Downtown Columbus

Columbus Symphony: Britten War Requiem
2025-05-24 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Witness Benjamin Britten’s powerful War Requiem, a testament to Britten’s lifelong pacifism. This massive work is scored for full symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, three soloists, choir, boys’ choir, and organ, with texts from the Latin Requiem Mass and anti-war poems by Wilfred Owen, an English soldier killed in battle during World War I. Written for the reconsecration of the Coventry Cathedral, a monument destroyed during World War II, the War Requiem was premiered in 1962.

FREE Fountain Fest
2025-05-25 11:00 - 22:00 | Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Kick off summer with a splash! The Scioto Mile Fountain re-opens for the season at Bicentennial Park this Memorial Day Weekend. Join us for a FREE two-day celebration with music, food trucks, live performances, art, and more. All ages are welcome to splash in the Fountain, and adults can indulge in a drink using the Center City DORA. Starting at 11am, enjoy FREE ice cream, parachute play, glitter tattoos, stilt walkers, and collaborative murals. Starting at 4pm, come out for FREE caricatures, water tag, giant pong, and glow sticks!

Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil
2025-05-25 19:00 | National Veterans Memorial and Museum, 300 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43215
During Memorial Day weekend, we honor the sacrifices of the Gold Star Families who have lost a loved one in service to our country with a Candlelight Vigil.
We are honored to welcome Major General Mark A. Graham, U.S. Army (Retired), MBA, as our guest speaker. A Gold Star father and dedicated mental health advocate, Maj. Gen. Graham has devoted his life to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention following the tragic losses of his sons—Second Lt. Jeff Graham, killed by an IED in Iraq in 2004, and Kevin Graham, a Senior Army ROTC cadet who died by suicide in 2003. Together with his wife Carol, he continues to champion efforts to end the stigma surrounding mental health care in both military and civilian communities. Among his many pursuits, he currently serves as director of Vets4Warriors.
Doors open at 7 p.m. for the reception. The Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil procession will begin at 7:45 p.m. on the Museum rooftop and travel down to the Soldiers Cross in Memorial Grove. The ceremony begins at 8 p.m.

Register Here

Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
2025-05-26 10:00 | National Veterans Memorial and Museum, 300 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43215
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor all the men and women who have lost their lives in service to our country, as well as the families they left behind. Our keynote speaker will be Nate Boyer, U.S. Army Green Beret Veteran and former NFL player. Columbus iHeart radio host Boxer will serve as our master of ceremonies.
Register here

Free Play at the Commons
2025-05-27 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-29 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-03 11:00 - 16:00 | Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Come Downtown and take a free spin on the Carousel, play under the parachute, build with our Imagination Playground big blue blocks, kick a soccer ball, or make your own fun. Plus, additional programming will be available on select dates.

Free Fitness at the Commons
2025-05-27 17:30 - 18:20, 2025-05-27 18:30 - 19:20, 2025-05-28 17:30 - 18:20, 2025-05-28 18:30 - 19:20, 2025-06-03 17:30 - 18:20, 2025-06-03 18:30 - 19:20 | Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
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!

May – September
Tuesdays- HIIT
5:30 & 6:30 pm
Wednesday- Yoga
5:30 & 6:30 pm

Wednesdays on the Water
2025-05-28 00:00, 2025-06-04 00:00 | Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Paddle down the Scioto River with a 50% off discount on a one-hour watercraft rental. Spots are limited, so book ahead to secure your kayak! Walk-ins accepted but not guaranteed. Check https://windroseoutdoor.com/ for operating hours.

November Project Scioto Mile Free Workout
2025-05-28 06:00 - 08:00 | Genoa Park, 303 W Broad St, Columbus, OH, United States
November Project is a free outside fitness group that started in Boston in 2011 to break down barriers to movement! Now in 53 cities around the globe, we create free, fun, scalable (adjustable to your fitness level) workouts for all ages – and doggos!
Our workout starts at 6:14a every Wednesday morning in Genoa Park on the Scioto Mile (on the steps behind COSI). We work out for 45 minutes together until 7am, then walk down to One Line Coffee to hang out before work!
Come join us if you’re an off-the-couch fitness newbie, a runner looking to cross-train, or any fitness level in between, we’d love to see you!

