12 Things to Do in Columbus This Week · May 21–24, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Columbus Asian Festival

Annual festival celebrating Asian cultures with dragon boat racing on the Scioto River, food, and performances at Franklin Park.

Saturday–Sunday, May 23–24, 2026 · Franklin Park, Columbus

Riverfront Culture Fest (Ohio Black Expo)

Annual Ohio Black Expo cultural celebration on the Columbus riverfront showcasing Black culture, music, and community.

Saturday–Sunday, May 23–24, 2026 · Riverfront, Columbus

Arts & Culture

Laurie Kilmartin at Hashtag Comedy Club

Stand-up comedian Laurie Kilmartin performs two shows (7 PM and 9 PM) at Hashtag Comedy Club in the Short North.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM · The Hashtag Comedy Co., 1253 N High St, Columbus

Mike Larsen Birthday Show at Hashtag Comedy Club

Hashtag Comedy Club presents comedian Mike Larsen's birthday show — tickets going fast for this special celebration.

Friday, May 29, 2026 7:00 PM · The Hashtag Comedy Club, Columbus

Music & Nightlife

Courtney Barnett – Creature of Habit Tour

Courtney Barnett brings her Creature of Habit Tour to Newport Music Hall, presented by 90.5 FM WCBE.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 7:00 PM · Newport Music Hall, Columbus

Jackson Dean at The Bluestone

Country artist Jackson Dean performs live at The Bluestone, a stunning 115-year-old converted church in downtown Columbus.

Friday, May 22, 2026 7:00 PM · The Bluestone, 583 E Broad St, Columbus

IBE at Rambling House

IBE makes their first-ever Ohio appearance at Rambling House in Columbus — all ages show with doors at 6 PM and music at 7 PM.

Sunday, May 25, 2026 7:00 PM · Rambling House, Columbus

Outdoors & Active

WNRR x ASICS Blue Jean Mile

We're Not Really Runners hosts a Mental Health Month community run in jeans at Dick's House of Sport, centered on movement, connection, and awareness.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Dick's House of Sport, Columbus

Short North Stampede Run with Nike

Nike and Columbus Running Company team up with Short North Running Club for a campus run where you can test the new Nike Pegasus 42 — arrive early for shoe demos.

Thursday, May 28, 2026 6:15 PM · Out-R-Inn, Columbus

Date Night

Spring Into Next: A Plant Potting Event at TENSPACE

A hands-on plant potting event at TENSPACE gallery — a creative, tactile evening perfect for a date or social outing.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 6:00 PM · TENSPACE, Columbus

Food & Drink

Morning by Rooh Pop-Up Cafe

Rooh Columbus, known for modern progressive Indian cuisine, runs a weekend pop-up cafe every Friday–Sunday from 8 AM–2 PM.

Friday–Sunday, May 22–24, 2026 8:00 AM · Rooh Columbus, Columbus

Family-Friendly

Bark & Browse: A Dog-Focused Morning Market at The Wag

Dog-focused morning market at The Wag Dog Bar + Park, featuring local vendors and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs and their humans.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 11:00 AM · The Wag Dog Bar + Park, 1330 Norton Avenue, Columbus