January PlanAhead: Your Columbus events calendar

Jan. 2022 PlanAhead

Jan. 2022 PlanAhead

Table of Contents

Happy January, Columbus. If you’re anything like us, you’re ecstatic about the new year and all the fresh starts it brings — and with all that excitement, you’re also looking for fun local events to attend. Read on for all the top events happening this month in the Cap City.

All month long

  • Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit | Now-Feb. 6 | Times vary | Lighthouse ArtSpace Columbus, 940 Polaris Pkwy. | $30+ | Enjoy the works of Van Gogh as you are fully immersed in these breathtaking projections + moving images. 🎨
  • Alice - An Immersive Cocktail Experience | Now-Feb. | Times vary | Harrisons on Kenny, 4510 Kenny Rd. | $10+ | Tickets to this Alice in Wonderland themed adventure include solving riddles, painting the roses red, and creating Wonderland cocktails.
  • Boards & Brews | Every Sunday | 12 p.m.-8 p.m. | Taft’s Brewporium Columbus, 440 W. Broad St. | Free | Head to Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus for some board game fun, and receive $2 off pizza. 🍕
  • Michelangelo - A Different View | Tues.-Sun. until Sun., Jan. 23 | Times vary | Greater Columbus Convention Center | $10-$17 | This exhibit displays Michelangelo’s world-famous work up close and offers visitors a superb view of the artist’s magnificent work. 🎨
  • Sunday Supper Bottomless BBQ | Sundays in January | 4-9 p.m. | Bristol Republic, 1124 N. High St. | $15 | Enjoy bottomless smoked in-house BBQ as well as half off domestics, bourbons, and whiskeys.
  • Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes | Thurs.-Sun. until May 30 | All day | COSI Columbus | $40 | You’ll find 300+ Marvel history artifacts, including original comic books and props from the ever-popular films.
  • Indoor Winter Farmers Market | Saturdays until April 16 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ohio History Center | $13 | Snag some locally-sourced fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more, from vendors including Ohio City Pasta, New Albany Organics, + North Country Charcuterie.
  • Five Dollar Movie Tuesdays | Every Tuesday | All day | Marcus Cinemas | $5 | Stop by the Marcus Crosswoods Cinema or the Pickerington location for discounted tickets on all movies. 🍿
  • Half-Price Game Play | Every Tuesday | 10 a.m.-1 a.m. | TopGolf Polaris | $18+ | Practice your golf game or partake in mini games at half-the-price every Tuesday. ⛳️
  • Trivia Night | Every Wednesday | 7 p.m.-9 p.m. | Makers Social | Free | Grab a pizza from Yellow Brick down the street and enjoy a trivia night with friends.
  • Paint Pouring Class | Every Sunday | 3-5 p.m. | Brush Crazy, 1299 Bethel Rd. | $10+ | A fun new painting experience that will teach you how to pour unique designs on canvas, wood or ceramics. 🎨
  • Jazz Wednesday | Every Wednesday | 8-11 p.m. | Brothers Drake Meadery & Bar, 26 E. 5th Ave. | Free | Join the best in local jazz every Wednesday night for this all ages event.
  • $1 BBQ Hot Dog Night | Every Thursday | 4-10 p.m. | Bristol Republic, 1124 N. High St. | $1 (with purchase of drink) | Enjoy $1 hot dogs and stick around for live band karaoke starting at 9 p.m.
  • Long Island Night | Every Thursday | 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. | Union Cafe, 782 N. High St. | $4.50+ | Enjoy Union Cafe’s legendary Long Islands and try mixing it up by adding different flavors.
  • Flip Fridays | Every Friday | 4-7 p.m. | Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus, 440 W. Broad St. | Free | Watch as your bartender flips a coin and if you call the right side, you will get your beer for $1.
  • Train Tuesdays | Every Tuesday | 4-10 p.m. | Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus, 440 W. Broad St. | Free | Each time a train is passing on the tracks closest to the Brewpourium, all pints are $4.