Breakfast at the Commons
2025-05-28 08:00 - 12:00 | Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Every Wednesday, stop by Columbus Commons to grab breakfast and coffee at one of our local food trucks! It’s the perfect pick-me-up on the way into the office.

Columbus Crew Game
2025-05-28 20:00 | Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Watch the Columbus Crew take on Nashville in this MLS match.

Get Tickets Here

Food Truck Food Court
2025-05-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Summer calls for sunshine which means enjoying lunch outside at Columbus Commons.
Bite into a variety of delicious and diverse food trucks every Thursday at Columbus Commons. Bring your pup, your pals, or soak in the sun solo.

Pearl Market
2025-05-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Pearl Market, 31 E Gay Street, Columbus, OH, 43215
Pearl Market connects Ohio farmers, artisans, and creators with the urban heart of Columbus at the historic Pearl Alley and neighboring streets. Come visit the vibrant Pearl Market for an incredible and diverse selection of fruits and vegetables, farm and artisanal goods, live music, and more! New this year: Pearl Market is sponsored by Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District in Partnership with Common Greens Ohio.

Presented By: Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District

The Good Market at Food Truck Food Court
2025-05-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join The Good Market every Thursday afternoon at Columbus Commons for Columbus’ best food trucks, awesome local vendors, and those good summertime vibes!

BAM Thursdays
2025-05-29 17:00 - 22:00 | Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH, United States
Kick off your weekend early with BAM Thursdays (Bar, Art, and Music) at the Columbus Museum of Art.
Every Thursday, May 29 through September 25, enjoy live music, great art, delicious bites, creative experiences, and fresh libations in the 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.
See the full schedule of artists and DJs

FREE Street Beats
2025-05-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-31 18:00 - 20:00 | The Patio at the Scioto Mile Fountain, 229 Civic Center Dr, Columbus, 43215, United States
Live music will warmly welcome you every Friday and Saturday in the summertime, setting the perfect backdrop for a night out! Whether you’re grabbing dinner nearby or just soaking in the summer vibes, Street Beats brings the soundtrack to your weekend thanks to dozens of talented Columbus artists.

FREE Street Beats
2025-05-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-31 18:00 - 20:00 | UnderCurrent, 1 E Gay St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States

Columbus Taco Week
2025-06-02 - 2025-06-07
Columbus Taco Week is a citywide celebration of the beloved taco, offering a week-long culinary adventure across participating restaurants. From traditional flavors to innovative creations, each location features specialty tacos at an unbeatable price. Explore Columbus’ vibrant food scene, discover new favorites, and support local eateries during this flavorful event. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing tacos to-go, Columbus Taco Week is the perfect way to savor the best tacos the city has to offer. Don’t miss this week of deliciousness!

Storytime with Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library
2025-06-03 11:00 - 11:30 | Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library for a monthly storytime at Columbus Commons. Sing, rhyme and read along to your favorite stories and songs! Bring the entire family along for this fun park pop-up. Storytime runs from 11 am to 11:30 am on the first Tuesday of the month between May and September near the Little Free Library – right by the Jeni’s scoop shop. Stick around for lunch with curated Taco Tuesday food trucks, and the littles can enjoy Free Play, featuring free spins on the Carousel, parachute play, the Imagination Playground big blue blocks, and soccer.

Taco Tuesday
2025-06-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Visit Columbus Commons to enjoy tacos and Latin cuisine from your favorite food trucks on the first Tuesday of each month from May through October.

Kimberly Akimbo
2025-06-03 19:30 | Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), KIMBERLY AKIMBO is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone.
Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush…and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.

Get Tickets Here
