Columbus Curiosity - 22nd August 2025

Hey Columbus crew—

This week we’ve got ticket prices scarier than Texas’s defense, Redditors pulling international hero moves, cops turning bridges into car shows, and a downtown library full of giant bugs (yes, really).

On the food front, the new spot in Hillard, Bobby Jo’s is slinging charred-crust pies, Frybird’s reinventing the school bus, and Columbus’s eternal fish & chips debate rages on.

And the weekend? From Navy ships to magic tricks, from hip-hop legends to jam-rock riffs, the city’s calendar is stacked.

The Lineup:

🗞️ News You Missed — OSU vs. Texas tickets hit “mortgage payment” levels, Reddit reuniting an Aussie with her long-lost iPad, Rich Street Bridge turns into a car fest, and the library goes full bug exhibit.

🔍 Hidden Gems — A smash hit in Hillard, Bobby Jo’s pizza permanence, Frybird’s halal food bus, and where to get the crispiest fish & chips.

🎟️ Live & Local — Will Orchard, the Air Show, CrestFest, Crew vs. Revolution, Benson Boone, Talib Kweli, Joey Aich, Gov’t Mule, Brent Cobb, and even The Princess Bride under the stars.

🖼️ Picture of the Week — A barred owl perfectly vibin’ in Blacklick.

Let’s dive into this weeks chaos:

🚨 The Headlines

OSU vs. Texas: Your Wallet’s Greatest Fear

Next Saturday’s showdown at the ‘Shoe is officially a “sell-your-kidney” level event. The cheapest get-in price is hovering around $400.

For comparison, that legendary 2006 Michigan game was only $600… which, adjusted for inflation and our collective desperation, actually makes this feel worse.

Cold takes:

• OSU Ticketing: “Just buy from us, please, for the love of God.” (paraphrased)

• A brave senior: “I’d go as high as $800.” (His date-night budget must be insane.)

• My bank account: [incoherent screaming]

→ Peep the damage

Social Media Sleuths Reunite Aussie with iPad Lost in Ohio

A woman in Sydney got an email: someone in HILLIARD was trying to access her iPad, lost two years ago. She posted on r/Columbus in a panic. The internet did its thing, pinpointed an e-recycling plant on Leap Rd, and an employee saw the post. Cue the waterworks.

The vibe:

• Reddit: Playing digital superhero for the day.

• e-Cycle Employees: The real MVPs, shipping a piece of someone’s life back across the planet.

• All of us: “Find my iPhone” is now permanently enabled.

→ Read the feel-good story

Rich Street Roar: Cops, Cars, and Community

Forget a quiet Sunday. On Aug. 31, the Columbus PD is turning the Rich Street Bridge into a gearhead’s paradise for the third year running. It’s trucks, exotics, classics, live music, and food trucks—all because the police want to hang with us in something other than a, well, official capacity. Respect.

Unspoken rules:

• Officer Anthony Johnson: “Positively interact with the community.” (We see you, sir.)

• My 2008 Honda Civic: Feeling deeply inadequate.

• Everyone else: Just happy to see something cool and free downtown.

→ Get the deets

Library Gets Buggy (In the Best Way)

The main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is currently hosting a exhibit of massive, battery-operated bugs. We’re talking a dragonfly, a bumblebee, a moth—the whole crew. It’s equal parts terrifying and awesome, and it’s exactly the kind of weird, wonderful thing that makes this city great. They’re there ’til Halloween.

Mood:

• Kids: Unironically thrilled.

• Adults: Also unironically thrilled, but trying to play it cool.

• The library: “Please just also take some books about entomology.”

→ See the giant bugs

💎 Hidden Gems & Local Legends

🍔 Wilson’s Bar & Grill: A Smash Hit in Hilliard

Yabo’s Tacos on Cemetery Road is out. Wilson’s Bar & Grill is in, and they’re slinging a menu so massive it might just cause decision paralysis.

We’re talking nine—nine!—different smash burgers, eight homemade wing sauces, and a lineup of apps, hoagies, and salads that basically guarantees no one in your family will argue about where to eat.

→ Follow the smell of smashed beef

🍽️ Places to Try

Bobby Jo’s Pizza (5225 N. High St.): The New-Haven-style pizza pop-up that took the city by storm now has a permanent home inside Donerick’s Pub. Giant, charred crust pies and a Philly Cheesesteak pizza called the “Tush Push.” Because of course it is.

Frybird (3940 E. Main St., Whitehall): Halal fried chicken and cheesesteaks served out of a brilliantly repurposed school bus. It’s a food bus. We’re calling it. Their “Walking Nachos” are served in a bag of Doritos. This is innovation.

