South Campus Gateway
Photo: Randall Lee Schieber

This post is part five of a seven part series featuring Columbus happy hours . Check back each week as Experience Columbus staff spotlight their favorite areas of Columbus to meet friends, share a drink and have some fun.

In this post, Meg explores the happy hour specials near The Ohio State University. You can also check out options in the Short North Arts District , Grandview , Park Street and downtown . Stay tuned for future posts in the series, where we’ll feature Easton Town Center and Worthington.

While attending The Ohio State University, I learned a lot. One of the areas in which I gained extensive knowledge is the catalog of campus bars and their respective happy hours. After my research on the subject, I’m delighted to share my findings.

From the new additions, to the ones that changed ownership, to the oldies-but-goodies that will continue to be a campus landmark, the University District offers a plethora of happy hour options that should not be limited to the student population. (more…)

Joel Morrison
Romeo, 2008
Courtesy of Gagosian Gallery

Columbus’ art scene just got six times better.

The Wexner Center for the Arts has unveiled it newest exhibit, Six Solos. It’s a collection of exhibitions by six rising international artists – so for the price of one ticket, you get a taste of multiple artists from around the world. The artists each have their own gallery space inside the Wexner Center to showcase their exhibits. A variety of media is used in their creations, including video, stainless steel, flagging tape and LED lights, just to name a few.

While five of the six solos are inside the center, one of them is actually outside on the Wexner Center’s “grid.” This amazing display of approximately 100 multicolored LED light sticks, created by Erwin Redl, seems to animate the exterior of the Wexner Center and brings it to life. This exterior exhibit is best seen at night and is well worth stopping by to take a peek.

Six Solos will be on display through Feb. 13. For more details, click here .

And here’s a budget-friendly tip: Visitors are admitted for free on Thursdays after 4 p.m. and on the first Sunday of each month. Plus, the Wexner Center offers free admission anytime for Wexner Center members, college students with ID, and anyone under 18.

September has arrived. School is starting, the days are getting cooler, and in Columbus, there is a sense of excitement in the air that means Ohio State football season is upon us. Dust off your buckeyes, gear up your Scarlet & Grey pride and read these helpful tips for how to enjoy your football Saturday on The Ohio State University campus.

O dds & ends

Before you experience a Buckeye game day, you need to do your homework. Do you have tickets to the game, the latest Buckeye attire, and a place to stay that night? (more…)

Photo: The Ohio State University

As spring approaches, so does the opening of the new Ohio Union at The Ohio State University. With such a great addition to campus, they couldn’t just have one day of grand openings, so they decided to have 30 days to make the celebration last!

The official grand opening is on Monday, March 29, when you can get your first peek at this great new facility. Events begin at 11 a.m. and include prizes, music, games, food and free Ohio Union keepsakes. The ribbon cutting will be at noon.

Some other great events that will be going on during this 30 day celebration are a concert with Black Shelton on March 31 and an Evening with Saturday Night Live’s Andy Samberg on April 25.

Click here for more details about all 30 days of activities.

I recently had a hard-hat tour of the Union and I can tell you firsthand that this space is great. Complete with Woody’s Tavern and Sloopy’s Diner, it will be a great place to eat when you are on campus. And if you’re planning a meeting or event, make sure to check out all 30 of their meeting and event spaces .

The new Ohio Union will definitely be a hopping place on campus for both students and guests. To keep up with the progress until the grand opening, you can check out their Web site .

Experience Columbus staff was lucky to get a sneak preview of the much-anticipated restoration of the Lincoln Theatre . It’s located on Long Street in the King-Lincoln District, close to The King Arts Complex .

Lincoln Theatre rendering, courtesy of CAPA

CAPA has done an incredible job on the restoration of this intimate 600-seat 1928 Egyptian-style theatre. In its heyday, the Lincoln was the spot to see jazz legends such as Count Basie, James Brown, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Columbus’ own Nancy Wilson.

Our group was surprised and intrigued by the colorful, detailed Egyptian-looking paintings on the ceiling and all around the stage. This will be an awesome place to see almost any performance, as you’ll be so close to the stage, even in the balcony.

Pretty soon, the Lincoln Theatre will come alive with a packed schedule of diverse performances from groups like the Alfred Dove Dance Studio, Columbus Children’s Theatre , the Thiossane West African Dance Institute and OSU’s Theatre Department . It’ll also be home to an amazingly innovative Jazz Academy, operated by the Jazz Arts Group (JAG) .

A public grand opening is planned for the end of May with all kinds of activities and, likely, a big-name act. They promised the schedule will be announced soon, so watch the calendar .

Thanks, Todd Bemis of CAPA and Carol Agiro of JAG, for sharing your passion and ideas with us. Columbus residents and visitors are in for a real treat!