This weekend in Columbus, OH

Ohio Stadium hosts a college football matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini. Children under age 2 are admitted at no cost when seated on an adult’s lap. Bags are mostly prohibited, with only medical bags, diaper bags, or small clutches no larger than 8x5x1 allowed, and guests carrying bags must use designated entrances for screening. Ticket access includes a public sale, presales for the Ohio State Alumni Association and for all alumni, and a resale option.

Devin Henry performs live at The O on Lane for a pregame concert held before each home Ohio State football game.

Kickstands & Coffee brings motorcyclists together for a recurring meetup at Throttle Co., featuring complimentary coffee from a rotating roster of local and regional coffee shops and roasters. It is also a weekly gathering for the Litas Columbus, and is open to new and interested members.

Plant enthusiasts, indoor growers, and anyone curious about controlled environment agriculture can explore a free expo at Indoor Gardens’ Columbus location. The Ohio Grown Fall Expo brings together many vendors ready to answer questions, offer growing tips, and share complimentary samples and giveaways. Attendees can connect with knowledgeable experts in lighting, hydroponic systems, environmental controls, nutrients, and fertilizers, making it a helpful stop for hobbyists and those with commercial cultivation licenses alike. Look for a major sale during the event, plus complimentary food and a large raffle. Vendor spaces are not sold for this expo, and any request for payment to secure a spot is fraudulent.

Open Studio at CMA welcomes all ages to explore and create with a variety of art materials, guided by monthly themes inspired by exhibitions and artworks on view. The experience encourages participants to think like artists and discover new ways of making. A quiet hour is offered for visitors who prefer a calmer setting, especially those with sensory sensitivities. On the first Saturday of each month, Open Studio is reserved for members.

The Warren Marching Warriors are set to compete in the Central Ohio BOA Regional Championships at Crew Stadium. Official performance times will be announced later.

A monthly arts gathering where studios open to visitors, a market buzzes with activity, a food truck serves on site, and the gallery welcomes browsing. Attendees explore creative spaces, connect with artists, and help sustain businesses in the community. Each month brings something new to discover.

Walk 4 CMT brings the community together at Whetstone Park in Columbus for a purpose-filled walk along scenic park paths and greenway scenery. Friends, families, and fellow supporters can stroll the loop while contributing to a nationwide effort to raise awareness of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The event welcomes all abilities and participants from the local area and beyond, and every step helps support people living with CMT.

Enjoy a relaxed day of Magic: The Gathering at VGMX with casual Commander games designed for multiplayer fun. Bring a friend and pilot a Commander Constructed deck built around a legendary creature, trading big plays and memorable moments at the table. There is no entry fee, and participants of all experience levels are welcome.

Schiller Park in German Village comes alive with a community drum circle guided by master drummers Cullen Daniel III and Iggy Garcia. This freestyle experience welcomes every age and skill level to connect through rhythm by drumming, dancing, singing, or simply listening. Bring drums, singing bowls, shakers, or rattles if you have them, and know that extra percussion will be available to share. The gathering blends energetic grooves with moments of prayer and healing intention, offering a refreshing way to release stress and lift the spirit. The setting is family friendly and laid back, with a welcoming atmosphere that lets participants arrive when it suits them and stay as long as they like. To help maintain a safe and respectful space, please leave alcohol, drugs, and valuables at home. Parking is available. Contributions in the form of a love offering are appreciated to keep the circle thriving.

Explore bubbly creativity at Brush Crazy with a hands-on workshop that uses bubbles to create colorful art. Learn how bubbles, often used in science to study surface tension, can inspire unique designs on a project you choose. Studio items range from about $20 to over $100, and a $10 RSVP is credited toward an in-studio purchase. Bring your favorite beverage and snacks.

Bear Ghost brings the Tiny Hitman Tour to The KING of CLUBS in Columbus, joined by Sarah & The Safe Word and Spaceman Bob. This all ages concert also references video titles Rivers Is A Vampire and Necromancin Dancin.

Rock Paper Scissors returns to Eldorado's Food & Spirits with a two-hour set of off-the-beaten-path singalong tunes. The performance focuses on unexpected selections that invite plenty of singing along.

Kevin Farley brings his stand-up to The Attic Comedy Club for a night of wit and storytelling drawn from a multifaceted career. A member of the Farley comedy family, he has appeared in films such as Black Sheep and The Waterboy and on television in MTV's 2gether, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Drunk History, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Superstore. He tours nationally, headlining major rooms including The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, and The Improv, and he recently released a Dry Bar Comedy special. Offstage, his work spans producing and directing, including the documentary I Am Chris Farley, the feature Paranormal Movie, and the co-directed Hollywood & Wine. He is also heard on podcasts like The Bystanders with Jane Lynch, Offsides, and The Farley Farm with his wife, and he has been featured on The Today Show, The View, Extra, and Fox News. Expect irreverent humor, pop culture references, and personal anecdotes throughout the set.

