Picnic with the Pops, CSO with Nelly, Columbus Commons
Remember when summer used to be fun? It still is. Here are eight ways to make the most of your summer in Downtown Columbus this week.
Origins Game Fair
Wed-Sun, June 12-16 | 12:00 pm
Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St
You don’t have to be a gamer to appreciate this 45th annual tabletop gaming convention. Chockful of new release demos, role-playing, and kid- and sensory-friendly activities, it also features the Origins Film Festival, a live-action walk-through dungeon adventure, comedy and musical shows, costume contest, and just a few thousands other activities.
COSI After Dark
Thursday, June 13 | 6:00 pm
COSI, 333 W Broad St
Welcome to summer camp, grown-up style. Ditch the kids for an evening and revisit all your favorite camp activities – without the drama or the sunburn. See the stars at night in the Planetarium, dig into hands-on activities, and explore the rest that this renowned science museum has to offer.
Josh Groban
Thursday, June 13 | 7:30 pm
Nationwide Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd
You know it’s going to be an incredible musical evening when the opening act is Grammy® Award-winning country superstar Jennifer Nettles. And it only gets better with the powerful vocal prowess of none other than multi-platinum artist, “8th world wonder” and headliner Josh Groban. Prepare to be dazzled.
Commons for Kids
Friday, June 14 | 10:00 am
Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
FREE entertainment for the kiddoes? Oh, yeah. Let them burn off summer break rambunctiousness with some bounce house fun and a whirl on the carousel. When they’ve had enough of that (as if!), there’s plenty more to wear them down and out, including demonstrations, crafts, games, and the innovative Imagination Playground.
Picnic with the Pops: Kool and the Gang + Picnic with the Pops: Jefferson Starship
Fri-Sat, June 14-15 | 8:00 pm
Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
The sounds of summer are found in Downtown’s own backyard, the Columbus Commons. This two-night extravaganza of iconic musical hits features Grammy® Award-winning R&B funk group, Kool and the Gang on Friday, followed by legendary rock band Jefferson Starship on Saturday.
Crafternoons!
Saturday, June 15 | 1:00 pm
OSU Urban Arts Space, Lazarus Building, 50 W Town St
Let your inner artist run wild during a 90-minute session of creative art-making. Innovative and crafty, this free workshop (including supplies) is for ‘kids’ 16+ only. Online registration required.
Moonlight Market
Saturday, June 15 | 6:00 pm
Gay Street Between High and Fourth Streets
Spend a summer night strolling, shopping, and enjoying good eats and great entertainment. Here you’ll find the city’s most unique marketplace experience, thanks to an eclectic array of pop-up shops, sidewalk vendors, and local merchants.
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga
Sunday, June 16 | 5:00 pm
Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 W Whittier St
Leave your shoes and your worries at the boat dock because this is yoga like you’ve never experienced before – on a paddleboard, no less. Balance and strength combined with wind and water make for a one-hour practice that’s both peaceful and joy-filled.
Pentatonix: The World Tour
Sun, Jun 16 | 7:30 pm
Nationwide Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd
Stunning costumes, soaring vocals, choir-nerd theatrics, and a banging set list are front and center when Grammy® Award-winning a capella group Pentatonix hits the stage. Joined by guest artist, singer-songwriter Rachel Platten, this promises to be a mind-blowing musical evening.