Up Front in Cbus | Fall 2026

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Up Front in Cbus | Fall 2026

September 14, 2026

September

Sports

⚾ Last Chance to Catch a Clippers Game

The Columbus Clippers season is wrapping up in September! Soak up the last of summer by getting tickets to their series against the Iowa Cubs starting September 1 at Huntington Park. See the full schedule here.

September 1-6 | Columbus Clippers vs. Iowa Cubs
September 15-20 | Columbus Clippers vs. St. Paul Saints

⚽ Columbus Crew are Still Kicking in September

The Columbus Crew have a packed September lineup, gather with friends and family to root for the crew, including the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Sept. 16 against Orlando City. View the full schedule here.

September 5 | Columbus Crew vs. Colorado Rapids
September 12 | Columbus Crew vs. Red Bull New York
September 16 | U.S. Open Cup Semi-Finals — Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City
September 27 | Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami CF

Food and Drink

🥪 Fall Specials from Jimmy John’s

Jimmy John’s is launching a BBQ Brisket Sandwich, just in time for fall tailgating! Grab the limited time item September 14 through November 22.

🍹 New Happy Hour Menu

Viva Mexican Kitchen has rolled out a new weekday happy hour menu in the Arena District! Stop by Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. for drink specials and shareable bites, including tacos, nachos, pork belly guacamole and house margaritas, perfect for an easy after-work meetup.

🎃 Enjoy Fall Flavors at Sunny Street Cafe

Pumpkin pancakes are back at Sunny Street Café for a limited time! Starting Sept. 7, guests can enjoy pumpkin pancakes and other seasonal favorites for a weekend brunch with the family or a morning breakfast meeting. Guests can also celebrate National Pancake Day on Sept. 26 with a full stack of fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes for just $5 at all Sunny Street Café locations. Then, on National Coffee Day, Sept. 29, guests can save $2 on any cold brew!

Entertainment

🎶 Enjoy a Concert in the Arena District

Planning a date night, catching up with friends or looking for a reason to stay downtown after work? The Arena District has a packed entertainment lineup this month, with plenty of concerts and events to build a full night around. Here’s who’s coming to town:

October

Sports

🏒 Hockey is Back at Nationwide Arena

Blue Jackets hockey returns to Nationwide Arena on Oct. 1 as Columbus kicks off its 26th season! Grab your tickets, wear your union blue, and get ready to feel the energy downtown as the Jackets take the ice for a new season. See the full schedule here.

See the full schedule here.

October 1 | Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres
October 3 | Blue Jackets vs. Utah Mammoth
October 9 | Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
October 13 | Blue Jackets vs. Florida Panthers
October 17 | Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers
October 20 | Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
October 24 | Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights

⚽ Soccer is Still Rolling

The Columbus Crew are closing out their regular season home slate this month at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Whether you’re planning a family outing, meeting up with friends or making a full day of it in the Arena District, it’s a great time to catch one more match before the postseason. See the full schedule here.

October 14 | Columbus Crew vs. Charlotte FC
October 24 | Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC
October 31 | Columbus Crew vs. D.C. United

Community

👻 Highball Halloween

Highball Halloween is happening just steps away from the Arena District in the Short North Arts District. Experience spooky and elaborate costumes, made by local fashion designers, live entertainment and plenty of Halloween spirit on October 3. Visit Highball Columbus for 2026 event details.

🏃 Columbus Marathon

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon is back October 17-18. The Arena District offers a great location to spectate the race and cheer on runners with many food options to enjoy before or after. Want to participate? Registration is still open for the marathon, half marathon, 5K, one mile or the Kids Run. To register for the race or be a fundraiser, visit www.columbusmarathon.com/marathon.

🧠 Cards for a Cause

Midwest Cards and VeeFriends are bringing the community together for Connecting Through Collecting, an all-day charity fundraiser benefiting The Kids Mental Health Foundation. Stop by Midwest Cards on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for games, raffles and a full day of fun in support of the foundation’s work to provide free mental health resources for children and the adults who care for them.

🏌️ Get Your Skills Up to Par

Looking for a fun way to get together that goes beyond dinner? X-Golf Columbus in Grandview Yard brings the golf experience indoors with virtual courses, food and drinks. It’s open to all ages and skill levels, making it an easy pick for family outings, friend hangouts, league play or extra practice. More information: X-Golf Columbus.

Entertainment

🎤 Plan a Night Out at a Concert

Pick a date, grab your people and head to the Arena District for live music, good food and a night downtown. Here’s a few acts hitting the stage:

Food & Drink

🏒 Game Days Hit Different at R Bar

From the first faceoff to the final horn, R Bar Arena is where Blue Jackets fans come to rally. Catch every play on 30+ TVs, grab game-day food and drinks, and soak up the energy of fellow fans in the heart of Columbus’ Arena District. Whether you’re gearing up before the game or recapping it afterward, R Bar is your place to make a night of it.

🍕 The Food, The Fun, The Pizza!

Whether celebrating a birthday or planning a family night out, Bucca di Beppo is serving up pizza family style. Enjoy a spicy arrabbiata, pizza con formaggio or a classic margherita pizza, these are the perfect flavors to enjoy this cozy fall season!

🌶️ Bold Flavors at Si Senor

Take your lunch break somewhere with a little more flavor. Sí Señor Peruvian Sandwiches serves bold, fresh Peruvian-inspired sandwiches, soups and salads that make it an easy choice for a quick weekday lunch, a casual meet-up or a satisfying bite before an event downtown.