This weekend in Franklin County, OH

Ohio State faces Maryland in a college football matchup at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Children under age 2 are admitted at no charge and must sit on an adult's lap. Gates open two hours before kickoff. Bags are generally not permitted, except for medical bags, diaper bags, or clutches no larger than 8x5x1. Guests carrying allowed bags should enter through designated screening entrances. Ticketing includes alumni presales, a public onsale, and a separate resale release.

Participate in a 5K focused on getting people moving, building connections, and uplifting mental health. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come exactly as they are, with a clear message that no one is alone. Contributions supporting this effort are entirely tax deductible. Sponsorship opportunities are open for those who wish to help make a greater impact.

This women’s retreat explores how to meet a noisy and complicated world with a steady practice of kindness. Spiritual director Christine Hiester guides a reflective day using poetry, journaling, creative expression, and facilitated conversation. Participants consider how kindness can shape everyday life, relationships, communities, and even online interactions. The pace invites attendees to slow down and listen to God, to each other, and to their own hearts, making room for nourishment, connection, and quiet that encourages fresh beginnings. The gathering takes place at The Point at Otterbein University.

The second annual LifeWise Hilliard 5K and 1 Miler welcomes seasoned racers as well as families and friends. The event supports LifeWise Academy and its character-centered Bible education offered to students during the school day. Water and a post-race snack are provided. After finishing, participants are encouraged to spend time in Old Hilliard.

FOWP hosts a hands-on park cleanup at Westgate Shelter House to help keep the area looking its best. Volunteers will take on whatever tasks are most needed, which may include mulching, weeding, watering, or picking up trash. Meet at the enclosed shelter house parking lot. All tools are provided, but bring your own gloves and a water bottle. There is no access to a water source or bathroom at the worksite. Activities are weather dependent, and updates will be posted on the event page.

Devin Henry performs live at The O on Lane with a pregame concert that begins two hours before each Ohio State home football game.

This walk and run welcomes friends and family to get moving in celebration of Day of the Girl and the anniversary of Proyecto Mariposas. Take part by walking, running, or exercising at whatever pace and distance you prefer. The first 30 participants receive a swag bag at the event, and all participants receive a T-shirt. Bring cafecito y chisme to enjoy as you go. This fundraiser supports Proyecto Mariposas in-school programming and outreach.

Clintonville Farmers’ Market serves as a lively weekend showcase for Ohio-grown and Ohio-made foods, featuring heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, artisan breads, cheeses and jams, cut flowers, ripe berries, fresh pasta, and a rotating lineup of food trucks. Friends, families, and neighbors gather to explore local flavors and connect with one another. Live music will be performed during the market to add to the atmosphere.

Motorcyclists gather weekly at Throttle Co. for a casual meet up with complimentary coffee from a rotating selection of local and regional coffee shops and roasters. It also serves as the regular meetup for the Litas Columbus, and those who are new or interested are welcome.

Walk with a Doc in Upper Arlington offers a brief talk from a healthcare professional on a health topic, followed by a relaxed walk. It is a straightforward way to pick up practical wellness tips and add some movement to the day alongside others.

Open Studio at CMA fosters creative thinking through hands-on exploration of materials and monthly themes inspired by special exhibitions and works on display. People of all ages are welcome to use the Studio to experiment with a wide range of supplies and make art in their own way. On the first Saturday each month, the program is reserved for members. A dedicated quiet period provides a calmer environment for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

A day full of fun with an apple theme and a lively musical vibe featuring guitar, violin, banjo, and vocals.

Enjoy relaxed Magic: The Gathering play focused on Commander, with legendary leaders, splashy turns, and friendly multiplayer battles. The format is Commander Constructed. There is no entry fee, and players of all experience levels are welcome, whether arriving on your own or with a friend.

This gathering welcomes current students, teachers, staff, alumni, and former members of every school community that has used the McGuffey School Building. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos and memorabilia to help build an archive of the building’s history. The program features an open mic and jam session, a chance to sample Dungeons and Dragons, time to stroll the halls, opportunities to reconnect with old friends, and live performances.

