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Music and Arts in Columbus, Ohio

When visiting Columbus, Ohio, culture and arts activities will stand out as highlights of your visit. You can experience everything from live music and museums to musical theater, fine art galleries, and more. Simply put, Columbus culture truly has something for everyone.

Check out which art things to do in Columbus, Ohio. These are attracting the most attention right now:

Theater Productions for the Season

Columbus never lacks a good show. You can find musicals, comedies, dramas, and performances that defy easy description in virtually every part of the city. Notable venues include Short North Stage, Shadowbox Live, the Riffe Center, and Madlab.

  • Theater
    Holiday Hoopla 2025

    Wed, Dec 3 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    The Wiz

    Thu, Dec 4 +more dates • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Nightlife Events
    A Magical Cirque Christmas

    Thu, Dec 4 • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Cabfare for the Common Man

    Thu, Dec 4 +more dates • 8:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Mr. Scrooge

    Fri, Dec 5 +more dates • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    ABC Players present A Christmas Story

    Fri, Dec 5 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Flicked

    Fri, Dec 5 +more dates • 10:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Not So Silent Night

    Sat, Dec 6 +more dates • 2:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Wonderment

    Sat, Dec 6 +more dates • 3:00 pm

    Other

  • Live Music
    An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine

    Sat, Dec 6 • 8:00 pm

    Other

  • Live Music
    RAIN – A Beatles Christmas Tribute

    Sat, Dec 6 • 8:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio’s A Christmas Carol Returns for a Third Year

    Thu, Dec 11 +more dates • 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    A Christmas Carol

    Thu, Dec 11 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Live Music
    Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2025

    Thu, Dec 11 • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    The Nutcracker

    Thu, Dec 11 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    10 Ways to Survive the Holidays

    Sat, Dec 13 - Sun, Dec 14 • 2:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Santa’s Werkshop

    Sat, Dec 13 - Sun, Dec 14 • Times Vary

    Other

  • Theater
    SIX

    Tue, Dec 16 +more dates • 7:30 pm

    Other

Explore Central Ohio Through Great Museums

The eclectic selection of museums in Columbus (and the greater metropolitan area) is well worth your time. Our fair city has museums for history buffs, science lovers, art aficionados, hobbyists, and just about anyone else.

Highlights include the Columbus Museum of Art, the Early Television Museum, the Ohio History Center, and Thurber House.

Popular Theatres and Theater Companies

The many theatres in Columbus don’t just feature traditional dramas. The Palace Theatre, for example, is a great spot for live music, stand-up comedy, and more. Film buffs, meanwhile, will love the repertory screenings at the Gateway Film Center and Ohio Theatre.

Galleries Worth a Visit

The Short North Arts District is a great place to start exploring the city’s art scene. This Columbus, Ohio, arts district features multiple galleries and museums, including the Wexner Center for the Arts. You’ll also find many other galleries throughout the city. Examples include the Cultural Arts Center of Columbus, Ohio, and avant-garde spots like Art Outside the Lines.

Culture and Arts Events

Some of the greatest music and arts in Columbus, Ohio, are part of special annual events. For anyone visiting in late July or early August, the Ohio State Fair is an absolute must. But no matter when you stop by Columbus, you’ll encounter unique music, dance, crafts, culinary, and cultural festivals.

  • Cinema
    The Lost Films of Covid: The Wild Goose Lake (2019)

    Wed, Dec 3 • 5:00 pm

    Other

  • Talks & Readings
    CCAPP’s Special Public Lecture: “From lasers & styrofoam to diamond rain, and ot

    Wed, Dec 3 • 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    The Lost Films of Covid: Relic (2020)

    Wed, Dec 3 • 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Hamnet (2025)

    Thu, Dec 4 - Fri, Dec 5 • 5:30 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Merrily We Roll Along (2025)

    Thu, Dec 4 - Thu, Dec 11 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Kiki’s Delivery Service

    Thu, Dec 4 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Mr. Scrooge

    Fri, Dec 5 +more dates • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Market
    CCAD Art Fair & Marketplace

    Sat, Dec 6 • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Other

  • Sports - Recreational
    Columbus Ski/Snowboard Expo & Warren Miller’s SNO-CIETY

    Sat, Dec 6 • 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    ‘Tis the Season

    Sat, Dec 6 • 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    Other

  • Culture & Arts
    Advent Window Walk

    Mon, Dec 8 +more dates • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Other

  • Exhibit
    Artist Commune: Being and Belonging

    Tue, Dec 9 - Sat, Dec 20 • 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Other

  • Exhibit
    Department of Art Senior Projects Exhibition

    Tue, Dec 9 • 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Deaf Santa Claus

    Tue, Dec 9 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Cinema
    Secret Cinema

    Tue, Dec 9 • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Exhibit
    Reception — Artist Commune: Being and Belonging

    Fri, Dec 12 • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    Other

  • Exhibit
    Reception — Wanderlights

    Fri, Dec 12 • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    The Nutcracker

    Fri, Dec 12 +more dates • 7:00 pm

    Other

  • Live Music
    The Alliance 2025 Holiday Show

    Sun, Dec 14 • 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

    Other

  • Theater
    Santa & the Symphony – Sensory Friendly Series

    Sat, Dec 20 • 11:30 am

    Other

  • Live Music
    Holiday Spectacular

    Sat, Dec 20 - Sun, Dec 21 • 3:00 pm

    Other

  • Nightlife Events
    It’s All Been Done Radio Hour

    Sat, Dec 20 • 5:00 pm

    Other

  • Exhibit
    Reception — Department of Art Senior Projects Exhibition

    Sat, Dec 20 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    Other

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