Hey there, Columbus crew

If this week had a theme, it’d be blessed chaos.

We’ve got a new hockey boss who actually reads the roster, Vatican relics chilling in a local museum, and “starter condos” priced like they're made of caviar and crushed dreams.

And that’s before Mother’s Day shows up with cinnamon sticky buns and emotional whiplash.

Here’s what you’re walking into:

• 🏠 $500K homes with “optional” floors

• 🏒 A Blue Jackets heir who’s not just here for the photo ops

• ✝️ Papal skull caps and Swiss Guard swords (casual)

• 🍳 Mother’s Day brunch with side quests

• 🌮 Taco Week warm-ups and margarita sprints

Let’s dig in before brunch reservations vanish and another driver reverse-parks into the news cycle.

🚨 The Headlines

🏒 Blue Jackets’ New Boss: More Hands-On Than a Hockey Puck Massage

John H. McConnell II is taking the reins from Dad, and this guy’s into it. Sat through trade deadlines, road trips, and even learned players’ names (unlike some owners who treat the team like a NFT collection).

Why it’s spicy:

• Vows to “hire the right people” (read: not himself, probably).

• Swears the Jackets aren’t selling to the Haslams (cough Browns fans, stay salty).

• Plans to chase the Stanley Cup like it’s the last Skyline Chili cheese coneys at 2AM.

→ Read how he’ll spend your ticket money

🏡 Columbus Housing: Builders Going Ham, Buyers Going “WTF?”

Central Ohio’s building homes faster than a Taco Bell drive-thru slings Crunchwrap Supremes. But here’s the kicker: 46% of y’all can’t afford ‘em.

McKenna, a local mom, sums it up:

“These $500K houses still need floors. What’s next, selling us a cardboard box with ‘potential’?”

Builders: “But we’re 30K homes short!”

Buyers: “Cool, but my wallet’s in a chokehold.”

→ Tour a “starter home” (spoiler: it’s a closet with granite)

⛳ Ohio State Women’s Golf Swings Into History (Again)

First NCAA Championships since 2018, and Coach Strom’s crew is ready to “speed to discipline action” (translation: crush it and look good doing it).

Key stats:

• Faith Choi birdied 7 holes while we were still debating lunch.

• They’re using intel from the men’s team (gasp, cross-gender collaboration!).

• If they win, Columbus gets free Graeter’s. (Not really, but let’s manifest it.)

→ Watch them putt-putt like pros

✝️ Holy Relics, Batman! Columbus’ Secret Vatican Vault

The Museum of Catholic Art is flexing with Pope Leo XIII’s actual voice (recorded in 1903—sounding scratchier than your vinyl collection) and a Swiss Guard sword.

Why you’ll go:

• See a pope’s skull cap (zucchetto, if you’re fancy).

• Bone fragments of Saint Callixtus. Yes, bone fragments.

• It’s like Indiana Jones meets Sunday Mass.

→ Get blessed (or at least culturally enriched)

👑 Mother’s Day Guide: Brunch, Bling, and Zero Regrets

Columbus is serving up Mom-worthy magic this weekend—book now or risk eternal side-eye. Here’s your cheat sheet to brunch, sugar highs, and pretending you planned this all along:

🍳 Brunch Spots That Won’t Get You Disowned:

• Barcelona’s Patio Party: Sunshine, mimosas, and shrimp paella that’ll make Mom forget you still use her Netflix password. Pro tip: Their churros con chocolate are basically edible hugs.

• The Kitchen’s “Salad Nicoise Bar”: Let Mom build her own fancy salad while you raid the bacon station. Buffet = no judgment for thirds.

🎂 Sweet Treats to Bribe Her Heart:

• Pistacia Vera’s Macaron Tower: French elegance meets “I definitely didn’t forget.” Grab a box of raspberry lychee macarons—they’re prettier than your prom corsage.

• Kittie’s Cinnamon Rolls & Cupcake Magic: Their German Village bakery pumps out daily nostalgia disguised as baked goods. From award-winning cinnamon rolls to mini cupcakes that taste like childhood.

🌮 Taco ‘Bout a Good Time: Festivals & Weeklong Feasts

May 24–25: Taco Fest is storming Goodale Park like a mariachi band at a library—expect 25+ vendors slinging everything from birria to vegan “al pastor” (don’t @ us, purists). Highlights:

• Tequila Tower: A margarita flight so tall, you’ll need a ladder and a designated driver.

• Guac Lake: Dip your chip into a trough of avocado glory big enough to drown your ex’s texts.

• Lucha Libre Wrestling: Watch masked heroes body-slam each other while you body-slam tacos.

Pro tip: Wear pants with stretchy waistbands. This isn’t a meal—it’s a contact sport.

June 2–7: Columbus Taco Week hits the streets with $10-or-less deals. Why settle for one tortilla when you can eat your weight in them? Proceeds help Feed The Kids Columbus, because even tiny humans deserve queso.

→ Unleash your inner tortilla

🍦 Graeter’s Summer Flavor Drop: Cinnamon Sticky Bun & More

Graeter’s is back with flavors so indulgent, your dentist just flinched. This year’s lineup:

• Cinnamon Sticky Bun Pint: Breakfast and dessert? Genius. Tastes like Grandma’s kitchen if Grandma moonlighted as a sugar dealer.

