Columbus Curiosity - 28th November 2025

Your Weekly Dose of Columbus Events, News, and Fun

Author

Nathan Griggs
November 28, 2025

Hey Columbus crew,

Big week ahead, from stadium shakeups and local wins to new restaurant openings, packed event calendars, and a very Columbus debate about Black Friday chaos.

The Lineup:

📰 The Headlines — Stadium gets a new name, Charity Newsies steps up for the holidays, The Game hype reaches peak insanity, and local breweries turn concerts into coat drives.

💎 Hidden Gems & Local Legends — A vegan diner goes national, a scenic German-style brewery escape, and a new Mediterranean spot from the Lavash team.

đŸŽ¶ Live Music & Entertainment — Big shows, seasonal theatre, late-night sets, family events, and a full week of concerts across the city.

đŸ›ïž Topic of the Week — Columbus’ Black Friday reality check: malls, madness, leftovers, and where people are actually going.

Let’s dive into this week’s chaos:

The Headlines

Lower.com Field is Getting a New, Very Green Name

Well, it’s official. The Crew’s shiny, relatively new stadium is getting a rebrand. Beginning in 2026, say goodbye to Lower.com Field and hello to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Yes, you read that right. The home of the Black & Gold will be named after the company that helps your grass be green. The irony is not lost on me. In a move touted as a "forward pass," the Crew is swapping one corporate partner for another, but this one has local roots and has been helping maintain the team's actual, real-grass pitch for years.

The Wikipedia page was updated faster than you can say "naming rights," so you know it’s real. Lower.com isn't getting completely kicked to the curb; they'll stick around as a "Proud Partner." It’s the corporate equivalent of a friendly, mutual breakup.

Charity Newsies Serves Up More Than Just a Meal

In a story that’ll warm your heart faster than a double shot of bourbon in your hot chocolate, Charity Newsies hosted its first-ever free Thanksgiving dinner. They aimed to serve 100 families, and they did it with a level of care that puts your aunt’s perfectly set table to shame.

We’re talking placemats, handmade centerpieces, and even a dedicated kids' table. Ohio State sophomore Olivia Darmanie and her family volunteered, and she hopes to make it a yearly tradition. Her mom Karen confirmed it: "It will be a yearly tradition for sure." With cuts to food pantry funding, this wasn't just a meal; it was a statement that no one should be alone on the holiday. I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Ohio State Drops the Hype Video We’ve All Been Waiting For

The time has come. The Game is upon us. On Thursday, the Ohio State Buckeyes released their official gameday trailer, and let me tell you, it’s pure, uncut, scarlet-and-gray adrenaline.

The caption was simply, "No other words necessary." And they're right. The video says it all. The undefeated, top-ranked Buckeyes are headed to Ann Arbor, and the entire state is holding its breath. If this doesn't make you want to run through a brick wall, check your pulse. Set your alarms for noon on Saturday. It’s going to be war.

Brewery Hosts "Worth-Giving" Concert to Fight the Freezing Temps

As the temperature plummets, the team at Zaftig Brewery in Worthington decided their usual pre-Thanksgiving shindig needed a higher purpose. So, they threw a "Worth-Giving" benefit concert and coat drive for Mission Warmth, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing homelessness-related deaths in the winter.

They collected the "Stay Alive Five": coats, scarves, gloves, hats, and sleeping bags. With homelessness in Franklin County at a nearly 20-year high—and youth homelessness seeing a terrifying 31% spike—this wasn’t just a feel-good event. It was a necessary one. As one volunteer put it, "It's crazy to think about being on the street yourself as you're serving these people." A stark reminder to be grateful for our warm homes this season.

Hidden Gems & Local Legends

4th & State is a National Contender for Best Vegan Diner

The beloved, completely vegan downtown diner 4th & State has been nominated for "Best Vegan Diner in America" by VegNews! They're up against heavy hitters from Portland and NYC, but have you had their fluffy pancakes or stuffed crust pizza? They’ve got a real shot.

Your German Beer Getaway is in Coshocton

If you need to truly unplug, point your car east toward Wooly Pig Farm Brewery. This isn't just a tasting room; it's a full-on German-inspired farm experience with rolling hills, hop rows, and farm dogs begging for scraps. The beer is fantastic and the ambiance is a million miles away from the city grind. It’s a mini-vacation in a pint glass.

Linworth Grill Opens with a Mediterranean Flair

The team behind Lavash Cafe is at it again. Linworth Grill is now open in the same plaza as the iconic George’s Linworth Diner. They’re slinging upscale Mediterranean fare: grilled kebabs, Persian rice, homemade hummus, and a pastry case that’s probably already dangerous. The website is still baking, so you'll have to trust me and just go.

Live Music & Entertainment

Friday, November 28th

Los Caimanes De Sinaloa – Live at La Boom

Regional Mexican powerhouse bringing a full-energy late-night show at one of Columbus’ most electric venues.

Black Friday Comedy Showcase @ The Attic

A stacked lineup of comics doing post-holiday chaos jokes always packed, always loud.

