May PlanAhead: Your Columbus events calendar

Your Columbus events calendar | Photo by 6AM City

Your Columbus events calendar | Photo by 6AM City

Table of Contents

Happy May, Columbus. 🌸 If you’re anything like us, you’re ecstatic about the sunny days, blooming flowers, and summer on the horizon — 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 Cap City.

All month long

  • Monday Karaoke | Every Monday | 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. | Union Cafe, 782 N. High St. | Free 🎤
  • 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. ⛳️
  • Teen + Tween Art Workshop | Tuesdays + Saturdays | Times vary | Terra Gallery, 36B N. High St. | $35 | Bring your emerging young artists to Terra Gallery to weekly workshops featuring different mediums of art. 🎨
  • The 70’s Music Explosion in Columbus | Various dates | Times vary | Columbus Historical Society, 717 W. Broad St. | Free | Learn the history of Columbus music and bands in the 1970’s. 🎶
  • Candlelight Slow Flow | Every Wednesday | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | ROY G BIV Gallery, 435 W. Rich St. | Free | Ease into the evening with yoga in the relaxing atmosphere of the candlelit ROY G BIV art gallery + the class is free, but accepts donations.
  • Trivia Night | Every Wednesday | 7-9 p.m. | Makers Social | Free | Grab a pizza from Yellow Brick down the street and enjoy a trivia night with friends.
  • 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. 🎶
  • Pour + Sip | Every Wednesday + Sat.-Sun.| Times vary | The Small Batch Candle Co., 5761 Westbourne Ave. | $40 | Create your own candle in up-cycled alcohol bottles + BYOB.
  • Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes | Thurs.-Sun. until May 30 | Times vary | COSI Columbus | $40 | You’ll find 300+ Marvel history artifacts, including original comic books and props from the ever-popular films.
  • Sunrise Yoga | Every Thursday | 7-8 a.m. | ROY G BIV Gallery, 435 W. Rich St. | Free | Start your morning with yoga surrounded by artwork at the ROY G BIV Gallery + this class is free, but donations are accepted.
  • $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.
  • BYOB Paint Night | Thursdays + Saturdays | 7-9 p.m. | Terra Gallery, 36B N. High St. | $35 | Choose your painting theme and get advice from a Terra Gallery artist while creating it + enjoy adult beverages of your choosing.
  • Spring Break at Scene 75 | Fri., April 1-Sat., April 23 | Times vary | Scene 75, 5033 Tuttle Crossing Blvd. | Free | Enjoy extended hours for spring break at Scene 75 where visitors can ride go-karts, play in the arcade, and more for additional costs.
  • 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. 🎨

Sun., May 1-Sun., May 8

Sun., May 1

  • Motown Mother’s Day Concert | Sun., May 1 | 7-10 p.m. | Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. | $97 | Relive the sounds of the Motown with classic songs from The Temptations, The Supremes, and more.
  • Columbus Clippers vs. Louisville Bats | Sun., May 1 | 1:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Ohio State Buckeyes Women’s Softball vs. Nebraska | Sun., May 1 | 12:00 p.m. | Buckeye Field, 2410 Fred Taylor Dr. | Free ⚾️
  • 2022 Short North Arts District Gala | Sun., May 1 | 6-10 p.m. | Hilton Columbus Downtown, 401 N. High St. | $165+ | Celebrate Short North businesses with cocktails, a two-course dinner, silent auction, performances, and award ceremony.
  • Prima Donna | Sun., May 1-Sun., May 15 | Times vary | Riffe Center Theatre Complex, 77 S. High St. | $45+ | This recommended 13+ show follows opera star Irene Adler and her journey in various European cities.

Mon., May 2

  • Kids Slime Making and Acrylic Paint Class | Mon., May 2 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Terra Gallery & Creative Studio, 36 N. High St. | $30 | All ages and experience levels can make their own slime with glitter + mix colors for an abstract painting with acrylic. 🎨
  • Lemonade Day at COhatch Dublin | Mon., May 2 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | COhatch Dublin, 25 N. St. | All COhatch members can stop in for cold lemonade all day while they work + study.

Tues., May 3

  • Townhall Mixology Class - Tequila Edition | Tues., May 3 | 6 p.m | Townhall Short North, 792 N. High St. | $60 | Enjoy appetizers while learning how to make four tequila cocktails + take home your own shaker kit.

