If your Tuesday nights consist of putting your ballroom judging skills to the test from your couch and texting 21523 to save your favorite celebrity dance duo, we have the ultimate Dancing with the Stars-inspired itinerary for you in the 614. From following in the footsteps of your favorite pros to hitting the dance floor yourself, here's how to bring a little Mirrorball magic to your next Columbus visit.
And here's a fun fact for fans of this season: Columbus has already played a part in one contestant's journey to becoming a champion! Before trading her skates for dancing shoes, Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn made history at Nationwide Arena in January 2024, winning her first U.S. senior national title and becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to claim the title. Yes, Columbus!
Short North Arts District. Source: Ken Claussen Photography
Explore Columbus Like a DWTS Pro
When the Dancing with the Stars pros visited Columbus during the 2026 tour, they made time to explore the city between performances. Here's how you can follow in their footsteps.
Fuel up at The Lox Bagel Shop. Dance power couple Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy stopped by this Short North favorite, and they're in good company. The Lox Bagel Shop has earned national recognition, landing on both Bon Appétit's list of the best bagels in the U.S. and Food & Wine's list of the best bagels in America. Known for its hand-rolled bagels that blend New York and Montreal styles, it's the perfect place to grab a bite before a day of exploring Columbus.
Dance with the Buckeyes. Val Chmerkovskiy took a stroll through The Ohio State University's campus, while Hailey Bills and Ezra Sosa put their moves to the test with the Ohio State Dance Team. The team, which boasts 15 national championships and two world championships, showed the pros a thing or two about dancing with the Bucks!
Reset at SWEAT HOUZ. Even professional dancers need a little recovery time. Rylee Arnold made a stop at SWEAT HOUZ for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Locations can be found in Grandview and Worthington. Take a page out of Rylee’s self-care book and treat yourself to a wellness break between Columbus adventures. Looking for more ways to unwind? Explore Columbus' spas and wellness experiences.
Stroll through the Short North Arts District. Hailey Bills spent some downtime exploring the Short North, including a search for a Diet Coke before heading to nearby Goodale Park to soak up the sunshine. Follow her lead with a leisurely walk through the neighborhood's boutiques, galleries and restaurants, then grab a bench in one of Columbus' oldest parks. For an extra-sweet stop, grab a cone from Columbus-founded Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.
Axis Nightclub. Source: Ray LaVoie
Grab Your Dancing Shoes
Ready to trade your couch for the dance floor? Columbus has plenty of nightlife spots where you can channel your inner Dancing with the Stars pro. While you might not find a Len Goodman-approved ballroom routine, you'll find plenty of opportunities to show off your moves beneath the Mirrorball (or should we say disco ball?).
- The Go Go: Located in the Short North, this retro-inspired dance bar brings nostalgic vibes and throwback music.
- Good Night John Boy: Get ready to boogie at this 1970s-inspired dance club, where the music and colorful decor will have you dancing all night.
- Axis Nightclub: A staple of Columbus' LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, Axis is known for its high-energy dance floor, DJs and drag performances.
Experience Ballroom Dancing at the Ohio Star Ball
Want to see professional ballroom dancing beyond your television screen? Columbus is home to the Ohio Star Ball, one of the world's most prestigious ballroom dance competitions. Founded by ballroom dancing legend Sam Sodano, the event returns Nov. 17-22 to the Greater Columbus Convention Center and adjoining Hyatt Regency Columbus, bringing together talented dancers from around the world.
Throughout the week, spectators can enjoy nonstop amateur competitions, while Friday and Saturday evenings feature professional dancers taking center stage in the grand Battelle Hall. From elegant waltzes to high-energy Latin routines, it's your chance to experience the artistry, athleticism and glamour of competitive ballroom dancing up close.
See Even More Show-Stopping Performances
Why stop there? Columbus has a thriving performing arts scene, including BalletMet, one of the nation's largest dance studios associated with a professional ballet company. From timeless classics to contemporary productions, BalletMet brings captivating performances to stages across the city, including the historic Ohio Theatre and Davidson Theatre. Ready for another night of dazzling choreography? Explore BalletMet's 2026-27 performance season and make plans to see the magic unfold on stage.
Save the Date: Dancing with the Stars: Live! Returns to Columbus
Dancing with the Stars: Live! returns to Columbus on Feb. 18, 2027, at 7:30 p.m. at the Schottenstein Center.
After previously performing at Ohio State's Mershon Auditorium, the tour moved to the larger Schottenstein Center in 2026 to accommodate more fans. The show returns to the arena in 2027, bringing fan-favorite professional dancers, dazzling choreography and all the glitz and glamour of the hit ABC competition series to Columbus.
Ready to see the pros in action? Get your tickets and experience the ballroom magic in person!
