Forget what you’ve heard about Columbus being just another Midwest city. When darkness falls, Ohio’s capital transforms into a playground of neon-lit arcade bars, secret cocktail lounges, and food scenes that would make any big city jealous.
I’ve tracked down the best things to do in Columbus at night, from underground jazz clubs to rooftop bars where the city skyline sparkles. Whether you’re chasing down late-night food truck rallies or hunting for the password to that new speakeasy, this guide proves why Columbus after dark hits different. Get ready to see why the locals call this city the biggest small town in America!
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this party bike tour in Columbus! They provide an open-air trolley with a sound system and coolers, plus you can bring your own drinks while visiting partner bars for special discounts. You’ll sightsee and meet new people while cruising through the city streets. This trolley pub crawl is a must-do on a Columbus itinerary in my opinion!
Best Things to Do in Columbus at Night (2025 Guide)
Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Columbus in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Columbus after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Columbus at night!
1. Explore Columbus Arena District nightlife and entertainment
The Arena District is where Columbus comes alive after dark, and honestly, it’s way better than most people expect. You’ve got Nationwide Arena hosting Blue Jackets games where the cannon blast will give you chills, plus Huntington Park for Clippers baseball games. I’ve caught games at both venues and the energy is incredible.
The bar scene here is solid. R-Bar and Wild Boar Bar get packed on game nights, but they’re worth it for the atmosphere. A&R Music Bar brings in great live acts throughout the week. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse or Vine + Forge if you want something upscale.
KEMBA Live! (formerly Express Live!) is the district’s concert venue that pulls major touring acts. I’ve seen some killer shows there. The whole area was built on the old Ohio Penitentiary grounds, which is pretty wild when you think about it. Street parking fills up fast on event nights, so use the McFerson Commons garage – it’s about $10 but totally worth avoiding the headache.
2. Check out Short North Arts District galleries and bars
Short North is the artsy heart of Columbus, and it’s actually perfect for bar hopping. The metal arches over High Street let you know you’re in the right place. Gallery Hop happens the first Saturday of every month from 4-10 PM, and honestly, it’s one of the best people-watching events in the city.
I love hitting up the Pizzuti Collection at the Columbus Museum of Art for contemporary pieces, then grabbing drinks at one of the area’s craft cocktail spots. The Standard Hall is popular with the post-work crowd, and there’s this great dive bar energy mixed with hipster vibes throughout the district.
The restaurant scene is killer here – you’ve got everything from Union Cafe to upscale spots run by Cameron Mitchell. What’s cool is how walkable everything is. You can easily bar hop between different spots, check out street art murals painted on brick buildings, and maybe catch some live music. Parking can be a pain though – use the Vine Street Garage and get validation from restaurants. The whole area stays busy until well past midnight on weekends.
3. Walk the scenic Scioto Mile riverfront path
The Scioto Mile after dark is actually pretty magical, especially when the city lights reflect on the water. I walk this path regularly and it’s one of those spots that makes you forget you’re in Ohio. The fountains are lit up at night, and there’s usually some activity happening along the route.
You’ll find street performers and musicians scattered throughout, plus the occasional food truck. The parks along the mile have great lighting that makes everything feel safe and welcoming. Bicentennial Park and COSI anchor the north end, while downtown views get better as you head south.
What I really like is how peaceful it gets compared to the busier nightlife districts. It’s perfect for a date or just clearing your head after a long day. The Scioto Peninsula area has been totally transformed in recent years with better lighting and more activities. During summer months, there are often events and festivals happening right along the river. The whole walk is about 175 acres of connected parks, so you can easily spend a couple hours here. Plus it’s completely free, which is always a win in my book.
4. Browse The Book Loft’s 32 rooms in German Village
The Book Loft is one of those places that’ll completely mess with your sense of time. This bookstore has 32 rooms spread across pre-Civil War buildings, and getting lost in here is half the fun. I’ve spent entire evenings wandering through their maze-like layout – it’s open until 11 PM most nights.
German Village itself is perfect for evening strolls with its brick streets and restored 19th-century houses. The whole neighborhood has this old-world charm that feels authentic, not like some tourist trap. After browsing books, you can hit up Thurman Cafe for their famous burgers or Schmidt’s Sausage Haus for German food and live music.
The Book Loft stays busy but never feels crowded, probably because it’s so sprawling. They’ve got everything from rare finds to bestsellers, plus a solid local authors section. What’s cool is how each room has its own personality and book categories. The staff actually knows their inventory, which is impressive given the size. Street parking is usually available on High Street, and the whole village is super walkable. It’s honestly one of the most unique bookstore experiences you’ll find anywhere.
