20 Things to Do in Columbus This Week · September 10–13, 2026

Arts & Culture

The Hashtag Comedy Improv Show

Columbus' longest-running improv show featuring audience-suggested topics, special guests, music, and competitions at the Short North's only comedy club.

Friday, September 11, 2026 7:00 PM · The Hashtag Comedy Co., 1253 N High St, Columbus

Black Excellence & Leadership at Lincoln Theatre

A special event at the historic Lincoln Theatre celebrating Black excellence and leadership in Columbus.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 · Lincoln Theatre, Columbus

Music & Nightlife

J.R. Carroll at The Bluestone

J.R. Carroll performs live at The Bluestone, Columbus's beloved converted-church concert venue in downtown.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 7:00 PM · The Bluestone, 583 E Broad St, Columbus

Tye Erskin & Friends

Rising Columbus comedian Tye Erskin hosts a Friday night stand-up showcase featuring Karen Marie and TikTok sensation Cam Steele at Hashtag Comedy Club.

Friday, September 11, 2026 9:00 PM · The Hashtag Comedy Co., 1253 N High St, Columbus

She Shreds at Rambling House

A stacked night dedicated to Columbus' best female-fronted bands, inspired by Lilith Fair, spotlighting the incredible women of the local music scene.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 · The Rambling House, Columbus

Paul Cauthen at KEMBA Live!

Soulful country-rock songwriter Paul Cauthen brings his big voice and big sound to KEMBA Live! for a can't-miss Saturday night.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 · KEMBA Live!, Columbus

Date Night

Wine Down Wednesdays: Large Mouth Brass Band & Cedric Easton

Sultry jazz on the Lincoln Theatre's rooftop patio with live performances by Large Mouth Brass Band and Cedric Easton, plus hors d'oeuvres and curated wines.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · Lincoln Theatre, Columbus

"MAGIC MIKE" Night Columbus

A themed evening of entertainment and nightlife fun inspired by Magic Mike — a lively ladies' night out in Columbus.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 7:00 PM · Columbus, OH

Free Events

Team Trivia Night at Grandview Cafe

Columbus Young Professionals Club hosts the 614 Magazine-voted Best Trivia Night at Grandview Cafe — compete for prizes and meet new people.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 6:30 PM · Grandview Cafe, 1455 West 5th Avenue, Columbus

DownSize Columbus

A home and lifestyle downsizing event at Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center — perfect for decluttering, reselling, and discovering new finds.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 1:30 PM · Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center, Columbus

Festivals & Special Events

Arts in the Alley Festival – Grove City

A three-day festival in Grove City celebrating art in all mediums, featuring a community parade and The Vet — a beloved annual Central Ohio arts tradition.

Friday, September 18, 2026 · Grove City, Ohio

Columbus Totally Rad Vintage Fest

A curated vintage festival celebrating retro fashion, collectibles, and nostalgia culture in Columbus.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 10:00 AM · Columbus, OH

Food & Drink

Morning by Rooh Pop-Up Cafe

Progressive Indian restaurant Rooh runs a weekend pop-up cafe every Friday–Sunday from 8–2 PM, offering a modern take on Indian breakfast and café fare.

Friday, September 11, 2026 8:00 AM · Rooh, Columbus

CYP Group Dinner at Hofbräuhaus Columbus

Columbus Young Professionals Club gathers for a fun group dinner at Hofbräuhaus Columbus, a great spot to meet new people over German beer and food.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 6:00 PM · Hofbräuhaus Columbus, 800 Goodale Boulevard, Grandview Heights

Outdoors & Active

Apple Picking at Central Ohio U-Pick Farms

Apple picking season is open at multiple u-pick farms less than an hour from Columbus — a classic fall family activity not to miss.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 · Central Ohio (multiple farms)

Road to Race Day: Free Social Run with ASICS

Short North Running Club, ASICS, and Columbus Marathon team up for a FREE social run with a chance to demo the new Novablast 6 and win ASICS gear.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 · The Daily Bar, Columbus

Family-Friendly

Berlin Harvest Fest & Rib Cook-Off

A country-style family festival with delicious food, live music on the square, and festive activities — a classic Ohio fall tradition.

Friday, September 11, 2026 · Berlin, Ohio

Big Bugs at Franklin Park Conservatory

Explore giant bug sculptures throughout Franklin Park Conservatory's gardens in this beloved family-friendly exhibition continuing through the weekend.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 · Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park – Living Stream Exploration

Touch and learn about the Big Darby Creek ecosystem at the Living Stream — a hands-on nature experience perfect for curious kids and families.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 · Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Columbus

KidsLinked Oktoberfest Bubble Run

A festive Oktoberfest-themed bubble run for kids and families at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds.

Sunday, September 13, 2026 9:00 AM · Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, Columbus