Drake, Nate Bargatze, skating champs among 15 can't-miss events in Columbus in early 2024
As we turn the page on a new year, the Greater Columbus arts-and-entertainment community is preparing to present a panoply of exciting offerings this winter.
From bold theater productions to dynamic dance events and much-anticipated appearances by internationally known singers and musicians, there will be numerous things to do and see in the months ahead. Literary, visual arts and even a few events blending athletics and entertainment are also on tap.
We have assembled the details for 15 can’t-miss events through early March.
Nate Bargatze 'Be Funny Tour'
NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.
Details: The comedian, synonymous with good-natured comedy, arrives in Columbus with his “Be Funny Tour,” and you can be certain of one thing — he will be.
Showtimes: 7 p.m. Jan. 11-12
Tickets: $79.75 to $628.50
Information: www.nationwidearena.com
'The Color Purple: The Musical'
GARDEN THEATER, 1187 N. HIGH ST.
Details: Music drawing from multiple genres, including jazz, ragtime and gospel, helps to tell the story of Celie, the protagonist of Alice Walker’s Southern-set novel about a Black community.
Showtimes: various dates and times from Jan. 18 through Feb. 18
Tickets: $33.33 to $65.71
Information: www.shortnorthstage.org
U.S. Figure Skating Championships
NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.
Details: Over seven days and multiple events, watch as the country’s leading figure skaters across various categories — men’s, women’s, pairs and dance — take to the ice in pursuit of placement on the U.S. World and World Junior teams.
Dates: various times, Jan. 22-28
Tickets: single session tickets start at $14.50; all-session and weekend packages also available
Information: www.nationwidearena.com
Author Michele Norris
KING ARTS COMPLEX, 867 MOUNT VERNON AVE.
Details: In a presentation by Gramercy Books in Bexley, the author of “Our Hidden Conversation: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity” will participate in a conversation with Anna Staver, host of “All Sides” on WOSU.
Time: 7 p.m. Jan. 25
Tickets: $40
Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
SOUTHERN THEATRE, 21 E. MAIN ST.
Details: The orchestra will be joined by one of its youngest-ever collaborators: 16-year-old violinist Fiona Khuong-Huu, who will perform works by Camille Saint-Saens and Maurice Ravel.
Showtimes: 7 p.m. Jan. 27-28
Tickets: $18 to $64
Information: www.promusicacolumbus.org
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'From Struggle to Strength: Inspiring Journies of Central Ohio’s Refugee Community'
DECORATIVE ARTS CENTER OF OHIO, 145 E. MAIN ST., LANCASTER
Details: Photographs by prizewinning photographer Tariq Tarey will enrich spectators’ understanding of refugees who have made their homes in central Ohio.
Dates: Jan. 27-April 28
Admission: free
Information: www.decartsohio.org
'Dancing With the Stars: Live!'
VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD
Details: Audiences who make the long-running hit TV show into appointment viewing will have the chance to see the stars — and the dancers partnering with them — in this live presentation. Professional dancers include Brandon Armstrong, Pasha Pashkov and Emma Slater.
Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30
Tickets: verified resale tickets start at $145
Information: www.schottensteincenter.com
Disney on Ice
NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.
Details: Finally, the perfect performance to satisfy the youngsters in your life who love Disney characters as well as those addicted to winter sports: In “Into the Magic,” characters from “Cinderella,” “Frozen” and other Disney productions will lace up their skates.
Showtimes: 7 p.m. Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 2, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Feb. 3 and 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4
Tickets: $15 to $90
Information: www.nationwidearena.com
'Come From Away'
PALACE THEATRE, 34 W. BROAD ST.
Details: The Broadway hit — revolving around travelers temporarily exiled in Newfoundland following the events of Sept. 11, 2001 — returns to Columbus for just two nights.
Showtimes: 8 p.m. Feb. 2, 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 3
Tickets: verified resale tickets starting at $244
Information: www.capa.com
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
PALACE THEATRE, 34 W. BROAD ST.
Details: The contemporary dance group will bring its eclectic mix of styles — encompassing contemporary movement, ballet, hip-hop, jazz and more — to an equally eclectic program, “Star Dust: From Bach to Bowie.”
Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7
Tickets: $34 to $69
Information: www.capa.com
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'Alice'
OHIO THEATRE, 39 E. STATE ST.
Details: BalletMet will present an encore of its production of outgoing Artistic Director Edwaard Liang’s imaginative ballet inspired by “Alice in Wonderland," which was first performed in February 2020.
Showtimes: 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 9, 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 10, 2 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11
Tickets: $38.50 to $118.30
Information: www.balletmet.org
'Company'
OHIO THEATRE, 39 E. STATE ST.
Details: Late composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim is credited with offering a fresh take on the American musical, and this national touring production takes a fresh spin on his celebrated 1970 work: In the musical on contemporary romantic life, the lead character of Bobbie, written as a male part, will be played by a woman.
Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-15, 8 p.m. Feb. 16, 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 17, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18
Tickets: $40 to $85
Information: www.capa.com
World’s Toughest Rodeo
NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.
Details: Bull-riding, bareback riding and barrel racing are among the events featured in this rodeo, which invites the audience to get in on the action with pony rides and cowboy meet-and-greets.
Times: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-17
Tickets: $49.50 to $84.50
Information: www.nationwidearena.com
Drake
VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD
Details: As part of the “It’s All a Blur Tour,” the rap artist — whose career has taken him from his 2009 debut album, “So Far Gone,” to his most recent record, “For All the Dogs” — will perform alongside J. Cole.
Showtimes: 8 p.m. Feb. 20-21
Tickets: verified resale tickets start at $125
Information: www.schottensteincenter.com
Three Dog Night
VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD
Details: “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World” and “Black and White” are among the signature tunes of this iconic rock group.
Showtime: 8 p.m. March 9
Tickets: $45 to $198
Information: www.schottensteincenter.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Want something to do? Here are 15 events taking place in early 2024
