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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.

Columbus Arts Festival

Named #9 “Best Fine Art and Design Show” in the country in 2025 by Sunshine Artist magazine! The Columbus Arts Festival brings the best artists and performers to bring their magic to the city for three days in June.

Scioto Mile Fountain

Cool off and splash in the fountain!

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

America’s LARGEST interactive true crime mystery dinner show is now playing in Columbus, OH!

At The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, you’ll tackle a challenging crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The criminal is lurking somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it!

Each admission includes our fantastic dinner, mystery entertainment, wait staff gratuity, prize package for Top Sleuth, and much more!

Water for Elephants

“Many wonders await audiences in this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical.” – The New York Times The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.” After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.

Water for Elephants

“Many wonders await audiences in this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical.” – The New York Times 

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.” 

After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age. 

Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling” production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.   

So, step right up to the “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety) at WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania). 

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Includes smoke, haze and gunshot sound effects.

Ledisi – Nationwide Picnic with the Pops

Ledisi’s love for classic songs and legendary singers knows no bounds. The Grammy-winning vocalist celebrated the catalog of Nina Simone at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021, and now, on her new album For Dinah, the powerhouse pays tribute to Dinah Washington. Raised in Alabama, Washington sang the blues and jazz with the same charm she brought to pop. Ledisi brings the same spirit across everything she does, imbuing Washington’s classic songs with the verve of neo-soul and contemporary jazz. Be there and see why John Legend called her “one of the greatest singers in the world, period.”

Columbus Arts Festival

Named #9 “Best Fine Art and Design Show” in the country in 2025 by Sunshine Artist magazine! The Columbus Arts Festival brings the best artists and performers to bring their magic to the city for three days in June.

Scioto Mile Fountain

Cool off and splash in the fountain!

Matchday Energy. German Style.

Get ready, Columbus — Germany matchdays are about to hit Our Haus in a big way.

We’re talking steins up, screens lit, and the kind of electric, all‑in atmosphere you only get when the whole place is cheering for Die Mannschaft.

Grab your crew, claim your spot, and feel every goal, every chant, every moment with us.

We’ll have the following specials for each match:

SUN JUN 14 | 1PM v. Curacao – $10 Liters beginning at 12PM until 1 hour after the end of the game

SAT JUN 20 | 4PM v. Ivory Coast – $10 Liters beginning at 3PM until 1 hour after the end of the game

THURS JUN 25 | 4PM V. Ecuador – $8 Flagship Liters from 3-6PM

This is where Germany watch parties feel like the real thing.

Blog Posts to Get You in the Know.

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

Downtown

How to Spend a Day on Gay

The Gay Street District is packed full of fun for all to enjoy. From fine…

Downtown

9 Unique Date Night Ideas

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

Downtown

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…

Downtown

Holiday Shopping Gift Guide

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

Downtown

October (2025) in Downtown Columbus

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

Downtown

Espresso Martinis in Downtown Columbus

If you’ve been looking for a new place to indulge in the caffeinated yet boozy…

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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Due to Arts Fest, there will be no Free Fitness on Thursday, June 11 or Sunday, June 14. Thank you for your understanding.