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- Columbus Curiosity - 14th November 2025
Columbus Curiosity - 14th November 2025
Your Weekly Dose of Columbus Events, News, and Fun
Nathan Griggs
November 14, 2025
Hey Columbus crew,
This week has everything: a firefighter saving a family cat, High Street getting national love, a thousand voices singing for community, and Buckeye hype levels officially entering “run-through-a-wall” territory.
Add in new food spots, a sushi robot, and a citywide debate about where to get coffee—and yeah, Columbus is fully awake.
The Lineup:
📰 The Headlines – A firefighter’s feline rescue, High Street’s national shout-out, a thousand-voice Harmony Project, and a Buckeye “Mentality” check.
💎 Hidden Gems & Local Legends – Cuban sandwiches worth the drive, new pho therapy, viral fried-chicken ice cream, and a robot-powered sushi bar.
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment – From Leslie Jones to Blue October, Holiday Hoopla, and Buckeyes under the lights.
☕ Topic of the Week – Where Columbus actually gets its coffee
Let’s dive into this week’s chaos:
The Headlines
Firefighters Pull Off a Purr-fect Rescue
Let’s start with some news that’s better than finding an extra chicken wing in your order..
A house fire in Johnstown is a nightmare, but the Monroe Township firefighters made sure it didn't have a tragic ending. The family got out safe, but the next day, they heard a faint meow from the wreckage.
Cue Firefighter Traci McMillen, who went into the damaged basement and emerged with the family’s cat, completely unharmed. The Battalion Chief said the cat was "in good spirits," which, after a house fire, makes it probably the chillest creature in Ohio. In a week of heavy news, this is a moment of pure, unadulterated hope. We don’t deserve firefighters.
High Street is (Kinda) Famous!
A national poll from MarketBeat just named High Street the 32nd best main street in America for fall shopping. 32nd! We’re sandwiched between who-knows-where and nestled right behind wherever. But you know what? We’ll take it.
The write-up is actually lovely, talking about our "scarlet leaves," Tigertree's curated goods, and the chance to make custom candles at Penn & Beech. It’s a nice reminder that while we’re busy complaining about parking, we’re walking down a street people travel to see.
Now, if they could just do something about that 32nd place ranking for potholes...
Click Here: To see why High Street just went national!
From Hurricane Ruins to a Thousand Voices
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina washed away his life in New Orleans, David Brown landed back in Columbus with a question: why do we only come together in a crisis? His answer was the Harmony Project.
What started with an ad and 100 people is now a thousand-voice choir where the real music happens offstage. These folks are out there planting trees, serving meals, and mentoring kids. It’s not about being the next American Idol; it’s about building a community that doesn’t need a disaster to connect. In a world that feels increasingly divided, this is the kind of story that doesn’t just make you smile—it makes you want to be a better neighbor.
Buckeyes Drop the “Mentality” Trailer
The Ohio State hype video machine is a well-oiled beast, and this week’s trailer for the UCLA game is all about “Mentality.” Coach Day is on screen telling the team, “Who controls how hard we play? We do. That's it.” It’s the kind of gritty, focused energy that makes you want to run through a wall, or at least tackle your laundry.
They’re a heavy favorite, but as the ghost of Purdue past reminds us, night games can get weird. Let’s see if they keep the train rolling.
Click Here: To feel the Buckeye mentality for yourself!
Spice Theory is Serving Sorcery in Gahanna
A new pizza and sandwich spot opened inside Noble Cut Distillery in Gahanna, and the Columbus Foodies hive mind is already buzzing. One member declared their Cuban sandwich "legitimately the best... I’ve ever had." This isn't some frozen-patty situation—everything is sourced locally and made from scratch. If you need a reason to head to Gahanna, let it be this.
Pho-nally! A New Vietnamese Spot Arrives
Pho 2024 (opening in 2025, because of course) is now slinging six different types of pho on East Broad Street. From a classic house special to a birria-style beef rib pho and a seafood version with a touch of pineapple, this is the kind of deep, aromatic broth therapy we need as the temperature drops.