Saturday, Jan. 1-Friday, Jan. 7

Saturday, Jan. 1

  • Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Sat., Jan. 1 | 1 p.m. | Nationwide Arena | $28+ 🏒
  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Ice vs. Long Island Sharks | Sat., Jan. 1 | TBA | Schottenstein Center | $6+ 🏒
  • Wildlights | Sat., Jan. 1 | 5 p.m.-10 p.m. | Columbus Zoo + Aquarium | $16.99+ | Experience millions of LED holiday light displays, a visit with Santa, and seasonal treats.
  • Sister Act | Sat., Jan. 1 | 7 p.m. | North Short Stage, 1187 North High St. | $20+ | This feel-good musical comedy is based on the 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg.
  • OhioHealth First On The First 5K | Sat., Jan. 1 | 11 a.m. | Otterbein University, 180 Center St. | $50 | Earn a medal, race shirt, and post-race party with each sign-up.
  • Conservatory Aglow | Sat., Jan. 1-Sun., Jan. 9 | 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens | $3+ | Brighten the winter nights by exploring the twinkling light displays in the outdoor gardens accompanied by a life-sized gingerbread house and Candyland scene.
  • Scioto Mile Holiday Lights | Sat., Jan. 1-Mon., Jan. 3 | Dawn-dusk | Scioto Mile Downtown | Free | Park for free at 33 S. Washington Ave. to begin your walk along the downtown riverfront with your path aglow from the holiday lights.

Sunday, Jan. 2

  • Wildlights | Sun., Jan. 2 | 5 p.m.-9 p.m. | Columbus Zoo + Aquarium | $16.99+ | Experience millions of LED holiday light displays, a visit with Santa, and seasonal treats.
  • Sister Act | Sun., Jan. 2 | 2 p.m. | North Short Stage, 1187 North High St. | $20+ | This feel-good musical comedy is based on the 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg.
  • Distinctly Paramount: Fashion & Costume from the Paramount Pictures Archive | Sun., Jan. 2 | 1 p.m.-4 p.m. | Decorative Arts Center of Ohio | Free | Walk through this celebratory exhibit which features fashion used in pictures and television for over 100 years.

Monday, Jan. 3

Tuesday, Jan. 4

  • Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | Tues., Jan. 4 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena | $23+ 🏒
  • Alibi Whiskey Order | Tues., Jan. 4 | 7 p.m. | The Alibi Bourbon + Cocktail Lounge, 843 N. High St. | $50 | Sip on rare bottles of whiskey and bourbon that were collected throughout 2021. 🥃
  • Pink Floyd @ Shadowbox Live | Tues., Jan. 4 | 5 p.m. | Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St. #260 | Enjoy the sounds of “Pink Floyd” at this rock ‘n’ roll documentary and tribute band show.

Wednesday, Jan. 5

  • Mixology + Charcuterie Class | Wed., Jan. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | Taft’s Brewporium Columbus | $50 🥃
  • Pour & Sip | Wed., Jan. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | The Small Batch Candle Company, 5761 Westbourne Ave. | $40 | Learn the science behind candle making and pour your own candle using recycled wine and liquor bottles. 🍷
  • Tween Yoga | Wed., Jan. 5 | 5-6 p.m. | Yoga Loft, 9280 Dublin Rd. | $90 | This five-week series serves as an introduction to yoga for ages 9-14. 🧘‍♀

Thursday, Jan. 6

  • Creative Writing Workshop with Hanif Abdurraqib | Tues., Jan. 6 | Ohio Arts Council, 77 S. High St. | Free | Learn from the nationally-recognized Columbus local and writer, where attendees will create their own poems with Hanif’s help, by examining imagery, music, and language. 📝
  • Ohio State Women’s Basketball vs. Illinois | Fri., Jan. 7 | 7 p.m. | Value City Arena | $8+ 🏀
  • Christmas Tree Pickup | Thurs., Jan. 6 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Homes in Prairie Township | Free | The Roads, Cemeteries, and Parks Department of Prairie Township will pick up your Christmas trees during this time if they are left outside on the curb.
  • North Market Happy Hour | Thurs., Jan. 6 | 3-7 p.m. | North Market Downtown | Free | Enjoy discounted prices at select vendors including $1 off drafts + cocktails at The Barrel and Bottle.
  • Toddler Storytime on Zoom | Thurs., Jan. 6 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Columbus Metropolitan Library | Free | Join the Columbus Library for a morning of storytelling, songs, and activities for toddlers. 📕

Friday, Jan. 7

Saturday, Jan. 8-Friday, Jan. 14

Saturday, Jan. 8

  • Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils | Sat., Jan. 8 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena | $26+ 🏒
  • Winter Jam 22 | Sat., Jan. 8 | 5 p.m.-10 p.m. | Schottenstein Center | $10 | Winter Jam returns to the Schott with Skillet, Tauren Wells, KB, Colton Dixon + more. 🎶
  • Boozin’ In Your Onesie Bar Crawl | Sat., Jan. 8 | 2-9 p.m. | Various Locations | $14.99+ | The most comfortable bar crawl in Columbus. 🍻
  • Masquerade Ball 2022 | Sat., Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. + 7-10 p.m. | Central Vineyard Church, 55 E. Blake Ave. | $25 | This two part event is for ages 13-18 and includes a morning renaissance dance lesson and evening Ball.

