What's Going On in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend?

On any given weekend, Columbus has a reliable mix of ticketed performances, free neighborhood events, and museum programming spread across the city's distinct districts.

For live music and theater, the Short North's Shadowbox Live at 503 S. High St. runs original productions most Friday and Saturday nights, with tickets typically ranging from $25 to $45. Nationwide Arena and KEMBA Financial Credit Union Arena (on Ohio State's campus) host larger touring acts, so checking both venues' calendars covers most major concerts. The Ohio Theatre on E. Broad Street is the go-to for Broadway touring productions and Columbus Symphony performances, with ticket prices that vary significantly by show.

Free options are consistent: the Short North Arts District holds its monthly Gallery Hop on the first Saturday of each month, with galleries staying open into the evening at no charge. COSI on West Broad Street is paid admission (around $26 for adults, $22 for children, though pricing updates periodically), while the Columbus Museum of Art in the Short North area runs free admission on Sundays from 5–9 pm.

For the most current weekend lineup, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) website and the Short North Alliance's events calendar are the two most useful local sources, covering venues that don't always surface in general search results.