5. Attend COSI After Dark adults-only science events
COSI After Dark happens every second Thursday of the month from 7-10 PM, and it’s actually way more fun than it sounds. These 21+ events transform the science museum into an adult playground with cocktails, interactive exhibits, and themed activities. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door.
I’ve been to several of these events and each one has a different theme – I’ve done everything from “Science of Ice Cream” to “Apocalypse” nights. You get full access to the museum without kids running around everywhere, plus cash bars throughout the building. The planetarium shows are particularly cool when you’re sipping a craft beer.
They also do special events like the Columbus Brew Festival in March ($55 general admission) featuring 50+ breweries and 150+ beers. The COSI building itself is massive at 320,000 square feet, so there’s plenty to explore. Parking is $10 in the underground garage on Broad Street, but it’s covered and you’ll only walk about 100 feet to the entrance. Pro tip: buy tickets online because popular themes do sell out. It’s honestly one of the more unique date night options in Columbus.
6. Enjoy city views from Columbus’ tallest rooftop bar: Stories on High
If you want skyline views with your cocktail, Stories on High is the spot. Sitting 28 stories above the city, it’s officially Columbus’s tallest rooftop bar, perched on top of the Hilton Columbus Downtown. The vibe is upscale without being stuffy, and the 360° views over Short North and downtown are honestly stunning…especially at night when the city lights come alive.
The bar is open Tuesday through Saturday, with hours running until 11 PM on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends, making it perfect for a nightcap or a full-blown evening out. The cocktail menu is creative and seasonal, and their “Rooftop Rally” package is great for groups. It includes shareable plates and drinks for a fixed price.
I came here for a friend’s birthday, and sipping a Japanese whisky cocktail while watching the lights of the Scioto River reflect below felt like something out of a movie. The small plates menu leans Asian-inspired, and everything I tried—from the miso deviled eggs to the yuzu shrimp—was solid. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Dress smart casual and prepare for a seriously photogenic night out. This is one of Columbus’s best elevated experiences…literally!
7. Visit Topiary Park’s illuminated garden sculptures
Topiary Park is this weird little hidden gem that recreates Georges Seurat’s famous painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte” using actual topiary sculptures. At night, the lighting creates these really cool shadows and gives the whole place an otherworldly vibe.
The park is small – just 7 acres – but it’s unlike anything else in Columbus. I’ve brought dates here because it’s romantic in a quirky way, and it’s completely free. The topiaries represent the people and scenes from the painting, so you’re literally walking through a piece of art. It’s located in the Discovery District near downtown.
What’s cool is how different it looks at night versus during the day. The shadows and lighting transform the figures into something almost mystical. The park is open dawn to dusk officially, but the surrounding area is well-lit and safe for evening walks. Topiary Park is right next to the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main branch, so you can easily combine it with other downtown activities.
It takes about 30 minutes to see everything, so it’s perfect as a stop between dinner and drinks. Street parking is usually available on East Town Street. It’s definitely more of a “hidden Columbus” experience than a major attraction.
8. See live shows at the historic Ohio Theatre
The Ohio Theatre is legitimately one of the most beautiful venues in the country, and seeing a show here is an experience you won’t forget. This Spanish-Baroque theater seats 2,791 people and hosts everything from Broadway in Columbus productions to Columbus Symphony concerts. Shows typically run $30-150 depending on seats and productions.
I’ve seen everything from Les Misérables to comedy acts here, and the acoustics are incredible. The 21-foot chandelier and starlit ceiling create this magical atmosphere that makes even mediocre shows feel special. Box office hours are Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM, Saturday 10 AM-2 PM.
Broadway in Columbus brings major touring productions throughout the year – recent shows included Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked. The Columbus Symphony and BalletMet also call this place home. What’s great is the location right across from the Ohio Statehouse in downtown.
Parking is available at the City Center Garage on 3rd Street ($5-15 depending on event) with covered parking and an elevator directly to the theater. For nicer shows, people definitely dress up, but it’s not required. Pro tip: even the cheap seats have great views because of how the theater is designed. Get tickets early for popular Broadway shows because they absolutely sell out.
9. Eat at North Market’s late-night food vendors
North Market Downtown has been Columbus’s public market since 1876, but the late-night scene isn’t what it used to be. The market closes at 7 PM on weekdays and 5 PM on Sunday, so it’s more of an early evening spot than true late-night dining.
