Grand Openings and Literary Giants: What's On in Columbus Today

Grand Opening: The New Columbus Welcome Center

Today marks a significant milestone for the city's tourism and arts scene with the official Grand Opening of the Columbus Welcome Center in the heart of the Short North Arts District. Located at 625 N. High St., this brand-new facility replaces the former visitor center to better serve the growing influx of travelers to the capital. Starting today at 11 a.m., residents and tourists are invited to explore the modern, light-filled space which features local art, interactive exhibits, and extensive resources for navigating the city. The grand opening festivities run until 6 p.m. today, offering a first look at the hub that will serve as the premier gateway to our city's many vibrant neighborhoods and attractions.

Stage and Screen Performances

Theater enthusiasts have a stellar option tonight as the acclaimed musical Come From Away takes the stage at the Short North Stage at Garden Theater. This award-winning production, based on the true events of September 11 and the small town of Gander that welcomed 7,000 stranded travelers, begins its performance at 7:00 p.m. It is a powerful, heartwarming celebration of human endurance and kindness that has become a must-see for local audiences. Meanwhile, the Gateway Film Center continues its commitment to high-quality independent cinema with its "Festival Perspectives" program. Featured screenings for today include The Moment (2026) and Whistle (2026), providing film buffs an opportunity to catch groundbreaking new works early in their release cycle.

Community Meetups and Literary Evenings

• Authors at the Library: The Columbus Metropolitan Library's Main Branch welcomes the renowned, award-winning author Jason Reynolds for a special presentation. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. at 96 S. Grant Ave., this event provides a unique opportunity to hear from one of the most compelling and influential voices in modern literature.
• Urban Gardeners Gathering: Hosted by FACCES, this community meetup starts at 4:30 p.m. It invites local green thumbs and environmental enthusiasts to discuss urban agriculture, share seed-starting tips, and prepare for the upcoming spring growing season in central Ohio.
• Comedy at the Funny Bone: Comedian Jamie Lissow brings his sharp observational humor and dry wit to the stage at the Funny Bone Comedy Club at Easton. The show kicks off at 7:00 p.m., offering a perfect evening of lighthearted entertainment and laughs.

Specialty Workshops and Fun

For those looking to spark their creativity, the Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery is holding an in-person Ekphrastic Writing Workshop starting at 5:30 p.m. This unique session encourages participants to engage with current visual art exhibitions through creative writing exercises, bridging the gap between sight and story. For a more casual mid-week break, Dave & Buster’s Polaris is hosting "Game Days at D&B" throughout the day, featuring specialized deals on interactive games and dining, perfect for families or groups looking for an active afternoon.