🍟 Fish & Chips Spots for Your Inner Brit:

• The Last Queen (Enon): The undisputed champ. A drive, but a pilgrimage for authentic, amazing fish & chips. Run by a Brit. They know things.

• Fado Irish Pub (Bridge Park/Easton): The most consistent, reliable, and accessible bet for a proper beer-battered fix.

• Old Bag of Nails (Various): The classic Columbus stand-by. It’s not fancy, but it’s always there for you with a solid plate.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment

Friday 22ND August:

Will Orchard - Rambling House Music Bar, 6 PM

Indie folk with heart—intimate, stripped down, and all feels.

→ See the set

Columbus Air Show — Rickenbacker Airport

Jet trails, stunt pilots, and sky-high thrills. Perfect Saturday morning adrenaline.

→ Soar here

Comedy Double Feature: Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941) & Horse Feathers (1932) - Ohio Theatre, 7:30 PM

Classic screwball and Marx Brothers chaos on the big screen.

→ Grab tickets

Saturday 23RD August:

Columbus Navy Week — Downtown

Ships, service members, and military showcases docked in the city. Learn history or just vibe.

→ Explore the dock

2025 Women & Girls’ Fest — MPACC Box Park

Live acts, makers, and community hype focused on women & girls. All-ages empowerment hub.

→ Check it out

Bark Bash — Prairie Oaks Metro Park

Doggos in the wild—nature walks, water access, and tail-wagging joy for all ages.

→ Bring your pup

Columbus Crew vs. New England Revolution — Lower.com Field

MLS action under the lights. Bring your scarf, lose your voice.

→ Score tickets

Sunday 24TH August:

The Great Thurston’s World of Magic

Old-school illusions, sleight of hand, and dinner theatre flair in a historic downtown venue.

→ Step into the magic

Columbus International Festa-val

A world tour in one afternoon—global food, culture, and performances at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

→ Celebrate diversity

90s R&B Jam on the Patio

Smooth classics, good food, and Sunday soul under the lights.

→ Jam out

Monday 25TH August:

Benson Boone at Nationwide Arena

Viral hitmaker brings his chart-toppers to a massive Columbus stage.

→ Get your tickets

Adult Skating – Newbie Night

Dust off those skates—wobbly is welcome at United Skates of America.

→ Roll with it

Punk Rock Karaoke at The Spacebar

Grab the mic, shred your throat, live out your punk frontman fantasy.

→ Take the stage

Tuesday 26TH August:

KweliFest 2025 feat. Talib Kweli + Guests

The conscious hip-hop legend brings bars, beats, and a stacked guest list to an intimate venue. Expect a lyrical masterclass.

→ Get tickets

Conan w/ Mares of Thrace

UK doom titans team up with Canadian sludge duo for a night of riffs so heavy they’ll rattle the barstools.

→ Snag your spot

KweliFest 2025 feat. Talib Kweli + Special Guests

Hip-hop legend Talib Kweli headlines a stacked lineup in an intimate venue — sharp lyrics, classic beats, and surprise guests on deck. Expect a high-energy, socially conscious throwdown.

→ Grab tickets

Wednesday 27TH August:

Moments Like These.LIVE – Joey Aich & The Head Band

Columbus’s own Joey Aich throws down hip-hop grooves backed by a live band. A community-first show with local flavor.

→ Grab your spot

James Clear x Angus Fletcher Talk

Atomic Habits meets story science—brain fuel, free of charge.

→ Save your spot

Blues & Beyond at Natalie’s

Lil' Red & the Rooster serving soul-soaked blues.

→ Catch the show

Thursday 28TH August:

The Princess Bride at Genoa Park

As you wish—outdoor screening of the cult classic under the stars.

→ Watch here

Gov’t Mule: Back In The Saddle Tour

Southern jam-rock legends return with heavy riffs, long solos, and Warren Haynes magic.

→ Snag tickets

Brent Cobb — Ain’t Rocked in a While Tour

Grammy-winning country troubadour brings soulful storytelling and Southern groove to an intimate stage.

→ Reserve a spot

🖼️ Picture of the Week

“Found this beauty at Blacklick. Found this beauty at Blacklick.” - Flyingkangaroos15

Spotted (and double-confirmed) by a local Redditor, a barred owl blending perfectly into the summer green.

→ Got a snap worth sharing? Send it my way, best shots make the newsletter.

😀See You Next Week

From sky-high ticket prices to sky-high stunt planes, from brisket smoke to bug exhibits, Columbus is doing the most this week.

Hydrate, tip like a legend, and maybe keep “Find My iPhone” turned on forever.

Until next week,
Stay curious. Stay caffeinated.

— Nate
Columbus Curiosity