May is basically Columbus’ opening act for summer and it’s kicking things off loudly. From Columbus Crew matches heating up the Arena District to world famous comedy shows and Ohio Stadium concerts, there’s a LOT to see and do in Columbus this May.
Whether you’re ready to party, laugh, cheer, or just try something weird, we’ve rounded up the best events happening around Columbus and Central Ohio this May. Because scrolling Instagram and wondering where everyone else is having fun is so last season.
Best Events in Central Ohio this May
Lue Elizondo – Persona Non Grata Tour
Fri, May 1 • 7:00 pm
Newport Music Hall • 1722 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
The Magic of Eric Eaton
Fri, May 1 • 7:00 pm
Admission starts at: $32Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant • 145 Easton Town Center Columbus, 43219
Other
Orff: Triumph of Aphrodite
Fri, May 1 - Sat, May 2 • 7:30 pm
Ohio Theatre • 39 East State Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Martin Lawrence
Fri, May 1 • 8:00 pm
Mershon Auditorium • 1871 North High Street Columbus, 43210
Other
Columbus Aviators vs. Houston Gamblers
Fri, May 1 • 8:00 pm
Historic Crew Stadium • One Black and Gold Boulevard Columbus, 43211
Other
Sesame Street Live
Sat, May 2 • 2:00 pm
Mershon Auditorium • 1871 North High Street Columbus, 43210
Other
Bumpin Uglies & Ballyhoo!
Sat, May 2 • 6:30 pm
Newport Music Hall • 1722 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
Columbus Crew vs. Minnesota United FC
Sat, May 2 • 7:30 pm
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field • 96 Columbus Crew Way Columbus, 43215
Other
Dirty Talk: A Sexy Sketch Comedy and Music Experience
Sat, May 2 +more dates • 7:30 pm
Shadowbox Live • 503 South Front Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Columbus Fury vs. Atlanta
Sun, May 3 • 2:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
YUNGBLUD: IDOLS – THE WORLD TOUR
Mon, May 4 • 6:00 pm
Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Avenue Columbus, 43215
Other
Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began
Sat, May 16 - Sun, Jun 14 • All Day
Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti • 632 Park Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Patrick Warburton
Tue, May 12 • 7:00 pm
Admission starts at: $37Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant • 145 Easton Town Center Columbus, 43219
Other
Jeni’s x Land-Grant Strawberry Jam 2026
Sat, May 23 - Sun, May 24 • 11:00 am
FreeLand-Grant Brewing Company • 424 W Town St Columbus, Ohio 43215
Other
Columbus Aviators vs. Birmingham Stallions
Sat, May 23 • 3:00 pm
Historic Crew Stadium • One Black and Gold Boulevard Columbus, 43211
Other
Columbus Aviators vs. Louisville Kings
Sun, May 31 • 6:00 pm
Historic Crew Stadium • One Black and Gold Boulevard Columbus, 43211
Other
Columbus Clippers vs. Louisville Bats
Tue, May 19 - Sun, May 24 • Times Vary
Huntington Park • 330 Huntington Park Lane Columbus, 43215
Other
Wish You Were Here – The Sight & Sound of Pink Floyd presents The Great Tour In
Sat, May 16 • 7:00 pm
Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Avenue Columbus, 43215
Other
Alyssa Edwards – Thanks For Everything Tour 2026
Sun, May 17 • 7:00 pm
Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Avenue Columbus, 43215
Other
Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen – Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour
Sat, May 23 • 7:00 pm
Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Avenue Columbus, 43215
Other
Kitty Kat Ball w/ Nini Coco, Darlene Mitchell, Myki Meeks and Juicy Love Dion
Fri, May 29 • 7:15 pm
Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Avenue Columbus, 43215
Other
Copland & Shostakovich
Sat, May 16 - Sun, May 17 • 7:00 pm
Southern Theater • 21 East Main Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Benjamin Tod and the Inline Six 2026 Tour
Fri, May 8 • 7:00 pm
Newport Music Hall • 1722 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
SEAROWS – Death in the Business of Whaling
Thu, May 14 • 7:00 pm
Newport Music Hall • 1722 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
Stephen Lynch: The Me Tour
Fri, May 15 • 7:00 pm
Newport Music Hall • 1722 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
Courtney Barnett – Creature of Habit Tour
Wed, May 20 • 7:00 pm
Newport Music Hall • 1722 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
The Mountain Goats
Thu, May 21 • 7:00 pm
Newport Music Hall • 1722 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
JACQUELINE NOVAK: 2026 TOUR
Fri, May 22 • 7:00 pm
Newport Music Hall • 1722 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
Ohio State Buckeyes Baseball vs. Miami University of Ohio Redhawks
Tue, May 5 • 6:00 pm
Bill Davis Stadium • 560 Borror Drive Columbus, OH 43210
Other
Bruno Mars – The Romantic Tour
Wed, May 20 • 7:00 pm
Ohio Stadium • 555 Borror Drive Columbus, 43210
Other
WWE Monday Night RAW
Mon, May 25 • 7:00 pm
Schottenstein Center • 555 Borror Drive Columbus, 43210
Other
Megan Moroney: The Cloud 9 Tour
Fri, May 29 • 7:00 pm
Schottenstein Center • 555 Borror Drive Columbus, 43210
Other
The BLACK KEYS
Mon, May 4 - Tue, May 5 • 7:30 pm
Mershon Auditorium • 1871 North High Street Columbus, 43210
Other
Things To Do
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