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Upcoming Events Downtown

Artist Commune: Portable Paradise Pop-Up Exhibition

Urban Arts Space is excited to announce the theme for March’s Artist Commune: Portable Paradise. We invite artists to radically explore the idea of paradise in a pop-up exhibition. Questions that shape this theme: Who are the architects of Paradise? Who is on the margins in dominant ideas of Paradise? Who is invited? Who gets the authority to name what Paradise is like? How do you get there? Shaped but not limited by these questions, we’re asking artists to create work that engages the metaphysical, tangible, and personal to re-imagine Paradise.

The objective of this exhibition is to showcase a diverse range of interpretations of Paradise through various artistic mediums. We aim to create a space that challenges the way our unique identities and socioeconomic positions shape our concept of Paradise.

Welcome Home Ceremony – National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Join NVMM at the Museum on Vietnam War Veterans Day for a moving ceremony to welcome home Veterans, many of whom never received that honor after serving our country during the Vietnam War.

The keynote speaker is Chief Master Sergeant Ray Snedegar, U.S. Air Force (Retired) who served for 32 years. In 1975, Snedegar was assigned to help with the mission, Operation Babylift in Vietnam. He will share how he helped save the lives of 145 babies and 12 adults after his plane was attacked. In total, Operation Babylift evacuated more than 3,000 orphans from Saigon.

Columbus Blue Jackets v. Pittsburgh Penguins

Columbus Blue Jackets v. Colorado Avalanche

Portable Paradise: A Poetry Celebration with Roger Robinson, Ajanaé Dawkins, & Cynthia Amoah

“And if I speak of Paradise,

then I’m speaking of my grandmother
who told me to carry it always
on my person, concealed, so
no one else would know but me.”

— Roger Robinson, “A Portable Paradise”

This evening event at Urban Arts Space—7–9 PM on Friday, April 5—will feature readings by high school and college students, along with their instructors, from Arts IMPACT Middle School, Bexley High School, Otterbein University, Denison University, and The Ohio State University. These students and staff members will have participated in writing workshops with Columbus-based poet-educator Peter Kahn and acclaimed Black-British writer Roger Robinson, winner of the prestigious T.S. Eliot Prize. 

Come hear work from burgeoning student writers who will share the stage with local poets Cynthia Amoah and Ajanaé Dawkins, along with Roger Robinson as the headliner. Time permitting, there will be a Q&A.

Columbus Crew v. DC United

Solar Eclipse Day on the Rooftop at NVMM

Witness the awe-inspiring Great North American Eclipse from the rooftop of the NVMM! In partnership with the NASA Solar System Ambassadors program, we will have hands-on learning activities throughout the Museum between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Activities include:

  • Guess the distance of the earth to the moon and the sun
  • Design a military and NASA patch
  • Draw your own perspective of the sky, inspired by our latest special exhibition, Lost Man Blues: Jon Schueler – Art and War
  • Fun giveaways from the NASA Solar System Ambassador Program

Admission is free for NVMM members, $5 for students, Ohio History Connection and COSI members, and $10 for general public who wants to marvel at this celestial phenomenon.

Special eclipse glasses are available on a first come first serve basis.

Paint and Sip with Kristin Cronic

Soar among the clouds with your paintbrush and friends, all while enjoying an adult beverage. This special Paint and Sip event will be led by Kristin Cronic, U.S. Navy Veteran, painting works inspired by the skies and Jon Schueler’s Lost Man Blues exhibition.

Ages 18 and older only. Art supplies, alcoholic (beer and wine), non-alcoholic (soft drinks and water) beverages and snacks are provided.

Columbus Crew v. Portland Timbers

Army Air Forces Heavy Bombers and Winning World War II

Take a journey back in time and dive into the heroic tales of the fearless men who flew the B-17s and B-24s during World War II. Join us as we unravel the untold stories of the United States Army Air Forces’ strategic bombing campaign from historians and curators from the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) History Office. The presenters will reveal the challenges and triumphs of aerial warfare during World War II, making connections to the Apple TV show Masters of the Air and our latest special exhibition, Lost Man Blues: Jon Schueler – Art and War.

The evening will include a panel discussion, display of original images from the NMUSAF’s Memphis Belle exhibit, and time for audience Q&A.

Light refreshments will be provided.

