Hello, May!
May in Columbus is packed with festivals, concerts, outdoor events, and the kind of energy that makes you want to be out all day and night. From massive music festivals and stadium shows to neighborhood street parties and food-filled celebrations, the city is officially in full swing.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, lining up concert tickets, or just looking for an excuse to get outside, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Here’s your guide to making the most of May in Columbus.
⚽ Columbus Crew
- About: The Columbus Crew return home for a pair of exciting matchups this month, bringing that electric matchday atmosphere back to the pitch. Expect packed stands, chants, and plenty of action.
Location: Lower.com Field
When: May 2 vs. Minnesota; May 24 vs. Atlanta
More info: Columbus Crew Schedule
⚾ Columbus Clippers
- About: Baseball season is in full swing, and the Clippers are back at Huntington Park with multiple home series, perfect for warm-weather evenings, ballpark snacks, and promotions.
Location: Huntington Park
When: May 1–3 vs. Toledo; May 19–24 vs. Louisville
More info: Columbus Clippers Schedule
🏐 Columbus Fury
- About: Catch professional women’s volleyball action as the Fury take on Atlanta in a rescheduled matchup at Nationwide Arena.
Location: Nationwide Arena
When: Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
More info: Columbus Fury vs. Atlanta
🎶 YUNGBLUD: IDOLS – The World Tour
- About: YUNGBLUD brings his high-energy tour to Columbus for an outdoor show packed with alt-rock anthems and an electric stage presence.
Location: KEMBA Live!
When: Monday, May 4, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
More info: YUNGBLUD Tour
😂 The Thurber Prize for American Humor
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About: One of the nation’s top honors in humor writing and cartooning returns to Columbus for a night celebrating the best in comedy and storytelling.
Location: Canzani Center at CCAD
When: Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 7:15 p.m.
More info: Thurber Prize
🎨 Hops on High
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About: High Street goes car-free for this all-day celebration in the Short North, featuring live performances, local vendors, art, and hands-on activities.
Location: Short North Arts District
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 12–8 p.m.
More info: Hops on High
🔬 COSI After Dark: Creatures & Cryptids
- About: This after-hours event dives into myths, monsters, and real-life creatures with live animal encounters, themed cocktails, and immersive activities.
Location: COSI
When: Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 7–10 p.m.
More info: COSI After Dark
🎸 Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
- About: One of the biggest rock festivals in the country returns with four days of music, art, food, and massive headliners. Location: Historic Crew Stadium
When: May 14–17, 2026
More info: Sonic Temple
🍴 North Market 150 Year Celebration
- About: Celebrate 150 years of North Market with this after-hours gala featuring chef-driven bites, drinks, live entertainment, and plenty of local flavor.
Location: North Market Downtown
When: Friday, May 15, 2026 | 7:00–10:00 p.m.
More info: 150 Year Celebration
🤝 Columbus Volunteer Festival
- About: Connect with local nonprofits, explore volunteer opportunities, and enjoy live music and food trucks at this free, community-focused event.
Location: Gravity Experience Park
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
More info: Volunteer Festival
🎤 Bruno Mars: The Romantic Tour
- About: Bruno Mars brings a massive stadium show to Columbus, featuring chart-topping hits and a high-energy performance.
Location: Ohio Stadium
When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
More info: Bruno Mars
🎶 The Mountain Goats
- About: Indie favorites The Mountain Goats take the stage for an intimate live performance.
Location: Newport Music Hall
When: Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
More info: The Mountain Goats
🎶 The Vindys + Angela Perley
- About: A night of rock and soul featuring The Vindys and local icon, Angela Perley.
Location: A&R Music Bar
When: Friday, May 22, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
More info: The Vindys + Angela Perley
🌏 The Asian Festival
- About: Celebrate Asian culture with authentic food, performances, martial arts, and family-friendly activities during this annual Memorial Day weekend festival.
Location: Franklin Park
When: May 23–24, 2026
More info: Asian Festival
🍓 Jeni’s Strawberry Jam
- About: Celebrate strawberry season with food, drinks, live music, and plenty of sweet treats at this annual kickoff to summer.
Location: Land-Grant Brewing Company
When: May 23–24, 2026 | Starting at 11:00 a.m.
More info: Strawberry Jam
🤼 WWE RAW
- About: Monday Night Raw brings some of the biggest names in wrestling to Columbus for an action-packed night.
Location: Schottenstein Center
When: Monday, May 25, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
More info: WWE RAW
🎤 Megan Moroney
- About: Rising country star Megan Moroney takes the stage for a night of hits and high-energy performance.
Location: Schottenstein Center
When: Friday, May 29, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
More info: Megan Moroney
🎧 Breakaway Music Festival
- About: This two-day festival brings major EDM artists, immersive experiences, and nonstop energy to Columbus.
Location: Historic Crew Stadium
When: May 29–30, 2026
More info: Breakaway Festival