Enjoy a two-part creative session that pairs candle pouring with bracelet making. Start by crafting one 8 ounce candle made from 100% natural soy wax and clean fragrance in a fun, bubble-style vessel, then design a personalized mala bracelet while your candle sets. No prior experience is needed. All supplies are included, and you will receive step-by-step guidance throughout. The finished candle offers an estimated 40 to 50 hours of burn time and avoids many common hazardous chemicals found in typical household candles. For the bracelet, choose your favorite glass bead colors and complete it with a crimp bead for a smooth, polished finish. The class is BYOB, so feel free to bring snacks and beverages or even have a pizza delivered to enjoy as you create.

A family friendly armwrestling tournament welcomes competitors across all ages and weight categories in a double elimination format. Entry is $35 per arm per class, and there is a 4‑pound clothing allowance. Awards are presented to the top three finishers, and any class with three or more entrants includes a $50 cash payout, with awards for pros as well. Weigh‑ins take place at the event location, with an early option the day before and additional weigh‑ins available on tournament day. Divisions include professional classes at 0 to 154, 155 to 176, 177 to 199, 200 to 240, and 241 and above. Masters for ages 40 and up include 0 to 180, 181 to 230, and 231 and above. Amateurs compete at 0 to 180, 181 to 230, and 231 and above. Women have an open right category, and kids compete in light, middle, and heavy groups.

Celebrate the season with an interactive poetry workshop led by Appalachian poet Torli Bush, offered in person at the Northwood High Building in Columbus and online via Zoom. The program explores how Appalachian writing can illuminate a fuller sense of place and identity. Participants will read and discuss poems by Marc Harshman, Nikki Giovanni, Frank X Walker, Tom Andrews, and Irene McKinney, focusing on storytelling, place, and conversations around common stereotypes connected to Appalachia and the Rust Belt Midwest that are familiar in Ohio. Guided generative time will invite everyone to draft their own poems or short prose, with an option to share work. Torli Bush is from Webster Springs, West Virginia, holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University and an MFA in Creative Writing from West Virginia Wesleyan College, received a Pushcart Prize in 2025, and saw the debut collection Requiem for A Redbird named a finalist for the Weatherford Award. Bush serves as a poetry editor for Heartwood Literary Magazine. The workshop follows OPA’s quarterly business meeting, with a lunch break on your own before the session begins. For the virtual format, the Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants.

Colony Cats (& dogs) is bringing adoptable cats and kittens to Petco in Upper Arlington. Each cat has been tested for FIV and FeLV, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and dewormed, so they are ready to settle into a new home. Adoptions are completed with an approved application.

Spend 10 minutes with a CMA educator for a focused look at one artwork on view. This pop-up series highlights different pieces from the galleries, each session centering on a single work. Signs near the CMA Welcome Desk will point the way to the featured piece for the day. The experience is included with general admission, and no registration is required.

Explore an Ethiopian coffee ceremony in partnership with Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS) at the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti. Set in the sculpture garden, this live program demonstrates the traditional roasting, grinding, and brewing process while sharing Ethiopia’s role as the origin of coffee and its lasting cultural significance. Offered in dialogue with Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began, it engages themes of Pan-African histories, diasporic knowledge, and the visibility of cultural traditions across the African continent and its global connections. Registration is free, and participants may choose a tasting experience or opt to observe only.

At The Valley in Columbus, Ohio, The Weight and The Wings Live Experience brings together artists, survivors, supporters, and creatives for an evening shaped by survival, healing, connection, and the stories that led people here. It welcomes anyone who has carried addiction, loss, trauma, abuse, grief, or other heavy chapters, as well as those who stand with them. The night features live music and performances where artists share their voices and experiences on stage. Attendees can meet others, share conversations, support performers, and find community with people who understand that life can feel heavy. Vendors and independent creators will be on site, offering ways to support small businesses that are part of the experience, and donations will be collected to give back to the community. The atmosphere is open and supportive, with room to breathe, set down some of the weight, and reconnect with hope. All ages are welcome. Children 12 and under receive free admission with a paid adult.

Interpol brings its North America Tour 2026 to KEMBA Live in Columbus with DIIV. This outdoor concert will go on rain or shine and welcomes attendees of all ages. The event organizer notes that AXS Resale will not be available right away but may be offered later. For details, review AXS’s Purchase Agreement.

