Columbus is set to lose one of its most beloved live music venues. The Rambling House Music Bar, home to countless open mic nights, bluegrass jams, and unforgettable shows, is officially closing its doors on October 1, 2025 after more than 11 years of music, memories, and a whole lotta community.
The venue team shared the news with fans in a heartfelt statement, emphasizing that while the Rambling House Soda business remains open and thriving, the music bar itself will end its run this fall. Their message:
“Community isn’t a building. It’s the people that make it… We are overflowing with gratitude for you. Help us close this chapter the right way by coming out to show love to your favorite faces behind the bar, at the door and in the sound booth.”
While community isn’t a building, they sure fit a ton of community into their cozy venue over the last decade…
See their full statement here.
A Personal Loss for Columbus Music Lovers
This one stings. I’ve been frequenting and playing at The Rambling House for close to 7 years now, and it’s hard to imagine Columbus without it. From open mic nights hosted by the incomparable Zach Whitney to catching both an early and a late show on Saturdays, the Rambling House has been an ever-present piece of the city’s live music scene.
What makes this news even more surprising is that the venue has poured so much into renovations recently. Both the exterior and interior have been given major facelifts. The stage, sound system, and lighting rig have all been upgraded in the past few years, transforming Rambling House into one of the premier intimate venues in Columbus. It wasn’t just a place you went to hear music, it was a place where music sounded right.
A Stage That Launched Memories
Over the years, The Rambling House has hosted everything from the high-energy Whirlybirds to laid-back bluegrass jams and everything in between. It wasn’t just a bar with a stage. It was a gathering place. It was the kind of venue where you could wander in on a weeknight and stumble into a show that changed your week — or even your life.
Columbus’ live music scene is vibrant and resilient, but losing a venue like this leaves a hole that’s hard to fill.
Hope for the Future
The story isn’t over just yet. Rambling House’s team has said they’re actively seeking a buyer who wants to keep the music venue alive, and they’re willing to provide favorable terms to someone with the right intentions. If the right person (or team) steps up, there’s still hope this gem can continue to shine in the Columbus music scene.
We’ll keep our fingers and toes crossed in the meantime.
Until then, The Rambling House is rallying for a special final month of shows leading up to their October 1 closure. If you’ve ever been touched by a night within those walls, whether you were on stage, in the crowd, or just sipping a Rambling House soda at the bar, now is the time to show up and help close this chapter the right way.
Here’s hoping someone keeps this place alive and well for years to come. Ramble on. 🤘