Fun things to do in and around Columbus this weekend
Belinda M. PaschalHere's hoping this weekend will prove the old saying "third time lucky" true for Bruce Springsteen, who's scheduled to perform at Nationwide Arena after two cancellations last year. If you're holding tickets from the postponed concerts, don't fret — all previously purchased tickets will be valid to see "The Boss" play songs from his "Glory Days" as well as more recent material on Sunday night.
Feeling sporty? You can jog, sprint, trot or stroll while fundraising at AIDS Walk Ohio or if you're more of a spectator, hoopsters will be taking shots at the Schott during the College Basketball All-Stars Game. Both events take place on Saturday.
If these activities sound like a good time, there's more where they came from, and you can read about them below. To receive these ideas in your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.
'Cyclone' to take audience on roller-coaster ride
A group of high school students are stuck in Purgatory after a tragic roller-coaster accident and it's up to them to decide who among them is most deserving of returning to Earth in "Ride the Cyclone," the latest production by the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio.
The cult-classic musical previews at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday, then continues its run with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 5.
Taking place in Studio One in the Vern Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., the play is recommended for those 13 and older. Tickets are $48. Pay-what-you-want tickets for previews can be purchased in advance at 614-469-0939.
Student-rush tickets are also sold at the box office for $20, with a valid student ID, up to two hours before curtain, depending on availability. (thecontemporaryohio.org)
Every dog to have its day at canine show
Learn about the breeds you love, get canine care tips, buy gifts and products for your four-legged friends and watch doggie competitors strut their stuff in four shows by three local kennel clubs at the Cardinal Cluster Dog Show, which runs Friday through Monday in the Lausche Building at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave.
Daily judging begins at 8 a.m., with the winners in each breed competing in group judging in the afternoon, leading to Best in Show. The event also includes health and microchip clinics, and food trucks from Schmidt's Sausage Haus. Admission to all four days is free. (centralohiokennelclub.com)
eMBer Women's Theatre to examine life and death
"'Night, Mother" opens with a daughter's announcement that she's suicidal as she prepares for one last night with her mother, who can't understand why her daughter wants to die when her own instinct is to fight for survival.
Together, they discover each other’s sadness, despair, regret and courage. eMBer Women's Theatre is to present the Pulitzer Prize-winning play at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 4 at MadLab, 227 N. 3rd St. The two-woman production features Merritt Weirick as the daughter, Jessie Cates, and Melissa Bair as her mother, Thelma. Tickets are $25. (emberwomens.com)
AIDS Walk Ohio to raise funds and awareness
There's still time to register for the 2024 Dr. Robert J. Fass Memorial AIDS Walk Ohio, one of the largest events in the state to bring awareness and critical funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations.
The 5K run/walk is to start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Presented by Equitas Health, the race has raised more than $2 million for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs in Ohio since its start in 1991.
In-person registration also should available beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday for those who cannot register online. Participants can register to walk in-person or virtually. (aidswalkohio.org)
Basketball all-stars to take it to the hoop
The College Basketball All-Star Game, the culmination of Classic for Columbus' week of programs promoting education, economic development and diversity, is to tip off at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Schottenstein Center, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road.
Top players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are to face off against fellow athletes from universities around Ohio and the halftime show features DJ UNK and the Wilberforce University "Hounds of Sound" marching band.
A tailgate party with R&B and gospel performances precedes the game from 1-4 p.m. and a Greek step show is to take place afterward. Also, the Black Wall Street Marketplace is to be selling fine arts, HBCU gear, unique collectibles, cosmetics and beauty products all day.
Ticket prices range from $30-$150, with different amenities at each level. (classicforcolumbus.com/tickets)
UK stand-up star to bring show to Columbus
As proven by his sold-out early show at the Davidson Theatre, Jimmy Carr consistently performs to sell-out crowds around the world. That's why he added a show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Davidson, located in the Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
A household name in the U.K., Carr also maintains a high profile in North America, where he was the first U.K. comedian to sign a stand-up deal with Netflix in 2015, releasing several specials, including "Natural Born Killer," on April 16.
Carr is also a published author of two books, including The Sunday Times' bestselling memoir, "Before & Laughter." His show is recommended for ages 16 and older. Ticket prices start at $39 (cbusarts.com)
'The Boss' and E Street Band to play at Nationwide Arena
The third time's the charm for Bruce Springsteen, who had to reschedule his Columbus concert twice last year due to illness. Along with E Street Band, Springsteen is headed to Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
All tickets for the postponed performances remain valid for this show. During a career spanning six decades, "The Boss" has released 21 studio albums, 23 live albums, 77 singles and 66 music videos.
"Born in the U.S.A.,” which launched Springsteen into superstardom, remains the best-selling album of his career, selling more than 30 million copies worldwide. Limited tickets remain for Sunday's concert, with prices starting at $247. (ticketmaster.com)
Mershon Auditorium to welcome Toto
Toto, whose hits include "Hold the Line," "Rosanna" and the No. 1 smash, "Africa," brings their "Dogs of Oz Tour" to Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St., at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
The members of Toto, both past and present, are known for their extensive history of working with artists, including Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Quincy Jones and many others.
Fun fact: Toto's Steve Lukather did the main guitar work on Michael Jackson's "Beat It," though Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo in the bridge; late Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro also played on the track. In 2018, Weezer topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart with a cover of "Africa," to which Toto responded by releasing a cover of Weezer's "Hash Pipe." Tickets prices start at $45. (ticketmaster.com)
WWE stars to throw down at the Schott
WWE Monday Night RAW is coming to town, bringing some of pro-wrestling fans' favorite superstars to the Schottenstein Center, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road, at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Set to appear are undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes (aka "The American Nightmare"), WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley, Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, Drew McIntyre, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Becky Lynch and The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods).
The lineup is subject to change. Ticket prices start at $25. (ticketmaster.com)
Anne Lamott's visit to CCAD to be livestreamed
If you missed out on buying tickets for bestselling author Anne Lamott's now-sold-out appearance on April 24 at Columbus College of Art & Design, you can still catch her conversation with WOSU book critic Kassie Rose via livestream.
Hosted by Gramercy Books, of Bexley, and CCAD, the event features Lamott sharing her 20th book, "Somehow: Thoughts on Love." Registration, which is required for the livestream, closes at 2 p.m. April 24.
Prior to the event, you should receive an email with a meeting ID login link and Zoom instructions. Ticket prices are $10, which grants admission to the livestream; $28, which waives the admission fee and includes one copy of Lamott's new book, to be picked up at Gramercy Books; and $30, which waives admission and includes Lamott's book, to be shipped the customer. (bit.ly/4cMq5fw)