Autumn flavors take center stage as String Theory brings an easygoing mix of feel good songs to Java Central. Settle in with a warm cup of coffee and relax in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Whitney with Oscar Lindsey performs at Skully's Music-Diner for a night of live music. Advance tickets are priced at $30, with admission at the door at $35. Tickets can be purchased at Used Kids Records, Magnolia Thunderpussy, and Rumba Cafe. The show welcomes all ages, and guests under 21 will be charged a $3 cash underage fee at entry. Artist and local presales require codes, and there is also a public on sale.

Red Door Tavern hosts a karaoke night with Steve's Karaoke. The focus is all on karaoke from beginning to end.

Sing your heart out at Whistle & Keg in the Arena District as Blake the Snake hosts a Saturday karaoke night. Pick your favorite songs, cheer on friends, and enjoy a wide range of taps and drinks in a lively setting. It is a fitting stop for a full evening out or a quick visit after another Arena District event.

Give shelter dogs fresh air and individual attention during a community dog walking event at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center in Columbus, Ohio. The shelter cares for 200 to 300 dogs on any given day, and volunteer walkers help ensure each one gets time out of the kennel. No advance sign-up is needed, and newcomers are welcome to drop in. This is an outdoor, weather-dependent activity, and any changes due to conditions will be shared on the event page. If you would like updates and reminders, you can RSVP. When you arrive, go to the large fenced walking yard behind the building and check in at the registration table. Staff will match you with an appropriate dog and provide waste bags, treats, and harness leads, so personal leashes and collars should be left at home. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. This is family friendly, and the primary dog walker must be 18 or older. Feel free to take photos of adoptable dogs and share them using #FCDSAdoptables. This activity is for shelter dogs only, so owned pets should stay home unless you are meeting a specific dog for adoption. If you become interested in fostering or adopting, staff can explain next steps. Donations of dog treats are especially appreciated.

Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Columbus Bra Run at Bank Run Metro Park. Runners and walkers are encouraged to lace up and don creatively decorated bras in solidarity with survivors and those currently facing breast and gynecological cancers. Proceeds benefit Pink Ribbon Good, helping provide nutritious meals for patients and their families, transportation to treatment, essential housecleaning support for a healthy home, and peer connections so no one faces cancer alone. The finish line features the Hope in Motion education trailer, plus music and awards, creating a spirited community gathering for a meaningful cause.

Enjoy complimentary general admission every Sunday at the Columbus Museum of Art, with access to special exhibitions included. This weekly offering is supported by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All and Free for the Future Campaign donors. Friends and families can explore the Walter Wing and collaborate on a puzzle in a gallery. There is something to discover around every corner. Photo credit: JToland Photo.

A relaxed mixer in the kitchen for young adults ages 18 to 25, offering a simple way to meet peers and build community. Casual conversation and easy connections await in Grove City, Ohio.

Lenny Pearce brings the Toddler Rave World Tour to KEMBA Live in Columbus for an indoor, all-ages experience. Ticket transfer will be delayed for this event and will not be available immediately. Resale on AXS Resale is also not available right away and may be offered later. Please review the terms of AXS’s Purchase Agreement for more information.

The Columbus Walk to End Alzheimer’s is part of the largest event of its kind worldwide, raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Individuals, families, corporate teams, and supporters of all ages gather to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The experience features an opening ceremony, a Promise Garden that recognizes personal connections, and a meaningful walk alongside others committed to the cause. Participation helps fund critical care and support for local families while advancing research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Participants can start or join a team and honor a loved one while helping move this mission forward.

Celebrate fall at the KidsLinked New Albany Pumpkin Run, presented by Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians. Now in its second year, this family-friendly event offers two ways to participate. Choose the 1 or 2 mile run on a playful course that starts with bubbles. Finishers take home a small pumpkin and a pumpkin medal, and can pick a Pumpkin Mug or a Tritan 1L Sports Water Bottle. Costumes are encouraged, with awards for funniest, most original, and best costume, recognizing the top two or three in each category. Additional recognition goes to the top 10 male and female finishers for each distance. Families can also opt for the Trick-or-Treat Fun Run at a quarter or half mile on a new route. It begins with bubbles and features themed stops, with the Halloween Ball and a small stuffed animal on both distances, plus a Halloween rubber duck and a candy treat on the half mile. Finishers receive a small pumpkin, a pumpkin medal, and the same gift choice, and the costume contest applies here as well. Packet pickup is available on race day only, with check-in at the back of the venue marked by a giant inflatable pumpkin. Please note that pets are not permitted. Strollers are welcome and the course is on grass. The run is planned to proceed in rain, sunshine, or cold, with delays only if lightning is visible. If conditions are unsafe, distances may be adjusted or the event may be canceled. Updates will be shared on KidsLinked’s Facebook page and by email. This run is part of the KidsLinked New Albany Fall Festival and TreatFest.

