Can Columbus beat the winter blahs? When assessing the pros and cons of living in Ohio, one must admit that the doldrums between New Year's Day and spring's return can be a bit long, gray and dreary. Meteorologically speaking, we can't do much about it. But, we Buckeyes can make our own sunshine, finding fun at many turns. This week, we highlight a potpourri of upcoming events. So, mark your calendars, round up some friends and family, and get out and about. You can beat those cons like a pro.
Beat the Blahs: Drinking Always Helps
Don't let the winter grays get you down. Improve your spirits with, well, some spirits. Hills Market Downtown offers the perfect opportunity with their We Love Columbus Wine Tasting on Friday, February 2, 6 - 8 p.m. This special iteration of Hills' $15 Fridays wine tastings goes local, demonstrating love of the 614. Belly up to the bar for goodies from three different Columbus breweries, as well as 20 wines from around the world. Local spirits' vendors will be on hand to share their knowledge and to explain why they chose Columbus as the place to share their talents. Hills calls the event "our valentine to the city we call home!" Grab your tickets now, as their tastings often sell out. Fifteen bucks for such fun is a bargain.
Beat the Blahs: Attend a Soirée
ProMusica holds their 2018 Soirée on February 10, featuring Leslie Odom, Jr. Yes, Leslie Odom, Jr. of Aaron Burr-in-the-original-cast-of-Hamilton fame. The award-winning Broadway singer and actor will join the orchestra at the Southern Theatre for an evening not to be missed. Choose to attend the concert only (tickets run from $45 - $95) or up the ante with Patron Level tickets (priced at $200 - $350), which includes a fabulous pre-concert cocktail party at The Westin Columbus. The pre-party fun includes delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, plus special raffle prizes. No doubt, you won't want to miss this special evening. So, click here for tickets.
Beat the Blahs: Keep Kids Learning
Extra days off of school can be a parent's nightmare, but COSI is here to help. Therefore, when Presidents' Day sneaks up on us February 19, be ready with a special day camp to forestall a day of screen time. Keep Learning Outside of School offers two camps: Dinosaurs for kids in K-5 and Video Game Design for those in grades 6-8. Plus, kids get two snacks and all the supplies they need. The cost is $60 for members and $65 for non-members. And, sign up quickly, so you're not left out in the cold.
Beat the Blahs: Get Smart with Art
We've got world-renowned art college CCAD right in our urban back yard. Do you remember to check out all that they offer? Indeed, now is the time to take advantage with the new exhibit IN THE FLAT FIELD. The exhibit runs February 1-March 25 at Beeler Gallery, with an opening reception on February 1, 6-8 p.m. IN THE FLAT FIELD combines historical materials from a variety of creative fields, but you won't be able to see everything all at once. Using "an ethos of slow programming," visitors will find new and different materials as the exhibit moves on.
Come to see exhibition posters and promotional materials from art and design schools, which help tell the schools' histories; runway invitations for a New York fashion designer; lecture notes from French philosopher Alain Badiou; and more. All seek to demonstrate how materials can convey aesthetic, political and intellectual urgency in the moment. Sounds like a fascinating way to while away an afternoon or two this late winter.
This list provides a great starting point, but downtown has so much more to offer. Don't forget to check out the Downtown Concierge for up-to-date listings of all the fun to be found.