Red Door Tavern hosts a Saturday night karaoke session with Steve's Karaoke. Attendees can take the mic and perform songs throughout the evening.

MMIM are back at Park Street Tavern with a Saturday night full of sing along rock.

Whistle & Keg turns Saturdays into a karaoke night hosted by Blake the Snake. Attendees choose their favorite tracks and take the mic, and a wide selection of taps and other drinks is available. It works for a full night out or as a stop after another Arena District event.

Sunday mornings offer a relaxed time to tend the garden, with opportunities for planting, weeding, mulching, harvesting, learning, and socializing. Participants may drop in as schedules allow or make it part of a weekly routine. Bring sun protection and a water bottle. Tools will be provided, and personal tools are welcome.

Help give shelter dogs the exercise and attention they deserve at a community dog walking event hosted by the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center. This is an outdoor, weather dependent activity, and any changes due to conditions will be shared on the event page. No pre-registration is required, and newcomers and drop-in volunteers are welcome. Shelter staff will guide participants throughout, from matching with a suitable dog to providing essentials like waste bags, treats, and harness leads, so there is no need for prior experience. Please leave personal leashes and collars at home. Upon arrival, head to the large, fully fenced walking yard behind the building, enter through the gate, and check in at the registration table. Comfortable, sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Families are invited, and the primary handler for each dog must be at least 18 years old. Personal pets should remain at home unless a meet and greet for adoption has been arranged. Photos are encouraged, and sharing with the hashtag #FCDSAdoptables helps spotlight dogs looking for homes. Anyone interested in fostering or adopting can speak with staff to learn more. Donations of dog treats are especially appreciated. The shelter often cares for 200 to 300 dogs, and community participation makes a meaningful difference for each one.

Free general admission is available every Sunday, made possible by support from Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All and donors to the Free for the Future Campaign. Admission to special exhibitions is included. Visitors can explore the Walter Wing, work together on a puzzle in a gallery, and enjoy time with friends and family. Engaging experiences can be found throughout the museum. Photo by JToland Photo.

Trinity Lutheran Church hosts an Oktoberfest celebration featuring traditional food, beer, live entertainment, and a rummage sale. A homemade German lunch is available for $10 and includes brats, curry wurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad. A kids meal is offered for $5 with a hot dog and either chips or applesauce. Beverages come with all meals, and beer can be purchased with separate tickets. Desserts are available for an additional charge. Entertainment is provided by the Germania Hauskapel and the Men’s Maennerchor.

Take a focused ten minutes with a CMA educator to explore a single artwork in depth. This pop up experience highlights a rotating selection of pieces on display, offering a brief yet insightful look at the collection. Look for signs near CMA’s Welcome Desk to find the featured work for the day. The program is included with general admission and does not require registration. Photo by JToland Photo.

This free practitioner-only Reiki share with Kelly Bisson brings together practitioners of all lineages and experience levels for communal practice. The session focuses on exchanging Reiki, learning from peers, and the opportunity to receive from several practitioners at once. Registration is not required.

Sound Bath Sundays is a monthly sound experience at Gravity, led by Gravitation Columbus. Held on the last Sunday of each month, it welcomes everyone and offers a chance to reset, unwind, and recharge. Attendance is donation based and there is no required fee.

Jessica Willis Fisher shares songs rooted in renewal, resilience, and stepping into a new season of life, highlighted by Blooming, her second solo album. Recorded in Nashville with producer Ben Fowler, the album’s acoustic focus lets her clear soprano, thoughtful lyricism, and expressive fiddle come forward. Guided by a love of literature and Celtic traditions, she weaves folk, Irish, bluegrass, and Americana throughout nine tracks, including Dogwood, which embraces self acceptance, Healing with its uplifting drive, and June, One of a Kind, and Build a House, which reflect joy, tenderness, and commitment. Honest and Seeds delve into vulnerability and the hard work of growth, while Find a Lover draws on old time and Irish roots with a timeless feel. She also revisits The Fox, pairing the traditional favorite with a fiddle tune by Scottish composer Adam Sutherland. Her solo debut, Brand New Day, marked a profound turning point as she left an abusive family past and the Willis Clan, and she continues to speak up for survivors, a journey chronicled in her memoir, Unspeakable. A full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.

Reggae Sundays brings music from The Flex Crew alongside DJ P. Funk. This 21+ event highlights reggae sounds for an upbeat night out. Admission is $10 for women and $15 for men.

Ace of Cups hosts a lively karaoke night with a massive catalog of more than 75,000 songs, making it easy to find your perfect pick. Take the stage for a solo, pair up for a duet, or cheer on the bold performers from the audience. Expect big laughs, good vibes, and standout moments from start to finish. The mic is hosted by Karaoke-Won Kenobi.