This isn’t just a movie night, it’s Dirty Dancing in Concert. That means you’ll watch the digitally remastered classic play on the big screen while a live band and vocalists perform the unforgettable soundtrack in sync. You’ll experience “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,” and, of course, the Oscar-winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” performed live while Baby and Johnny fall in love all over again.

And the fun doesn’t stop when the credits roll.

The night wraps up with an after-party where fans can sing, dance, and basically live out their Kellerman’s resort fantasies. And you won’t even have to carry a watermelon!

“Dirty Dancing has always been more than just a movie—it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate across generations,” says Floris Douwes, Producer and Managing Director at GEA Live. “Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the fiftieth, this experience invites fans to fall in love with Baby and Johnny all over again—and dance the night away.”

The film first hit theaters 38 years ago (feel old yet?).

It quickly became a global sensation, grossing over $214 million and giving the world one of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time. From Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s iconic chemistry to that lift, it’s no wonder Dirty Dancing has spun off sequels, stage shows, and more.

Tickets start at $36 and go on sale today, Friday, August 22 at 10 a.m. You can snag them at the CAPA Ticket Center at the Ohio Theatre, by phone at (614) 469-0939, or online at capa.com.

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At 26 stories tall and nearly 2 million square feet, this new tower is designed with patients and families front and center, blending top-tier medical tech with thoughtful spaces that actually feel welcoming.

Inside, 820 private patient rooms offer plenty of space for visitors, high-tech entertainment, and telehealth tools that bring doctors and specialists closer than ever. Huge 9-foot windows flood rooms with natural light, because science shows that sunshine speeds healing. Laboring moms will appreciate quick elevator access to the state-of-the-art maternity floor, while quiet hallways and nearby staff workspaces mean less noise and faster care.

But it’s not just about the patient rooms.

The tower includes peaceful reflection areas and multi-faith spaces to support emotional healing. With 234 ICU beds, 50 elevators, and all the latest smart tech like digital room signs and smart beds, this tower is built to handle Central Ohio’s booming population, which is expected to hit 3 million by 2050.

John Warner, CEO of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, says every inch of the tower was designed by asking, “How can we make this the best place for patients and families?” It’s a bold step forward in a city that’s growing fast and hungry for innovation in health care.

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Voyager Technologies has officially selected its development team for the new Voyager Institute for Space, Technology and Advancement (VISTA), right here at The Ohio State University. The project marks the creation of the country’s first-ever science park dedicated entirely to in-space research and innovation.

The VISTA campus will span up to 80 acres of leased land on Ohio State’s campus, bringing together some of the brightest minds in space tech, AI, biopharma, Ag-tech, robotics, and more. From startups to Fortune 500s, over a dozen tenants are already on board, with more expected to join as the park expands.

“This is a powerful engine to take the space economy to the next level,” said Jeffrey Manber, President of International and Space Stations at Voyager. “VISTA allows industry, academia and governments to create a critical mass for in-space research and manufacturing.”

Columbus-based Elford Inc. is leading the pre-construction phase, while Colliers International is heading up global tenant recruitment. The project will include labs, office space and meeting areas for public-private collaboration, all anchored by OSU’s world-class academic resources.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because VISTA was formerly known as the George Washington Carver Science Park. The legacy lives on through the newly named G.W. Carver AgTech initiative, which will support in-space crop development and sustainable agriculture research.

Ohio’s aerospace sector is booming, with VISTA joining forces with NASA Glenn, Wright-Patterson AFB, and recent arrivals like Airbus and Anduril Industries. It’s another sign that Ohio’s space economy isn’t just on the map, it’s becoming the map.

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From August 12 through October 30, Main Library (96 S. Grant Ave.) is hosting Giant Bugs, a free interactive exhibit featuring enormous, scientifically accurate models of insects ranging from a glowing firefly to a towering 7-foot grasshopper.

The lineup also includes a 4-foot red-tailed bumblebee, a boldly patterned Madagascan sunset moth, a giant blue-eyed darner dragonfly, and more — each complete with fascinating facts on how they survive, pollinate, and rule the skies.

Designed to spark curiosity for nature lovers of all ages, the exhibit will feature hands-on activities, staff-led programs, and a handpicked selection of bug-themed books available to check out.

Whether you’re visiting with science-obsessed kids, adding to your summer adventure list, or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, Giant Bugs is the perfect excuse to get a little buggy.

