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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.

BAM Thursdays

Kick off your weekend early with BAM Thursdays (Bar, Art, and Music) at Columbus Museum of Art.

Every Thursday, May 28 through September 10, enjoy live music, great art, delicious bites, creative experiences, and fresh libations in our Patricia M. Jurgensen Sculpture Garden.

Whether you’re winding down after work, meeting up with friends, or planning a spontaneous night out, BAM is your go-to summer evening. Explore the galleries after hours with free general admission from 5:00–10:00 PM, and extended museum hours until 10:00 PM every Thursday. Limited indoor seating is available at Schokko Café.

Lafayette Lounge Nights: Trivia

Lafayette Lounge is turning Thursdays into the unofficial start of the weekend with an immersive, open-air gathering space in the heart of Downtown Columbus. Gather your team and show off your knowledge. The best team of the night will take home a prize. Lafayette Lounge is located on E. Lafayette Street, next to Pins. 

Trivia Themes:

  • July 2 – 90’s Themed Trivia
  • July 9 – Classic Trivia
  • July 16 – Friends Themed Trivia
  • July 23 – Classic Trivia
  • July 30 – Columbus, OH Themed Trivia

Free Downtown Fitness: Dorrian Green

Thursdays in July, 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.: More info to come!

Sign up for class updates here. 

COSI After Dark: Rhythm & Brews

COSI After Dark is an evening event series exclusively for adults ages 21+ that occurs every second Thursday of every month. Each event showcases a different theme and each features entertainment, activities, games, and experiences you can’t get at any other visit to COSI. Explore the building and experience COSI without kids, all while enjoying delicious food, craft beer and themed cocktails.

 

Tickets available here!

Summer Music Series at Stories on High

Our live Summer Music Series is back at Stories on High with various musical artists from classic jazz to rock and roll! Join us Thursday, July 9 from 8 to 11 p.m. with George Barrie Band. The series continues until October.

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.

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

Free Family Movie Night: Up

Round up the whole family and head to the Commons for a free movie surrounded by the stars and city skyline. Free popcorn while supplies last. 

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

There is no shortage of amazing food in the Gay Street District. Use this list…

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How to Spend a Day on Gay

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9 Unique Date Night Ideas

If dinner and drinks just aren’t cutting it anymore, try one of these novel experiences…

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20+ Things to do in 2026 in Downtown Columbus

Whether it’s a new fitness goal or spending more quality time with family, we’ve got…

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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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