Best Things To Do This Weekend

Best Things to Do Guides

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Written by Step Out Columbus

Published on May 13, 2024
Photo courtesy of Rock Against MS on Facebook

Here are the best things to do this weekend in Columbus as chosen by Step Out Columbus’ editors. This list includes the best things to do including live music, festivals, happy hours, comedy shows, theater, concerts, sports, nightlife, parties and more. Love knowing what’s going on in Columbus? Be the first to know everything from the best new restaurants to the coolest events – subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Please check with venues & event organizers to confirm time and schedule updates, as things may have changed since publishing!

Exhibit

Karin Dahl – How Does Color Sound?

Fri, May 17 - Tue, Jul 2 • All Day

Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center • 777 Evening St Worthington, 43085

Other

On View May 16 – July 2, 2024 Opening Reception: Thursday May 16, 2024 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ...

Exhibit

Columbus: Two Perspectives

Fri, May 17 - Mon, Jun 3 • All Day

Studios On High Gallery • 686 N High St Columbus, 43215

Central

Columbus: Two Perspectives Jessica Wojtasek and Jennifer Jolley-Brown ...

Exhibit

Robin F. Williams: We’ve Been Expecting You

Fri, May 17 - Sun, Aug 18 • All Day

Columbus Museum of Art • 480 East Broad Street Columbus, 43215

Central

Exhibition Description The Columbus Museum of Art is pleased to organize and present the first solo institutional exhibition featuring the work of the ...

Exhibit

Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris

Fri, May 17 - Sun, Aug 18 • All Day

Columbus Museum of Art • 480 East Broad Street Columbus, 43215

Central

Beginning in the early 20th century, French artist Marie Laurencin (1883–1956) created a unique pictorial world that placed women at the center of modern ...

Exhibit

Best of 2024 exhibition opens

Fri, May 17 - Sat, Jul 6 • All Day

Ohio Craft Museum • 1665 W. Fifth Ave. Columbus, 43212

Central

Opens Sunday, May 5th – Closes Saturday, July 6th Now in its 41st year, Ohio Designer Craftsmen’s annual juried members’ exhibition, “The Best ...

Exhibit

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Fri, May 17 - Tue, Sep 24 • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

COSI – Center of Science and Industry • 333 West Broad St. Columbus, 43215

Central

Your Ticket Aboard Titanic Awaits. Experience the wonder and tragedy of the world's most famous ocean-liner, Titanic. Viewed by more than 25 million ...

Arts & Crafts

Throwing Experience

Fri, May 17 +more dates • 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Admission starts at: $55

Kiln room • 2050 S High St Columbus, OH 43207

Central

Come and give wheel throwing a try! This evening engagement gives you a chance to experience throwing for yourself, overseen by our experienced ...

Comedy Events

Frank Caliendo

Fri, May 17 +more dates • 5:00 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $37

Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant • 145 Easton Town Center Columbus, 43219

Central

Ticket Policy: The Funny Bone has a full bar and a dinner menu that is available in our cafe and through your server when you are seated in the showroom! Seating ...

Theater

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical

Fri, May 17 +more dates • 6:00 pm - ?

Short North Stage • 1187 N High St Columbus, 43201

Central

Hair is the iconic original Broadway rock musical featuring chart-topping hits such as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” and “Good Morning, ...

Sporting Event

Columbus Clippers vs. Louisville Bats

Fri, May 17 - Sun, May 19 • Times Vary

Admission starts at: $8

Huntington Park • 330 Huntington Park Ln Columbus, 43215

Central

Columbus Clippers vs. Louisville Bats ...

Live Music

Beethoven Symphony No. 2

Fri, May 17 - Sat, May 18 • 6:30 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $30.50

Ohio Theatre • 39 E State St Columbus, 43215

Central

Beethoven Symphony No. 2 Kenneth Bean, conductor Tommy Mesa, cello Program Mendelssohn: The Hebrides Overture Jessie Montgomery: Divided for solo ...

Nightlife Events

37th Anniversary Gala

Fri, May 17 • 7:00 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $200

Columbus Museum of Art • 480 East Broad Street Columbus, 43215

Central

The King Arts Complex, along with Gala co-chairs Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (Honorary), Alycia Broz, Mindy & Mark Corna, Olivia Johnson and Sheila ...

Live Music

Kraftwerk

Fri, May 17 • 7:00 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $49.50

Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Ave Columbus, 43215

Central

KRAFTWERK Ages: All Ages Doors Open: 07:00PM Bringing together electronic-music computer animations and performance art, Kraftwerk concerts are ...

Festivals

Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest

Sat, May 18 • 12:00 am - 5:00 pm

Free

Other

Ahoy Matey’s, make plans to set sail for Buckeye Lake, Sat May 18 for the first Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival.  We’re hosting a Pirate Trade Show and ...

