by Katelynn Cole
There is a long list of entertainment options in the Columbus area, and – like CityScene – many of them are marking milestones in 2009, providing audiences with cool things to do for many years.
Thurber House celebrates 25th anniversary
Thurber House has been a literary center for readers and writers since 1984. The center teaches classes for young writers, awards adult authors in the area, houses the city’s guest authors and commemorates Columbus native James Thurber’s work with an extensive library and museum of his publications and belongings.
Asian Festival marks 15th year
The Asian Festival has been showcasing Asian heritage and culture to the Columbus community each Memorial Day weekend for 15 years.
The Opera Ball commemorates 25th anniversary
For 25 years, the annual Opera Ball event has raised money for Opera Columbus through its black-tie event, which has been described as “the best party in town.”
Columbus' Rick Brunetto Band celebrates 25 years
The 17-piece big band has been performing at festivals, clubs and special events every week since 1984, playing music from the 1930s to the present.
Crew Stadium marks 10th birthday
Ten years ago the Crew Stadium was created as an entertainment venue and is one of the city’s prime locations for sports games and outdoor concerts.
SRO Theatre has been entertaining for 25 years
Senior Repertory of Ohio Theatre was established to enrich lives and celebrate aging through entertainment that revels in the joy of older life.
Easton Town Center opened 10 years ago
When the shops of Easton Town Center opened in 1999, people from all over Ohio began traveling to Columbus to experience its vast dining, shopping and entertainment options.
Roscoe Village has mimicked history for 40 years
This restored 1830s town has offered living history tours with costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, shopping and dining, lodging, festivals, a Monticello Canal boat ride and the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum for 40 years.
The Short North has been hopping for 25 years
On the first Saturday of every month throughout the past 25 years, art seekers visit the Gallery Hop in the Short North to experience art galleries, fine dining, boutiques, salons and live entertainment.
City Hop celebrates 10 years
Since 1999, City Hop has offered an annual walking tour of furnished downtown properties as an inside look at Columbus’ urban lifestyle. It features a diverse selection of condos, lofts and townhouses.
CAPA celebrates 40 years
CAPA was formed in 1969 and has been entertaining Columbus ever since with artistic programming.
Columbus Marathon has been running for 30 years
The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon has challenged runners of the state for 30 years. The race has been sold out for the past three years and 20 percent of the runners qualify for the Boston Marathon each year.
Jazz and Rib Fest has entertained for 30 years
Each summer famous jazz musicians and professional rib burners line the streets of Downtown Columbus to appease thousands of Ohio residents who attend the annual festival.
COSI building provides adventures for a decade
In late 1999, the former Central High School along the Scioto River reopened as the new space for the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). The 320,000-square-foot facility has since hosted some of the most intriguing educational programs and interactive exhibits – focusing on topics from Star Wars to the Titanic to Egypt – resulting in Parents Magazine naming COSI as the No. 1 science center in the country.
New Albany Walking Classic strolls into 5th anniversary
The first walking-only event in the United States began right here in Central Ohio five years ago. It continues to build both in number of walkers and event add-ons, including a kids walk and health and fitness expo.