The COSI Planetarium is the largest in Ohio. | Photo by @cosiscience
Museums are the cultural hubs of Columbus. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about CBUS or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 12 museums to visit in our city.
History
Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave. | $0-$16
Find state archives and stories of Ohio’s history from the state flag to sports teams.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum, 300 W. Broad St. | $0-$18
This museum honors all veterans from the US Armed Forces. Learn about their stories and experiences serving our country.
Orton Geological Museum, 155 S. Oval Mall | Free
As part of the School of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University, you can explore a variety of local fossils, plus rocks and minerals from across the world.
Otherworld, 5819 Chantry Dr. | $24-$30
Freely explore rooms of large-scale, immersive art installations with secret passageways and a mix of fantasy and fiction. Watch our experience.
Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St. | Free
Located on OSU’s campus, the public can visit a variety of contemporary art exhibits. Plus, find movie screenings, performances, and educational talks.
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, 1813 N. High St. | Free
This is the world’s biggest collection of cartoon and comic materials, including newspaper comic strip pages and original art.
Ohio Craft Museum, 1665 W. 5th Ave. | Free
You can actually shop at this museum for a variety of crafts, including wood, fiber, ceramic, glass, and metals.
The eye in this exhibit follows you as you walk through the forest. | Photo via @enter.otherworld
Specialties
Central Ohio Fire Museum, 260 N. 4th St. | $6-$8
Learn about the history of firefighters, their day-to-day lives, and fire safety for all ages.
Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum, 476 E. Kossuth St. | Free
This is the perfect small museum for car enthusiasts who want to browse vintage vehicles.
Wine Tasting | Thursday, July 27 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | BrewDog Franklinton, 463 W. Town St., Franklinton | $25 | Sample five different natural wines + grab dinner on the rooftop patio.
Friday, July 28
Commons for Kids | Friday, July 28 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown | Free | Find kid-friendly games, carousel rides, and inflatables.
Blues & Ribfest | Friday, July 28-Saturday, July 29 | Times vary | Historic Downtown, Canal Winchester | Cost of purchase | Enjoy live blues music, ribs and non-rib options, and a beer and wine garden.
Saturday, July 29
Scioto Mile Trash Cleanup | Saturday, July 29 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Bicentennial Park, 233 S. Civic Center Dr., Downtown | Free | Meet under the bridge on the same side as Milestone 229 for a guided trash cleanup with Keep Columbus Beautiful.
Sunday, July 30
Yung Gravy | Sunday, July 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus | $37-$47 | See the up-and-coming rapper with hits like “Mr. Clean.”
After a final vote of approval, Columbus City Council will grant an additional $31 million to the North Market Downtown’s expansion, The Merchant Building. Funds will cover upgrades like a parking garage, public plaza and patio, and an interior buildout. (Columbus Business First)
Trending
The Ohio State Fair is never complete without the butter display. This year’s theme pays homage to Ohio inventors, including a butter sculpture of Thomas Edison with a light bulb and Garrett Morgan with a traffic signal. Plan to see it for yourself with our fair guide. (The Columbus Dispatch)
Festival
The Dublin Irish Festival, one of the largest three-day Irish celebrations in the world, is Friday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 6 at Coffman Park. Expect Irish food, retail vendors, live entertainment, and whiskey tastings. Tickets start at $25 for one-day admission and are on sale now.
Opening
La Jeune Mariee, an upscale bridal store, is moving to 1133 Goodale Blvd. in Grandview near High Bank Distillery Co. The bridal boutique was previously located at 139 E. Main St., and will start taking appointments in August. (Columbus Business First)
Cause
Ricart Automotive is hosting a Back-to-School Supply Drive. When you donate a backpack to any of the three Ricart locations, you’ll receive a $250 discount on any car. School supplies will be donated to local shelters and families in need.
Featured
Coppa Gelato, located at 925 N. State St. in Westerville, was named Ohio’s Best Ice Cream Shop by 24/7 Wall St. The publication, known for covering business and financial news, recommended trying the lemon lime basil and white chocolate pretzel flavors at your next visit.
Number
20,282. That’s how many hot dogs were purchased during Tuesday’s Dime-A-Dog Night at the Clippers game. Plus, it was the season-high attendance record of 11,084 fans. Want in on the action? Clippers are in the middle of a two-week long homestand. Grab tickets.
Eat
🍽️ Where local food bloggers feast
The best dining spots according to Columbus, Ohio food bloggers
Comune is located at 677 Parsons Ave. | Photo by Brian Kaiser
When it comes to the Columbus restaurant scene, no one knows it better than local food bloggers. So, we talked with local experts, and they dished out some tasty insight.
If friends are visiting, what’s one restaurant you recommend they try?
"Comune. The menu is so thoughtful and creative, and I enjoy their wine selection. I love that the dishes are shareable, which gives the opportunity to try so much more. Bonus that it’s next door to Parsons for a before or after dinner beer.” — @eatpour614
“Rooh. It’s a more modern Indian cuisine, but every dish I’ve had is an explosion of flavors in my mouth. Everything from their cocktails to their entrees is so unique.” — @alexa__eats
Here’s a reminder that Barrio is a great spot if you’re looking to build your own taco or taco bowl. I went to the Grandview location last night, but there’s a campus spot as well. Thank me later.
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