What’s actually better for night food is North Market Bridge Park in Dublin, which stays open until 10 PM Friday-Saturday and 9 PM other nights. They’ve got 18 vendors including Jeni’s Ice Cream, Momo Ghar for Nepalese food, and Destination Donuts. I’ve had great meals at their Satori Ramen Bar and Hoyo’s Kitchen.
The downtown location has 30+ vendors, but you’ll want to get there before 7 PM. Pistacia Vera for pastries, Stauf’s Coffee, and Omega Artisan Baking are my go-tos. The Night Market events at Bridge Park happen second and fourth Thursdays May-October from 6-9 PM with 50+ vendors and live music.
Parking downtown is now in the Vine Street Garage since they tore down the surface lot for construction. Bridge Park has free parking in attached garages. Both locations validate parking with purchases. If you want actual late-night food, hit up the food trucks that set up around the Arena District after events.
10. Shop and dine at Easton Town Center after dark
Easton Town Center is massive – 250+ stores and restaurants spread across an open-air village setup. Most stores close at 9 PM weekdays and 10 PM weekends, but the restaurants and entertainment stay open much later. I’ve spent entire evenings here just walking around and people-watching.
The dining scene is solid with everything from The Cheesecake Factory and Brio Tuscan Grille to Smith & Wollensky steakhouse. Cooper’s Hawk Winery is great for drinks, and McCormick & Schmick’s does excellent seafood. Del Mar is a newer Mediterranean spot that’s gotten great reviews.
AMC Easton 30 shows movies until midnight most nights, and the Funny Bone Comedy Club brings in national acts regularly. There’s also LEGOLAND Discovery Center if you’re with kids, but it closes earlier. Nordstrom, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are here if you want luxury shopping.
Parking is free in multiple garages, which is huge for Columbus. Valet is available for $7 at two locations if you want to be fancy. The whole place stays pretty busy until 10 PM, and it’s definitely safe with good security and lighting. It’s about 15 minutes east of downtown, so easy to get to from anywhere in the city.
11. Experience Franklin Park Conservatory evening events
Franklin Park Conservatory does special evening events throughout the year, though they’re not weekly like some attractions. Their “After Dark” programming includes things like “Blooms & Brews” events and seasonal celebrations with extended hours and adult beverages allowed in the conservatory.
The conservatory itself is beautiful any time, but the evening lighting transforms the glass structures into something magical. Regular admission is $18 for adults, but special events typically cost more ($25-40). The biomes – rainforest, desert, Pacific Island – each have different lighting that creates this otherworldly atmosphere after sunset.
I’ve been to their holiday light displays and summer evening events, and they do a great job creating unique experiences. The Chihuly Collection looks particularly stunning under evening lighting. Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures scattered throughout take on completely different personalities when lit up at night.
The conservatory is located in Franklin Park on the east side, so you can combine it with a walk through the park itself. Franklin Park has lighted walking paths and is generally safe for evening strolls. Parking is free on-site. Check their website for special event schedules because they don’t happen every week, but when they do, they’re usually worth the extra cost for tickets.
- Read next: Underrated Places in Ohio
12. Try your luck at Hollywood Casino Columbus
Hollywood Casino Columbus is the area’s only Vegas-style casino, and it’s open 24/7 for anyone 21+. They’ve got over 2,200 slots, 70 table games, and a 34-table poker room. I’ve spent plenty of late nights here, and the atmosphere definitely has that Vegas energy without having to fly to Nevada.
The dining options are actually solid – Wahlburgers (open until midnight Friday-Saturday), Zen Noodle (until 3 AM weekends), and The Lounge at Final Cut for upscale steaks and seafood. Mikey’s Late Night Slice serves pizza until 2:30 AM, which is perfect for late-night munchies. ESPN BET Sportsbook has a restaurant too with big screens everywhere.
H Lounge hosts live entertainment regularly – everything from comedy shows to tribute bands. Recent acts have included Deon Cole and Fleetwood Mac tributes. Cover charges vary by event, but entry to the casino is always free. You just need valid ID.
Parking is free in their garage and surface lots, which is awesome. The PENN Play rewards program is free to join and gets you comps on dining and free slot play. It’s located on Georgesville Road about 15 minutes west of downtown. The non-smoking environment is actually nice compared to some casinos – they have a separate smoking patio with 200+ machines if that’s your thing.
