We’ve covered some weird and wonderful things to do in Columbus… But this? This might take the cake (or the Blue Shell).
The Mario Kart Band is exactly what it sounds like — a full band that plays live music from Mario Kart while you, a mere mortal, attempt to navigate Rainbow Road with a packed house watching. And cheering. And losing their minds when someone (me) completely eats it on the final turn.
How It Works
To get in on the action, you need a ticket to the show. At the door, you’ll receive a raffle ticket, which enters you for a chance to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch against three other people. You can sign up as a full 4-person game, or as a solo racer, a duo, or a trio and they’ll fill in the rest.
But this isn’t just any old Mario Kart session. The Mario Kart Band, based right here in Columbus, provides the full soundtrack live. We’re talking every course theme, played in real-time, the intro music, the legendary starter beep, and even the Super Star power-up song, which, when you don’t have the star, is terrifying
This is a concert and a gaming experience all in one. And if you don’t want to play? Watching the chaos unfold from the crowd is just as fun.
The Energy Is Next-Level
The vibe at Rumba Café was electric — equal parts music lovers, hardcore Mario Kart fans, and people just looking for something wild and different. It was a packed house. And when I say packed, I mean PACKED.
And when my name was called? Whew. I thought I was a decent Mario Kart player, but when you’ve got a live band soundtracking your every move and a crowd going feral over a neck-and-neck finish, you realize just how much pressure a simple race can hold. The Star Power theme playing when I wasn’t the one with a star was absolutely horrifying, by the way.
Meet the Band
This band is the real deal. Not just a few musicians… they have a full lineup, which includes: a guitarist, a drummer, a pianist (who also rocks a slide whistle), a bassist, and a multi-piece horn section.
They absolutely nail the music from every track, giving it a full, immersive, and ridiculously fun feel. The second they hit those opening notes and the starter beeps, you cannot help but smile.
Oh yeah, they also are all dressed up as Mario Kart characters.
They’re Blowing Up And Selling Out
When we first covered this, the Mario Kart Band was just getting started, having only played a couple shows a year ago. Since then, they’ve blown up, selling out back-to-back shows — including another at Rumba Café on Feb 27 and a special Mario Kart Band x Grandview Theatre & Drafthouse Beer Tasting event on March 15 at 12:30 PM.
Tickets? Fuhget abahhht it. But, they’ve got more dates in the works, so keep an eye on @mariokartband on Instagram to snag tickets before they disappear faster than a perfectly timed Mushroom boost.
We’ll also announce upcoming shows in our daily newsletter, which you can (and should) sign up for here.
Final Lap
It’s tough to compare this to any other live music experience because there’s truly nothing else like it. It’s interactive, it’s hilarious, and it’s a ridiculously good time. Whether you’re a Mario Kart pro or just want to watch a bunch of people crumble under the pressure of a live audience, this is one Columbus event you need to check out.
So next time the Mario Kart Band announces a show? Get your tickets.
Fast.