25+ Things to do in 2025

25+ Things to do in 2025 in Downtown Columbus

Fun activities, hidden gems, and exciting new shops in Downtown Columbus await you in 2025. If you’re looking for more ways to explore Downtown Columbus and the heart of the city, here’s a list of ideas to get you started and add to your resolutions.

1. Cheer on the home team and grab a 10 cent hot dog

From the puck to the pit, Downtown Columbus is packed with plenty of sporting events for every fan to enjoy. Cheer on the Columbus Crew, Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Fury, and Columbus Clippers. Check out the Clippers’ schedule for their famous Dime a Dog Nights! More info here!

2. Challenge friends to duckpin bowling at Pins

141 N 4th St

Spark your competitive spirit with Duckpin bowling and countless other indoor and outdoor games at Pins Mechanical Company. All ages are welcome until 9pm, when only 21+ are allowed. More info here!

3. Find your way out of an escape room

35 E Gay St, 5th Floor

Put your escapism skills (and relationships) to the test at a Magic Escape Rooms experience. More info here!

4. Blow off some steam at a rage room

234 S 4th St

Have a smashing good time at Columbus’ newest rage room, The Wrecking Company. More info here! 

5. Explore COSI and COSI After Dark

333 W Broad St

Science is everywhere and for everyone at COSI. Explore rotating exhibitions and COSI classics, like their suspended unicycle 17 feet above the ground. If you’re over 21, check out COSI After Dark and release your inner child in an adult-only themed environment on the second Thursday of each month. More info here! 

6. Explore the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art

480 E Broad St

Stroll through the Columbus Museum of Art while enjoying and learning from their world-class collection. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat at their in-house Schokko Cafe. More info here! 

7. See a Broadway in Columbus Show at the Ohio Theatre and Palace Theatre

Experience the joy of live theater at all of the latest Broadway sensations right here in Downtown Columbus! More info here!

8. Run a race through Downtown Columbus

Get a brand-new perspective of Downtown Columbus by running or walking through the streets during a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or even a full marathon! From OhioHealth’s Capitol City Races to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Races to the Hot Chocolate Races, there is race for everyone to enjoy.

9. Honor past and present at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum

300 West Broad St

Explore the museum that honors Veterans from all branches of service from all eras of America’s military history. Take the narrative journey that focuses on individual stories and shared experiences. More info here! 

10. Explore 30+ culinary options at North Market

59 Spruce St

Grab a bite to eat at one of 30+ restaurants and culinary shops that highlight a diverse selection of food options in the historic North Market Downtown. From Philly Cheesesteaks to dumplings to ramen to an oyster bar, there is something for everybody to enjoy. More info here!

11. Kayak on the Scioto River

The best view of the Downtown Columbus skyline is at river-level. Stay tuned for free and discounted kayaking experiences in 2025. Find more information about Summer on the Scioto here!

12. Listen to the Columbus Symphony and Columbus Symphony Orchestra

Dive into a world of music with the highest standards of musicianship right here in Downtown Columbus. The Columbus Symphony musicians, conductors, chorus, and renowned guest artists enrich the Columbus community with extraordinary talent and passion. More info here!

13. Grab a drink at a rooftop bar 

There’s just something about a rooftop…grab your friends and sip a drink against the dazzling Downtown Columbus skyline. Find some recommendations here!

14. Try a free yoga or cardio class at Columbus Commons

160 S High St

Shake it off and sweat it out on the North Lawn of Columbus Commons. Enjoy free weekly fitness classes over the summer.  More info here! 

15. Explore your culinary side at The Mix at Columbus State

250 Cleveland Ave

Elevate your cooking skills with classes at The Mix at Columbus State Community College. With a variety of cooking and baking classes, there is something new to learn every class. Makes for the perfect date night. More info here!

16. Lounge at the Columbus Downtown Renaissance Rooftop Pool

50 N 3rd Street

Soak up the sun and take a dip in the rooftop pool at the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Columbus. The best part, you don’t even have to be a guest at the hotel. Get a day pass from their website. More info here!  

