16 Things to Do in Columbus This Week · August 13–16, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival

Celebrate over 60 years of tradition at this beloved festival featuring three days of live entertainment, food, unique contests, and family fun.

Thursday, August 13 – Saturday, August 15, 2026 · Reynoldsburg, OH

Arts & Culture

The Hashtag Comedy Improv Show

The long-running monthly improv show where the audience supplies topics and the cast delivers laughs, special guests, music, and true stories.

Friday, August 14, 2026 7:00 PM · The Hashtag Comedy Co., 1253 N High St, Columbus

Metamorphosis – Ohio Arts Council Riffe Gallery

The Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery presents Metamorphosis, curated by Tracy Longley-Cook and featuring 12 Ohio artists, on view through October.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 · Riffe Gallery, Columbus, OH

Botanical Wallscapes Workshop

A hands-on workshop at 3901 Parsons Ave where participants create botanical-inspired wall art pieces.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 5:30 PM · 3901 Parsons Ave, Columbus

Portraits of Courage at National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Paintings by former President George W. Bush honoring veterans who served since 9/11 are on view — Columbus is only the second stop nationwide this year.

Friday, August 8 – ongoing through August 2026 · National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Columbus

Music & Nightlife

R2Bees at The Bluestone

Afrobeats and highlife duo R2Bees perform live at the iconic converted-church venue in downtown Columbus.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 7:00 PM · The Bluestone, 583 E Broad St, Columbus, OH

Live with Murph & Tye

Murph & Tye return to Hashtag Comedy Club with a stacked lineup of some of Columbus's funniest comedians in the 614.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 7:00 PM · The Hashtag Comedy Co., 1253 N High St, Columbus

Nikki Glaser – Stunning Tour

Raunchy comedian and Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser hits Columbus on the Stunning Tour for two nights of hilariously personal stand-up.

Thursday, August 27 – Friday, August 28, 2026 · Palace Theater, Columbus

Free Events

Morning Coffee Meetup at Barrel and Bloom

Early risers unite for coffee and conversation at Barrel and Bloom, hosted by the GOhio! Adventures Around Columbus Meetup group.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 8:00 AM · Barrel and Bloom, Columbus

August Business First Breakfast at Convention Center

Columbus Business First hosts a morning networking breakfast at the Greater Columbus Convention Center for local professionals to connect.

Friday, August 21, 2026 · Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus

Sports

Zach Werenski Fan Appreciation Day

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski hosts a special autograph signing and meet-and-greet in partnership with Jet's Pizza.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM · Greater Columbus Convention Center

Food & Drink

Sundae Supper | Inside Scoop Participatory Dinner Party

The Kitchen hosts an interactive, participatory dinner party experience called Sundae Supper: Inside Scoop.

Sunday, August 16, 2026 · The Kitchen, Columbus

Over 50 Happy Hour at Market District (Grandview Yard)

A popular social happy hour gathering for those 50+ at Market District in Grandview Yard, with 43 attendees already signed up.

Sunday, August 16, 2026 3:00 PM · Market District, Grandview Yard, Columbus

Our Summer Succulent Planting Event

An almost-sold-out hands-on succulent planting experience hosted at Grove City Brewing Company — a perfect blend of craft beer and greenery.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 6:30 PM · Grove City Brewing Company, Columbus

Date Night

Wine Down Wednesdays: The Lincoln Patio Jazz Series – Stephan Ballard

Enjoy a sultry summer evening on The Lincoln's rooftop patio with live jazz from Stephan Ballard, hors d'oeuvres, and a curated wine and cocktail selection.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 · Lincoln Theatre, Columbus

Outdoors & Active

CancerFree KIDS 100 Mile Challenge Kickoff with HOKA Demo

Join Columbus Running Company, CancerFree KIDS, and HOKA for a free demo run, post-run raffle, and a chance to learn about the 100 Mile Challenge mission.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 6:30 PM · Columbus