Office of Student Life
College in Columbus

Entertainment

Living in Columbus, you will never run out of things to do. One of the best parts of living in our community is being able to visit and explore the different neighborhoods across the city that are home to one-of-a kind entertainment. You can always find something to do and new food to eat.

Downtown/Franklinton

Columbus’ downtown is undergoing a decades-long resurgence in both visitor interest and local residents. A hub of hotels, ranging from ritzy to limited-service, make downtown an ideal place to stay and explore Columbus’ neighborhoods. The Scioto River and its acres of trails and parklands separate downtown from Franklinton to the west. Franklinton, first settled in 1797, is experiencing a renaissance as a new center for the city’s maker culture and independent art scene.

Short North

Directly north of Downtown Columbus and the large cluster of hotels near the Greater Columbus Convention Center is the fast-paced Short North Arts District. As soon as you see distinctive lighted arches over High Street, you’ll know you’ve entered this creative neighborhood filled with art galleries, local boutiques and hip restaurants and bars. Starting in the 1980s, the Short North Arts District became a hub of the local art scene. 

German Village/Brewery District

Located just south of downtown Columbus, German Village is one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the Midwest. Originally built by German settlers in the mid-1800s, the streets and sidewalks are filled with restored brick houses and shops. Immediately west of German Village is the Brewery District, an industrial hub of the city’s historic beer scene and now full of entertainment and dining options. 

Arena District

Directly north and west of downtown Columbus lies the Arena District. Starting with the opening of Nationwide Arena in 2000, the Arena District is a vibrant neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, condos and offices.

University District and Clintonville

The University District includes the massive campus of Ohio State, along with its sports venues, nightlife spots and restaurants. Stretching north from Ohio State to Worthington, Clintonville is a large neighborhood with many attractions.

Easton

Located north of John Glenn Columbus International Airport and approximately 15 minutes east of downtown Columbus, Easton Town Center is the premier retail center in Ohio. With its unique village setting, large public spaces, plazas and abundant free parking, Easton is home to a range of restaurants, entertainment venues, exclusive retailers and a 30-screen movie theater.

Near East Side

Columbus’ Near East Side is an up-and-coming destination. This collection of neighborhoods includes Olde Towne East, the King-Lincoln District and Franklin Park. Olde Towne East is home to interesting clusters of dining and nightlife. The King-Lincoln District is the epicenter of the city’s African American heritage.

For more information about the areas around Columbus, visit the Experience Columbus website.

Planning a trip?

Use the Pivot App! COTA and Smart Columbus released the Pivot App, a multimodal trip planner that can be used to coordinate public transit trips around the Ohio region, using COTA or Ohio State buses, Yellow Cab taxis, bikes and scooters. Learn more

Inclusion on this webpage does not indicate endorsement by The Ohio State University.