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Ohio's Cultural Crossroads

Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

Women’s History Month

@
Ohio Statehouse
March 11th
12 - 1pm

March 11th: The History of Women’s Basketball in Columbus, presented by the Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus has a storied history with women’s basketball – from the earliest days to the brief tenure of the Columbus Quest. Join Local History & Genealogy librarian Megan Sheeran as she shares the triumphs and heartbreaks faced by girls and women who just want to play basketball.

March 18th: Florence Harding: First Lady of Consequence, presented by Sherry Hall from the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites
Florence Kling Harding participated in the first election in which women were allowed to vote for president. She used the White House as a forum to showcase the talents of women from all walks of life — scientists, athletes, musicians, singers, journalists, and artists. Mrs. Harding, who was her husband’s staunchest supporter, was smart, politically savvy, an avid learner — and complicated. Her fascinating story offers a glimpse into what a small-town Ohio girl brought to the most famous residence in the nation.

March 25th: People, Stories, and Art: A Portrait of My Life and Work, presented by artist Leslie Adams
Join artist Leslie Adams as she reveals the inspiration behind her portraits displayed at the Ohio Statehouse, contrasting the depiction of those and other distinguished leaders with the introspective nature of her monumental self-portraits. Experience her artistic journey—from her childhood at the Toledo Museum of Art to the influences shaping her work today—and discover the techniques that bring her portraits to life.

Learn More

It’s Family Night @ Our Haus!

@
Hofbrauhaus Columbus Brewery & Restaurant
March 11th
5 - 8pm

Join us for March Family Night!

Kids Eat FREE* w/ purchase of an adult entree.

Plus, we’ll have face painting for the kids, too!

* Limit one kids meal per child.

Learn More

River South Booze & Boos Walking Tour

March 12th
7 - 9:30pm

**AGE: 21+**

*Your ticket is your email receipt*

Visit a historic tavern, other venues we haven’t visited since the bus Tour days and take in some spirits while hearing tales of those who have not gone quietly into death.

Start Time: 7PM

Running Time: 2 1/2 hours

Distance: Mile and a half

You will receive a detailed welcome email at least 48 hours before your tour.

Get Tickets Here

Learn More

CMA After Hours: Rest & Relaxation

@
Columbus Museum of Art
March 13th
5 - 9pm

CMA is open LATE every Thursday with $5 general admission. From 5:00–9:00 PM, enjoy dinner and drinks in the café, explore the galleries, shop in the store, and more.

Rest & Relaxation

6:00–7:00 PM

Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers

Unwind with a soothing yoga session led by Replenish Well & The Yoga Carriage. Enhance your experience with a custom CMA intention card, guiding you through a mindful exploration of our galleries.
 
Ticket includes the yoga session and museum admission. Special non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase in Schokko Café.

Get Tickets Here

 

Learn More

COSI After Dark

@
COSI
March 13th
6:30 - 10pm

The Renaissance Faire

Journey back in time to an era of chivalry, revelry, and enchantment at COSI After Dark: Renaissance Faire on March 13th. Indulge in the rich traditions of the Renaissance with themed drinks, live entertainment, and hands-on science demonstrations. Stroll the COSI grounds to experience exhibitions with plenty of interactives, and be sure to enter the transformed, festive marketplace to indulge in specialty merchandise. Celebrate camaraderie with your companions, and immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable evening of medieval-inspired merriment and science at COSI After Dark: Renaissance Faire.

*Each attendee must be at least 21 years of age to enter COSI After Dark. A current photo ID with date of birth, will be required upon entry. No admittance will be permitted without a valid ID.*

Get Tickets Here

Learn More

Columbus Blue Jackets Game vs Vegas

@
Nationwide Arena
March 13th
7 - 7pm

Watch the Blue Jackets take on Vegas in this regular season matchup. 

View the Blue Jackets full schedule here: Schedule

Learn More

Fat Ham

@
Studio One at the Vern Riffe Center
March 13th
7:30 - 7:30pm

By James Ijames
Directed by David Glover

In this witty take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the only real death is the patriarchy. To be or not to be certainly is the question for Juicy, a young, queer Black man. Juicy grapples with identity, family, responsibility, and honesty as generations clash at a backyard barbecue, serving up all of the drama, wit, and existential angst of the Bard with a generous side of humor and heart. See what the New York Times calls “a hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy,” in James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize–winning Fat Ham.

 

Get Tickets Here

Learn More

Columbus Fury Game

@
Nationwide Arena
March 14th
7 - 7pm

Watch the Columbus Fury take on the Vegas Thrill in this regular season match. 

