Things To Do in the Short North

Starting in the 1980s, the Short North Arts District became a hub of the local art scene. Filled with numerous galleries, theaters, shops, hotels and restaurants full of local art, this is a great place to find the next masterpiece to hang in your living room, or to window shop through some outstanding galleries. The Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions of modern works. The Garden Theater features performances and cabaret shows year-round, and local drag phenomenon Nina West performs incredibly entertaining original shows at Axis Nightclub.

A great time to visit is the first Saturday of every month for Gallery Hop, a decades-old tradition when galleries and stores stay open late and entertainers line the streets. HighBall Halloween, the nation’s most elaborate costume party, shows off the best of Columbus’ outstanding local fashion scene and brings national attention in each year just before Halloween.

Start with art on the Short North Art Trail! Explore all the public art, galleries, performance art spaces and more in the Art + Soul of Columbus.