Twilight in Concert @ Palace Theatre

A live orchestral performance of the Twilight score for fans who want peak nostalgia with big sound.

A Christmas Carol @ Ohio Theatre

A classic holiday tradition in one of the city’s most beautiful theaters, the perfect cozy season starter.

John Heffron @ Funny Bone

National headliner bringing polished, relatable stand-up to the holiday weekend.

Saturday, November 29th

Pentatonix @ Nationwide Arena

Holiday harmonies, huge productions, and one of the year’s most popular seasonal shows.

Hungry Turkey 5K / 10K / 1/3 Marathon

Burn off leftovers with a big multi-distance race starting at COSI.

OGs, Uncs & Young Bucks Comedy — The Attic Comedy Club

A mixed-generation comedy night showcasing veteran comics and new voices on one stage.

Ohio State vs. Michigan — Live Screening @ The Avalon Theatre

The Game on the big screen in a full-theatre atmosphere—no tickets to the stadium needed.

Waterparks: The Prowler Tour w/ Heart Attack Man — KEMBA LIVE!

Pop-punk meets alt-rock in one of the weekend’s most energetic shows.

Sunday, November 30th

Summit Open Stage (Variety Show)

A rotating lineup of musicians, poets, comics, and wildcards taking the stage for an anything-goes afternoon.

The Summit Music Hall | 16:00 (More info)

Melrose Eve

Smooth jazz and R&B vibes inside one of the city’s coziest late-night lounges.

ICON Jazz Lounge | 20:00 | (See event)

Battle of the Best (Rap Showcase)

A no-cover rap battle featuring local talent, freestyles, and live judging.

Mission Coffee Co. | 19:00 | (Free info)

Jack Timmons — Live Stand-Up

A sharp, energetic Sunday comedy set at The Attic.

The Attic Comedy Club | 18:30 | (Reserve seats)

Monday, December 1st

Henry Sir — Live Stand-Up

A sharp, fast-paced comedy set from Henry Sir to kick off the week.

The Attic Comedy Club | 20:00 | (Reserve seats)

Punk Rock Karaoke — Mondays at Spacebar

Sing your favorite punk tracks backed by a live band—no experience needed.

The Spacebar | 21:00 | (Details)

Winter Hike Kickoff

An easy, early-evening trail walk to launch the metro park’s winter hiking series.

Blacklick Woods Metro Park | 17:00 | (Event page)

Tuesday, December 2nd

A special reunion-style performance celebrating one of the 2000s’ defining post-hardcore bands.

KEMBA LIVE! | 17:30 | (Get tickets)

Straight No Chaser @ Palace Theatre

A cappella group doing their holiday classics — a crowd favorite every December.

Weihnachtsbier Keg Tapping Parade

HofbrĂ€uhaus kicks off the holiday season with their annual keg tapping parade—live music, steins raised, and a lively Bavarian crowd.

HofbrÀuhaus Columbus | 18:00 | (Event info)

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans Viewing Party

A late-night viewing party for Dragula fans—camp, horror, fashion, and community.

The Spacebar | 21:00 | (Event page)

Wednesday, December 3rd

Nimesh Patel @ Funny Bone

Stand-up from one of comedy’s biggest rising names.

Jingle & Mingle @ Thunderwing Brewing

Holiday beer, local vendors, and social vibes.

OSU Wrestling vs. Bellarmine

Afternoon dual meet at Covelli, solid mat action before dinner.

Orleans @ Woodlands

Classic rock legends performing live.

King Buffalo @ Newport

Psychedelic heavy rock with a devoted touring following.

Thursday, December 4th

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Holiday-themed cirque show with acrobatics, comedy, and big production.

Home for the Holidays @ Southern Theatre

A warm, orchestral holiday concert in one of the city’s best acoustic rooms.

Blue Jackets Game feat. DJ AXCESS

NHL night + live in-arena DJ set.

Maddy O’Neal @ Summit Music Hall

Electronic producer with a bass-heavy, upbeat live set.

SmashLAN’d 260 @ Game Arena

Weekly Smash Bros. competition for casual and competitive players.

Topic of the Week

What’s your Black Friday game plan this year?

Columbus is split this week between the brave, the cozy, and the “absolutely not” crowd.
Polaris is expected to be shoulder-to-shoulder, Easton might be its own form of purgatory, and every kid in the city seems to be asking about Legoland at the worst possible time.

So tell me where are you landing?

Are you

– Braving Polaris or Easton and accepting your fate?
– Staying home with leftovers and pretending it’s still Thursday?
– Taking the kids somewhere not attached to a mall entrance?
– Supporting a local spot instead of wading into big-box chaos?
– Or skipping the whole thing and waiting for Cyber Monday?

Hit reply and tell me your Black Friday strategy this year.

Closing Thoughts

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?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

That’s the week in Columbus. Whether you’re braving the crowds, laying low with leftovers, or just chasing some holiday lights, hope you find something good in the mix.

Until next Friday, stay curious, stay caffeinated, stay warm.

— Nate
Columbus Curiosity