Get tickets here

Learn More

Columbus Symphony: All Mozart

@
Ohio Theatre
March 14th
7:30 - 9:30pm

Join us for a celebration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, featuring three of his mature works. Così fan tutte, Mozart’s 1789 operatic romantic comedy, begins with the delightful overture featured here. Described as “a first-rate Mozartean” by The Chicago Tribune, pianist Orli Shaham showcases her expertise in Mozart’s virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 20. Completing this program is Symphony No. 38, titled “Prague” for the location of its first performance. This extraordinary work demonstrates the sophisticated and complex symphonic writing of Mozart’s later years.

Learn More

Fat Ham

@
Studio One at the Vern Riffe Center
March 14th
8 - 8pm

By James Ijames
Directed by David Glover

In this witty take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the only real death is the patriarchy. To be or not to be certainly is the question for Juicy, a young, queer Black man. Juicy grapples with identity, family, responsibility, and honesty as generations clash at a backyard barbecue, serving up all of the drama, wit, and existential angst of the Bard with a generous side of humor and heart. See what the New York Times calls “a hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy,” in James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize–winning Fat Ham.

 

Get Tickets Here

Learn More
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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.

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Gay Street Downtown Columbus

Gay Street

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

River South

RiverSouth

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

Mikey's Late Night Slice Exterior

Fourth & Main

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

Arena District

Arena District

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

The Peninsula

The Peninsula

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.  

Warehouse District

Warehouse District

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

Discovery District

Discovery District

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.

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

View the event calendar

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Can you believe this sign weighs 800 pounds?! The iconic neon Planters Peanuts sign is UP at the new location of @thepeanutshoppecolumbus 🥜⬆️

Mr. Peanut has been illuminating Downtown Columbus since the original Peanut Shoppe opened in 1936. This towering sign is over 12 feet tall and weighs a staggering 800 pounds. While The Peanut Shoppe has had a variety of owners and locations over it’s long history, it reigns as the oldest retailer in Columbus.

⏪ ICYMI: The Peanut Shoppe switched hands and moved from State Street to Broad Street in late 2024. Now, the northeast corner of Broad and High is pouring over with enticing mid-day treats 🥜Whether you’re looking for a mid-day sweet treat, or a pre-show nut mix to snack on, the Peanut Shoppe is your one-stop shop to indulge in a sweet or salty snacking🍫

🥜The Peanut Shoppe
📍4 E Broad Street
🍬Candies, nuts, snacks, and more!

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Can you believe this sign weighs 800 pounds?! The iconic neon Planters Peanuts sign is UP at the new location of @thepeanutshoppecolumbus 🥜⬆️ Mr. Peanut has been illuminating Downtown Columbus since the original Peanut Shoppe opened in 1936. This towering sign is over 12 feet tall and weighs a staggering 800 pounds. While The Peanut Shoppe has had a variety of owners and locations over it’s long history, it reigns as the oldest retailer in Columbus. ⏪ ICYMI: The Peanut Shoppe switched hands and moved from State Street to Broad Street in late 2024. Now, the northeast corner of Broad and High is pouring over with enticing mid-day treats 🥜Whether you’re looking for a mid-day sweet treat, or a pre-show nut mix to snack on, the Peanut Shoppe is your one-stop shop to indulge in a sweet or salty snacking🍫 🥜The Peanut Shoppe 📍4 E Broad Street 🍬Candies, nuts, snacks, and more!

FAT HAM OPENS AT THE RIFFE CENTER 🎭

A sparkly, glamorous disco dance party meets a backyard BBQ in the Tony nominated play, Fat Ham 🐷🪩

During the 90-minute show performed by an all-Central Ohio cast, you’ll see antics and intergenerational drama scenes that will get your heart racing. From high energy karaoke numbers to heartfelt family moments, it’s Hamlet but the only thing that dies is the patriarchy 😉

@thecontemporaryohio is known for bringing bold, thought-provoking stories anchored by Columbus actors and Fat Ham is no exception.

🎫Use the discount code “JUICYBBQ” to get $5 off tickets.

🎭 Fat Ham runs at the Contemporary Theatre in Studio 1 at the Riffe Center (77 S High St) NOW until March 23.

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FAT HAM OPENS AT THE RIFFE CENTER 🎭 A sparkly, glamorous disco dance party meets a backyard BBQ in the Tony nominated play, Fat Ham 🐷🪩 During the 90-minute show performed by an all-Central Ohio cast, you’ll see antics and intergenerational drama scenes that will get your heart racing. From high energy karaoke numbers to heartfelt family moments, it’s Hamlet but the only thing that dies is the patriarchy 😉 @thecontemporaryohio is known for bringing bold, thought-provoking stories anchored by Columbus actors and Fat Ham is no exception. 🎫Use the discount code “JUICYBBQ” to get $5 off tickets. 🎭 Fat Ham runs at the Contemporary Theatre in Studio 1 at the Riffe Center (77 S High St) NOW until March 23.