Sunday, Jan. 9

  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Basketball vs. Northwestern Wildcat | Sun., Jan. 9 | 5:30 p.m. | Value City Arena | $10+ 🏀
  • 2022 Brokeman’s Winter Warm Up | Sun., Jan. 9 | 8 a.m. | Smith Farms, 3285 Watkins Rd. | $45+ | A winter race with the option of 13.1 miles, 8 miles + 3.5 miles. 🏃‍♂️
  • Ohio Guitar Show | Sun., Jan. 9 | 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Makoy Center, 5462 Center St. | $9 | Over 100 dealers will be showcasing collections of guitars, amplifiers, and effects. 🎸
  • Free Legal Clinic | Sun., Jan. 9 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Columbus Metropolitan Library | Free | Receive guidance from Attorney Mindy Yocum on legal matters such as eviction/foreclosure, expungement/record sealing, disability, custody and visitation rights, and divorce.

Monday, Jan. 10

  • GRIMMZ Fairy Tales | Mon., Jan. 10 | All day | Virtual | Free | Brothers and Columbus-natives Jay and Will Grimmz are set for a hip-hop dancing performance featuring twists on classics like “Snow White and the Seven Shawties’’ and “Cinderella Remix!” Pro tip: After registering for free, you have until Jan. 28 to view the show.

Tuesday, Jan. 11

  • Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Chicago Blackhawks | Tues., Jan. 11 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena | $30+ 🏒
  • CATS | Tues., Jan. 11-Sun., Jan. 16 | Times vary | Ohio Theatre | $34+ 🎭
  • Sweet Wine Tasting | Tues., Jan. 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Savor Pint, 4440 Indianola Ave. | $30 | Sample 10 wines ranging from white to red and various levels of sweetness with chocolate available to sample as well.
  • Pour and Sip | Tues., Jan. 11 | 1-3 p.m. + 5-7 p.m. | 5761 Westbourne Ave. | $40 | Upcycle old liquor bottles into fresh candles + BYOB (beer or bottle) and enjoy your own adult beverages while you create. Pro tip: Some visitors even bring their own mimosas bar kit. 🍹

Wednesday, Jan. 12

Thursday, Jan. 13

  • Short North Bourbon Tasting | Thurs., Jan. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Bristol Republic, 1124 N. High St. | $20 | Sample five new bourbons with the full Bristol Republic food menu available as well. 🥃

Friday, Jan. 14

  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Fri., Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. | Schottenstein Center |$10+🏒
  • Franklinton Fridays | Fri., Jan. 14 | 6 p.m.-10 p.m. | Franklinton Arts District | Free | Explore Franklinton while browsing through artist galleries and workshops + enjoy live music at this once-a-month gathering.
  • Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe in Concert | Fri., Jan. 14 | 9-10:30 p.m. | Hollywood Casino Columbus | $35+ | Neil will perform cuts from his three solo albums as well as Crüe classics like “Shout at the Devil,” “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Dr. Feelgood.” 🎶
  • Ohio State Buckeyes Wrestling vs. Michigan Wolverines | Fri., Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. | Covelli Center | Free for students, regular admission is $12+ 🤼
  • Coming 2 Columbus | Fri.-Sun., Jan. 14-16 + Jan. 21-23 | 8 p.m. | District West, 145 N. 5th St. | $12+ | This show takes you through the life and times of Shawty West as he discovers who he is in life + what his hopes and dreams are.
  • 2022 Dude-A-Thon with Columbus Brewing Company | Fri., Jan. 14 | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse | Throw on your best “The Big Lebowski” costume, sip on some CBC brews, + watch the classic Jeff Bridges film. 🍿

