Live music in Upper Arlington, OH

This back to school edition of the Local and Live concert series features live performances by students from the Fort Hayes Music Program alongside Joey Aich. The event brings together live music, drinks, and local markets as part of the series.

Groove at The Yard presents a handpicked lineup of live music throughout the summer, spanning funk, acoustic sounds, Americana, and rock with standout local performers. Settle in on the lawn or enjoy a drink on the patio with a view as the music carries into the evening. The rotating roster includes acts such as Columbus Jazz, Najoura, Yachtopia, George Barrie Trio, Hawa Tarawally & Friends, Vamp Village, The Frequency Lab, Mery Steel & Moe Reen, Austin & the Syd Experience, Teeny Tucker, Red Healer, Sirens, EMILI, Trek Manifest & Friends, The Moonbats, Dre Peace, Andy Shaw Band, Parker Louis & Friends, Deeptones, Honey and Blue, and Angela Perley.

Gavin Adcock brings The Day I Hang It Up Tour to KEMBA Live! in Columbus, joined by Corey Kent and The Creekers for an outdoor show that goes on rain or shine. A Watkinsville, Georgia native and former Georgia Southern University football player, Adcock turned to recording after a 2021 knee injury and has since released multiple singles that together are nearing 100 million streams, including A Cigarette, which reached 12 million in less than two months. This is an all-ages event. The organizer notes that ticket resale through AXS Resale will not be immediately available and may be offered later.

Not Your Mama’s Craft Market brings back its summer Friday night series at The Little Grand Market in Grandview, Columbus, with an expanded experience. The Little Golden Hour Market combines an open-air lawn scene with an upstairs mini market inside the venue, featuring more local artisans and makers, added bar options, a live DJ, and monthly signature cocktails inspired by featured vendors. Browse handmade goods, vintage finds, boutique apparel and accessories, and sweet treats while taking in skyline views as the day winds down. Food and drinks from The Little Grand are available, and admission is free. The series keeps a laid-back, smaller-scale feel compared to the organizer’s larger seasonal events, while maintaining a carefully curated lineup and a welcoming community atmosphere. Offerings can include live flash tattoos, select dates may feature maker-led workshops, and some dates include a designated rain plan. Paid garage and street parking are available nearby.

Led by master drummers Cullen Daniel III and Iggy Garcia, this community drum circle at Schiller Park in German Village welcomes all ages and skill levels for a freestyle percussion experience. No prior experience is needed. Extra drums and other percussion instruments will be available, and participants can choose to drum, dance, sing, or simply enjoy the collective rhythm. The atmosphere is relaxed, family friendly, and focused on shared energy, healing, and joy. Expect an inclusive blend of drumming, dancing, singing, prayerful moments, and restorative vibrations. Attendees are encouraged to bring drums, singing bowls, shakers, rattles, or any instrument that adds to the groove. Parking is available. To support a safe and respectful space, please leave alcohol, drugs, and valuables at home. A love offering is appreciated to help sustain the gatherings.

Caamp performs at The Schottenstein Center with support from Arcy Drive and the Sam Fribush Organ Trio. The band began in Athens, Ohio when childhood friends Meier and Westfall teamed up, and their 2016 self-titled debut drew hundreds of millions of streams and earned a gold single. Their follow-up, By and By, rose to the top of the Billboard Heatseekers chart, hit number one at AAA radio, and led to festival spots at Outside Lands and Newport Folk.

Anything Blue returns to the Dolphin Lounge for another appearance. The Dolphin Lounge is known as the home of the world's longest blues jam.

Spacebar becomes a punk-powered karaoke night as Ace and TJ team up to run the show. Ace keeps things moving by the stage, while TJ works the bar with 20 crafts on tap and a selection of canned options. The catalog features more than 17,000 songs spanning pop hits, punk obscurities, classic country, and gothic favorites. Scan the QR code on the front of the books to check the latest updates to the catalog. If a track you want is missing, the hosts welcome requests and will try to add it.

Southern Oracles: A Celebration of the South Side is a one-night concert uniting a large gathering of Columbus artists to honor the city’s South Side. The program spans music, poetry, dance, and more across multiple disciplines, and its staging places the audience in relation to key Columbus neighborhood institutions. Conceived and produced by writer Scott Woods with support from the Johnstone Fund for New Music, Streetlight Guild, and the Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts at Ohio State, the event continues a tradition of spotlighting Columbus history and culture. The lineup includes the Mark Lomax Trio, J Rawls, Sam Johnson, Liquid Crystal Project, DJ Prime, Trista Hill, Trek Manifest, Jai Carey, Psyonik, Donald Isom, and Scott Woods. The concert takes place at Weigel Hall at Ohio State University, and admission is free.

Oddfellows Liquor Bar in Columbus hosts a karaoke night filled with high energy and plenty of chances to take the mic. With a catalog of more than 70,000 songs, there is something for nearly every taste. Sing a favorite solo, team up for a duet, or cheer on the performers from the crowd. The atmosphere brings lots of laughs and memorable moments. Hosted by Doug Dimmadome.