Exhibit

Lorena Crus Santiago + Brock Oakley Ailes + Marsha Mack + Ronald Claxton

Sat, May 18 - Sat, Jun 8 • All Day

934 Gallery • 934 Cleveland Ave Columbus, 43201

Central

Lorena Crus Santiago + Brock Oakley Ailes Marsha Mack Ronald Claxton Opening Reception Saturday, May 18 4 – 10 p.m. Closing Reception Saturday, ...

Things to Do

Annual Bier Run – Red, White, & Blue

Sat, May 18 • 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Admission starts at: $32

Hofbrauhaus Columbus • 800 Goodale Blvd Columbus, 43212

Central

Running doesn't suck when there's BEER! So, you provide the fun, we'll provide the bier! And in honor Armed Forces Day, our Red, White & Blue theme ...

Things to Do

Open Studio

Sat, May 18 +more dates • 9:00 am - 2:30 pm

Columbus Museum of Art • 480 East Broad Street Columbus, 43215

Central

Sensory hour is from 10:00–11:00 AM Open Studio at CMA engages creative thinking through material exploration and monthly BIG IDEA's, with local teaching ...

Festivals

Columbus Taco Fest Spring 2024

Sat, May 18 - Sun, May 19 • 11:00 am - ?

Genoa Park • 303 W Broad St Columbus, OH 43215

Central

COLUMBUS’ PREMIERE TACO FESTIVAL We are dedicated to bringing you Columbus’ best taco vendors, the tastiest taco recipes, and the most exciting taco-themed ...

Things to Do

My First Tea: A Japanese Traditional Tea

Sat, May 18 • 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Admission starts at: $60

Kelton House Museum & Garden • 586 E Town Street Columbus, 43215

Central

Grace Kelton had a love for travel, and one of those places she held special was Japan. Join the Kelton House and Yumiko Passalacqua of the Yokoso Center ...

Live Music

SWINGIN’ N SHAKIN’ WITH WHIRLYBIRDS – Charlie’s Stage – Free Happening Hour Show

Sat, May 18 • 5:00 pm - ?

Natalie’s Grandview • 945 King Ave Columbus, 43212

Central

Join in the fun every Saturday at Natalie’s Grandview  for Swingin’ n Shakin’ with Whirlybirds on Charlie’s Stage and enjoy FREE admission (tips ...

Live Music

RiverFest 2024

Sat, May 18 • 5:30 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $20

Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Ave Columbus, 43215

Central

RIVERFEST 2024 Cory Asbury, CAIN, Blessing Offor, Natalie Layne SAT, 18 MAY 2024 at 05:30PM EDT Ages: All Ages Doors Open: 05:30PM IT’S BACK! ...

Live Music

Eyedress

Sat, May 18 • 7:00 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $34.50

Newport Music Hall • 1722 N High St Columbus, 43201

Central

EYEDRESS SAT, 18 MAY 2024 at 07:00PM EDT Ages: All Ages Doors Open: 07:00PM Born in Manila and now residing in Los Angeles, Filipino artist Eyedress ...

Comedy Events

The Rumble – Shortform Improv

Sat, May 18 • 7:30 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $15

The Nest Theatre • 2643 N High St Columbus, 43202

Central

The Rumble – Shortform Improv 5/18 7:30pm $15 online*/ $20 at the door if not sold out Ages 16+ A cast of hilarious players in a Battle Royale of ...

Things to Do

Franklin County Community Days

Sun, May 19 - Mon, May 20 • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium • 4850 Powell Rd Powell, 43065

North

To show our gratitude for the support given by the Franklin County community, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will host Franklin County Community Days in ...

Sporting Event

Formula 1 Raceday at Land-Grant – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Sun, May 19 • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Land Grant Brewing Company • 424 W Town St Columbus, 43215

Central

Get ready for the ultimate Formula 1® viewing experience at Land-Grant! 🏁 Join us for RACEDAY excitement, featuring the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on ...

Things to Do

Moos & Brews

Sun, May 19 • 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Combustion Brewery & Taproom – Pickerington • 80 W. Church St. Pickerington, 43147

Eastside

Get here early for your chance to get your photo taken with Pfarr Farms' beautiful Scottish Highland cows and a enjoy a FRESH brew from Combustion! ...

Comedy Events

RAY DEVITO

Sun, May 19 • 6:00 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $20

Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant • 145 Easton Town Center Columbus, 43219

Central

Ticket Policy: The Funny Bone has a full bar and a dinner menu that is available in our cafe and through your server when you are seated in the showroom! Seating ...

Live Music

An Evening with Omari Dillard: Soul Violinist

Sun, May 19 • 7:00 pm - ?

Admission starts at: $58

Lincoln Theatre • 769 E Long St Columbus, 43203

Central

Captivating. Soul-Satisfying. Simply Unforgettable. Get ready for The Ultimate R&B Violin experience starring nationally-acclaimed Soul Violinist Omari ...

Event Guides

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