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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.

Scioto Mile Fountain

Cool off and splash in the fountain!

Free Fitness at the Commons: Yoga at 5:30pm

Presented by UnitedHealthCare

Whether you’re getting your heart pumping with cardio or finding your center with yoga, the North Lawn of the Commons is the place to take your workout classes outside – and it’s all free. 

Coordinated by Quality Wellness and RawYoga614, you’ll find four classes every week from May through September.  Here’s how it works: 

  • First, fill out the online waiver and release to participate in fitness classes. 
    • The fitness waiver is required for all class attendants.
  • Then, you can attend all Columbus Commons fitness classes for the season. 
  • You may come and go to any of the fitness classes as you wish as long as you sign the fitness waiver! No need to RSVP. 

Free Fitness at the Commons: Yoga at 6:30pm

Presented by UnitedHealthCare

Whether you’re getting your heart pumping with cardio or finding your center with yoga, the North Lawn of the Commons is the place to take your workout classes outside – and it’s all free. 

Coordinated by Quality Wellness and RawYoga614, you’ll find four classes every week from May through September.  Here’s how it works: 

  • First, fill out the online waiver and release to participate in fitness classes. 
    • The fitness waiver is required for all class attendants.
  • Then, you can attend all Columbus Commons fitness classes for the season. 
  • You may come and go to any of the fitness classes as you wish as long as you sign the fitness waiver! No need to RSVP. 

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.

Scioto Mile Fountain

Cool off and splash in the fountain!

Downtown Columbus Farmers Market

In partnership with Common Greens, shop fresh produce and local goods at the brand-new Downtown Columbus Farmers Market during Food Truck Food Court. Full list of selected vendors available here.  

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.

COSI After Dark: Masquerade Ball

Dearest Gentle Science Enthusiast,

Pray, prepare yourself for an evening most enchanting.

Step into a night of mystery, glamour, and spectacle at Masquerade Ball, a most extraordinary COSI After Dark affair on Thursday, June 11. Inspired by Bridgerton-esque refined elegance and the dazzling pageantry of a Venetian carnival, this unforgettable soirée marries classical opulence with the delights of modern revelry.

You are cordially invited to don your most exquisite mask and finest attire, as the museum is transformed into a world of music and immersive amusements. At the heart of the evening, a live string quartet performs a spellbinding repertoire, where sweeping classical arrangements entwine with modern melodies, filling the air with romance and intrigue. Their music drifts through the galleries like a whispered secret, beckoning guests to dance, linger, and lose themselves in the moment.

For behind every mask lies a mystery…and within every corridor, a new intrigue awaits discovery.

Join us for an evening of romance, revelry, and late-night wonder at COSI, where melodies enchant, secrets shimmer, and society gathers.

Yours most sincerely,
COSI After Dark

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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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