With the seventh best Acting program in the US in 2018, and the 20th best Theatre Design and Tech Program in 2019, our school plays and musicals are like no other! Take in some of the best plays in the country (for free with your student ID). And with Otterbein alumni now performing everywhere from Broadway to Netflix, you never know which future household name you could be watching.

Our music department also has weekly performances, ranging from symphony to choral concerts, and wind to jazz ensembles. We even have our own Opera Theatre – there really is a choice for everyone!

There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy local talent in Westerville, which is a good thing, because we have lots of talent! Enjoy the Westerville Jazz Series at the open air amphitheater on the corner of campus, or walk Uptown and take in the weekly lunchtime concerts in front of the City Hall.

It doesn’t matter if you’re into country, opera, rock or rap, Columbus has it all… This year will see everyone from Dan and Shay to Elton John. WCOL will host a birthday bash with Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis and Noah Schnacky while the annual Buckey Country Superfest will return with Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line and Kane Brown!

If you’re looking for something more personal, and low-key, than Columbus has what you need. The Big Bang Dueling Pianos in the Arena District, will provide a night like you’ve never experienced before. 2 performers, 2 pianos, and music based entirely on audience requests, just be ready to leave your inhibitions at the door, and bring your best ‘dad dance moves’ with you.

If you’re looking for something a bit quieter, then the Rumba Café has concerts from just $5 a head, while Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza and Live music allows you to enjoy fresh food, and live music in an intimate and dynamic setting.

With free admissions on Sunday, you can visit the oldest museum in Ohio without breaking your student budget. The Institute of Library and Museum Service awarded The Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) a National Medal in 2013, the highest honor a museum can receive.

If you’re not already sold yet, (I know you are, but I want to brag about it some more), the CMA is dedicated to collecting modern and contemporary art, folk art, glass art, and photography from both America and Europe. If you are more of a hands-on person, The Center for Creativity is the place for you. This 18,000-sq. ft. workshop on the museum’s lower level encourages visitors to engage in hands-on activities.

Columbus Association for the Performing Arts have been living and breathing art for 50 years, while running five theatres and two Centers of Art in the city, including the Ohio Theatre, a work of art itself.

With seven venues to choose from, we guarantee you’ll find something you love, or your money back! * Last season saw performances from The Dancing Wheels Company, a comedy titled Menopause The Musical, National Geographic Live: Capturing The Impossible, Lewis Black’s The Jokes On Us Tour, Columbus Blues Alliance Hall of Fame, The Greatest Jazz Concert In The World, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and even a performance of Mean Girls!

* Money back from viewing this website (which is free,) not money back on the performance, which is discounted anyway with your student ID.

Forget bar hopping, every college kid spends their weekends gallery hopping! Ok this isn’t strictly true, but in Columbus you can spend the first Saturday of every month on a guided tour of the dynamic Short North’s galleries, restaurants and more.

If you can’t wait that long, then download the map and take yourself on the tour.

From local artists to national concert tours, this site offers an extensive list of all the art inspired events happening throughout the city to help inspire your creative side.