COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Columbus and Central Ohio will be buzzing this weekend with a mix of cultural, musical, family-friendly and sporting events from Oct. 10 to Oct. 13, 2025. Below is a roundup of highlights to help you plan your weekend.
Friday, Oct. 10
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Columbus Italian Festival — The three-day Italian Village celebration opens Friday evening from 5 to 11 p.m. with traditional music, dance, food and cultural exhibits.
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“Rhapsody in Blue” — Jazz Arts Group presents this multi-day concert series beginning Oct. 10.
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Missionfest Columbus — A community and faith event spans the weekend, beginning Friday at 12 p.m. in downtown Columbus.
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“Boo at the Zoo” — The Columbus Zoo hosts a family-friendly “merry-not-scary” Halloween event starting Friday.
Saturday, Oct. 11
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Columbus Italian Festival (Day 2) — Continues from noon to 11 p.m. with headliners such as Micheál Castaldo, PopGun, and Rick Brunetto big band.
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“Rhapsody in Blue” — Concerts continue through Saturday.
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Women’s Soccer & Field Hockey — Ohio State hosts women’s soccer vs. Washington at 12 p.m. and field hockey vs. Michigan at 1 p.m.
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Evening Music & Culture — The Short North Arts District offers a food tour Saturday in the area’s galleries and restaurants.
Sunday, Oct. 12
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Final Day: Columbus Italian Festival — Festivities wind down from noon to 7 p.m. with closing performances and a marching band competition.
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Saucebox: A Midwestern Affair with Wine and Food — A refined wine and food festival returns downtown on Sunday.
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Nationwide Arena Concert — Mumford & Sons perform Sunday in their Columbus stop.
Monday, Oct. 13
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Blue Jackets Season Opener — The NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets host the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena.
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Taste of Twenty — Wine Club Dinner — A wine pairing dinner event takes place Monday evening (though technically outside the core weekend).
Also Around Central Ohio
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Chillicothe Halloween Festival — Running Oct. 10–12 in Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park, this fall celebration features haunted attractions, inflatables, live music and coffin races.
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Bob Evans Farm Festival — Also Oct. 10–12 in Rio Grande, this event marks the origins of the Bob Evans restaurant brand with farm tours, local crafts, and family activities.
Tips for the Weekend
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Ticketing & Timing — Some events (like the Italian Festival) list presale pricing and limited online tickets.
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Travel & Parking — Expect increased traffic and demand, especially around Italian Village, downtown, and the arena.
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Weather & Attire — October evenings may be cool — bring layers or a light jacket, especially for outdoor events.
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Public Safety & Codes — Stay alert to capacity limits and mask or health guidelines where posted.