Celebrate Italian heritage and community spirit at the 17th Annual Italian Festival Parade and High School Marching Band Competition, organized by the Columbus Piave Club. The route moves through Victorian Village, the Short North, and Italian Village, finishing at the Columbus Italian Festival. Look for lively marching bands, vintage cars, and showcases from local groups along the way. Participation is open to bands, organizations, businesses, and other groups. There is no entry fee for most participants, and groups are encouraged to carry a banner. A $100 fee applies to politicians or political organizations.

Opening the 19th season in celebration of International Day of the Girl, this concert features violinist Isabelle Durrenberger and a program honoring Fanny Mendelssohn, Florence Price, and Jennifer Higdon. At its heart is Jennifer Higdon’s choral work The Singing Rooms. Attendees are welcomed by the Columbus School for Girls Gold Key Ambassadors. Tickets are $25, $30, or $35 for adults, and $20, $25, or $30 for students, seniors, and veterans. The performance takes place at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts.

Now in its 16th year, this garden party benefits central Ohio's homeless animals through a raffle and a silent auction. The focus is on raising support for animals in need through these activities.

Experience a choral showcase with five distinct ensembles that trace a journey from the bright, youthful tones of third graders to the polished sound of musicians preparing for college-level performance. The program is suitable for all ages. Presale tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission. At the box office and on the day of the concert, tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $18 for general admission. Children 5 and under are free.

This event at Blacklick Woods Metro Park pairs a brief talk on a health topic from a healthcare professional with a walk through the park’s natural scenery. Attendees listen to the short presentation, then take a relaxed stroll around the park.

Each week, musicians from Columbus bands come together for a performance session that blends Irish pub tunes, traditional music, American selections, and pop. It is a Sunday afternoon of live music that brings the weekend to a close.

This concert spotlights the artistry of women of color within the African American songbook, featuring music by Margaret Bonds, Florence Price, Rosephanye Powell, BE Boykin, and more. Capriccio Jubilee Singers leads the program with soloists Justin Swain and Hannah Bullock. The program honors both legacy and contemporary voices that continue to shape this musical tradition.

Buddha Trixie headlines a night with Flight by Nothing and Pleaser at Rumba Cafe. Presented by Used Kids Records and Celebrity Etc, this show welcomes all ages, with a $2 cash gratuity requested at the door for guests under 21. Advance tickets are $20 and admission at the door is $25. Tickets are available at Used Kids Records or at Rumba Cafe.

The Columbus Blues Hall of Fame celebration presents a showcase of live blues and recognition for the newest honorees. Performances feature 614BluesEd, a youth ensemble, alongside Piper & The Hard Times, the 2024 IBC band winner. The ceremony honors inductees André Scott, Patrick McLaughlin, and Jeff McCargish, with appreciation for all nominees. Tickets are available and expected to go fast. Purchase only online through the designated ticket site or in person at Natalie’s. Members in good standing of the Columbus Blues Alliance may nominate one or more candidates for the Hall of Fame, with full guidelines available on the Alliance website.

At Cazuela's North Campus, karaoke takes center stage with a catalog of more than 70,000 songs that makes finding the right track simple. Sing your favorite solo, pair up for a duet, or cheer from the crowd as laughter, upbeat energy, and memorable performances fill the room. This event is hosted by Ryan Canon and welcomes first-time singers as well as seasoned regulars.

Part of The Rising Skyline Tour 2026, Failure performs at A&R Music Bar in Columbus, OH with quannnic also appearing. This show is open to all ages.

Reggae Sundays features The Flex Crew with DJ P. Funk for a reggae-focused night. This event is for ages 21 and over. Admission is $10 for women and $15 for men.

Ace of Cups opens the mic for a lively karaoke night. Sing your go-to anthem, pair up for a duet, or cheer on others as they perform. With a catalog of more than 75,000 songs, there is a wide range to choose from to suit many tastes. Expect plenty of laughs, upbeat energy, and memorable moments. Hosted by Karaoke-Won Kenobi.