OPEN NOW: Holy Crepes 🍓

The latest addition to @northmarketdowntown is now open! Indulge in sweet and savory crepes for breakfast, lunch or dessert. Pair it with a selection of specialty coffees for the ultimate meal.

We tried the Tutti Frutti! With a mix of fresh strawberries and bananas coupled with raspberry and blueberry jam, it really lived up to its name in allll the best ways 🫐🍓 They have both sweet and savory crepes that will make you say... holy crepe, these are delicious! 😉

The Holy Crepes menu also features breakfast items, baguette sandwiches, and cups of strawberries coated in chocolate. Their adorable, French-inspired red and white striped stand transports you and completes the whole experience! Plus, with large windows, you can see your crepe made right before your eyes 😋

🍴Holy Crepes @holycrepescolumbus
📍59 Spruce St
🕐Open daily

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OPEN NOW: Holy Crepes 🍓 The latest addition to @northmarketdowntown is now open! Indulge in sweet and savory crepes for breakfast, lunch or dessert. Pair it with a selection of specialty coffees for the ultimate meal. We tried the Tutti Frutti! With a mix of fresh strawberries and bananas coupled with raspberry and blueberry jam, it really lived up to its name in allll the best ways 🫐🍓 They have both sweet and savory crepes that will make you say... holy crepe, these are delicious! 😉 The Holy Crepes menu also features breakfast items, baguette sandwiches, and cups of strawberries coated in chocolate. Their adorable, French-inspired red and white striped stand transports you and completes the whole experience! Plus, with large windows, you can see your crepe made right before your eyes 😋 🍴Holy Crepes @holycrepescolumbus 📍59 Spruce St 🕐Open daily

EVENING PLANS IDEA: DRINKS & A SHOW 🎫🍸

This week only (tonight until Feb 23), the Broadway musical “& Juliet” @andjulietbway takes the stage at the Ohio Theatre and we have the perfect cocktail pairing to go along with it 🍸

The modern comedy follows Juliet (of Romeo & Juliet) if she ditched her tragic ending and embarked on a self-empowering journey of second chances, love, and new beginnings. The musical features hit pop songs like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “It’s My Life,” and “I Want It That Way” 🎵

@blackkahawa is serving up a specialty drink to enjoy before or after the show! 🍸🍒 Broadway stars Rachel (@rachelsimwebb) & Josh (@joshthejordan), stopped in to try the “Star-Crossed Lovers” cocktail. The drink is crafted with stonefruit vodka, peach liqueur, pomegranate, cranberry and lemon with a cherry twist. It’s the perfect way to round out your trip to the theatre!

Tickets are still available 🎫 Plus, check out @broadwayincbus to learn how to secure day-of rush tickets. Please note that rush ticket seating is very limited — mostly to single seats, so there is no guarantee that you’ll be seated next to your theatre buddy.

🎭& Juliet
📍Ohio Theatre
🎫Showing Feb 18-23

☕🍸 Black Kahawa
📍2 E Broad St
🕐Tues-Wed: 6am-8 pm
Thurs-Sat: 6am- 11 pm
Happy hour every day 3-7 pm!

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EVENING PLANS IDEA: DRINKS & A SHOW 🎫🍸 This week only (tonight until Feb 23), the Broadway musical “& Juliet” @andjulietbway takes the stage at the Ohio Theatre and we have the perfect cocktail pairing to go along with it 🍸 The modern comedy follows Juliet (of Romeo & Juliet) if she ditched her tragic ending and embarked on a self-empowering journey of second chances, love, and new beginnings. The musical features hit pop songs like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “It’s My Life,” and “I Want It That Way” 🎵 @blackkahawa is serving up a specialty drink to enjoy before or after the show! 🍸🍒 Broadway stars Rachel (@rachelsimwebb) & Josh (@joshthejordan), stopped in to try the “Star-Crossed Lovers” cocktail. The drink is crafted with stonefruit vodka, peach liqueur, pomegranate, cranberry and lemon with a cherry twist. It’s the perfect way to round out your trip to the theatre! Tickets are still available 🎫 Plus, check out @broadwayincbus to learn how to secure day-of rush tickets. Please note that rush ticket seating is very limited — mostly to single seats, so there is no guarantee that you’ll be seated next to your theatre buddy. 🎭& Juliet 📍Ohio Theatre 🎫Showing Feb 18-23 ☕🍸 Black Kahawa 📍2 E Broad St 🕐Tues-Wed: 6am-8 pm Thurs-Sat: 6am- 11 pm Happy hour every day 3-7 pm!

