Columbus

Columbus, Ohio, pulses with energy for live entertainment, from the Short North Arts District to the riverfront hubs where music, theater, and cultural festivals thrive. The city blends historic charm with modern venues, hosting everything from rock and electronic music to professional sports and performing arts.¹

Whether you’re into exploring historic theaters, catching a high-energy concert, or immersing yourself in a local festival, Columbus offers many live experiences that keep residents and visitors coming back again and again.

Check out events in Columbus, OH at AXS to see the full lineup of concerts, sports, festivals, and live experiences happening around the city.

Columbus’s venues are at the heart of the city’s entertainment scene, from iconic theaters to buzzing music halls, hosting concerts, performances, and events that bring the community together.

• KEMBA Live!: Located in the Columbus Arena District, KEMBA Live! is a unique indoor-outdoor concert venue with a reversible stage that can shift between its 2,200-capacity music hall and 5,200-capacity outdoor amphitheater.²
• The Basement: Situated next to KEMBA Live! in the Arena District just northwest of downtown, The Basement serves up emerging national and local bands in a gritty, intimate setting with a capacity of about 350 — complete with a hard-hitting sound system and comfy, well-worn touches that feel instantly familiar.^3,4
• Newport Music Hall: Located on the Ohio State University campus, this is the longest continually operating rock club in the U.S. With a capacity of 1,700, it preserves the charm of its original 1923 movie theatre architecture while hosting legendary live music acts that draw over 150,000 fans every year.⁵

Columbus’s music scene is electric and eclectic, mixing rock, electronic, indie, and folk while showcasing the city’s deep-rooted musical heritage and creative energy.

• Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival: Held at the legendary Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Sonic Temple is Ohio’s largest Rock & Metal festival—spanning four action-packed days of major headliners, immersive art installations, and curated food and drink experiences.⁶
• Haunted Fest Columbus: This high-energy Halloween-themed festival is an immersive experience of electronic and bass music, elaborate stage setups, and an energetic atmosphere.
• Multi Music Fest at Jacobs Pavilion: This multi-genre music festival presents a wide mix of both established as well as emerging artists. An annual event, it celebrates local culture and offers many different performances on the waterfront at Jacobs Pavilion. Though this event takes place in nearby Cleveland, rather than Columbus, it’s a festival worth traveling for.

Columbus thrives on sports, from high-energy professional hockey to legendary college football, with fans who fill arenas and stadiums with unmatched excitement.

• Columbus Blue Jackets: The Columbus Blue Jackets light up the ice with high-energy NHL action. Since their founding in 2000, they’ve built a devoted fan base and a reputation for hard-hitting games that make watching every match an exciting experience.⁷
• Columbus Crew: The Columbus Crew, one of Major League Soccer’s original teams, plays at Lower.com Field in downtown Columbus. With multiple MLS Cup championships — including wins in 2008, 2020, and 2023 — they have helped put Columbus on the map in the world of pro soccer.⁸
• Ohio State Buckeyes Football: The Ohio State Buckeyes take the field at Ohio Stadium, known as “The Horseshoe,” where over 100,000 fans gather to cheer. This iconic venue has been at the heart of Columbus NCAA football since 1922, making every home game a true citywide event.⁹

In Columbus, the performing arts and comedy scene bring the city’s creative spirit to life.

• Columbus Arts Festival: Held along the downtown riverfront, the Columbus Arts Festival features over 250 visual artists, four stages of live performances, and hands-on activities for all ages. It’s a celebration of creativity that turns the city into an open-air gallery each year.¹⁰
• Columbus Symphony Orchestra at Ohio Theatre: Since 1951, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra has called the historic Ohio Theatre home. Performing a blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary works, the orchestra is a rich musical experience in this elegant venue.¹¹
• Columbus Comedy Festival: The Columbus Comedy Festival started in 2024 and brings together more than 100 comedians from around the country, with stand-up, improv, sketch, and even live podcast shows spread across multiple local venues¹²