January gets a bad rap. And honestly… I get it.
The holidays are over, it’s cold in that special Central Ohio way that seeps directly into your soul, and suddenly every plan feels harder than it needs to be. But here’s the plot twist no one talks about enough… January is actually stacked with fun events if you know where to look.
This guide to the 30+ best events happening this January in Central Ohio is proof. We’re talking big, can’t-miss stuff like Les Misérables taking over the Ohio Theatre, Frozen: The Musical at MadLab (yes, you can absolutely let it go), Jason Aldean filling Nationwide Arena, and a whole lot of Columbus Blue Jackets hockey to keep things loud, chaotic, and warm indoors. And that’s just scratching the (icy) surface.
Whether you’re trying to shake off the winter blues, fill your calendar with things that actually feel worth leaving the house for, or you just need an excuse to stop doom-scrolling and do something fun, this list has you covered. Concerts, theater, sports, family-friendly events, and random gems you didn’t realize were happening… it’s all here.
So no, January still isn’t winning any popularity contests. But with this lineup? It might just be the month that surprises you.
December is officially here – the one month where winter feels whimsical instead of just cold and inconvenient.
Disclaimer: At the time this guide was published, all of these events are scheduled to happen, however with things changing rapidly and cancellations possible, please be sure to check with each organization before going to any event for the most recent updates possible.
Awesome Things To Do This January
Mozart’s Requiem
Fri, Jan 23 - Sat, Jan 24 • 7:30 pm
Ohio Theatre • 39 East State Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Damon Williams
Fri, Jan 2 - Sat, Jan 3 • Times Vary
Admission starts at: $22Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant • 145 Easton Town Center Columbus, 43219
Other
Sam Tallent
Thu, Jan 8 • 7:00 pm
Admission starts at: $32Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant • 145 Easton Town Center Columbus, 43219
Other
Andrew Dismukes
Fri, Jan 9 - Sat, Jan 10 • Times Vary
Admission starts at: $32Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant • 145 Easton Town Center Columbus, 43219
Other
Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Fri, Jan 9 • 7:00 pm
Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Avenue Columbus, 43215
Other
Atmosphere – Winter Carnival Tour 2026
Tue, Jan 27 • 6:00 pm
Kemba Live! • 405 Neil Avenue Columbus, 43215
Other
Ohio RV & Boat Show
Fri, Jan 9 +more dates • 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ohio Expo Center – Fair Grounds • 717 East 17th Avenue Columbus, 43211
Other
Great Train Show
Sat, Jan 10 - Sun, Jan 11 • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Ohio Expo Center – Fair Grounds • 717 East 17th Avenue Columbus, 43211
Other
Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Basketball vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Mon, Jan 5 • 6:30 pm
Schottenstein Center • 555 Borror Drive Columbus, 43210
Other
Ohio State Buckeyes Mens Hockey vs. Bowling Green Falcons
Fri, Jan 2 • 6:30 pm
Schottenstein Center • 555 Borror Drive Columbus, 43210
Other
Ohio State Buckeyes Mens Hockey vs. Michigan State University
Fri, Jan 9 - Sat, Jan 10 • Times Vary
Schottenstein Center • 555 Borror Drive Columbus, 43210
Other
Ohio State Buckeyes Womens Basketball vs. Rutgers University
Sun, Jan 4 • 2:00 pm
Schottenstein Center • 555 Borror Drive Columbus, 43210
Other
Mahler Symphony No. 4
Sat, Jan 17 - Sun, Jan 18 • 7:00 pm
Southern Theater • 21 East Main Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Back to the Future: The Musical
Tue, Jan 6 +more dates • 7:30 pm
Ohio Theatre • 39 East State Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Latin Rhythms and Hollywood Drama Friday Coffee Dress
Fri, Jan 16 • 10:00 am
Admission starts at: $20.58Ohio Theatre • 39 East State Street Columbus, 43215
Other
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever
Sat, Jan 17 • 7:00 pm
Palace Theatre • 34 West Broad Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Come From Away
Thu, Jan 22 +more dates • 7:00 pm
Short North Stage • 1187 North High Street Columbus, 43201
Other
Les Misérables
Tue, Jan 27 +more dates • 7:30 pm
Ohio Theatre • 39 East State Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Ali Siddiq: In The Shadows
Fri, Jan 30 • 7:00 pm
Riffe Center • 77 South High Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Short North Tour
Sat, Jan 3 +more dates • 11:00 am
Admission starts at: $76Short North • Columbus, OH
Other
Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres
Sat, Jan 3 • 3:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Sun, Jan 4 • 3:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Columbus Fury vs. Omaha Supernovas
Sat, Jan 10 • 7:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames
Tue, Jan 13 • 7:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks
Thu, Jan 15 • 7:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Columbus Fury vs. Indy Ignite
Sat, Jan 17 • 7:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Barry Manilow The Last Columbus Concert
Sun, Jan 18 • 7:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Jason Aldean
Fri, Jan 23 • 7:30 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Sat, Jan 24 • 7:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Blue Jackets vs. Los Angeles Kings
Mon, Jan 26 • 7:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
Columbus Fury vs. Dallas Pulse
Thu, Jan 29 • 7:00 pm
Nationwide Arena • 200 West Nationwide Boulevard Columbus, 43215
Other
COSI After Dark: Science Rave
Thu, Jan 8 • 6:30 pm
COSI – Center of Science and Industry • 333 West Broad Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Frozen: The Musical
Thu, Jan 8 +more dates • 7:30 pm
Admission starts at: $21.50Madlab • 227 North 3rd Street Columbus, 43215
Other
Cocktails at the Conservatory: Cold as Ice
Thu, Jan 15 • 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Admission starts at: $35Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens • 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, 43203
Other
Did one of these events get canceled, rescheduled, or postponed? Send us a note!
Event Guides
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