Giant Bugs at Main Library

96 S. Grant Ave.
On view Aug. 12 – Oct. 30
Free and open to the public

For more information, visit columbuslibrary.org/giant-bugs-at-main.

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Starting in 2026, the United Football League (UFL) will call the stadium home, introducing a brand new Columbus-based team to the league’s growing lineup.

While it’s not the NFL, the UFL has been carving out its own space in spring football, and Columbus is one of several markets the league is eyeing for a refresh. According to ESPN, UFL investor Mike Repole — the entrepreneur behind Vitaminwater, Smartwater, and BodyArmor — is leading a major shakeup, giving Columbus the nod as one of at least two teams set to relocate for next season.

He’s focused on fan experience and game-day energy, calling out empty seats in oversized stadiums as a problem the league is ready to solve. “You can hear a pin drop when someone runs 80 yards,” Repole told ESPN. “That’s not so good.”

That’s part of why Columbus was appealing.

With a capacity of 21,000 and a history of hosting high-energy events, Historic Crew Stadium offers a more intimate, electric vibe, something the league hopes to replicate across future expansions. Columbus Crew officials echoed that sentiment, saying the move is “a testament to the first-class fan experience” the stadium provides.

The team will mark the city’s first foray back into professional football since the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League, who last took the field in 2019. It also positions Columbus as a key market in the UFL’s long-term goal of growing to 16 teams within the next decade.

Games are expected to run from late March to early June, and while it’s still early days, one thing’s clear — spring football is about to be a lot more exciting in the 614.

Featured image via Historic Crew Stadium (Facebook)

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Set inside the newly renovated former Grove City Lanes bowling alley (3940 Broadway), the 6,000-square-foot space has been transformed into a modern entertainment lounge.

“It’s a very old building. We knew it was going to take a lot of effort, but we uncovered more than we anticipated,” explained Dueling Axes Chief Operations Officer, Paul Sherry. “Unfortunately, that pushed our expected open date back by a little more than a month. However, we always say it is better to do it right the first time rather than have to go back to fix it again.”

The new space includes axe and knife throwing, shuffleboard, darts, cornhole, and a full-service bar with small bites that go well with friendly competition. (We see you, Lumberjack Chili Cheese Nachos.)

With more than 13 big TVs — including four 85-inch screens — the space doubles as a sports bar, making it just as ideal for watching the game with friends as it is for settling old scores via hatchet.

Doors open at 3 p.m. on grand opening day, and guests can expect Cosmic Axes (yes, glow-in-the-dark) all weekend long, plus 20% off all 1-hour or longer axe throwing sessions through Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome, so you don’t have to plan ahead unless you want to.

Dueling Axes will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but they’re bringing the energy Wednesday through Sunday. This includes summer leagues for axe throwing starting July 23, as well as more competitive events like dart and cornhole leagues in the pipeline.

“We are pleased to welcome Dueling Axes to our historic Town Center,” said Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage. “We appreciate the continued growth in the growing variety of activities, clearly enhancing the Town Center experience.”

If your summer needs a new activity that hits the bullseye, you might want to head to Grove City and get your throw on. To learn more about the Grand Opening, or just for more info, head over to theduelingaxes.com.

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Tucked away off Olentangy River Road on the city’s northwest side, the new courts come complete with lighting (yes, you can play until 11 p.m.), shaded pavilions for post-game cool downs, and ADA-accessible design. Translation: more dinks and volleys for everyone.

“We’re committed to investing in neighborhoods and creating vibrant, connected communities,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther. “These new pickleball courts at Busch Park are part of that investment—providing free, accessible spaces where residents can come together, stay active and enjoy their city.”

Pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the country.

These are only the second set of dedicated outdoor courts in the city, following Warner Woods Park. More are on the way at Krumm and McCoy Parks.

Funded through an $850,000 slice of the city’s Capital Budget pie, the project is part of the larger Community Sports Park initiative, which aims to boost quality sports facilities throughout Columbus. In other words, this isn’t just about paddles and plastic balls. It’s about investing in community health, social connection and a little friendly competition.

“Pickleball is a growing sport for people of all ages, and we’re proud to create more opportunities for residents to play, connect and thrive,” said Bernita Reese, director of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

The courts are nestled alongside the park’s eight regulation ball diamonds and athletic fields, so if you’re looking to turn a casual rally into a full-on summer sports day, Busch Park is the place.

