10 can’t miss things to do in Greater Columbus this weekend – The Columbus Dispatch
Wahoo! The weekend is almost here, and it’s time to start plotting all of the fun things to do.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a bye week, so sports fans will be looking for activities to fill their time!
And October is just plain chock-full of events, whether you are seeking family fun (think pumpkin patches and hayrides), Boo at the Zoo, All Hallows’ Eve or Pumpkins Aglow; or more adult-oriented activities such as haunted houses, haunted lantern and ghost tours or horror films to watch that have ties to the Buckeye State.
If you are looking for more ideas beyond Halloween fare, fear not! We have 10 great suggestions right here.
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Felicia Day in Delaware
You just know that Felicia Day will have interesting things to say when she gives a talk at the Willis Education Center, 74 W. William St., Delaware, at 7 p.m. Saturday. The web video creator has a compelling resume: She is also an actress and as the author of two books, including “Embrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity,” she is admired for speaking out on anxiety and empowerment, two topics she also deals with on her robust social-media presence. The talk in Delaware is offered free of charge. (www.delawarelibrary.org)
Columbus Jazz Orchestra opener
At the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s season-opener “Louis Armstrong and Friends,” Satchmo — the trumpeter’s nickname — won’t be there but two of his most prominent musical admirers will be: CJO Artistic Director Byron Stripling and guest vocalist Carmen Bradford will be featured in performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $14.70. (www.jazzartsgroup.org)
Spooky moves
Anyone who remembers Michael Jackson’s classic music video “Thriller” will know that zombies have plenty of dance moves, and the members of the New Vision Dance Company will prove the point again with a new Halloween dance production. “Boogieman’s Ball: A Dance Spooktacular” will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany. Attendees age 10 and older may participate in a costume contest that comes with a first-place prize of $200. Tickets cost $17. (www.newvisiondanceco.org)
‘MVP’ movie to be shown
College football fans might remember University of Texas long snapper Nate Boyer, whose gridiron career was preceded by his military service as a Green Beret in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now Boyer has reinvented himself as an actor and director. His new movie “MVP” — starring Boyer as a homeless, PTSD-afflicted veteran who crosses paths with a pro-football athlete (Mo McCrae) — will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, 300 W. Broad St. The screening is free. (www.nationalvmm.org)
Evolution Theatre closes season with musical
Evolution Theatre Company will end its 2022 season with the world premiere of a commissioned new musical comedy about the triumph of love. “I’ll Take Romance, The Musical,” composer-lyricist Michael Leamon and co-authors Edwin Sanchez and Paul Lockwood’s adaptation of Sanchez’s original stage play previously produced by Evolution, revolves around a gay gold digger who sets his sights on a newly out billionaire. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19-20; and 8 p.m. Oct. 21-22 at the Abbey Theater of Dublin, 5600 Post Road, Dublin. Tickets, recommended for ages 18 and up, cost $20 to $35. (614-233-1124, www.evolutiontheatre.org)
Weird U.S. history in live comedy podcast
Comic performers Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds host “The Dollop,” one of the top 20 downloaded comedy podcasts in the United States, Australia and Canada. The way it works: Anthony, a history buff, reads a weird and disturbing story from the American past to Reynolds, who’s never heard the tale before but comments on it hilariously. Anthony and Reynolds will perform “The Dollop” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Tickets, with proof of vaccination and masks required for admission, start at $39. (cbusarts.com)
‘Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic’ coming to Columbus
Spend an afternoon or evening with your fuzzy friends at “Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic,” with shows at 2 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Value City Arena, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road. Sing and dance along as Elmo, with effort and practice, learns to do magic, while his friends engage in their own experiments: Cookie Monster learns about the science of baking, Abby Cadabby investigates the magical transformation of caterpillars, Grover does some paint mixing, Rosita makes music and Big Bird discovers shadow puppetry. Tickets start at $15. Guests younger than 1 are free but must sit on caregiver’s lap. (www.schottensteincenter.com)
Enjoy bonfire, snacks and hayrides at Slate Run Metro Park
Celebrate all things autumnal at the annual Fall Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Slate Run Metro Park Buzzard’s Roost Picnic Area, 1375 Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. Guests can enjoy hayrides, meet animals from Ohio Nature Education, test their archery skills, make crafts, find a way through a corn maze, warm up at a bonfire and munch on snacks from food trucks. Admission is free. (www.metroparks.net)
Celebrate a milestone of Taylor’s
True fans of Taylor Swift won’t want to miss the “Taylor Party” at 8 p.m. Friday at the Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St. Dance the night away with other fans in honor of the 10th anniversary of Swift’s groundbreaking album “Red.” Over 18 only. Tickets: $25. (www.promowestlive.com)
Galena Fall Gathering to offer food, games and more
The first Galena Fall Gathering, held from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at Galena Square, Galena, will have something for everyone. Following a morning of fitness activities and a fresh, local breakfast, music will kick off at noon, leading up to the evening’s headliners, North to Nashville. Car lovers can check out a collection of Porsches; cornhole experts can compete in a tournament; cooks can enter chili, salsa, and pie and cake contests, and the less competitive can enjoy a “Taste of Big Walnut” and a stroll through booths with the goods of local vendors. Admission is free. (www.galenafallgathering.com)