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20+ Ridiculously Unique Events in Central Ohio This Month and Beyond

Things to Do

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Written by Step Out Columbus
Published on April 17, 2026
Photo courtesy of ShadowboxLive

Tired of the same old weekend plans? Sure, Columbus has plenty of great concerts, sports games, and brewery tours, but if you’re looking for something truly out there, you’re in the right place.

Where else can you learn how to paint cats falling in love, try your luck at improv speed dating, or swap your city shoes for cowboy boots at a full-blown rodeo? Throw in a few murder mystery dinners and other delightfully bizarre events, and you’ve got a lineup that’s anything but ordinary.

If you’re ready to shake up your social calendar, here are the most ridiculously unique events happening in Columbus and Central Ohio.

Exhibit

The Science Behind Pixar

Tue, Apr 21 - Wed, May 20 • All Day

COSI – Center of Science and Industry • 333 West Broad St. Columbus, 43215

Other

Enjoy a unique look into the Pixar process, and explore the science and technology behind these beloved animated films and their characters. The ...

Classes & Workshops

Adult Pottery

Tue, Apr 21 +more dates • 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Admission starts at: $15

Blackburn Park • 263 Carpenter Street Columbus, OH 43205

Other

A structured pottery class for adults. ...

Classes & Workshops

Young Writers’ Studio for Grades 9-12

Tue, Apr 28 • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Thurber House • 77 Jefferson Avenue Columbus, 43215

Other

In-PERSON Location: In-person Young Writers’ Studio sessions are held at Thurber Center (91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215), next door to Thurber ...

Things to Do

2026 Cocktails at the Conservatory – A Night at the Races

Fri, May 1 • 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens • 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, 43203

Other

Break out your sharpest suits and most extravagant hats… And They’re Off! A Kentucky Derby Inspired Pre-Party! Join us after hours to roam the exhibits ...

Tours

Alt Eats Tour

Fri, May 1 +more dates • 6:00 pm

Admission starts at: $76

• Columbus, OH

Other

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Columbus, this guided culinary tour will introduce you to some of the best international food in the city. ...

Theater

Leather and Lace: A Music Tribute to the Women of Rock

Fri, May 1 +more dates • 7:30 pm

Shadowbox Live • 503 South Front Street Columbus, 43215

Other

Celebrate the trailblazers and powerhouses who shattered ceilings and rewrote the rules of rock and roll. Leather and Lace shines a musical spotlight on ...

Live Music

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Fri, May 1 • 8:00 pm

Palace Theatre • 34 West Broad Street Columbus, 43215

Other

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is a band of classical musicians from the United Kingdom who transform rock and metal songs into dark symphonies. The ...

Nightlife Events

Vortex – underground 80s vinyl night w/ DJ Dynamo

Fri, May 1 • 9:00 pm

The Spacebar • 2590 N High St Columbus, 43202

Other

Vortex - underground 80s vinyl night w/ DJ Dynamo ...

Live Music

Yachtopia’s Live Band Yacht Rock Party!

Fri, May 1 • 9:00 pm

Admission starts at: $18.95

Rumba Cafe • 2507 Summit St Columbus, 43202

Other

Ohio's best live band Yacht Rock Party! 8:30pm doors ...

Nightlife Events

Broadway Rave 🎭✨

Fri, May 1 • 9:30 pm

Skully’s Music-Diner • 1151 North High Street Columbus, 43201

Other

Brought to you by Celebrity Etc presents
DOORS/SHOW - 9:30pm EARLY BIRD - $17 *limited qty*
ADV TIX - $20
DOOR - $25 Tix available at ...

Classes & Workshops

The Extraordinary Modern Daylily

Sat, May 2 • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Admission starts at: $10

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens • 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, 43203

Other

Often overlooked as a “ho-hum” garden staple, the daylily has undergone a remarkable transformation during the past few decades. Today’s cultivars ...

Classes & Workshops

Lavender fields

Sat, May 2 • 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Admission starts at: $40

Brush Crazy • 1299 Bethel Road Columbus, 43220

Other

Come in and get a little Brush Crazy! Lavender Fields is our featured painting. We have step by step instructions, with pictures and words for you to follow ...

Classes & Workshops

🍷 Sip & Cook: Indian Street Food Night

Sat, May 2 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Admission starts at: $60

Wyandotte Winery • 4640 Wyandotte Drive Columbus, 43230

Other

🍷 Sip & Cook: Indian Street Food Night - Make Your Own Samosa Chaat Join us for a fun, hands-on evening of cooking, flavor, and good ...

Theater

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

Dive into a playful playground of desire, humor, and cheeky confessions! Dirty Talk serves up a saucy mix of steamy sketches and seductive songs that celebrate ...

Exhibit

Best of 2026

Sun, May 3 - Mon, Jun 1 • All Day

Ohio Craft Museum • 1665 West 5th Avenue Columbus, 43212

Other

May 3–July 3 The Ohio Craft Museum August 2026-dates coming soon Kent State University The Ohio Craft Museum is pleased to present the “Best ...

Trivia Night

Disney Trivia

Tue, May 5 • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

North Market Bridge Park • 6750 Longshore Street Dublin, 43017

Other

Calling all those who are still kids at heart – join us at North Market Bridge Park to test your Disney knowledge for the chance to win a North Market ...

Classes & Workshops

Columbus Blooms In Watercolor

Wed, May 6 • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Admission starts at: $38

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens • 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, 43203

Other

Experience the colorful magic of Columbus Blooms with a watercolor class celebrating the bright colors of spring bulbs! Class will begin with a walk through ...

Classes & Workshops

Kokedama: The Art of Moss

Thu, May 7 • 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Admission starts at: $40

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens • 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, 43203

Other

Get your hands dirty and make a set of kokedama for your home or as the perfect gift! Kokedama is a way to display a self-contained plant wrapped in moss, ...

Nightlife Events

Taylor Swift Dance Party

Fri, May 8 • 6:30 pm

The KING of CLUBS • 6252 Busch Blvd Columbus, 43229

Other

Celebrate the artistry & music of Taylor Swift with DJ Swiftie as he spins her new album in it's entirety along with all the hits you know and love. Fri ...

Classes & Workshops

Stained Glass: Luna Moth

Sat, May 9 • 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens • 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, 43203

Other

Become inspired by the striking bright green of the luna moth, and create a version of it to hang up at home. In this hands-on stained glass workshop, ...

Classes & Workshops

Elephant Mom and Baby

Sat, May 9 • 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Admission starts at: $40

Brush Crazy • 1299 Bethel Road Columbus, 43220

Other

Come in and get a little Brush Crazy! Elephant Mom and Baby is our featured painting. We have step by step instructions, with pictures and words for you ...

Cinema

The Room

Sat, May 9 • 9:45 pm

Admission starts at: $9.50

Drexel Theatre • 2254 East Main Street Bexley, 43209

Other

Johnny is a successful banker who lives happily in a San Francisco townhouse with his fiancée, Lisa. One day, inexplicably, she gets bored with him and ...

Cinema

Licence to Kill (1989)

Mon, May 11 • 7:00 pm

Admission starts at: $11.50

Drexel Theatre • 2254 East Main Street Bexley, 43209

Other

A vengeful James Bond goes rogue to infiltrate and take down the organization of a drug lord who has murdered his friend's new wife and left him near death. ...

Classes & Workshops

Tie Dye

Wed, May 13 +more dates • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Brush Crazy • 1299 Bethel Road Columbus, 43220

Other

🌈✨ Get ready to make a splash with Tie-Dye at Brush Crazy! Did you know that tie-dye originated from ancient resist-dyeing techniques in Asia and ...

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