Saturday, Jan. 15-Friday, Jan. 21

Saturday, Jan. 15

  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Sat., Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. | Schottenstein Center | $10+🏒
  • World’s Toughest Rodeo | Sat., Jan 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Nationwide Arena | $23+ | Witness bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, and women’s barrel racing with special musical guest Chase Bryant.
  • Onesie Bar Crawl | Sat., Jan. 15 | 4 p.m. | BBR Restaurant, 106 Vine Street | $10+ | Tickets include complimentary drinks, food specials, waived covers at all venues, and entry in a $1,000 costume contest.
  • Pajama Party Jazz Concert | Sat., Jan. 15 | 10 a.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. | $5 | Kids and parents alike are invited to enjoy live jazz music while staying in your pajamas for a relaxing and fun Saturday morning.
  • Family Movement + Meditation Session | Sat., Jan. 15 | 10 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Explore guided yoga, art, and meditation from the comfort of your own home with your family.
  • 2022 Columbus Weddings Show | Sat., Jan. 15 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Ohio State Expo Center and State Fair | $10+ | All your wedding questions will be answered by more than 100 wedding professionals throughout this two-day event.
  • Jim Jefferies | Sat., Jan. 15 | 7 p.m. | Palace Theatre Columbus | $100+ | Stand-up comedian Jim Jefferies makes a stop in Columbus and brings his observational humor and satire that is sure to make you laugh. 🎤
  • Great Train Expo Columbus | Sat.-Sun., Jan. 15-16 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ohio State Expo Center and State Fair | $11 | Discover 100+ tables set up with model trains and accessories for sale at this two-day expo. Pro tip: kids get in free. 🚂
  • Columbus Paper, Postcard, and Book Show | Sat., Jan. 15 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ohio Expo Center and State Fair | Free | Explore an assortment of vintage paper collectibles by dozens of dealers. 📚
  • Cocktail Class | Sat., Jan. 15 | 1 p.m.-3 p.m. | Echo Spirits Distilling Co., 985 W. Sixth Ave. | $70 🍸

Sunday, Jan. 16

  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Basketball vs. Penn State Nittany Lion | Sun., Jan. 16 | TBA | Value City Arena | $9+ 🏀
  • 2022 Columbus Weddings Show | Sun., Jan. 16 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Ohio State Expo Center and State Fair | $10+ | All your wedding questions will be answered by more than 100 wedding professionals throughout this two-day event. 💍
  • Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit | Sun., Jan. 16 | 8 p.m. | Palace Theatre | $49+ | Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell brings his alternative country sound to Columbus for one night only. 🎶
  • Great Train Expo Columbus | Sun., Jan. 16 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ohio State Expo Center and State Fair | $10 | Discover 100+ tables set up with model trains and accessories for sale at this two-day expo. Pro tip: kids get in free. 🚂
  • Steve-O: The Bucket List | Sun., Jan. 16 | 7 p.m. | Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St. | $40+ | This is a multimedia comedy event intended for adults only.

Monday, Jan. 17

  • MLK Jr. Day Celebration | Mon., Jan. 17 | 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. | Ohio History Connection | $13 | Join the Ohio History Connection for a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. which includes a special screening of The Green Book: Guide To Freedom.
  • MLK Birthday Breakfast | Mon., Jan. 17 | 9-10 a.m. | Online Event | $25 | Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the largest national event of its kind hosted virtually by Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, president of The Ohio State University.
  • MLK Day Open House Celebration | Mon., Jan. 17 | 12 p.m.-4 p.m. | King Arts Complex | Free | Ohio Senator Hearcel Craig serves as the keynote speaker + music, live theatrical performances, and giveaways.
  • Woodshop Orientation B: Band Saw, Router Table, Sanding Stations, + Drill Press | Mon., Jan. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | The Idea Foundry | $70 | Follow up from the earlier woodshop class from the month with another beginner course showing more basics of woodworking.

Tuesday, Jan. 18

Wednesday, Jan. 19

  • Three Creeks Metro Park Winter Hike | Wed., Jan. 19 | 6:30-8 a.m. | Three Creeks Metro Park | Free | Gather a group of friends and explore the Three Creeks Metro Park to kick start your morning.
  • Winter Soup Class | Wed., Jan. 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Columbus State Community College | $75 | Learn from chef-instructor Shawnie Kelley to make a French Three Onion Soup, Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup, and a Tuscan Ribollita and enjoy the soup + a glass of wine after class.

