16 Things to Do in Columbus This Week · July 30–August 2, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Ohio State Fair

Ohio's iconic annual fair returns with the new imAGine agriculture exhibit, the Shaping Ohio showcase, live entertainment, and the best fair food in America through August 9.

Wednesday, July 29 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 · Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, Columbus

Music & Nightlife

Claire Music ft. Leroy Bach (formerly of Wilco) with Luke Bollheimer

An evening of indie folk at the Rambling House featuring Claire Music with Leroy Bach, formerly of Wilco, joined by hometown hero Luke Bollheimer — doors at 5 PM, music at 6 PM.

Thursday, July 30, 2026 Doors 5:00 PM, Music 6:00 PM · The Rambling House, Columbus

Braxton Keith at The Bluestone

Rising country artist Braxton Keith brings his sound to the stunning converted-church venue in downtown Columbus.

Friday, July 31, 2026 7:00 PM · The Bluestone, 583 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Columbus Underground 25th Anniversary Comedy Night

Columbus Underground celebrates 25 years with a special night of stand-up comedy and cocktails with Esther at Cure 614 — tickets just $10.

Thursday, August 6, 2026 · Cure Coffee & Cocktails (Cure 614), Columbus

Food & Drink

Asian Eats Tour with Columbus Adventures

A guided van adventure hitting six incredible stops along Bethel and Henderson Roads, home to some of the best Asian food in the Midwest.

Friday, July 31, 2026 · Bethel Road / Henderson Road, Columbus

Happy Hour – Columbus Super Foodies

Columbus Super Foodies hosts a casual happy hour meetup for food lovers and young professionals to connect over drinks.

Friday, July 31, 2026 5:30 PM · Columbus, Ohio

Date Night

Farmstead Fridays at Moser's Farm Market

End the week the right way: snacks from the market, wood-fired pizza, Farmstead Cider, and live music all on the farm — every Friday 4–8 PM.

Friday, July 31, 2026 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Moser's Farm Market and Barn, 3350 Clark Shaw Rd, Powell, OH

Ladies Night Out at Brass Eye Rooftop

Women 40+ gather for an evening at Brass Eye Rooftop — expect cocktails, great views, and a welcoming crowd of fellow adventurers.

Saturday, August 8, 2026 6:00 PM · Brass Eye Rooftop, Columbus

Outdoors & Active

CYP Pool Party at The Wilshire

Columbus Young Professionals hosts an afternoon pool party with live DJ, complimentary food and beverages, yard games, and networking at The Wilshire.

Saturday, August 1, 2026 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM · The Wilshire, 905 Old Henderson Road, Columbus, OH 43220

Hot Dog Run with Short North Running Club

Columbus Running Company teams up with Short North Running Club and Altra Running for a fun run, followed by a free hot dog from Schmidt's Sausage Haus, giveaways, and a wiener dog race with 614 Doxies.

Friday, August 7, 2026 · Columbus, Ohio

Arts & Culture

Metamorphosis – Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery

The Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery opens Metamorphosis, a new exhibition running through October 9, 2026.

Saturday, August 1, 2026 · Riffe Gallery, Columbus, OH

Sunday Morning Art Retreat

A relaxed Sunday morning art retreat offering a creative and calming start to the day for art lovers of all levels.

Sunday, August 2, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Columbus, Ohio

Sports

11th Annual Ironclub Powerlifting Competition

The 11th annual Ironclub Powerlifting Competition brings competitors and spectators together at Built Training Facility for a day of serious lifting.

Saturday, August 8, 2026 12:00 PM · Built Training Facility, Columbus

Free Events

Art at Audubon: 'Homing' by Marcia Armstrong

Environmental artist Marcia Armstrong installs 12 floating gardens as foraging stations in the wetland-prairie area of Scioto Audubon Metro Park, running August 6 through September 27.

Thursday, August 6, 2026 · Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Columbus

Bonsai and Coffee – Intro to Indoor Bonsai Wiring Workshop

Learn the art of indoor bonsai wiring at Casa Cacao in this hands-on, going-fast workshop pairing coffee with creative craft.

Saturday, August 8, 2026 9:00 AM · Casa Cacao, Columbus

Family-Friendly

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend – Mythic Creatures & More

Columbus's go-to family weekend guide highlights kid-friendly events including Mythic Creatures and more happening July 31 through August 2.

Friday, July 31, 2026 · Various locations, Columbus, OH