Winter Ice Festival and Mozart’s Requiem Headline Columbus Events Today

Winter Wonders and Cultural Highlights in Columbus Today

Happy Saturday, Columbus! Today, January 24, 2026, the city is buzzing with a blend of chilly outdoor fun and sophisticated indoor performances. Whether you are looking to witness the thrill of live ice carving or want to lose yourself in the emotional depth of a classical masterpiece, there is something for everyone in the Arch City today.

The Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory

One of the season's most anticipated events continues tonight at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The Winter Ice Festival is open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering a magical stroll through the wintery grounds. A major highlight for tonight is the 'Fire & Ice' carving showdown starting at 7:00 PM. Professional artists from Rock on Ice will race against a 45-minute clock to create intricate sculptures while the crowd helps choose the winner. It is a high-energy event that brings the garden to life even in the coldest temperatures.

• Synthetic Ice Skating: The synthetic rink is open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Skating and rentals are free with your admission ticket.
• Local Eats: Kenzie’s Kitchen will be the featured food truck on-site tonight, offering a variety of comfort foods to keep you warm.
• Indoor Escape: If you need a break from the cold, you can explore the conservatory’s tropical biomes or admire the glowing glass installations in the Chihuly Collection.

Evening of Elegance: Mozart’s Requiem

For those seeking a more classical evening, the Columbus Symphony and Chorus perform Mozart’s iconic Requiem at the historic Ohio Theatre. Starting at 7:30 PM, Music Director Rossen Milanov leads the orchestra through this moving and mysterious masterpiece. This performance is a cornerstone of the winter cultural season, promising an evening filled with history and emotion in every note.

Theater and Local Meetups

The local arts scene remains vibrant today with the hit musical 'Come From Away' taking the stage at the Garden Theater. Performances are scheduled for 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, telling the incredible true story of a small town that welcomed the world during the events of 9/11. For those looking to connect with others, the city is also hosting several community gatherings:

• Columbus Tea Lovers: A social meetup is scheduled for 10:30 AM at the Creme de la Creme Bakery and Cafe.
• Contra Dance: A community dance session will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church starting at 1:30 PM.
• Christians in Tech: Local professionals are gathering at 1:00 PM at the Improving offices for their 27th meetup.