With help from partners like Strawser Paving and EMH&T, and guidance from the city’s Community Sports Park feasibility study, the courts reflect both community input and growing demand.

The courts officially open on Thursday morning. Anheuser-Busch Sports Park is located at 4990 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214. To learn more about the park, head over to columbusrecparks.com.

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After closing their OG spot on West Broad back in 2014 to focus on catering, Louie Pappas and co-owner Demtra Stefanidis are reviving the beloved deli this August, and they’re doing it in the neighborhood where it all started. The new Milo’s will open at 401 W. Town St., in the former Strongwater Food & Spirits space, and yes, it’s bringing all the nostalgic deli vibes with a few exciting upgrades.

A New Home, The Same Heart

If you spent any time at the original Milo’s, you’ll remember the cozy (read: cramped) little shop that always smelled like heaven and was way too good to stay a secret. The catering business took off, space got tight, and the team made the tough call to shut the doors. But they never really left. Over the years, Milo’s has popped up at the Ohio Statehouse, ODOT, and a few pandemic-era events.

Now, they’re back for real.

What You Can Expect

There will be a full bar, multiple dining areas, and a semi-private space for events at the new Milo’s. The menu? A mix of old favorites and fresh takes: legendary pressed paninis, Italian and Greek classics, deli salads, and made-to-order sandwiches on homemade schiacciata (think focaccia meets flatbread). And if you want to stick with tradition, Audino’s bread will still be an option.

They’ll also have grab and go cases for anyone needing a quick bite and a bakery section to satisfy your sweet tooth. Basically, it’s everything you missed, plus cocktails.

Coming Soon

Milo’s Deli will reopen in late August, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome it back to the neighborhood. Stay tuned for the official opening date, and keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.

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After a renovation break, the beloved waterfront spot where the Scioto and Olentangy rivers meet (you know, the one with that perfect skyline view) is finally welcoming diners back.

The exact reopening date is still TBD, but they’re starting with a bang—literally. The Boat House will host its annual Red, White & BOOM! party on July 3 with live music, BBQ, drinks, and front-row seats to Columbus’ biggest fireworks show. Who could say no to prime rib with prime views?

As for the menu?

Expect upgraded classics with a twist, from Caviar Frites to a seafood tower you’ll probably want to post before you eat. The cocktails have names like Paid Vacation and Ghosted, so no matter what kind of night you’re having, they’ve got you covered.

“We’re excited to welcome the Columbus community back through our doors after our recent renovation,” said Jake Rossman, Director of Operations for Specialty Restaurants Corporation. “Whether you’re joining us for a date night, happy hour before a Columbus Crew game, or a celebratory dinner, we’re here to provide exceptional service, delicious food, and the best sunset views in the city.”

Keep an eye on @theboathouseoh for the official opening date, and if you’re already dreaming about riverside cocktails and skyline selfies, maybe go ahead and snag a reservation, too. You can learn more by visiting boathouserestaurantoh.com.

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The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) has unveiled early renderings for a proposed $400 million renovation of the downtown arena, the first significant update since the venue opened in 2000.

So, what’s included?

Ken Paul, executive director of the FCCFA, says the goal is simple: modernize the space, improve accessibility, and keep Columbus competitive when it comes to landing major events. Some of the upgrades in the plan include:

• A new main entrance, extending 30 feet into a neighboring office building
• An outdoor terrace connecting a new 4th floor food hall to the Founders Club
• Improved ADA access with new escalators and elevators
• New LED screens inside and outside the arena
• A long bar where fans can grab drinks without missing the action
• A relocated and upgraded team store

These upgrades aren’t just about aesthetics — they’re about staying in the game. In 2027, Nationwide Arena will host the NCAA Women’s Final Four and the Women’s Volleyball National Championships, followed by the opening rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament in 2028. Meeting the standards required to land events like these means reinvesting in the venue now.

How it gets funded

The projected $400 million renovation would be rolled out over four to five years and is expected to be funded through a public-private partnership. That means contributions from both the Blue Jackets and other private operators, as well as state and local governments.

Paul says the arena’s public ownership is central to the vision: “The public owns Nationwide Arena,” he told 10TV. “This is an investment in our own asset — one that supports downtown, drives tourism, and gives Columbus a shot at hosting national-caliber events.”

When will construction start?

Don’t expect cranes in the sky just yet. Officials hope to lock in a funding strategy and timeline by the end of 2025, meaning construction likely won’t begin until sometime in 2026 or later.

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