There’s a card in Columbus that’ll get you into the zoo, the symphony, the museum, baseball games, theater shows, jazz concerts, and so much more.
And the kicker? It’s totally free.
No, this isn’t some secret rich-people-only perk. It’s just your regular ol’ Columbus Metropolitan Library card, which, plot twist, is actually one of the most valuable cards in your wallet, thanks to the Culture Pass.
*note: This article was updated to remove an incorrect claim that the Culture Pass was valid for admission to COSI*
What Is the Culture Pass?
The Culture Pass is a brilliant little program, in which your library card unlocks free tickets to some of the biggest attractions and institutions in Central Ohio. We’re talking everything from the Columbus Zoo to ShadowboxLive performances to Columbus Clippers games.
All you need is a Columbus library card (which takes, like, five minutes to get), and you’re eligible to check out a Culture Pass just like you would a book. Some passes are available at specific library branches, and they’re first come, first served — so you’ll want to plan ahead.
Where Can You Go for Free With a Columbus Library Card?
Here’s just a sample of the freebies you can score with the Culture Pass:
🐯 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Admits up to 6 people
- Good day of checkout or next day
- Excludes Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf, The Wilds
- Parking not included
🎨 Columbus Museum of Art + Pizzuti Collection
- Admits up to 8 people
- Valid for 7 days
⚾ Columbus Clippers
- Admits up to 2 adults and 4 kids
- Bleacher seating only
- Valid for Sunday home games during regular season
🎭 ShadowboxLive
- Pass covers a 4-seat table
- Call ahead to reserve: 614-416-7625
- Valid for select Thursday and Sunday shows
🎼 Columbus Symphony
- Admits 1 adult (kids under 16 get in free)
- Must reserve seat in advance
- Valid for Masterworks performances only
🌸 Franklin Park Conservatory
- Admits 2 adults and 6 kids
- Valid for one-time use within 7 days
🧚 Columbus Children’s Theatre
- Admits up to 4 people
- Redeem at box office up to 2 hours before
- Valid for select performances — call ahead to confirm availability
🩰 BalletMet
- Admits 2 people
- Valid for select performances only
- Redeem up to 2 hours before at box office
🎶 The Jazz Arts Group (Jazz Orchestra + PBJ & Jazz)
- Jazz Orchestra: admits 2 people
- PBJ & Jazz: admits 4–7 people
- Seating assigned by box office
- Valid for select shows only
🎟️ ProMusica
- Admits 2 people
- Redeem up to 1 hour before at box office
- Valid for select performances
🎬 CAPA Summer Movie Series
- Redeem pass for a 10-pack of movie tickets
- Tickets good for any Summer Movie Series show at Ohio Theatre
🎻 Chamber Music Columbus
- Admits 1 adult and a guest
- Valid for select performances
🎤 Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus
- Admits 2 people
- Redeem up to 2 hours before at box office
- Valid for select performances — call ahead to check availability
🇺🇸 National Veterans Memorial and Museum
- Admits 2 adults and 5 kids
- Valid for 7 days
🏛️ Ohio History Center
- Admits 8 people
- Valid for 7 days
- Includes 10% off at the café and gift shop
🌲 Dawes Arboretum
- Admits up to 6 people
- Valid for one visit within 2 weeks
- Not valid during member-only hours (8–9 a.m.)
- Doesn’t include special events
How to Get a Columbus Library Card
If you don’t have one already, here’s how to get your hands on the card that gets you into just about everything:
Option 1:
Apply Online
- You’ll instantly receive a digital card number
- Use it right away for eBooks, research tools, and to see Culture Pass availability
- To actually check out a pass, you’ll need to stop by a branch and get a physical card
Option 2:
Apply In Person
- Just bring a photo ID to one of the library’s 23 locations
- You’ll walk out with a physical card and the power of free stuff in your pocket
Heads up: You must be an Ohio resident to qualify.
TL;DR — The Library Card Is the Best Deal in Columbus
The Columbus library card is the most underrated membership in the city. It’s free, it’s fast to get, and it comes with way more perks than anyone realizes — including dozens of tickets to some of the best entertainment, culture, and family-friendly fun in Central Ohio.
Check availability and plan your next free adventure here:
👉 columbuslibrary.org/culture-pass
And if you want to find more awesome events around Columbus and Central Ohio, you can find them here.