Thursday, Jan. 20

  • Blue Jackets Watch Party | Thurs., Jan, 20 | 6 p.m. | Rudy’s, 1021 W. 5th Ave. | Free | Giveaways, food and drink specials, and the first 25 fans receive CBJ gear and a prize. 🏒
  • Magifest 2022 | Thurs.-Sat. Jan. 20-22 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Renaissance Hotel | $300 | Celebrate all things magic including cards and tips + workshops so you can learn your own magic tricks. 🃏
  • Student Involvement Fair | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 4-7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | This event gives students the opportunity to find organizations, jobs, and volunteer opportunities to become involved in on campus.

Friday, Jan. 21

  • Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | Fri., Jan. 21 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena | $46+ 🏒
  • El Camino Acid + The Cordial Sins | Fri., Jan. 21 | 9 p.m. | Rumba Cafe, 2507 Summit St. | $12+ | Columbus’ very own Evan Westfall, co-founder of Columbus band “CAAMP,” brings his solo act alongside The Cordial Sins, another up-and-coming group from Columbus. 🎶
  • 90’s Weekend | Fri., Jan. 21-Sat., Jan 22 | 6 p.m.-2 a.m. | Howl at the Moon Columbus | Free admission for those wearing 90’s gear | Enjoy live 90’s music, drink specials, and prizes. 🎉

Saturday, Jan. 22-Friday, Jan. 28

Saturday, Jan. 22

Sunday, Jan. 23

Monday, Jan. 24

  • Mammoth WVH + Dirty Honey | Mon., Jan. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | The Bluestone | $30+ | Wolfgang Van Halen, son of famous guitarist Eddie Van Halen, leads his group “Mammoth WVH” into Columbus for a guitar-shredding evening. 🎶

Tuesday, Jan. 25

  • Getting To Know Your Nikon | Tues., Jan. 25 | 5-6 p.m. | Midwest Photo | $25 | Learn the basics of how to use a Nikon camera at this beginners class. 📸
  • Headlamp Hike | Tues., Jan. 25 | 6-7 p.m. | Scioto Grove Metro Park | Free | Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Shelter for a two mile guided hike with a headlamp lighting your way (headlamps not included with hike).

Wednesday, Jan. 26

Thursday, Jan. 27

Friday, Jan. 28

  • Jurassic Quest | Fri.-Sun., Jan. 28-30 | 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | The Bricker Building at the Ohio State Expo Center and State Fair | $19+ | With more than 100 true-to-life sized dinosaurs coming to the Bricker Building, these all-day showings are perfect for the young (or old!) “Jurassic Park” fans in your life. 🦖
  • Taylor Swift Night | Fri., Jan. 28 | 9 p.m. | Skully’s Music Diner | $20 | Swift fans can dance to her songs all night for a Taylor Swift inspired dance party. 🎶
  • Hot Tub and Swim Spa Blowout | Fri., Jan. 28-Sun., Jan. 30 | Times vary | Rhodes Center at Ohio Expo Center and State Fair | Free | Major brands will be presenting discounted rates and financing for a variety of hot tubs and swim spas

Saturday, Jan. 29-Monday, Jan. 31

Saturday, Jan. 29

  • Jurassic Quest | Sat.-Sun., Jan. 29-30 | 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | The Bricker Building at the Ohio State Expo Center and State Fair | $19+ | With more than 100 true-to-life sized dinosaurs coming to the Bricker Building, these all-day showings are perfect for the young (or old!) “Jurassic Park” fans in your life. 🦖
  • Couple Things with Shawn Johnson and Andrew East | Sat., Jan. 29 | 8 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre | $40 | Olympic Gold medalist, Shawn Johnson, and her husband Andrew East will bring conversations and experiences from their “Couple Things” podcast.

Sunday, Jan. 30

  • Jurassic Quest | Sun., Jan. 30 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | The Bricker Building at the Ohio State Expo Center and State Fair | $19+ | With more than 100 true-to-life sized dinosaurs coming to the Bricker Building, these all-day showings are perfect for the young (or old!) “Jurassic Park” fans in your life. 🦖
  • Ohio State Buckeyes Women’s Gymnastic vs. Rutgers | Sun., Jan. 30 | 5 p.m. | Covelli Center | $8+ 🤸‍♀️

Monday, Jan. 31

  • Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Florida Panthers | Mon., Jan. 31 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena | $24+ 🏒
  • Dillon Francis and Yung Gravy | Mon., Jan. 31 | 6:30 p.m. | EXPRESS Live | $60 | EDM star Dillon Francis and hip-hop up-and-comer Yung Gravy make their return in 2022 after COVID-19 caused Columbus to reschedule this concert twice in 2020. Heads up: tickets are selling quickly. 🎶