Wed., May 4

  • Coming Together For Ukraine | Wed., May 4 | Riffe Center Theatre Complex, 77 S. High St. | $20+ | This benefit concert features a performance from Ukrainian violinist Arkadiy Gips + accepts $20 and $40 donations at the door.
  • Saba | Wed., May 4 | 7 p.m. | Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St. | $28 | Hip-hop star + rapper Saba is joined by Femdot, Amindi, and MFnMelo.
  • Jesse McCartney | Wed., May 4 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave. | $30+ | Billboard topper + now soap opera star Jesse McCartney brings nostalgia with his classic hits.
  • Sierra Ferrell | Wed., May 4 | 7 p.m.-12 a.m. | Woodlands Tavern, 1200 W. 3rd Ave. | $81+ | Come enjoy the tunes of this singer-songwriter who incorporates elements of folk, country, and jazz music into her songs.
  • Behind The Bar with Matt Connor | Wed., May 4 | The Studio, 237 Livingston Ave. | $40 | Enjoy a light + educational class where Matt from Vanguard Wines takes visitors through different types of wines.

Thurs., May 5

  • Music & Margs | Thurs., May 5 | 6 p.m. | Howl at the Moon, 504 Park St. | Free entry | Enjoy discounted drink specials + music for Cinco de Mayo.
  • Los Hombres de Cool | Thurs., May 5 | 7 p.m. | Rumba Cafe, 2507 Summit St. | $10 | This all-ages show features Spanish music, dancing, and drinks.

Fri., May 6

  • Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back | Fri, May 6 | 8 p.m. | Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. | $44+ | Watch “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” with the Columbus Symphony playing live renditions of the iconic soundtrack throughout the film.
  • Mother-Son Dance | Fri., May 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Driving Park Recreation Center, 1100 Rhoads Ave. | $40+ | Celebrate Mother’s Day early with an outdoor dance party + dinner.
  • Every Brilliant Thing | Fri., May 6-Sun., May 8 | Times vary | Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St. | $25 | Head to the Alum Creek Park Amphitheater for an interactive + intimate show about mental health.
  • Bruce Bruce | Fri., May 6-Sun., May 8 | Times vary | The Columbus Funny Bone, 145 Easton Town Center | $70+ | Actor + former host of BET’s ComicView makes a stop in CBUS for three days. 🎤
  • Mother’s Day Soirée | Fri., May 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Palooza Palace Event Center, 6561 Livingston Ave. | $25 | Celebrate Mother’s Day with a dinner followed by live music from a jazz ensemble. 🎷

Sat., May 7

  • Columbus Derby Day | Sat., May 7 | 3-8 p.m. | Ohio Stadium | $150 | Head to the Horseshoe to watch the Kentucky Derby with plenty of racing fans + fancy hats are encouraged.
  • Taco & Tequila Crawl | Sat., May 7 | 1-6 p.m. | Multiple locations | $17.99+ | Stop by all the Columbus bars and enjoy tacos, margarita, beer + vote for the best taco and margarita at the end. 🌮
  • Omar Apollo | Sat., May 7 | 7 p.m. | 7 p.m. | Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St. | $25+ | Singer-songwriter Omar Apollo is joined by openers Deb Never + Niko Rubio for an intimate and indie show.
  • Central Ohio Folk Festival | Sat., May 7-Sun., May 8 | Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 Columbus Pike | Donations accepted | This family-friendly festival brings folk, roots, and Americana music to an outdoor setting.
  • National Pilates Day FitFest | 9-11 a.m. | Club Pilates, 1080 Yard St. | $5 | Celebrate national pilates day with this hour long pilates class + stay for the local vendor giveaways and samples. 🧘‍♀️
  • Modelo Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl | Sat., May 7 | 1 p.m.-5 p.m. | Various locations | Free to register | Keep the Cinco de Mayo fun rolling this weekend by stopping at Standard Hall, Oddfellows, Pint House, Bakersfield, and Parlay Sporting Club. 🍺

Sun., May 8

  • Modo Yoga | Sun., May 8 | 9:30-11 a.m. | Land-Grant Brewing Company, 424 W. Town St. | $16 | Get some relaxation time on the turf of the Land Grant Beer Garden + get a free beer. 🧘‍♀️
  • Not Your Mama’s Craft Market | Sun., May 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | BrewDog DogTap, 96 Gender Rd. | This Mother’s Day craft market features local vendors including Vella Box + Lex Says Designs.
  • Which One’s Pink | Sun., May 8-Thurs., May 26 | Times vary | Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St. | $40+ | Enjoy a multimedia + immersive experience celebrating the music of Pink Floyd. 🎸

