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Highlights of the museum’s collection include numerous modernist and impressionist pieces By Joe Frye With
Día de Los Muertos celebrations will take place in Columbus in the coming days By
Don’t miss these last-minute spooky and scary activities in Columbus By Joe Frye With Halloween
Celebrate the change in foliage at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens By Joe Frye
CAPA’s fall schedule features concerts, Broadway-caliber musicals, celebrity interviews and more By Joe Frye As
Columbus Glass Art Center has been undergoing a rebrand since August
Columbus, located in the heart of Ohio, has countless options for a night out, family day or solo excursion. The city of about 900,000 people keeps busy with sporting events, museums, markets and more. With a rapidly growing population (the city’s population grew faster than any U.S. city in the second half of 2023, according to a study from the Bank of America Institute), if there isn’t something for you now, there will be soon.
– Bryn Dippold
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is north of downtown Columbus in Powell and welcomes over 2 million visitors annually. It is home to 10,000 animals, including the Artic fox, Asian elephant, Florida manatee and western lowland gorilla, that represent more than 600 species. The zoo, which opened in 1927, is approaching its 100th anniversary. Jack Hanna, who was the director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from 1978 to 1992, set up the zoo for success in the modern age, partly due to popular media appearances on David Letterman, James Corden and Good Morning America. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s reputation lives up to its hype and is the perfect day outing for anyone.
North Market is a 148-year-old public market in downtown Columbus, with independent merchants, farmers and makers that have changed and evolved over the years. If you want a true bite of Columbus, North Market is the place to go.
The market is host to the American Nut Company, Black Radish Creamery cheeses and Green Olive Company olive oils and vinegar, as well as eateries such as COLO Market & Oyster Bar, Fox’s Bagel and Deli and, of course, a location of Columbus’ own Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. With its recent expansion to Bridge Park, there are twice as many chances to check out North Market.
The Columbus Blue Jackets NHL hockey team and Columbus Crew MLS soccer team provide entertainment for those of all ages in the city, with both arenas in the downtown area. Both teams are relatively new (the Blue Jackets was founded in 2000 and the Crew was founded in 1994) and serve as a counterpoint for those wanting to watch an electric game of something other than football. The Blue Jackets’ season goes from early October to early April, and the Crew’s season usually starts in early March and ends in October, so you have year-round sporting events to visit.
The Center of Science and Industry (or COSI) is one of the most well-known attractions in Columbus. Since it opened to the public in 1964, COSI has welcomed more than 40 million guests from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, according to its website.
Some exhibits and attractions are The American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery, planetarium and the variety of gadgets to play with like the pulley chair and bridge builder.
In addition to daily operations and attractions, the center hosts COSI After Dark, a monthly 21-plus event that has a rotating theme (like Wizard School or Prom) and features entertainment, activities and games, according to its website. You can enjoy the wonders of COSI without the kids and with food, beer and cocktails.
The Columbus Museum of Art (CMOA) is located in downtown Columbus and strives to “create great experiences with great art for everyone,” according to its website. CMOA has a variety of exhibitions and events, including BAM Thursdays (Bar, Art and Music), which occur every Thursday from May 30 to Sept. 26 in CMOA’s garden space. There is live music, art, food, vendors and drinks. My CMA Studio offers the opportunity for those of all ages to experiment and make art through workshops and open studios.
