(Mostly) free and (very) easy things to do in Downtown Columbus this week. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Nonprofit Tuesdays: CSCC Foundation
Tuesday, April 30 | 3:00 pm
Platform Beer Co., 408 N. 6th St.
Beer for a cause. On a Tuesday, no less. Raise a glass – and a buck – for the Columbus State Community College Foundation. For every beer sold, Platform gives $1 toward helping ready our community’s future workforce.
COSI Science Festival
Wed-Sat, May 1-4 | 10:00 am (11:00 am on Sat.)
COSI, 333 W. Broad St.
The spotlight is on central Ohio’s science and technology innovators as one of the largest science festivals in Ohio history makes its inaugural debut. Choose from 100+ events, including a Stuffed Animal Vet Clinic and Why Roasted Foods Taste So Good More. The week culminates in a free, carnival-style celebration featuring hands-on activities and explosive demonstrations.
Dylan Scott
Thursday, May 2 | 7:00 pm
The Bluestone, 583 E. Broad St.
Expect the unexpected as Nashville sensation Dylan Scott comes to Columbus on his extended Nothing to Do Town tour. Sing, shake, and stomp along to this high-energy performer as he takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride of musical styles ranging from rock to hip-hop to old-school country.
Food Truck Food Court
Thursday, May 2 |11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St.
This is everything lunch should be: innovative foods made by passionate people, served through a window, eaten picnic-style on a lush lawn. Try it. You’ll like it. And lunchtime boredom? A thing of the past, thanks to an ever-changing lineup of trucks and trailers.
Ohio Made Spring Shoppe
Saturday, May 4 | 11:00 am
Brewmasters Gate,495 S. Front St.
Interest gone out of Pinterest? Shop the handmade wares of 75+ local vendors and artisans, where you’ll find special items for him or her – and yourself. Ohio Made Makers make gift-giving (Mother’s Day, anyone?) worry- and stress-free.
Carnegie Author Series: Craig Johnson
Saturday, May 4 | 2:00 pm
Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 S. Grant Ave.
Craig Johnson, the New York Times best-selling author of the Longmire series (yes, the one-and-the-same as Netflix) is moseying into town for a short talk about a long career. In addition to spinning a few yarns, Johnson will answer audience questions, sign books, and, if so inclined, share what living in a Wyoming town of 25 people is like.
GOAL! Powered by Performance Columbus
Sunday, May 5 | 10:00 am
OhioHealth Ice Haus Skating Rink, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Looking for a cool way to introduce your 5- to 8-year old to the sport of hockey? This is the time. This is the place. USA Hockey-certified coaches will invest an hour on the ice instructing your youngster in the basics of stickhandling, passing, and shooting. Complimentary skate rental and Blue Jackets GOAL! jersey included.
Ryan Smith
Sunday, May 5 | 3:00 pm
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, 215 N. 4th St.
Here’s your chance to fill a Sunday with lyrics and libations as Columbus’ own Ryan Smith performs some songs you know – and a few you won’t. The acoustic guitarist and singer’s set list includes his own originals, plus a highly eclectic mix from the past 60 years. (Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, and The Lumineers, to name a few.)