Mon., May 9-Sun., May 15

Mon., May 9

  • Alec Benjamin | Mon., May 9 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | KEMBA Live!,405 Neil Ave. | $29.50+ | Listen to this up-and-coming LA-based singer + hit songs like “Let me Down Slowly.” 🎤

Tues., May 10

Wed., May 11

Thurs., May 12

  • Columbus Clippers vs. St. Paul Saints | Thurs., May 12 | 12:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • 24kGoldn | Thurs., May 12 | 7 p.m. | A&R Music Bar, 391 Neil Ave. | $20+ | With hits like “Valentino” now certified platinum, 24kGoldn promises to bring an electrifying show.
  • Jordan Davis | Thurs., May 12 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave. | $27.50+ | Rock out to the country-pop singer, where he’ll be singing his hit “Singles You Up” + new music from his upcoming album. 🎶
  • Easton Unplugged: Sean Marshall | Thurs., May 12 | 6 p.m. | Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Center | Free | Stop by the Easton Mall patio near Macy’s for an acoustic set from local musician Sean Marshall. 🎶
  • ABBA: The Movie | Thurs., May 12 + Sat., May 14 | Times vary | Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St. | $12+ | Fans are invited to watch the classic 1977 film about the iconic pop group + stay after for a post-movie singalong of their greatest hits. 💃

Fri., May 13

  • King Bach | Fri., May 13-Sat., May 14 | Times vary | The Columbus Funny Bone, 145 Easton Town Center | $64+ | TikTok creator, actor, and comedian King Bach cracks jokes about life, relationships, and social media.
  • Columbus Clippers vs. St. Paul Saints | Fri., May 13 | 7:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Baseball vs. Penn State | Fri., May 13 | 6:05 p.m. | Bill David Stadium, 560 Borror Dr. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Ben Rector | Fri., May 13 | 6-8 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave. | $39.50+ | Listen to old and new music from the pop-soul singer on his “The Joy of Music” tour. 🎤
  • AJR | Fri., May 13 | 7:30 p.m. | The Schottenstein Center | $37+ | This pop trio continues to pump out hits like “Weak” and “Bang” + is joined by opener Gayle. 🎸
  • Block Party 2: Electric Boogaloo | Fri., May 13 | 7-11 p.m. | District West, 145 N. Fifth St. | $15+ | Join Anisa Love, Virginia West, and others for an energetic night of line dancing + BBQ.

Sat., May 14

  • Six One Pour | Sat., May 14 | 7 p.m. | COSI, 333 W. Broad St. | $65 | Sip back brews from 50 different Ohio breweries all under one roof for one night only.
  • Earthgang | Sat., May 14 | 7 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave. | $33+ | Hip-hop + rap duo Earthgang is joined by openers Mike Dimes and Pigeons & Planes.
  • Kids Day | Sat., May 14 | 9-11 a.m. | WOSU, 1800 N. Pearl St. | Free | Bring the kids for a morning of educational fun with popular PBS characters + registration is required.
  • Columbus Clippers vs. St. Paul Saints | Sat., May 14 | 7:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Baseball vs. Penn State | Sat., May 14 | 3:05 p.m. | Bill David Stadium, 560 Borror Dr. | $8+ ⚾️

Sun., May 15

Mon., May 16-Sun., May 22

Mon., May 16

  • Thai Flavors | Mon., May 16 | 7 p.m. | Sur La Table, 3990 New Bond St. | $79 | From Pad Thai to Stir Fry, you’ll learn about the five major flavors of Thai cuisine — sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy. 🇹🇭
  • Justin Bieber | Mon., May 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Schottenstein Center | $92+ | Grammy nominated artist Justin Beiber is joined by opener Jaden Smith.

Tues., May 17

Wed., May 18

  • Wicked | Wed., May 18-Sun., June 5 | Times vary | Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. | $82+ | Catch the critically acclaimed Broadway show live in Columbus before it travels to a new city.
  • Beer & Cookie Pairing | Wed., May 18 | 5-8 p.m. | Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus, 440 W. Broad St. | $15 | Enjoy Taft’s specialty beer alongside Butters & Co. Bakery cookies. 🍺

Thurs., May 19

  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Baseball vs. Usc Upstate | Thurs., May 19 | 6:05 p.m. | Bill David Stadium, 560 Borror Dr. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Whiskey Myers | Thurs., May 19 | 5-7 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave. | $49.50+ | Enjoy the songs of this country-rock band + guest appearances by Shane Smith & the Saints and Goodbye June.
  • Paris in Spring | Thurs., May 19 | 7 p.m. | Sur La Table, 3990 New Bond St. | $79 | Yearning for a trip to the City of Lights? Try this cooking class instead. 🥖

