 2026 in Downtown Columbus

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Holiday Shopping Gift Guide

The season of giving is here and Downtown Columbus is packed full of small businesses…

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October (2025) in Downtown Columbus

Spooky Season has officially arrived in Downtown Columbus. With sunset movies, haunted tours, and cozy…

Downtown Strategic Plan

Embark on the next stage of Downtown Columbus’ urban revival and transformation into a world class city by enhancing equity, expanding accessibility, creating connectivity, supporting local, and improving inclusion so that Downtown Columbus is a safe and welcoming destination where the prosperity of our city can be enjoyed by all.

Parking Information

Downtown Columbus has parking options abound. Garages, surface lots and on-street sites offer a wide variety of access, no matter your kind of ride, wherever your destination may be.

Downtown columbus' districts

Discover Downtown through the rich tapestry of its urban districts.

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

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

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

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

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.  

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

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.

of Downtown Columbus through dozens of local events happening every week. 

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