Columbus offers an exciting variety of
live music, sports events, and family-friendly performances every month. Below is a detailed monthly guide to help fans plan their visits and purchase tickets online.
January Events 2026 in Columbus, OHJanuary in Columbus brings a mix of
indoor concerts, basketball games, and winter festivals.
Key Events:- New Year Concert Series at Ohio Theatre – Celebrate with jazz and classical music performances.
- Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Games at Nationwide Arena – Hockey fans can enjoy thrilling matches.
- Indie Rock Shows at Newport Music Hall – Start the year discovering new talent.
Tips for January events: Dress warmly for outdoor festivals, but indoor venues offer comfortable, heated seating.
Tickets sell out fast for popular concerts and sporting events, so early booking is recommended.
February Events 2026 in Columbus, OHFebruary is a month for
romantic dates, indoor concerts, and basketball rivalries.
Major Events:- Valentine’s Day Concerts – Nationwide Arena and Value City Arena host pop and R&B artists.
- Ohio State Basketball Games at Value City Arena – NCAA men’s and women’s matches draw passionate crowds.
- Comedy Nights & Live Shows at Southern Theatre – Perfect for a cozy night out.
Columbus locals often plan their weekend entertainment around basketball schedules or high-demand concerts.
Online ticket sales are the easiest way to secure your spot.
March Events 2026 in Columbus, OHMarch features
spring concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
Key Events:- Spring Music Festival at KEMBA Live! – Outdoor-friendly for warm early spring evenings.
- Rock & Indie Shows at The Bluestone and Summit Music Hall – Mid-size venues offer intimate concert experiences.
- Columbus Food & Wine Festival – While primarily culinary, many events include live music performances.
March is ideal for combining
festival attendance with Columbus venue exploration, as the city starts warming up for spring events.
April Events 2026 in Columbus, OHApril is a busy month for
live concerts and cultural events.
Featured Events:- Indie Music Nights at Newport Music Hall – Discover local and national indie acts.
- Jazz & Blues Festival at Lincoln Theatre – A cultural staple for music enthusiasts.
- OSU Spring Basketball Tournaments at Value City Arena – NCAA action intensifies.
April also sees an increase in
family-friendly performances, such as touring theatrical shows and children's concerts.
May Events 2026 in Columbus, OHMay brings
outdoor music and festival season.
Top May Events:- Scioto Mile Outdoor Concert Series – Free and ticketed events on the riverfront.
- Memorial Day Weekend Music Festivals – KEMBA Live! hosts multiple pop, rock, and country acts.
- Columbus Symphony Performances at Ohio Theatre – Classical concerts for refined music lovers.
With temperatures rising, outdoor venues like Scioto Mile and Alum Creek Amphitheater become extremely popular. Booking tickets early is recommended.
June Events 2026 in Columbus, OHJune marks the
peak of summer entertainment.
Highlights:- Music Festivals at Genoa Park and Goodale Park – Rock, indie, and pop acts perform throughout the month.
- Nationwide Arena Summer Concerts – Major touring artists hit the stage with electrifying performances.
- Family Events – Columbus children’s shows and outdoor activities make June ideal for families.
Many June festivals include
food trucks, local vendors, and craft markets, making a trip to a concert or festival a full-day experience.
July Events 2026 in Columbus, OHJuly offers a mix of
holiday celebrations and live music.
Featured Events:- Fourth of July Fireworks & Concerts – Scioto Mile hosts fireworks with live performances.
- Summer Pop & Hip-Hop Shows – KEMBA Live! and Express Live! feature major touring acts.
- Outdoor Indie Music Nights – Smaller venues host intimate performances for die-hard fans.
Summer weekends in Columbus are perfect for
festival hopping, combining outdoor concerts with riverside dining and entertainment.
August Events 2026 in Columbus, OHAugust continues the
festival and concert season, with many outdoor and indoor options.
Top Events:- Rock & Alternative Music Festivals at Newport Music Hall and The Bluestone
- Family Shows and Theater at Ohio Theatre
- Back-to-School Concert Series at KEMBA Live! – Kick off the academic year with live music
August is a prime month for
outdoor concerts, so fans are encouraged to check event schedules early and book tickets online.
September Events 2026 in Columbus, OHSeptember blends
end-of-summer festivals and early fall concerts.
Key Events:- Labor Day Weekend Music Festivals – Outdoor concerts with local and touring artists.
- Rock, Pop, and Country Shows at Nationwide Arena
- Cultural & Arts Events at Wexner Center and King Arts Complex
September is ideal for combining
concerts with cultural experiences, such as theater and arts exhibitions.
October Events 2026 in Columbus, OHOctober offers
fall concerts, Halloween events, and special performances.
Featured Events:- Halloween-themed concerts and shows – Express Live! and Summit Music Hall host costume-friendly concerts.
- Columbus Symphony Halloween Shows at Ohio Theatre
- Rock & Indie Concerts at Newport Music Hall
The weather is perfect for attending
indoor and outdoor events, and Columbus venues offer a variety of options for music fans.
November Events 2026 in Columbus, OHNovember is a month for
holiday preparations, indoor concerts, and special performances.
Highlights:- Veterans Day Concerts – Nationwide Arena and Value City Arena host patriotic and music events.
- Thanksgiving-themed performances – Family-friendly shows at Ohio Theatre and Lincoln Theatre
- Pre-Holiday Music Shows – Pop, rock, and classical performances for early holiday entertainment
Fans are encouraged to
purchase tickets in advance as many events sell out before the Thanksgiving weekend.
December Events 2026 in Columbus, OHDecember is full of
holiday shows, festive concerts, and New Year celebrations.
Top Events:- Holiday Music & Theater Performances at Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Southern Theatre
- Columbus Symphony Holiday Shows – Classical and festive music for all ages
- New Year’s Eve Concerts & Parties – Nationwide Arena and Express Live! host large-scale celebrations
December is one of the busiest months, so
booking tickets early is essential for popular concerts and family shows.