Don’t bug out CBUS, but there’s a mobile zoo headed to COSI this weekend and it’s full of insects from the Ohio State University Entomology Department. As a part of COSI’s Big Science Celebration on Sat., May 7, OSU’s Bugmobile is making its debut + we’re here to put a bug in your ear about it. (Don’t worry — there are no photos of bugs in this newsletter.)
A what-mobile? 🐛
This is a Bugmobile created through the efforts of OSU Entomology Department, director Jeni Ruisch, and a private benefactor. The mobile exhibit features arthropods (bugs) + even a tarantula inside a 28-ft trailer from Airstream, an Ohio-based manufacturer of iconic pull-behind campers, who donated it to the project.
The COSI Big Science Celebration is free to attend and starts at 11 a.m. at 333 W. Broad St. The Bugmobile will be available right as the day kicks off with Jeni + other members of the Entomology Department there to give visitors an up-close-and-personal experience. Meet the bugs and learn about their role in the ecosystem, but don’t use flash photography for your photos as it could scare the bugs.
Nervous about meeting bugs? City Editor Mitch was too, but Jeni does a wonderful job educating about the bugs, which makes them far less intimidating.
The buzz about bugs 🦟
Jeni said the goal is to bring hands-on education to Columbus as the bugs can lead to conversations about food science and ecology, animal husbandry (animals raised for products), and pollinator conservation. The OSU Insectary is home to 200 species of arthropods + stands as the only one in the state andthe oldest in the country.
Plus, thanks to the mobility of the Airstream Bugmoblie, Jeni plans to travel to under-served areas like urban centers + rural communities.
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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.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back | Fri, May 6 | 8 p.m. | Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. | $25+ | Watch “Star Wars” with the Columbus Symphony playing live renditions of the iconic soundtrack throughout the film.
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.
Saturday
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. 🍺
Taco & Tequila Crawl | Sat., May 7 | 1-6 p.m. | Multiple locations | $17.99+ | Stop at Columbus bars like Callahan’s to enjoy tacos, margaritas, 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. 🎶
Sunday
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. 🎸
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 Brewing Co. Beer Garden + snag a complimentary beer. 🧘
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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Missing Jimmy’s — a restaurant + bar from owners of the Meatball Mafia food truck — will open at 55 S. High St. in Dublin in June. This neighborhood bar, which replaces the former Vine & Tap space, will feature Italian food provided by the food truck like meatball subs + 8-inch pizzas. 🍕 (Columbus Business First)
Open
The Candy Spot at Polaris Fashion Place is now open + offers bulk, old-fashioned, and nostalgic candies from all across the world. The new candy store, which is located upstairs in the mall by Macy’s, is open daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 🍬
Development
A six-story apartment and restaurant building was proposed to the Near East Committee, which would replace the Diehl Funeral Home at 720 E. Long St. The proposal includes a 1,600 sqft restaurant and speakeasy on the first floor + 90 apartment units on the floors above. (The Columbus Dispatch)
The Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation announced plans to restore The Edna, a three-story building on 877-879 E. Long St. The project is expected to take one year + once complete, the COCIC plans to move into the space to continue operating as the Franklin County land bank. (The Columbus Dispatch)
The Italian Village Commission will meet on Tues., May 10 to hear a proposal for two three-story apartment + office buildings on N. Sixth Street, Detroit Avenue, and E. Fourth Avenue. The proposal also includes plans to build Jeffrey Square, a 1.6-acre park near the buildings. (Columbus Underground)
Environment
The Natural Resources Assistance Council awarded Franklin County with $3 million in Clean Ohio Funds which is used to acquire and restore local green spaces. A variety of projects will now move forward, including a $1.3 million restoration project on Clover Groff Run in Hilliard. ♻️
Dr. Amy Acton, former director of the Ohio Department of Health, will leadRAPID 5 — a new nonprofit working to connect the community with nature by improving access to local waterways. The department oversees the five major waterways in Franklin County including the Scioto River, Olentangy River, and Alum Creek. 💧 (10TV)
Sports
Isaac Likekele, a transfer guard from Oklahoma State, committed to the Ohio State men’s basketball team + brings size to the Buckeyes’ backcourt with this 6-ft-5-inch frame. Isaac also fills the team’s need for a true point guard as the squad only had one on the roster before his commitment. 🏀 (Eleven Warriors)
Theater
Any Shakespeare fans in CBUS? His romantic comedy Twelfth Night will be performed at the Van Fleet Theater on Thurs., May 12-Sun., May 15. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children + can be bought at the door. 🎟
Health
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is offeringfree stroke risk assessments at its various locations throughout May + June. The next screening will be hosted at the Dublin Market at Bridge Park on Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon. (ABC6 On Your Side)
Number
$3.3 million. That’s was the price tag for the most expensive home in Columbus which sold last month. There’s been 10 total sales worth $1+ million this year, including one for $3.2 million in New Albany. 🏡 (NBC4)
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The bouldering gym on 512 Maier Pl. officially celebrates its first year of climbing in CBUS this Sat., May 7. Climbers and non-climbers alike can join in on the festivities which includes a bounce house, a DJ, a nacho bar, and climbing, of course. Day passes start at $14 + can be bought at the gym.
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Editor’s Pick: Hey, Columbus — Mitch here. I was listening to this Reply All podcast yesterday + the host (Emmanuel Dzotsi) mentioned spending time at Ohio State twice so that’s an excuse enough for me to talk about it. He attempted to call every single contact in his phone listfor a story and it has me thinking: What would that be like? Would you try it?
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