Columbus 101: Our guide to becoming a Columbus resident
Columbus is on the rise according to these national publications. | Photo via Canva
Picture this: You just moved to Columbus, and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and drink local beers all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for CBUS 101, our guide to all things in a Columbus citizenship.
The essentials
Voter registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots.
Library card registration
If you think libraries are only for renting the occasional book, think again. Register for a library card at your nearest Columbus Metropolitan Library branch, and you’ll find a world of rewards.
To get your card, you need be an Ohio resident and show proof of address. Columbusites of any age can apply for a free card to be used at any branch.
Real estate agents in Columbus say the German Village remains a popular neighborhood, regardless of rising prices. | Photo by @exploringseasons
Home necessities
Recycling Thanks for thinking green. For everything you need to know about recycling in CBUS, from where to place your bin to pickup times and accepted materials, check out our guide.
Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get you properly established in CBUS? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.
Sunrise Over The Dunes | Monday, June 26 | 6:30 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette, 691 N. High St. Ste. 101, Short North | $37 | Stop by this paint + sip led by an expert with all supplies included.
Book Launch: Thao Thai In Conversation | Monday, June 26 | 7 p.m. | Gramercy Books, 2424 E. Main St., Columbus | $5-$32 | Listen to this author in conversation about her newest book “Banyan Moon.”
Tuesday, June 27
Goose | Tuesday, June 27 | 6 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave., Arena District | $40 | Groove out with this indie jam band from Connecticut.
Wednesday, June 28
Columbus Clippers vs. Toledo Mud Hens | Wednesday, June 28-Monday, July 3 | Times vary | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Ln., Arena District | $8-$21 | Cheer on the Clippers as they take on their in-state rivals in a six-game homestand.
Thursday, June 29
Food Truck Court | Thursday, June 29 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown | Cost of purchase | Browse nine local food trucks offering lunch options.
Doja Cat + Ice Spice, two trending hip-hop artists with millions of Spotify listeners, are coming to Nationwide Arena on Monday, Dec. 4. Doja Cat rose to fame with hits like “Kiss Me More,” while Ice Spice was recently featured in a Taylor Swift song. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 30.
Civic
Franklin County Commissioners approved $34 million in rent assistance to help low-income residents in Columbus. This sum is broken into four grants, each ran through local agencies. This includes support for the Homeless Families Foundation and the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. (Columbus Business First)
Concert
Drake and 21 Savage rescheduled their July show at the Schottenstein Center to Monday, Oct. 9. Previously purchased tickets will be honored at the new show + a few more tickets are still available.
Try This
What are the best kind of tickets? Free tickets. That’s what the Columbus Metropolitan Library is offering with its new partnership with CAPA. Those with a Culture Pass can pick up limited-time tickets to CAPA’s Summer Movie Series for free during checkout.
Sports
Brice Sensabaugh, former guard for Ohio State, was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 2023 NBA Draft + that is music to our ears. The freshman standout was the No. 28 pick and described as one of the best shooters of his position in this draft class. Summer League starts Friday, July 7 if you want to catch him in action.
Wellness
Thinning hair? You’re not alone. This No. 1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand is physician-formulated with science-backed ingredients to target root causes of thinning for faster-growing, visibly thicker hair. (Pro tip: This five-minute quiz will help you get to the root of your thinning.)*
Columbus considered one of the best cities for paranormal activity
Forget Area 51 — Columbus has its own alien stories. | Photo via Canva
Is Columbus home to Bigfoot? Are aliens roaming our skies? Do spirits haunt the grounds beneath us? If you ask this online study, the answer is a resounding probably.
According to Lawn Love, an online yard care service provider, Columbus was ranked No. 15 in the US for paranormal activity. This had us wondering: Did we miss something major?
It turns out we did, and it’s because it happened nearly 50 years ago. It’s the “WOW!” signal printout + it’s equally spooky as it is interesting.
In 1977, OSU researchers recorded a never-before-seen signal from space. The signal was so odd, then-researcher Dr. Jerry Ehman circled the signal and wrote, “WOW!” in red ink next to it. Experts widely consider this our first-ever contact with aliens as it has never been replicated since that fateful day. Though, that’s been disputed.
We can’t help but wonder: What were they trying to tell us?
Did you answer our quiz at the top of the newsletter? I am proud to say I passed my driver’s exam on the first attempt. And that reminds me — if your birthday is coming up (like mine in July), you may need to renew your driver’s license.
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