November/December
Broadway in Columbus presents Mrs. Doubtfire
Through Nov. 5
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
This traveling Broadway production tells the beloved story of a desperate father who changes his identity as a way to get closer to his children after losing custody of them to his ex-wife during their divorce. columbus.broadway.com
Emporium presents Loreena McKennitt
Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Canadian singer-songwriter and composer Loreena McKennitt (“The Mummers’ Dance”) brings her world music to Columbus during her international tour. She has sold more than 14 million records worldwide, and her work has been featured in movies such as The Santa Clause. www.loreenamckennitt.com/tour/
Greater Columbus Arts Council presents GCAC Big Arts Night Celebration
Nov. 2, 4:30 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
A large celebration and award show celebrates the work of artists, art supporters and art organizations in Columbus. Winners of the Dale E. Heydlauff Community Arts Innovation Awards and the Columbus Makes Art Excellence Awards will be announced while GCAC celebrates its 50th anniversary. www.gcac.org
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio presents Good Grief
Nov. 2-19
Studio 2, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
This production from the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio (formerly known as CATCO) tells the story of a young Nigerian-American woman searching for identity while grieving the loss of her best friend. www.thecontemporaryohio.org
Chamber Music Columbus presents Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Nov. 4, 7 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble is a London-based chamber orchestra. The group, which helped record of the soundtrack of the Oscar-award winning film Amadeus, is led by violin virtuoso and Music Director Joshua Bell through an interpretation of instrumental classics. www.chambermusiccolumbus.org
Jazz Arts Group presents The Benny Benack Quartet
Nov. 9, 8 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
Enjoy sounds of American jazz trumpeter, vocalist and composer Benny Benack III. This Emmy-nominated artist will bring a high-energy jazz performance accompanied by his dynamic quartet. www.jazzartsgroup.org
COSI After Dark presents Monte Carlo
Nov. 9, 7-10 p.m.
333 W Broad St.
No need to book a trip to Vegas for a night at the casino—head to COSI on Thursday and try your luck with lots of games and gambling. Visit COSI After Dark for drinks, games and a night of entertainment. www.cosi.org
Dayton Art Institute: Free Admission for Veterans Day
Nov. 10, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton 45405
The Dayton Art Institute is offering free admission to the museum to celebrate Veterans Day, sponsored by Write State University. www.daytonartinstitute.com
Journeyman Tours presents Joanne Shaw Taylor
Nov. 10, 8 p.m.
Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
Blues artist Joanne Shaw Taylor performs hit songs from her entire catalog. www.capa.com
Six String Concerts presents Brooks Williams with Joy Clark
Nov. 10, 8-10 p.m.
Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St. Worthington 43085
Join Brooks Williams and Joy Clark for a night of acoustic sounds and soulful melodies. www.eventbrite.com
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra presents Steel Pan & Schubert
Nov. 11-12, 7 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
This will be Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist Andy Akiho’s debut performance with ProMusica. Along with Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 “The Great,” the group will also perform an original piece by Akiho titled “Beneath Lighted Coffers.” www.promusicacolumbus.org
CAPA presents Buddy Guy: Damn Right Farewell
Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Join Grammy award-winning Buddy Guy as he closes out his 70-year career in style. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, who has inspired many guitarists with his talents, is joined by award-winning Tom Hambridge. www.capa.com
Shadowbox Live presents Holiday Hoopla 2023: Same Holiday. New Hoopla.
Nov. 16-Dec. 23
Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St
Need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Shadowbox Live offers a reminder that one can have laughs and fun through the hectic holiday feelings with this popular music and comedy show. www.shadowboxlive.org
CAPA presents The Second City’s Comedian Rhapsody
Nov. 17, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a night full of laughter put on by the same group that kicked off the careers of Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Steve Carell and countless others. Featuring some of the group’s best sketch comedy and songs, as well as some new classics. www.capa.com
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven Pastoral Symphony
Nov. 17-18
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Beethoven’s Pastoral transports the listener out of the bustling city and to the countryside, much like admiring a calm pasture. Meanwhile, Gabriela Lena Frank’s Conquest Requiem tells the less tranquil story of an enslaved Nahua woman. Performers include soprano Jessica Rivera and baritone Andrew Garland, along with the Columbus Symphony Chorus. www.columbussymphony.com
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium presents Wildlights
Nov.17-Jan. 7
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell
Walk through the zoo with friends and family to explore the millions of LED lights, light shows and displays, as well as appearances from Santa and his crew. www.columbuszoo.org
JR Adventures presents Joe Bonamassa
Nov. 19, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Often called one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, Joe Bonamassa has redefined rock-blues music and is said to have an electric stage presence. www.capa.com
Short North Stage presents A Christmas Carol
Nov. 24-26
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
A unique take on this old holiday classic features both local and national talent, a cast member of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, costume designer Molly and composer Thom Albert. www.shortnorthstage.org
Shadowbox Live presents Not So Silent Night
Nov. 26-Dec. 23
Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St
As a DJ plays the songs his listeners request, he hopes his one holiday wish comes true as he brings joy to others. This heartfelt story features music in styles of holiday-themed pop, jazz, rock and more.
Jazz Arts Group presents Home for the Holidays ft. Mamie Parris
Nov. 29-Dec. 3
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Broadway actress Mamie Parris – who was a part of Broadway tours for Wicked, 9 to 5 and Legally Blonde, joins the Columbus Jazz Orchestra to perform classic carols and contemporary holiday favorites.
McCoy Center for the Arts presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 1-2 and 9-10
McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany
As the holiday season begins, celebrate with this classic Christmas ballet. Head to New Albany and enjoy this holiday tradition that will take the stage for the first two weekends of December.
Winterfair
Dec. 1-3
Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave.
Find the perfect gift for your loved ones with local artists at Winterfair. Featuring jewelry, tasty treats and more handcrafted items, you can find anything on your gift list at this event.
Columbus Symphony presents Holiday Pops
Dec. 1-3
Ohio Theatre
The Ohio Theatre will transform into a winter wonderland with decoration, music and plenty of holiday magic this season. Join The Columbus Symphony Chorus and Columbus Children's Choir in singing holiday classics and making the season merry.
Nationwide Arena presents Pentatonix
Dec. 2, 7 p.m.
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
The group that redefined a cappella comes to Columbus with a holiday spectacular show. With 11 studio albums released since the group’s debut in 2011, Pentatonix has also released new holiday songs each year since 2012.
Jingle Bell Run
Dec. 2, 8 a.m.
Genoa Park, 303 W Broad St.
Mix holiday fun with a charity run this season. Registration for this 5K supports research for Athritis Foundation, so you can raise money while jingling your way through the course.
BalletMet presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 7-23
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
It’s back! Experience this Columbus tradition full of sugar plum fairies, a mouse king and holiday magic to ring in the holidays.
Western Reserve Folk Arts Association presents An Evening with Judy Collins
Dec. 14., 7:30 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Legendary singer-songwriter and actress Judy Collins comes to Columbus. Following the release of her album Spellbound in 2022, Collins will showcase the folk aesthetic she has been entertaining crowds with since the 1960s.
Nationwide Arena presents Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More presented by Hallmark Channel
Dec. 30, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
The unique and wildly popular rock group returns to Columbus on its highly anticipated winter tour. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has brought its electrifying sound across the country since it began touring in 1999.