Over at Dayou Market on Bethel Road, you can find the TikTok-famous Fried Cluckin’ Ice Cream. It looks exactly like a fried chicken drumstick. It is, in fact, ice cream. It’s $10.99 for a pack of three, and it sells out faster than a PS5 on launch day. Is it a gimmick? Absolutely. Will I be trying it? You bet.
Hokkaido’s Sushi-Slicing Robot is Here to Feed You
The team behind Coco Cuisine has opened Hokkaido Revolving Sushi Bar on Bethel Road. The real star of the show might be the sushi slicer in the kitchen that can cut 3,000 pieces per minute. For a predictable price, you can grab plates off the conveyor belt for two hours. It’s the future, and it’s delicious.
Live Music & Entertainment
Friday, November 14TH
Leslie Jones: Live
The SNL alum brings loud, unfiltered, story-time comedy to Columbus.
KEMBA LIVE! | 20:00 | (Book Here)
Southall
Oklahoma rock with big choruses and plenty of twang in one of Columbus’s prettiest venues.
The Bluestone | 20:00 | (Details)
Franklinton Fridays
Studios open, galleries buzzing, food trucks parked up and down the district.
Franklinton Arts District | Evening | (More info)
Eddie & The Getaway – Tumbleweeds and Nicotine Tour
Southern-rock storytelling with radio-ready hooks.
A&R Music Bar | 19:00 | (Tickets)
Saturday, November 15TH
Ohio State vs. UCLA
Blue-blood college football matchup in the ‘Shoe. Expect noise. A lot of it.
Ohio Stadium | (Find Seats)
Columbus Symphony – Messiah
Handel’s classic done big, bold, and goosebump-worthy.
Ohio Theatre | 19:30 | (Tickets)
Ninja Kidz Live
YouTube megastars bring flips, stunts, and kid-chaos to the stage.
Palace Theatre | 15:00 | (More info)
Tag Out – A Tag Team Comedy Show
Improv teams tagging in and out, trying to out-riff each other.
The Attic Comedy Club | 19:00 | (Tickets)
Sunday, November 16TH
Hot Chocolate 15K/5K – Columbus
Run through downtown, then refuel with hot chocolate, fondue, and sugar.
McFerson Commons Park | 07:30 | (Register)
Dirty Windows – John Prine Tribute
Story-rich songs and acoustic warmth for Prine fans and converts alike.
Natalie’s Grandview | 14:30 | (Tickets)
Not Your Mama’s Holiday Market @ Polaris
Same handmade magic, this time in the suburbs.
Polaris Fashion Place | 11:00–18:00 | (More info)
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State – Men’s Basketball
Non-conference showdown on the hardwood.
Schottenstein Center | 12:30 | (Tickets)
Beers & Bluegrass – Bourbon Legend
Live bluegrass with a pint in hand.
Combustion Brewery & Taproom (Clintonville) | 15:00 | (More info)
Monday, November 17TH
ROME (formerly of Sublime with Rome)
Reggae-rock nostalgia with new material mixed in.
Newport Music Hall | 20:00 | (Tickets)
Honey and Blue
Columbus duo blending soul, pop, and blues with original tracks and covers.
Newport Music Hall | 19:00 (support slot / show time) | (More info)
Candle-Making at Easton Town Center
Pour your own candles, pick a scent, and pretend you’re ahead on holiday gifts.
Easton Town Center | 19:00 | (Book a spot)
Board Games & Beer Night
Bring friends or join a table; the tap list is as long as the rulebooks.
Ohio Brewing Company Columbus | 18:00 | (More info)
Tuesday, November 18TH
Some Like It Hot
Broadway-style song, dance, and farce based on the classic film.
Ohio Theatre | 19:30 | (Tickets)
Will Hoge @ Columbus Athenaeum
Roots rock and sharp songwriting from a Nashville veteran.
