COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Central Ohio residents will find a wide range of entertainment options this weekend, from sports championships and concerts to specialty expos and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Events scheduled from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15 offer something for sports fans, music lovers and families looking for activities across the region.
One of the largest events of the weekend is the 30th annual Columbus Pet Expo, running Friday through Sunday at the Ohio Expo Center. The three-day event features animals of all kinds — including dogs, cats, reptiles and exotic pets — along with vendors, demonstrations and educational exhibits for pet owners and enthusiasts. Organizers say the expo is designed to celebrate the bond between people and animals while showcasing new products and services for pet care.
Sports fans can also attend the Ohio High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament, taking place March 13–15 at the Schottenstein Center. The tournament brings top high school wrestlers from across Ohio together to compete for state titles in one of the most prestigious events on the state’s scholastic sports calendar.
Another major sporting event this weekend will see the Columbus Crew return to Lower.com Field on Saturday night when they host Nashville SC in Major League Soccer action. The match is part of the club’s early-season schedule and includes themed programming designed to highlight community education initiatives.
Hockey fans can head to Nationwide Arena, where the OHSAA high school hockey semifinals and championship games will be played Saturday and Sunday. The tournament’s final rounds bring together the top teams from across the state as they compete for a state championship.
Live music and nightlife options will also be plentiful throughout the weekend. Indie rock band Houndmouth is scheduled to perform Friday night at KEMBA Live!, while tribute act Who’s Bad, known for recreating the music of Michael Jackson, will take the stage at The Bluestone. Meanwhile, The Newport Music Hall will host a themed “Shrek Rave,” an event described as a playful dance party inspired by the animated film franchise.
St. Patrick’s Day festivities will begin early in Columbus with themed parties and bar crawls scheduled across the city Friday and Saturday evening, as locals celebrate the holiday ahead of its official date on March 17.
Additional entertainment options include theater and cultural performances such as concerts and special shows presented by Columbus arts organizations throughout the weekend. The downtown event calendar also lists a variety of live performances, workshops and community gatherings across the city.
With sporting championships, concerts and seasonal celebrations all taking place, Columbus will offer a busy weekend schedule for residents and visitors alike.