17. Grab a latte at a local coffee shop

Downtown Columbus is filled with the cutest and coziest local coffee shops to get your caffeine fix. Get some recommendations here!

18. Visit a local art gallery

Get inspired by one of the extraordinary local galleries in Downtown Columbus. Find some recommendations here! 

19. Attend an outdoor concert at Columbus Commons

160 S High St.

Music meets magic at the Columbus Commons. Find local musicians performing live and free of charge at the Downtown park.  Check the website for the schedule early 2025. 

20. Enjoy an outdoor movie in Downtown Columbus

From Topiary Park, to Columbus Commons, to NightLight 614, Downtown Columbus greenspaces are flowing with flicks — often for free! Check out recent blockbusters, classic films, and family-friendly movies.

21. Attend the Columbus Arts Festival

June 6-8, 2025

Visit one the of most highly acclaimed arts festival in the nation. The Columbus Arts Festival features over 250 visual artists, performers, and food vendors. This festival is free to attend and has something for every art enthusiast or casual visitor alike.  More info here!

22. Grab lunch at Food Truck Food Court at Columbus Commons

160 S High St

Choose from a selection of diverse and delicious food trucks at Columbus Commons. Soak up some fresh air and sunshine while you’re at it. More info here!

23. Attend a show at a local theatre

Columbus is full of talented musicians, actors, and performers. Support a local show by and for people of Columbus! From the Columbus Children’s Theatre to Imagine Productions, to The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, local and live theatre fills Downtown Columbus.

24. Explore Downtown and Franklinton with a DORA Beverage

With over 45 participating restaurants, there are plenty of spots to grab a DORA beverage to sip while walking around Downtown and Franklinton. More info here!

25. Take a free tour of the Lazarus Building Rooftop Garden

50 W Town St

Explore the rooftop garden of the Lazarus Building and learn about their LEED Gold Certification and rain water system. Discover a whole new perspective of Columbus and the dazzling skyline. Check Urban Arts Space’s website for tour updates. 

26. Celebrate Pride at Downtown Pride events

Celebrate love and pride with a wide variety of Pride Parties in Downtown Columbus. Check our Pride Blog for updates and a full list of 2025 events. 

27. Grab a drink during happy hour at a local bar or restaurant

Discover a new bar, craft cocktail or bite every week in Downtown Columbus with this full list of 40+ happy hours. We did our best to round up the deals for you but be sure to double-check with the destination you’re visiting to get the most accurate information on deals.  Check out the full list here! 

28. Visit a local museum

Visit and learn at one of Downtown’s many local museums like the Kelton House and Garden, the Thurber House, the Central Ohio Fire Museum, and National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

29. Ride the free carousel at Columbus Commons

Take a spin on the free carousel at Columbus Commons. Check the website for more information.

30. Check out a book from the Columbus Metropolitan Library

96 S Grant Ave

Grab a book from the Columbus Metropolitan Library or check out a Culture Pass to explore Columbus with discounts.

31. Take a selfie with the iconic deer sculptures

Are you really from Columbus if you don’t have a picture with the iconic Scioto Deer Sculptures located around Downtown Columbus? Learn more here! 

32. Shop at Pearl Market

Pearl and Gay Streets

Shop fresh produce and local goods at Pearl Market, led by Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs. More info here! 

33. Attend the Columbus Book Festival

July 12-13, 2025

Visit this free two-day book fest at the Columbus Metropolitan Main Library at Topiary Park. Shop from bookish retailers, community exhibitors, and meet authors. More info here! 

34. Support a new local business

333 W Broad St

Downtown Columbus is always welcoming new retail shops and restaurants. For recommendations and up-to-date information on new businesses, check out our Instagram page @downtowncolumbus 

35. Splash through the Scioto Mile Fountain

233 S Civic Center Drive

Enjoy the newly updated Scioto Mile Fountain at Bicentennial Park. Splash in the water and cool down in the mist while enjoying the summer sun. More info here!