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Entertainment

Watching the Solar Eclipse in Downtown Columbus

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a total solar eclipse is happening right here in Columbus!…

Dining

Your Guide to Downtown Happy Hours

Discover a new bar or crafted cocktail every week in Downtown Columbus with these happy hours…

Blog Posts to Get You in the Know

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

Dining

Your Complete Guide to Coffee Shops in Downtown Columbus

Is it too cliché to say that Downtown Columbus runs on coffee?  Whether you need…

Dining

The Complete Guide to Downtown Columbus Patios

Columbus goes through all the seasons, but our favorite by far? Patio. Take full advantage…

Dining

Rooftop Bars in Downtown Columbus

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

Dining

Your Guide to International Fare in Downtown Columbus

You can find a distinguished mix of international fare in Downtown Columbus. With hot spots…

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Sports

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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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YOUR GUIDE TO WATCHING THE SOLAR ECLIPSE DOWNTOWN🌕☀️

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to see an (almost!) total solar eclipse is happening right here in Columbus! Here’s what you need to know:

🌙 On April 8, Columbus will experience 99.6% totality just after 3 pm.
🌙 The next eclipse in Ohio won’t occur until 2099!

WHERE TO FIND GLASSES:
*The eclipse glasses are flying off the shelves so be sure to call ahead to ask if there are any left in stock! 
📕Columbus Metropolitan Library (free) 
📍96 S Grant Ave 
📞Call 614-645-2275 

🔭 COSI ($5 in gift shop)
📍333 W Broad St
📞Call 614) 228-2674

WHERE TO WATCH:
☀️COSI X Columbus Metropolitan Library 
📍Dorrian Green
🕐1-4:40pm 

☀️COSI x Land Grant Brewing 
📍Land Grant, 424 W Town St
🕐12-4 pm

☀️Solar Eclipse Day on the Rooftop
📍National Veterans Memorial and Museum, 300 W Broad St 
🕐10-5 pm
🎫$5-10; read our blog in bio for more info 

Huge thank you to @columbuslibrary for the free glasses! 😎

Head to the link in our bio to read our blog with all the info!
There’s nothing quite like the Downtown riverfront 🌊

And people are taking notice 👀 The Scioto Mile is up for @10best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Riverwalk which is HUGE news for our city! Downtown’s riverfront is a community favorite for signature festivals and summer activations and we want the nation to know😎

Help us move the Scioto Mile up the rankings and receive the national recognition it deserves by voting DAILY through April 8 at the link in our bio. 

📍The Scioto Mile captured by @kashvfx
TITANIC AT COSI🚢 

The ship has almost docked! The highly anticipated TITANIC: The Exhibition opens THIS SATURDAY at @cosiscience 🌊This incredible exhibit takes visitors through the chronological story of the ship’s construction, crew and passengers. As you walk through the history and are real-life replicas of the interior, you’ll feel surrounded by the ship and its stories. 

The exhibit features a full-scale replica of the grand staircase, 200+ real life artifacts, an iceberg, room replicas, and even real-life performers on select days. ⚓️It will captivate all ages and is great for individuals and families alike. 

Tickets are now available online! The exhibit will be here through September 2. Thank you to @cosiscience for inviting us for a sneak peek!

🚢TITANIC: The Exhibition
🗓️Opening March 9 at @cosiscience 
📍333 W Broad St
10 LUNCHES UNDER $10🌯

We’re all about a good deal💸 From sandwiches to pizzas to pierogis — here are some Downtown deals to add to the rotation🍽️ 

More suggestions? Throw ‘em in the comments ⬇️
THE ARNOLD IS HERE 💪😤

Over 20 THOUSAND athletes are competing in 50+ events here at the Arnold this weekend, with everything from the classic physique competitions to medieval fighting, the Arnold 5K, martial arts, gymnastics, wheelchair competitions, and arm lifting. 

🔙When he said “I’ll be back” he really meant it, as this is the 36th year in a row the Arnold Sports Festival has happened here in Columbus (not counting 2020). 

➡️Why Columbus? In 1970, Columbus promoter Jim Lorimer invited Arnold to compete in the Mr. World contest. When Arnold won, he promised that he’d come back to Columbus and collaborate with Lorimer to promote the sport of bodybuilding, which officially started in 1989. 

Fun fact: last year we saw Arnold himself spectating some medieval fighting, but alas, we didn’t press record in time. 

Who’s checking out the Arnold this year? Anyone compete in an event?