Fri., May 20

  • Michael Rapaport | Fri., May 20-Sat., May 21 | Times vary | The Columbus Funny Bone, 145 Easton Town Center | $64+ | Comedian, social commentator, and avid sports fan Michael Rapaport fires off hilarious hot takes + opinions.
  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Baseball vs. Usc Upstate | Fri., May 20 | 6:05 p.m. | Bill David Stadium, 560 Borror Dr. | $8+ ⚾️
  • NLE Choppa | Fri., May 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St. | $25+ | Listen to NLE Choppa who cracked Billboard’s Top 40 in 2019 with his hit “Shotta Flow.”
  • John Mulaney | Fri., May 20 | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | The Schottenstein Center | $49+ | Former SNL star + hilarious comedian John Mulaney brings his witty observational humor to CBUS.

Sat., May 21

  • King Gizzard + The Lizard Wizard | Sat., May 21 | 6:30 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave. | $35+ | Prepare for a psychedelic night as King Gizzard puts on an electrifying show of rock music.
  • Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Baseball vs. USC Upstate | Sat., May 21 | 3:05 p.m. | Bill David Stadium, 560 Borror Dr. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Slayyyter | Sat., May 21 | 7 p.m. | A&R Music Bar, 391 Neil Ave. | $18 |
  • A Downtown Picnic | Sat., May 21 | 12-3 p.m. | The Hills Market Downtown, 95 N. Grant Ave. | $10 | Kick off the warm weather season with a tasting of different picnic foods and snacks. 🧺
  • Columbus Crew vs. LAFC | Sat., May 21 | 3:30 p.m. | Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way | $35
  • Michael Rapaport | Sat., May 21 | 7-11:30 p.m. | Columbus Funny Bone, 145 Easton Town Center | $174 | The famous actor and comedian is making his way to Columbus and is sure to make you laugh your tail off.

Mon., May 23-Tues., May 31

Mon., May 23

  • Mastering French Macarons | Mon., May 23 | 9 a.m. | Sur La Table, 3990 New Bond St. | $79 | Manic Monday? Never heard of her — treat yourself on a Monday morning and learn how to make this quintessential French cookie.

Tues., May 24

  • Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons | Tues., May 24 | 7:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Floral Chicken | Tues., May 24 | 6:30-8:30 | Pinot’s Palette, 691 N. High St. | $35 | Bring a friend, enjoy some wine, and learn step-by-step how to paint some beautiful flowers in the shape of a chicken. 🐓

Wed., May 25

  • Bone Thugs-n-Harmony | Wed., May 25 | 7 p.m. | Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St. | $35+ | Listen to all of the nostalgic tunes from the 1990s rap and hip-hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
  • Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons | Wed., May 25 | 7:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • DisruptHR Columbus | Wed., May 25 | 5-8 p.m. | Wyandotte Winery, 4640 Wyandotte Dr. | $25+ | Exchange ideas with various HR professionals and learn from some of the best businesswomen on how to think differently.

Thurs., May 26

  • Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons | Thurs., May 26 | 6:35 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Tame Impala | Thurs., May 26 | 5:30 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave. | $64.50+ | Multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker, better known as Tame Impala, brings his infectious blend of indie music to CBUS.

Fri., May 27

Sat., May 28

  • Smashing Pumpkins | Sat., May 28 | 6:30 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave. | $60+ | Popular rock and alternative band Smashing Pumpkins from the late 1980s is joined by Bones UK.
  • Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons | Sat., May 28 | 7:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️

Sun., May 29

  • Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons | Sun., May 29 | 1:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Tom Segura | Sun., May 29 | 7-9 p.m. | Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. | $118+ | Catch comedian Tom Segura, famous for Netflix specials like “Disgraceful,” return to his home state for one night.

Mon., May 30

  • Columbus Clippers vs. Toledo Mud Hens | Mon., May 30 | 6:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln. | $8+ ⚾️
  • Summer Baking Series | Mon., May 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Columbus State Community College-Mitchell Hall Event Center, 250 Cleveland Ave. | $350 | Take this 4-week baking class and become an amazing baker with the help from Chef Amanda Selvey.

Tues., May 31

  • Kids’ 4-Day Summer Series: Chef School | Tues., May 31-Fri., June 3 | 10 a.m. | Sur La Table, 3990 New Bond St. | $199 | Kids ages 7-11 will learn everything from shaping meatballs to churning homemade ice cream. 🍳