Ah, September in Columbus. The days are still warm, but the nights are getting cool enough to discourage the mosquitoes. And there are lots of things to do. There's baseball, football, concerts, festivals and a host of Labor Day weekend events -- so many they have their own schedule!
(Want me to add an event? Send me the info.)
Context 22
This literary science fiction and fantasy convention includes award-winning authors Catherine Asaro (Diamond Star), James Hogan (The Multiplex Man), Christopher Golden (Hidden Cities, Hellboy) and editor Jason Sizemore (Apex Magazine), a writers' workshop, science programs and Anime Friday Night.
When: Aug. 28-30
Where: Doubletree Hotel, 175 Hutchinson Avenue, Worthington
Time: 4 p.m. Friday-5 p.m. Sunday
Cost: whole weekend: $50; Friday only: $20; Saturday only: $35; Sunday only: $10
Shadowbox – Bad to the Bone
Evidently this show features sketches and rock songs that unveil the cast’s dark, rebellious side. You have been warned…
When: Thursdays-Saturdays, Sept. 3-November 14
Where: Shadowbox,164 Easton Town Center, Columbus
Time: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Cost: general admission: $30; seniors and students: $20 at the door.
WaterFire
Bonfires dance on the Scioto River as BalletMet dances on stage.
When: September 4
Where:Downtown Columbus riverfront, near Genoa park amphitheatre
Time: BalletMet starts 8:00 p.m.; WaterFire bonfires lit 8:30 p.m.
Cost: free
Greek Festival
Food, history, dancing, tours of the Cathedral, more food, more dancing…But pace yourself. This annual festival celebrating Greek culture, religion and people is just one of the Labor Day weekend events in Columbus.
When: Sept. 4-7
Where: Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High
Time: Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun.: noon.–midnight; Mon.: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: adults: $5; seniors: $4; kids under 12: free
Short North Gallery Hop
Art, restaurants, street shows and an endless parade of people.(Okay, it just seems endless, but that doesn’t sound as dramatic.)
When: Sept. 5
Where: Short North
Time: about 5-10 p.m.
Cost: free
Ohio State University Football vs. Navy
When: September 5
Where: Ohio Stadium, Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus
Time: TBA
Cost: varies
Italian Gathering 2009
A large Italian-cars-and cycles-only show – think Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, Lancia, Lamborghini. Proceeds go to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption & Wendy's Wonderful Kids.
When: Sept. 6
Where: Wendy's International Corporate Grounds, One Dave Thomas Blvd., Dublin
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: free
Curtis Salgado
When: Sept. 11
Where:A&R Music Bar 391 Neil Ave., Columbus(Arena District)
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: general admission: $12 presale; $14 day of show. Tickets.
Columbus Crew
Cheer “America’s hardest working team” as they battle Houston Dynamo.
When: Sept. 13
Where: Columbus Crew Stadium, One Black & Gold Blvd, Columbus
Time: 5 p.m.
Cost: adult: $16-$39; youth: $10-29; tickets
Thurber House Author Talks -- Sue Miller
New York Times bestselling author Sue Miller has written 10 books including Oprah Book Club pick While I’m Gone. She'll read from her latest novel, The Senator’s Wife.
When: Sept. 14
Where: Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad Street
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Discounts for students and seniors. Contact the Thurber House for ticket info.
I try to keep this accurate, but make no guarantees.