See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (2024)

There's always something to do in and around Columbus and with two new events launching this weekend, there's even MORE to do! First, you can put on your jogging togs get a running (or walking) start at the Freedom 5K on Saturday morning, then later in the day, get fancied up for the Haitian Cultural Soiree.

Theater productions aplenty are in store, with offerings from Actors' Theatre of Columbus, Weathervane Playhouse and Otterbein Summer Theatre all opening Thursday night.

In the musical realm, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra will pay homage to composer George Gershwin during its "Patriotic Pops" concert on Saturday, the Wallflowers are coming on Sunday and early next week will bring Broadway and "Pitch Perfect" star Ben Platt to town.

We've only scratched the surface of these events and others happening this weekend. Read more about them below. To receive these ideas in your inbox each week, sign up for theLife in the 614 newsletter.

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (1)

Actors' Theatre play explores complex, comical family dynamics

Examine themes of love, forgiveness and healing through one family's hilarious and complex dynamics in "Chicken & Biscuits," to be presented by the Actors' Theatre of Columbus at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through July 14 in Schiller Park Amphitheatre, 100 City Park Ave.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The play, which debuted on Broadway in 2021, tells the story of Baneattaand Beverly, two sisters trying to put aside their rivalry and conflicts as they come together to bury their father.

All performances are free; donations will be accepted at intermission. Reserve a blanket or chair in advance: Zero-gravity reclining chairs are $25, blankets are $25, lawn-level lounge chairs are $20. (theactorstheatre.org)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (2)

Franklin Park to bring butterflies to life in immersive art event

Come out of your cocoon and get creative with “Color, Fly, Butterfly,” an immersive art experience running through Nov. 17 at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St.

The Cardinal Health Gallery undergoes a metamorphosis as guests color butterflies, then scan the page at a kiosk to release the butterfly into the digital environment of the illustrated Pacific Island Water Garden.

The exhibition is included with admission, which costs $23.50 for ages 13 and older; $19.50 for 60 and older; $16 for ages 3-12; and free for children 2 and younger. Guests who participate in SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid (proof required) and all-access members qualify for $3 general admission. Reserving tickets in advance is recommended. (fpconservatory.org/exhibitions/color-fly-butterfly)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (3)

Weathervane heads under the sea with 'SpongeBob Musical'

Weathervane Playhouse, 100 Price Road, Newark, brings a beloved cartoon to life in "The SpongeBob Musical" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom learn that their home is under threat by a soon-to-erupt volcano, SpongeBob and his friends must unite to save their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, an unlikely hero rises up.

Other performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday, as well as 7:30 p.m. July 2-6. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Tickets are $36. (weathervaneplayhouse.org)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (4)

Otterbein Summer Theatre to travel back to Golden Age of Radio

Go back in time with Otterbein Summer Theatre as they present "It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," a reimagined telling of the holiday classic based on Philip Van Doren Stern's short story, “The Greatest Gift." Audiences get a rare peek inside a radio sound studio as a handful of actors play multiple characters, with Foley artists creating sound effects live onstage.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday in Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville. Tickets cost $28 at 614-823-1109 or online. (otterbein.edu/its-a-wonderful-life)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (5)

'Rent,' 'Barbie' among films to hit the big screen in Topiary Park

Laugh, cry and sing along as you go through the “seasons of love” with Angel, Collins, Roger, Mark, Mimi, Joanne and Maureen — otherwise known as the characters from the film adaptation of the Broadway play, “Rent.” The 2005 musical will be shown Friday in Topiary Park, 480 E. Town St., where the fourth Friday of each month is free outdoor movie night.

Upcoming movies include: July 26: “National Treasure,” Aug. 23: “Barbie,” Sept. 27: “West Side Story” and Oct. 25: “Hocus Pocus.” Bring a blanket or lawn chair — and your appetite because there will be food trucks on-site. Play trivia at 8 p.m. before the movie starts at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.) (bit.ly/3xipKS8)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (6)

Veterans museum to host inaugural Freedom 5K run/walk

Lace up your sneakers and register for the inaugural Freedom 5K coming Saturday to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), 300 W. Broad St. Presented by the NVMM and Red, White & Boom!, the 5K run/walk begins at 10 a.m., winds along the Scioto River and through Memorial Grove, ending on the NVMM rooftop.

Register online or at 8:30 a.m. the day of the race. Registration is $60, plus fees. All registrants will receive a race bib, shirt, finisher medal and a museum admission ticket. Proceeds benefit the NVMM. (nationalvmm.org)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (7)

'Patriotic Pops' to salute the music of George Gershwin

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra celebrates Independence Day a little early with "Patriotic Pops — A Gershwin Celebration," at 8 p.m. Saturday at the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St. In addition to other George Gershwin favorites, a special 100th anniversary performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" is planned.

The program also features patriotic melodies, an appearance by a U.S. Color Guard, a military branch recognition and a flyover by members of the Cincinnati Warbirds, finishing with fireworks.

General-admission lawn tickets are $35 in advance or at the gate; lawn tickets for children 3-11 are $10. Children 2 and younger are free. Purchase tickets in person at the CBUSArts ticket center, 39 E. State St., by phone at 614-469-0939 or online. (picnicwiththepops.com)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (8)

The Wallflowers to play roots rock at The Bluestone

The Wallflowers, known for such songs as "One Headlight" and "6th Avenue Heartache," perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at The Bluestone, 583 E. Broad St. Fronted by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jakob Dylan (yes, he's Bob's son), the Grammy-winning band has 15 songs that have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Adult Alternative Airplay list.