7 RESTAURANTS FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION 🍽️🍷🥩

Celebrating something special or looking for a spot that’s sure to make a lasting impression? Check out these 7 restaurants for those that care to experience the finer things in life 🤌

From juicy steaks to full-bodied wines and carefully curated cocktails, the Downtown dining scene does not miss 🥢

Restaurants mentioned 😋⬇️

Jeff Ruby’s @jeffrubyscolumbus
📌89 E Nationwide Blvd

Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar @hanksseafoodcolumbus
📌6 W Gay St

Chouette @chouetterestaurant
📌66 N High St

Butcher and Rose @butcherandrose
📌155 E Broad St

Goodale Station @goodalestation
📌77 E Nationwide Blvd

Veritas @veritas614
📌11 W Gay St

Mitchell’s Steakhouse @mitchellssteakp
📌45 N 3rd St

*please note: the seasonal menu changes & the items in the video are not offered year-round!

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7 RESTAURANTS FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION 🍽️🍷🥩 Celebrating something special or looking for a spot that’s sure to make a lasting impression? Check out these 7 restaurants for those that care to experience the finer things in life 🤌 From juicy steaks to full-bodied wines and carefully curated cocktails, the Downtown dining scene does not miss 🥢 Restaurants mentioned 😋⬇️ Jeff Ruby’s @jeffrubyscolumbus 📌89 E Nationwide Blvd Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar @hanksseafoodcolumbus 📌6 W Gay St Chouette @chouetterestaurant 📌66 N High St Butcher and Rose @butcherandrose 📌155 E Broad St Goodale Station @goodalestation 📌77 E Nationwide Blvd Veritas @veritas614 📌11 W Gay St Mitchell’s Steakhouse @mitchellssteakp 📌45 N 3rd St *please note: the seasonal menu changes & the items in the video are not offered year-round!

9 WEEKEND EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS💞

Bring your gals, partners, ride solo, or find a new boo at any of these sweet events happening around Downtown this weekend ⤵️

🛍️Sip, Shop & Swoon: A Valentines Day Shopping Experience (FREE)
🗓️ 2/13 at 5-8pm
📍 @commonthreadshopsonthird, 237-275 S Third St

🖼️ CMA After Hours ($5 admission)
🗓️ 2/13 at 5-9pm
📍@columbusmuseum

💌 Singles Speed Dating ($15 tickets)
🗓️ 2/13 at 7-9pm
📍@howlcolumbus

💅Live Music Event with food and drink (free admission)
🗓️2/13 | 7-10pm
📍@nail_behavior, 142 N 3rd St

🍰Girls Night with Chef Carrie Young (tickets required!)
🗓️2/13 | 7-10pm
📍@threebitesbakery, 12 E Broad St

🔥Dinner with Live Fire Dancers (reservations required!)
🗓️ 2/15
📍@due_amici

🎶West Side Story (tickets required!)
🗓️ 2/13-2/16
📍 Ohio Theatre

🎼Mozart to Matisse | “Monumental Drama”: Martha Graham, Isamu Noguchi, and the Sculpture of Modern Dance ($5)
🗓️2/15 at 2-3pm
📍@columbusmuseum

💡Wanderlights (FREE)
🗓️ Daily thru 2/16 at 5-10pm
📍 @columbuscommons and Bicentennial Park

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9 WEEKEND EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS💞 Bring your gals, partners, ride solo, or find a new boo at any of these sweet events happening around Downtown this weekend ⤵️ 🛍️Sip, Shop & Swoon: A Valentines Day Shopping Experience (FREE) 🗓️ 2/13 at 5-8pm 📍 @commonthreadshopsonthird, 237-275 S Third St 🖼️ CMA After Hours ($5 admission) 🗓️ 2/13 at 5-9pm 📍@columbusmuseum 💌 Singles Speed Dating ($15 tickets) 🗓️ 2/13 at 7-9pm 📍@howlcolumbus 💅Live Music Event with food and drink (free admission) 🗓️2/13 | 7-10pm 📍@nail_behavior, 142 N 3rd St 🍰Girls Night with Chef Carrie Young (tickets required!) 🗓️2/13 | 7-10pm 📍@threebitesbakery, 12 E Broad St 🔥Dinner with Live Fire Dancers (reservations required!) 🗓️ 2/15 📍@due_amici 🎶West Side Story (tickets required!) 🗓️ 2/13-2/16 📍 Ohio Theatre 🎼Mozart to Matisse | “Monumental Drama”: Martha Graham, Isamu Noguchi, and the Sculpture of Modern Dance ($5) 🗓️2/15 at 2-3pm 📍@columbusmuseum 💡Wanderlights (FREE) 🗓️ Daily thru 2/16 at 5-10pm 📍 @columbuscommons and Bicentennial Park

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Downtown Columbus Inc. is a private, non-profit development corporation with a mission to lead city-changing projects in the heart of Ohio’s capital city. Downtown Columbus Inc. was created in 2002 to implement the Downtown Strategic Plan.

 

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