A downtown
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for all.

Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

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!

Happens on the following Dates:
Jan 10, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Jan 24, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

FREE Wanderlights

Wanderlights is Columbus’ ultimate free holiday destination. Step away from the rush, and embrace the holiday magic amongst more than half a million lights glowing daily at Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and Scioto Mile Fountain.

During Wander Nights at Wanderlights, find an ultra-festive atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays from December 5 – 20. See below for details.

Wander your way through the kaleidoscope of color in the heart of Downtown Columbus.

FREE Wanderlights

Wanderlights is Columbus’ ultimate free holiday destination. Step away from the rush, and embrace the holiday magic amongst more than half a million lights glowing daily at Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and Scioto Mile Fountain.

During Wander Nights at Wanderlights, find an ultra-festive atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays from December 5 – 20. See below for details.

Wander your way through the kaleidoscope of color in the heart of Downtown Columbus.

Columbus Blue Jackets Game

Cheer on the Columbus Blue Jackets in this regular season home game at Nationwide Arena!

 

Get tickets here!

FREE Wanderlights

Wanderlights is Columbus’ ultimate free holiday destination. Step away from the rush, and embrace the holiday magic amongst more than half a million lights glowing daily at Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and Scioto Mile Fountain.

During Wander Nights at Wanderlights, find an ultra-festive atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays from December 5 – 20. See below for details.

Wander your way through the kaleidoscope of color in the heart of Downtown Columbus.

Midwest Cards Sports Trade Night

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting into the game, our Sports Card Trade Night is your chance to connect with the hobby community, show off your latest pickups, and make deals in a fun, laid-back setting.
Bring your binders, boxes, slabs, and top loaders, we’re talking all sports, all eras, and all collectors welcome. ⚾🏀🏈⚽
We’ll have trade tables set up, food & drinks, and maybe even some exclusive giveaways!
This is the spot to buy, sell, trade, and talk hobby with folks who get it.
Don’t miss your shot, come hang out, make connections, and leave with some fresh cardboard.

Magic the Gathering: Lorwyn Eclipsed Prerelease Event

Join us to celebrate the release of Lorwyn Eclipsed. Prizes will be awarded based on performance.

FREE Wanderlights

Wanderlights is Columbus’ ultimate free holiday destination. Step away from the rush, and embrace the holiday magic amongst more than half a million lights glowing daily at Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and Scioto Mile Fountain.

During Wander Nights at Wanderlights, find an ultra-festive atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays from December 5 – 20. See below for details.

Wander your way through the kaleidoscope of color in the heart of Downtown Columbus.

Columbus Fury Game

Cheer on the Columbus Fury at a home game at Nationwide Arena. 

FREE Wanderlights

Wanderlights is Columbus’ ultimate free holiday destination. Step away from the rush, and embrace the holiday magic amongst more than half a million lights glowing daily at Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and Scioto Mile Fountain.

During Wander Nights at Wanderlights, find an ultra-festive atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays from December 5 – 20. See below for details.

Wander your way through the kaleidoscope of color in the heart of Downtown Columbus.

Blog Posts to Get You in the Know.

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

Downtown

20+ Things to do in 2026 in Downtown Columbus

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Holiday Shopping Gift Guide

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October (2025) in Downtown Columbus

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

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Espresso Martinis in Downtown Columbus

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

Dining

Rooftop Bars in Downtown Columbus

The only thing better than a good view is a good view with a drink…

Sports

Sports Teams in Downtown Columbus

When it’s game day in Columbus, you’ll feel it. When it comes to sports,…

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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Did you know you can take FREE tours of the Ohio Statehouse? 

Whether you’re a local history buff,  a curious Columbus resident, or a lifelong learner, you’ll probably learn something new about the state that claims it’s the Heart of it All 😉❤️

Make an afternoon of it! While you’re at the Statehouse you can explore the Statehouse museum, grab some Ohio merch at the Museum Shop, and grab lunch from the Capitol Cafe (Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm) 🥪 

FREE Guided Tours (daily, except state holidays) 
📍Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square
🗓️ Weekdays: every hour starting at 10 am 
🗓️ Weekends: every hour starting at 12 pm 
Final tour starts at 3pm!
The Columbus Fury is BACK this Saturday, January 10 at Nationwide Arena 🏐🔥 

TAKE $15 OFF TICKETS for the opening night match at link in bio ‼️ The Fury kicked off the season with a win on the road and now they are taking the energy to their home court. 

2026 Columbus Fury Home Games🏐⤵️
🔥Jan 10 vs Omaha Supernovas
🔥Jan 17 vs Indy Ignite
🔥Jan 25 vs Atlanta Vibe
🔥Jan 29 vs Dallas Pulse
🔥Jan 31 vs Orlando Valkyries
🔥Feb 14 vs Dallas Pulse
🔥Feb 27 vs Indy Ignite
🔥March 10 vs Omaha Supernovas
🔥March 24 vs Orlando Valkyries
🔥April 3 vs San Diego Mojo
🔥April 5 vs Grand Rapids Rise
🔥April 10 vs Atlanta Vibe
🔥April 19 vs Grand Rapid Rise
🔥April 26 vs San Diego Mojo
20+ things to do this year in Downtown Columbus ⚽ 🎨✨

Whether it’s a new fitness goal or spending more quality time with family, we’ve got just the list of year-round activities for you to keep your new year, new you goals going!😉

Save this list as your 2026 resolution checklist ✅
Wander Nights comes to a wrap for the season, but WANDERLIGHTS will be illuminated every day from 5-10pm until February 15 💡🎄

We’re taking a beat to recharge for the new year, but we’ll see you back here in 2026 with more things to do, new business openings, and date night ideas ☃️❄️

Happy holidays, and Happy New Year! 🥳 🎉
5 CAN’T-MISS FOODS AT NATIONWIDE ARENA 🌭🌮🏒

If indulging in a footlong hot dog sounds like the ultimate score, you’re in puck 😉 The Columbus Blue Jackets are celebrating their 25th anniversary by adding a variety of unique menu items to the line-up.

Find it during all three periods at @nationwidearena ⤵️

🧀Cheese Coney Dog ($6 per dog)
🌮 Stix Chicken Tacos ($4-5 per taco) 
 🌶️ Foot Long Nachos ($20) 
🌭 Croissant Dog ($13) 
🍬 Schmidt’s Cream Puff ($8)
8 COZY BARS & RESTAURANTS ❄️🍷

The forecast is looking chilly (single digits on Sunday!), so if you’re looking to slow down and cozy up, we’ve got just the line-up of homey bars and restaurants for a night Downtown ✨ Plus, stop by Wanderlights before or after and make a whole night of it 🎄

🎄 Miracle @thecitizenstrust
📍11 W Gay St

🏙️ Brass Eye @brasseye
📍77 Belle St

❤️ Santa Baby @thejuntohotel
📍77 Belle St

🍝 Spaghetti Warehouse @spaghettiwarehousecolumbus
📍150 S High St

🧉 Goodale Station @goodalestation
📍77 E Nationwide Blvd

🍕 Aracri Pizzeria @aracripizzeriaongay
📍 51 E Gay St

☕ Cure Coffee + Cocktails @cure_614
📍154 N 3rd St

🍸 Capri @capricolumbus
📍39 E Gay St

Wanderlights glows daily through February 15 ❄️