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Music and Arts in Columbus, Ohio

When visiting Columbus, Ohio, culture and arts activities will stand out as highlights of your visit. You can experience everything from live music and museums to musical theater, fine art galleries, and more. Simply put, Columbus culture truly has something for everyone.

Check out which art things to do in Columbus, Ohio. These are attracting the most attention right now:

Theater Productions for the Season

Columbus never lacks a good show. You can find musicals, comedies, dramas, and performances that defy easy description in virtually every part of the city. Notable venues include Short North Stage, Shadowbox Live, the Riffe Center, and Madlab.

  • Theater
    Dog Sees God

    Thu, May 7 - Sun, May 10 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Theater
    Primary Trust

    Thu, May 7 - Sun, May 10 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Theater
    The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio Performs Primary Trust

    Thu, May 7 - Sun, May 10 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Theater
    Leather and Lace: A Music Tribute to the Women of Rock

    Thu, May 7 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’®

    Fri, May 8 +more dates • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    ABC Players Presents The SpongeBob Musical

    Fri, May 8 - Sun, May 10 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Theater
    Dirty Laundry

    Fri, May 8 +more dates • 8:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Dirty Talk: A Sexy Sketch Comedy and Music Experience

    Sat, May 9 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Senior Dress Rehearsal: La Bohème

    Wed, May 13 • 11:00 am

    Other

  • Nightlife Events
    2026 CAPA Marquee Awards

    Wed, May 13 • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    La Bohème

    Wed, May 13 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

    Thu, May 14 +more dates • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Live Music
    NAKED CLASSICS: Appalachian Spring

    Fri, May 15 • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Hadestown

    Fri, May 15 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Live Music
    Copland & Shostakovich

    Sat, May 16 - Sun, May 17 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Memory Fragments by Sam Wallin

    Thu, May 21 +more dates • 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Other

  • Live Music
    Fleetwood Gold – AMPLIFIED!

    Fri, May 22 • 7:30 pm

    Other

Explore Central Ohio Through Great Museums

The eclectic selection of museums in Columbus (and the greater metropolitan area) is well worth your time. Our fair city has museums for history buffs, science lovers, art aficionados, hobbyists, and just about anyone else.

Highlights include the Columbus Museum of Art, the Early Television Museum, the Ohio History Center, and Thurber House.

Popular Theatres and Theater Companies

The many theatres in Columbus don’t just feature traditional dramas. The Palace Theatre, for example, is a great spot for live music, stand-up comedy, and more. Film buffs, meanwhile, will love the repertory screenings at the Gateway Film Center and Ohio Theatre.

Galleries Worth a Visit

The Short North Arts District is a great place to start exploring the city’s art scene. This Columbus, Ohio, arts district features multiple galleries and museums, including the Wexner Center for the Arts. You’ll also find many other galleries throughout the city. Examples include the Cultural Arts Center of Columbus, Ohio, and avant-garde spots like Art Outside the Lines.

Culture and Arts Events

Some of the greatest music and arts in Columbus, Ohio, are part of special annual events. For anyone visiting in late July or early August, the Ohio State Fair is an absolute must. But no matter when you stop by Columbus, you’ll encounter unique music, dance, crafts, culinary, and cultural festivals.

  • Cinema
    Sanjuro (1962) 4K Restoration

    Thu, May 7 - Sat, May 9 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Cinema
    Santa Sangre (1989)

    Sat, May 9 • 9:30 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    The Room

    Sat, May 9 • 9:45 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Ikiru (1952) 4K Restoration

    Sun, May 10 - Tue, May 12 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Cinema
    Licence to Kill (1989)

    Mon, May 11 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Nightlife Events
    An Evening with Christian Slater, Interviewed by Neda Ulaby

    Mon, May 11 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Red Beard (1965) Remastered

    Wed, May 13 - Fri, May 15 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Festivals
    2026 Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest

    Fri, May 15 - Sun, May 17 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Cinema
    High And Low (1963) 4K Restoration

    Sat, May 16 - Mon, May 18 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Cinema
    Sholay

    Sat, May 16 - Sun, May 17 • 2:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Angel (1984)

    Sat, May 16 • 9:30 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

    Mon, May 18 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Culture & Arts
    Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began

    Sat, May 16 +more dates • 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)

    Thu, May 21 - Thu, May 28 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Cinema
    I Love Boosters (2026)

    Thu, May 21 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Talks & Readings
    Stories at the Center by Eric Gnezda

    Thu, May 21 • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Rashomon (1950) Remastered

    Fri, May 22 - Sun, May 24 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Cinema
    Centipede Horror (1982)

    Sat, May 23 • 9:30 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Seven Samurai (1954) 4K Restoration

    Mon, May 25 - Wed, May 27 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

    Mon, May 25 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Ohio Goes to the Movies: Stranger than Paradise

    Tue, May 26 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    F*cktoys

    Wed, May 27 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Backrooms (2026)

    Thu, May 28 - Sun, May 31 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Cinema
    Throne Of Blood (1957) 4K Restoration

    Thu, May 28 - Fri, May 29 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Cinema
    Film Screening: A Love Letter to Handsome John

    Fri, May 29 • 7:30 pm

    Other

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