General-admission tickets are $59.50. (ticketmaster.com)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (9)

Haitian Cultural Soiree to make debut with 'Queen of Creole Song'

Learn about the people, music, dance, food and beauty of Haiti during Faveur & Company's inaugural Haitian Cultural Soiree, which is set to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Cardinal Ballroom at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.

The black-tie event will be highlighted by a performance by international recording artist Emeline Michel, known as "The Queen of Creole Song" and "The Joni Mitchell of Haiti." Hailed by the New York Times as “the dancing ambassador with a voice serene and warm like the breeze,” Michel blends traditional Haitian rhythms with pop, jazz and blues.

Space is limited and tickets, which start at $150, are selling fast. (bit.ly/3KZ4EeF)

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (10)

Ben Platt to give 'pitch perfect' performance at Mershon

Fresh from his residency at Broadway's Palace Theatre, actor and singer Ben Platt has taken his show on the road and will come to Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St., at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Brandy Clark, Grammy winner and songwriter for the Tony-winning Broadway musical "Shucked," is Platt's supporting act.

Also known from the first two "Pitch Perfect" movies, Platt won the Tony for best actor in a musical for his performance as Evan in "Dear Evan Hansen" and went on to reprise his role in the adaption with Julianne Moore and Amy Adams.

Tickets prices start at $39.50. (ticketmaster.com)

bpaschal@dispatch.com

See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend (2024)

FAQs

What is special about Columbus, Ohio? ›

Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest. In fact, Columbus has the most population growth out of any metropolitan in U.S. Vibrant and alive, Columbus is known for its public-private collaborations and entrepreneurial spirit.

Why should I go to Columbus Ohio? ›

Affordable: As the 14th largest city in the U.S., Columbus has all of the amenities you need, at a better value. A clean and green destination: Environmental awareness is an important virtue in Columbus.

Where is Red White and Boom in Columbus Ohio? ›

The fireworks launch site is located within Genoa Park on the east side of COSI. The fireworks will be shot over the river.

Is Columbus Ohio up and coming? ›

In fact, a study released by the Bank of America Institute a couple of months ago reported that Columbus is now the fastest growing city in America. No wonder people from all over the U.S. have been flocking here.

What is special in Columbus? ›

10 Best Things to Do in Columbus
  • Ohio Statehouse. A landmark in the center of Columbus. ...
  • Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. Visit exotic wildlife, from monkeys to manatees. ...
  • See also. 10 Best Museums in Columbus. ...
  • Columbus Museum of Art. ...
  • Scioto Mile. ...
  • Center of Science and Industry. ...
  • German Village. ...
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

What food is Columbus, Ohio known for? ›

So to recap – what food is Columbus, Ohio known for? Amazing pizza, delicious chocolate-peanut butter candy, tangy blue cheese chips, spicy smoked sausage, fries dipped in a milkshake, and the best casserole around! Thanks for reading!

Are people in Columbus Ohio friendly? ›

Columbus, the only Ohio city among the nation's 25 largest, was ranked second among the friendliest cities in the nation – tied with two others, in a study compiled by Preply. The city scored in the top 5 for how residents reacted to strangers (No. 5) and actions such as holding a door open for others (No.

Why are people moving to Columbus, Ohio? ›

Columbus's Job Market: Diverse and Expanding

Unemployment in Columbus has largely kept pace with the rest of America, and in March 2024, the rate stood at 4% — a recent high, but still a historical low. Columbus' diverse commercial sectors are one of the reasons Ohio is America's 7th-largest state economy.

Where is the Food Truck Festival in Columbus Ohio? ›

After a brief hiatus in Downtown Columbus and a successful relocation to the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 events due to pandemic-related challenges, the Columbus Food Truck Festival is ecstatic to announce its triumphant return to not just Downtown Columbus but also the Franklin ...

How many years has Red White and Boom been in Columbus Ohio? ›

Columbus' annual summer extravaganza, now in its 42nd year, has everything you could want in a Fourth of July fiesta: lots of live music and food, a parade stretching as far as the eye can see and of course, fireworks. Red, White and Boom!

Where is Red White and Boom Cape Coral? ›

The festivities on July 4 will begin at 5 p.m. and continue until 10:30 on Cape Coral Parkway at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge.

What big company is moving to Columbus Ohio? ›

The region is becoming a preferred destination for major corporations such as Wells Fargo, Intel, Google and Honda. Wells Fargo is planning to establish a new technology hub in the Columbus-area, bolstering the local economy with nearly 585 fresh jobs.

Where is the best place to live in Columbus, Ohio? ›

Best Neighborhoods & Suburbs in Columbus for Families
  • Bexley.
  • Clintonville.
  • Gahanna.
  • Hilliard.
  • Upper Arlington.
May 15, 2024

What is the average price of a house in Columbus Ohio? ›

Median Home Price in Columbus

As of September 2023, Redfin data shows that the median home price was $330,000 in Columbus – a 6.5% year-over-year increase. Nationwide, the median home price was $412,000.

What is Columbus best known for? ›

Explorer Christopher Columbus (1451–1506) is known for his 1492 'discovery' of the 'new world' of the Americas on board his ship Santa Maria.

What is Ohio famously known for? ›

More things Ohio is known for

The Wright Brothers were born in Ohio, marking the state's pivotal role in the history of aviation. The Buckeye State: Ohio's nickname, the Buckeye State, honors its state tree, the Ohio buckeye, known for its distinctive nut resembling a buck's eye.

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