One of Columbus’ most recognizable neighborhoods, the trendy and thriving Short North is a hotspot for nightlife, and is equally brimming with people during the day as well.
The neighborhood has some of the best art galleries in the city, as well as a number of boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. And while this list has plenty of suggestions to offer, the Short North is the kind of neighborhood that you can just show up and find something cool and exciting to do.
Here are the top 10 things to do in the Short North, starting with the neighborhood’s crowning event:
1. Check Out the Art Galleries
Galleries like Studios on High, the Lindsay Gallery, Sharon Weiss Gallery, as well as the Pizzuti Collection are venues for experiencing the works of local talent alongside national artists.
During Gallery Hop on every first Saturday of the month, opportunities to experience Columbus art are multiplied tenfold. Nearly every venue on High Street becomes an art space for various mediums, in addition to the street performances, food, and music that continues throughout the day and into the night.
Find more information on Gallery Hop here.
2. Watch Some Theatre at The Short North Stage
Our pick as the best theatrical group in Columbus of 2017 continues to be a welcomed change of pace from the specialty shops, bars, and coffeehouses in the Short North. The Short North Stage features hit musicals and cult classics like Fences, Dreamgirls, and The Performers, as well as performances by local dance companies.
The theater company produces performances weekly. Upcoming shows for the 2018/2019 season include The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Mamma Mia. For more information visit the Short North Stage website.
3. Live Music at Skully’s
There aren’t a lot of venues in Columbus where you can experience such a variety of live music events. From national artists to local artist showcases, and way too many dance parties to count. Popular dance nights include Ladies 80s and The Flex Crew for weekly dance or reggae, and Damn, Girl! for monthly disco.
Check out upcoming bands and parties at Skully’s here.
4. Take a Yoga Class
With the closing of CorePower Yoga in Easton, the yoga studio chain now holds all Columbus area classes at its Short North location. There and at Heartfelt Yoga Studio (formerly Thank Yoga) you’ll have no problem finding a class at just the right speed; Heartfelt offers All Levels Vinyasa and “Slow Jam” classes, while CorePower Yoga’s high-intensity take on yoga includes “Sculpt” and “Hot Power Fusion” classes.
5. Bar Hop the Beer Halls
If you’re into beer, not many neighborhoods in Columbus are as perfect for you as the Short North. And with a new brewery popping up in the city almost every day—sometimes right on top of each other—it’s easy to find a wide selection of beers for a bar fun, and responsible, bar hopping experience.
The long list of beer halls for such an occasion includes Short North Pint House, Standard Hall, North High Brewing, and Brothers Drake Meadery has a few local beer selections as well.