The best arts & culture spots in Columbus

“Whether you're new to grappling or sharpening your game, Franklin Jiu Jitsu Club #Grizcave delivers legit Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Girls Cave women-only sessions, kids classes, competition teams, private training, and even boxing with experienced coaches and owner Jason Ramey’s bite-size Mat Minutes...”

“Generation Art & Frame features original pieces and prints by local artists, stocks art supplies, offers custom framing and ready-made frames, hosts classes and workshops, and can repair or replace frames, canvas, or glass, so your favorite pieces look great without turning your living room into a DIY disaster.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Brown County Art Guild blends a rich permanent collection of Midwest masters with rotating shows from today’s leading representational artists, plus workshops and gallery openings that actually feel fun. Swing through this week, soak up portraits, still lifes, and Brown County landscapes that just calm the soul.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Need a low-key history fix this week? Hayden Historical Museum Inc keeps regional stories alive with thoughtfully curated exhibits, rare artifacts, and kid-friendly learning that actually feels fun. It’s the kind of place that makes you text your parents about that one local legend you half remember.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Freeman Army Airfield Museum packs real artifacts from a former Army airfield, a spotlight on the AT-10 aircraft, a fascinating Dig Site story, and a nod to the Tuskegee Airmen. Perfect for a quick brain-boost this week when you want a low-key history fix close to home.”

From the Seymour newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Turn your next night out into a case file with The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Indianapolis, IN, a live, interactive true crime comedy where suspects hide in the crowd and you’re part of the investigation, all while enjoying a full plated dinner and plenty of surprises.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Whether you want a quick hit of Indiana art history or new work by 60 living artists, Brown County Art Gallery delivers in spades. C. Steele: Indiana’s Master Impressionist, on view through September 20.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 24, 2026

“From hands-on pottery nights to watercolor and plein air workshops, plus a rotating gallery that actually sparks ideas, Southern Indiana Center for the Arts is the creative reset you need this week. Book a spot, make something, then brag about it to your group chat.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Hidden in plain sight by the airport, Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum packs real-deal local aviation stories into bite-size exhibits, from WWII Glider Pilots and Tuskegee Airmen to the 71st Special Operations Squadron, all curated by volunteers who make the history feel alive.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 15, 2026

“If you love local lore, Pioneer Museum is a hands-on stroll through preserved 1800s buildings, including a hefty 1879 log jail, an 1850s-era blacksmith shop, a cozy log cabin, and a quirky 1898 doctor’s office. A quick, no-fuss history fix that feels genuinely close to home.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Mind Tripping Show is Indy’s longest-running live theatre show, blending clean comedy, psychology, and illusion into an intimate, unscripted experience where you actually become part of the fun as Christian and Katalina read minds, crack jokes, and leave you delightfully skeptical about reality, perfect for date night…”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Clay Township Museum & Library is the kind of quiet, hyper-local gem where old photos, artifacts, and neighborly stories make the past feel close to home. If you're into Hoosier history or just like stumbling on unexpected connections, this spot rewards a curious afternoon.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Step inside the 1890s Old Pathology Building to explore artifacts, a 1950s Doctor’s Office, and a medicinal plant garden. Indiana Medical History Museum makes Indy’s medical past feel vivid and a little spooky, in the best way, perfect for a curious afternoon this week.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Craving inspiration close to home, Newfields mixes a serious art museum, a nature park, and a historic mansion into one easy day trip. Catch Giants: Art from the Dean Collection, wander The Garden for Harvest Nights, then stick around for talks, films, and other community-minded happenings.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Hilbert Circle Theatre is home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, a neoclassical gem where symphonic moments land hard. Grab a night of film scores, Classics, or the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration with those tap-dancing Santas...”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art blends powerful Native and Western art with hands-on family spaces, studio workshops, and a low-key café for post-gallery refueling. Exhibits rotate from contemporary Native voices to printmaking showcases, plus signature happenings like Quest for the West.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Indiana War Memorial & Museum brings Indiana’s military story to life, from a solemn WWI shrine to artifacts like the tattered 15th Indiana Infantry flag. C. make it a meaningful, low-key day trip from Kokomo.”

From the Anderson newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Indiana State Museum nails that sweet spot where kids get hands-on and adults actually learn something. Bounce between Indiana-made art, science you can touch, and the IMAX for a giant-screen reset. Perfect for a quick culture fix this week, with fresh exhibits and events rolling through.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Indiana Historical Society makes history feel close to home with immersive exhibits like Freedom's Framework, Hoosier Voices from Vietnam, and The Electric Railway, plus deep-dive archives and smart programs.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is freshly reimagined, with a deep-dive Jeff Gordon exhibition running through February 2027, plus track tours where you actually kiss the bricks or climb the Victory Podium. Perfect for a quick jolt of Indy pride without the carb day crowds.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Started in 2019 by a few neighbors, Broad Ripple Flower Alley has grown into a cheerful stretch of murals that keeps sprouting new petals. Stroll it this week for poppies, roses, sunflowers and surprise cameos from guest artists, maybe even a Revival set, then go home smiling for no good reason.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Craving a night that feels special this week without leaving Indy? The Cabaret packs huge Broadway, jazz, and international acts into a small, intimate room where the Glick Bar keeps craft cocktails flowing and dinner lands at your table mid-show, all wrapped in award-winning interior design.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 21, 2026

“S. president's home, plus lectures, theater & more.”

“5-acre Outdoor Sports Experience, with tons of staff-led activities that actually tire kids out in the best way.”

From the Anderson newsletter, September 8, 2026