Columbus, Ohio has long been a vital stop for performers and athletes alike, not merely acting as a shadow to nearby big cities like Cleveland or Cincinnati. The city boasts multiple venues, each offering a distinct experience, catering to fans of various entertainment genres. Schottenstein Center, a multipurpose arena, often hosts large-scale concerts and sporting events. Nationwide Arena is the home for the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets but also opens its doors to other live events. The Ohio Theatre specializes in theater productions and ballet, offering a more cultured evening out.

Columbus has attracted a variety of acts. For example, if you're a fan of metal, bands like Slipknot and Metallica have had high-energy shows here. For indie and alternative fans, Modest Mouse and The Killers have graced the stages of venues like KEMBA Live!. Hip-hop and R&B also have a strong following; Travis Scott and Cardi B have performed to sold-out crowds.

Sporting events are another major attraction. The Columbus Blue Jackets offer thrilling hockey games, while Mapfre Stadium, the first soccer-specific arena in the U.S., is the place to catch Columbus Crew SC in action. College sports are also big here, with the Ohio State Buckeyes drawing massive crowds for football and basketball games.

The comedy scene in Columbus is burgeoning as well. While it may not have the historical significance of comedy meccas like New York or Chicago, Columbus is slowly gaining traction. Comedians like John Crist and Tom Papa often include the city in their tour schedules, performing at venues such as the Funny Bone Comedy Club.

The theater is yet another facet of the city's entertainment offerings. Productions like "Les Miserables" and "Phantom of the Opera" have had successful runs at venues like the Ohio Theatre and the Palace Theatre. Additionally, local companies like the CATCO provide opportunities to see talent closer to home, focusing on modern plays and Musicals.

Historically, Columbus has grown in the entertainment sector due to its large and diverse population. Over the years, it has transitioned from mostly hoSting passing-through acts to being a destination. As the city has grown, so has its capacity for larger and more frequent events, turning it from a tertiary option into a primary location for performers and athletes.

We continue to break down Columbus entertainment below.

Concerts in Columbus

Columbus has a vibrant and varied music scene with a range of venues to match the diversity in genres. Over the last decade, the city has hosted a wide array of artists, spanning the gamut from emerging talents to established stars.

The basement is a smaller venue, ideal for indie and emerging artists; acts like Maggie Rogers and AJR have offered intimate performances here. Rumba Cafe is another compact venue, featuring mostly local artists but also drawing in lesser-known artists in pop and rock genres such as Car Seat Headrest. For medium-sized shows, A&R Music Bar offers a versatile space and has seen diverse artists, from Electronic acts like ODESZA to punk bands like The Menzingers. Celeste Center hosts acts that are well-known but not necessarily mainstream; this has included artists such as Weird Al Yankovic and Kacey Musgraves.

For those looking to attend a large-scale concert, Nationwide Arena and Schottenstein Center are your go-to venues. They have hosted artists that command a larger Audience, for example, Imagine Dragons and Green Day. Nationwide Arena's multi-level seating offers a variety of experiences for attendees, from general admission pit access to skybox luxury.

These venues play a significant role in defining the city's music culture. The easy accessibility and variety in seating and pricing options at these venues provide ample opportunities to catch live music. Therefore, whether you're an avid concert attendee or simply looking to explore Columbus's music scene, there's a venue and artist that'll suit your preference.

Sports in Columbus

Columbus offers a well-rounded assortment of men's professional and college sports. In the realm of professional sports, hockey takes center stage with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets. They play their home games at Nationwide Arena, a modern facility with numerous seating options ranging from general admission to VIP suites. Soccer fans can catch the Columbus Crew SC at the Historic Crew Stadium, which holds the distinction of being the first soccer-specific stadium in the U.S.

In terms of college sports, the Ohio State Buckeyes are a dominant force in both football and basketball. Ohio Stadium, locally known as "The Shoe," can seat over 100,000 fans and is the place to be during college football season. The atmosphere here is electrifying, especially during rival games. Basketball games are held at the Value City Arena within the Jerome Schottenstein Center, which offers a more intimate setting compared to the vastness of Ohio Stadium but still packs a punch in terms of crowd energy.

Comedy in Columbus

Comedy is an integral part of Columbus's entertainment scene, with a range of venues hosting a diverse set of comedians over the years. The Funny Bone Comedy Club is a staple, situated at Easton Town Center, drawing both up-and-coming comedians as well as established ones like Michael Ian Black and Mike Birbiglia. Its intimate setting allows for close interaction between comedians and the audience, making for a unique comedy experience. The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) frequently hosts stand-up comedians at the Southern Theatre, a venue appreciated for its historic charm and excellent acoustics. Performers such as Steven Wright and Todd Barry have graced this stage.

Shadowbox Live also provides a platform for comedy but often combines it with music, dance, and other performing arts, offering a mixed-genre experience. It has featured improv acts, stand-ups, and comedic musicals. Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse takes it a step further by combining comedy with film. You can catch a comedy show here and follow it up with a movie, making for an eclectic night out.

Theater Shows in Columbus

Columbus offers a plethora of options. From Broadway touring productions to avant-garde performances, there’s a wide array of shows to experience. The Ohio Theatre is a noteworthy venue, not just for its elegant architecture but also for its lineup. Recent productions like "Anastasia" and "Waitress" have received high praise. The Palace Theatre, another CAPA venue, has hosted musicals such as "Kinky Boots" and "Something Rotten!" which offer fresh takes on traditional theater genres.

If you lean toward non-traditional, edgier performances, the Short North Stage at the Garden Theater often brings contemporary works to the stage, including productions like "Spring Awakening" and "Fun Home." Red Herring Productions, known for their intimate setting, have tackled more thought-provoking shows like "A Doll's House" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?".

There is so much happening in Columbus. If you aren't seeing something specific we suggest you check out this resource.