Columbus Athenaeum | 19:00 | (More info)
DSACO Improv Comedy Show @ Columbus Funny Bone
Local comics riff for a good cause with fast, unscripted sets.
Columbus Funny Bone | 18:30 | (See details)
Wednesday, November 19TH
Blue October
Alt-rock staples playing the hits plus deep cuts.
KEMBA LIVE! | 19:00 | (Tickets)
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Modern pop songs reworked into vintage jazz, swing, and soul.
Southern Theatre | 19:00 | (Tickets)
Will Hoge @ Skully’s
A more intimate club show for fans who like their songs up close.
Skully’s Music-Diner | 19:00 | (Tickets)
MAGIC HUNKS Live
Vegas-style male revue, dance, and crowd work.
Eldorado’s Bar Food & Spirits | 21:00 | (More info)
The Faint + Hercules & Love Affair
Indie-electronic and dance-punk legends on the same bill.
Newport Music Hall | 20:00 | (Tickets)
Thursday, November 20TH
Yung Gravy – Voluptuous Voyage Tour
Internet rap star, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and a packed Bluestone.
The Bluestone | 20:00 | (Tickets)
Holiday Hoopla 2025 @ Shadowbox Live
Sketch comedy + live music + holiday chaos (in the best way).
Shadowbox Live | (View showtimes)
Mammoth WVH with Myles Kennedy
Wolfgang Van Halen and Myles Kennedy team up for a big rock night.
KEMBA LIVE! | 19:00 | (Tickets)
Ohio State vs. Western Michigan – Men’s Basketball
Non-conference action at the Schott.
Schottenstein Center | 20:00 | (Tickets)
How'd We Do This Week?We’re always cooking up new ways to make your inbox the best part of your week. Be honest—how’s this one stacking up? |
Topic of the Week: Where Columbus Gets Its Coffee
With Starbucks workers calling for a boycott, a simple question blew up online:
If you skip Starbucks, where are you actually getting your caffeine?
Columbus is spoiled for options. Here are the spots locals kept shouting out:
One Line Coffee – The repeat champion. People love it for pour-overs, espresso, and beans to brew at home.
Stauf’s – Classic neighborhood staple with lots of regulars who say it beats Starbucks on both taste and price.
Pistacia Vera – Famous for pastries, quietly elite for lattes. “Hoooooly shit… makes a mean latte.”
Roosevelt Coffeehouse / Royal Flamingo / Two Tigers – For folks who care about origin, roasting, and slow-sip vibes.
Upper Cup / Global Gallery / Kokomo / Galaxy Coffee – East Side, Clintonville, and Parsons regulars say these are their go-tos for both caffeine and community.
Crimson Cup / Florin / Third Way – Popular picks for drive-thru or grab-and-go. Third Way gets special love for pairing Bears Bagels with its coffee.
Chains and wild cards – Tim Hortons, Dunkin’, Sheetz, White Castle, and even “Kroger, aisle 5” all got love from people who just want reliable, cheap coffee.
“There is no reason to go to Starbucks over a local shop except app convenience.”
“I can pay the same price and support a local business and usually get better coffee.”
“I’m just shocked people still go to Starbucks.”
“Brand recognition is everything. People know exactly what a white mocha tastes like anywhere in the country.”
“If money is that tight, I probably shouldn’t be buying a $4–$8 coffee anyway.”
Your turn
Where are you getting your coffee right now? Hit reply with:
Your go-to shop (or drive-thru) and your usual order,
Your neighborhood,
Whether you’re Team Local Shop, Team Chain, or Team Brew-It-Yourself.
Closing Thoughts
Columbus is buzzing right now. New food, wild stories, big games, and more coffee opinions than any city should reasonably have.
So this week, get out there and sample a little of everything: a show, a new spot, a neighborhood you haven’t wandered in a while, or just a really good cup of something warm.
This city runs on curiosity, community, and caffeine and you’re right in the middle of it.
Until next Friday,
Stay curious. Stay caffeinated.
— Nate
Columbus Curiosity