Hello, April!
April in Columbus brings a fresh mix of spring energy, big-name concerts, theater premieres, and a full slate of local events across the city. One day you’re catching a Broadway show downtown, the next you’re at a live concert, a comedy spectacle, or a high-energy game night with the hometown teams.
Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, looking for something family-friendly, or just ready to get back out and explore, there’s plenty happening this month.
Here’s your guide to making the most of April in Columbus.
🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets
- About: The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their NHL season with home games at Nationwide Arena. It’s a great time to catch fast-paced hockey action downtown as the season winds down and every game counts.
Location: Nationwide Arena
When: April 2026 (dates and times vary)
More info: Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule
⚽ Columbus Crew
- About: The Columbus Crew are in full swing this month. Expect lively crowds, great matchday energy, and a strong home-field atmosphere.
Location: Scotts MIracle-Gro Field
When: April 2026 (dates and times vary)
More info: Columbus Crew Schedule
🏈 Columbus Aviators
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About: The Columbus Aviators bring spring football action to the city as part of their season schedule. It’s a chance to catch a new kind of professional football, coached by former Buckeye Tedd Ginn Jr.
Location: Various venues (check schedule)
When: April 2026 (dates and times vary)
More info: Columbus Aviators Schedule
⚾ Columbus Clippers
- About: The Clippers play multiple home series at Huntington Park in April, which means a steady lineup of home games—and plenty of chances to take advantage of promotions like Dime-a-Dog nights. Location: Huntington Park
When: April 2026 (dates and times vary)
More info: Columbus Clippers Schedule
🎭 SHUCKED
- About: The Tony Award–winning musical comedy SHUCKED takes the stage at the Ohio Theatre. This corn-themed Broadway hit blends humor, music, and clever storytelling for a lighthearted night out.
Location: Ohio Theatre
When: April 7–12, 2026
More info: Shucked
🎭 Miss Saigon
- About: Miss Saigon runs at the Garden Theater, telling a dramatic love story set during the Vietnam War with emotional performances and iconic songs.
Location: Garden Theater
When: April 3–19, 2026
More info: Miss Saigon
🎤 One Night in Katya: A Drag Spectacle
- About: Join Katya Zamolodchikova for an evening of drag, comedy, and live performance at KEMBA Live! Expect lip syncs, audience interaction, and plenty of personality on stage.
Location: KEMBA Live!
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
More info: One Night In Katya
🔬 COSI After Dark: Stoned Science
- About: COSI After Dark transforms the museum into an after-hours experience focused on cannabis science, sensory exploration, planetarium vibes, games, and interactive programming.
Location: COSI
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 7–10 p.m.
More info: COSI After Dark
🎶 Bob Dylan: Rough And Rowdy Ways Tour
- About: Bob Dylan brings his ongoing tour to the Palace Theatre for an evening of timeless music from one of the most influential artists of all time.
Location: Palace Theatre
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 8 p.m.
More info: Bob Dylan: Rough And Rowdy Ways
🎶 Lake Street Dive
- About: Lake Street Dive takes the stage at KEMBA Live! for a high-energy concert featuring special guest Carrtoons.
Location: KEMBA Live!
When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. doors
More info: Lake Street Dive
🎭 Handyman Hal Comes to Town
- About: Handyman Hal brings a family-friendly show to the Southern Theatre with songs, silly moments, and interactive fun built for kids and parents alike.
Location: Southern Theatre
When: Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 6 p.m.
More info: Handyman Hal Comes To Town
🏈 Ohio State Spring Game
- About: The annual Ohio State Spring Game gives fans an early look at the Buckeyes roster in action at Ohio Stadium, along with fan fest activities and team arrivals.
Location: Ohio Stadium
When: Saturday, April 2026 (check official schedule)
More info: OSU Spring Game
🎼 Masterworks: Beethoven, Schumann, & Brahms
- About: This classical performance at the Ohio Theatre features works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms, performed in a rich orchestral program.
Location: Ohio Theatre
When: April 17 & 18, 2026
More info: Columbus Symphony Masterworks
🎺 EXTRA! Presented by Columbus Pride Bands
- About: EXTRA! at the Lincoln Theatre celebrates bold musical expression with a high-energy concert full of personality, flair, and maximalist fun.
Location: Lincoln Theatre
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 7 p.m.
More info: EXTRA!
🎭 Guys & Dolls
- About: This fresh staging of Guys & Dolls at the Southern Theatre brings romance, humor, and high-stakes storytelling to a classic musical favorite.
Location: Southern Theatre
When: April 24–26, 2026
More info: Guys & Dolls
🎼 La Traviata
- About: La Traviata comes to the Ohio Theatre in a co-production with Opera Columbus and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, performed in Italian with English captions.
Location: Ohio Theatre
When: April 25 & 26, 2026
More info: La Traviata
🎤 Demi Lovato
- About: Demi Lovato brings their tour to Nationwide Arena, performing hits from a career that spans multiple chart-topping albums and global success.
Location: Nationwide Arena
When: Monday, April 27, 2026 | 8 p.m.
More info: Demi Lovato