• Pineapple Passion Sorbet: “Healthy” until you eat the whole tub in one sitting.

• Caramel Pecan Cheesecake: Basically a cheat code for instant joy (and pants that no longer fit).

Why it’s chaos:

• Each pint contains roughly 17% actual Ohio summer nostalgia.

• The “Minty Brownie” flavor drops June 1—perfect for hiding from your kids in the freezer.

→ Ruin your diet here

Mothers Day Edition:

Friday, May 9

🎭 Rock Egg Spoon @ Studio Two, Riffe Center

A new play by Noah Diaz that’s weird, whimsical, and maybe a little unhinged—in the best way. Brought to life by Available Light Theatre, this one’s part fable, part fever dream, and totally worth your Friday night.

→ Grab your ticket before it cracks

🎤 NSB: Stardom Tour @ A&R Music Bar

One night only: viral boy band NSB brings hits, unreleased tracks, and high-energy chaos to Columbus. Meet & greets, fan favorites, and TikTok moments guaranteed.

→ Grab your spot

🧠 Empower Summit @ Columbus Museum of Art

A day of powerful talks and community action focused on autism advocacy. It's a feel-good start to Mother’s Day weekend with purpose.

→ Get inspired

Saturday, May 10

🎨 Sweet Creations @ High Road Gallery

One-day pop-up featuring local artists and their most delightful, candy-colored, feel-good pieces. Great for gifting, gallery-hopping, or just soaking up visual serotonin.

→ Treat your eyeballs

🎤 Singing Buckeyes: 75th Anniversary Concert @ UA Lutheran Church

Barbershop harmonies, Ohio pride, and four-part nostalgia in one celebratory night. It’s wholesome, it’s musical, and it’s 75 years in the making.

→ Hit the high notes

🌸 Brews & Blooms @ Boardman Arts Park

Coffee and flower shopping in a chill park setting? Mom will eat this up. Literally, there are snacks.

→ Bring your favorite plant lover

Sunday, May 11

🧺 Mother’s Day Brunch Party @ The Kitchen

Treat mom to cocktails and carbs in one of the best brunch venues in the city. Peach mimosas = non-negotiable.

→ Book your spot

🎨 Not Your Mama’s Craft Market @ BrewDog DogTap

Indie vendors, good beer, and handcrafted everything. It’s Etsy IRL—come prepared to fall in love with weirdly specific tote bags.

→ Support local makers

🛍️ Mother’s Day Market @ Collective Home Supply Co.

30+ vendors, live music, food trucks, and photo ops. This isn’t just a market—it’s a Mother’s Day mission.

→ Shop small, hug big

Monday, May 12

🎤 DeathbyRomy & heffy @ A&R Music Bar

Dark pop, heavy beats, and a whole lot of eyeliner. If your Spotify playlist has a villain era section—this show’s for you.

→ Dive into the drama

🧱 Bricks and Brews @ BrewDog DogTap

A grown-up LEGO night with beer. Build weird stuff, drink good stuff, and argue about architecture with strangers.

→ Stack some blocks

📝 Adult Writing Workshop @ Thurber Center

A guided creative writing night for the aspiring author, overthinker, or inner poet who won’t shut up. All skill levels welcome.

→ Bring a pen—and a vibe

Tuesday, May 13

🎪 Insane Clown Posse @ KEMBA Live!

Yes, they’re still around. Yes, it’ll be wild. Prepare for face paint, Faygo, and full chaos. Juggalos assemble.

→ Brace yourself

🧀 Make Your Own Charcuterie Board @ CBC Beer Hall

Craft your own bougie snack board while sipping craft beer. It’s DIY meets delicious—and yes, there will be fig jam.

→ Build the board of your dreams

🎭 Exceptet: Tree Lines @ Short North Stage

Experimental music meets forest imagery in this one-night-only genre mashup. It's weird, beautiful, and wildly unexpected.

→ Get a little artsy

Wednesday, May 14

🎸 Squid @ A&R Music Bar

British post-punk band Squid is in town for one night only—bringing their chaotic, genre-blending sound to Columbus. Expect odd time signatures, existential lyrics, and a crowd full of music nerds.

→ Catch ‘em live

🎨 COUNTDOWN TO STRAWBERRY JAM @ Land-Grant Brewing

An interactive artsy night with scent-making, sipping, and strawberry-themed vibes leading up to the festival. It’s niche—in the best way.

→ Scent up your night

 🎸 Unplugged & Unhinged @ Natalie’s Grandview

An intimate, acoustic “in-the-round” session with Dan Wallace, Tom Cline, and the Lucky Penny Sisters. Originals, covers, and the stories behind the songs—all served with cocktails and good vibes.

→ Get cozy with the music

Thursday, May 15

👗 2025 CCAD Fashion Show @ Columbus College of Art & Design

The future of fashion walks the runway. Expect bold looks, experimental flair, and next-gen designers flexing hard.

→ Front row or bust

🧊 Summer Cocktail Launch Party @ Soul at the Joseph

New cocktails. Summer playlist. Bougie vibes. It’s like vacation in a glass—just with better lighting and local influencers.

→ Toast to the season

👻 Booze & Boos Downtown Walking Tour @ Columbus Ghost Tours

Sip, walk, and get spooked. A haunted happy hour meets downtown lore. Dress cute and maybe don’t walk home alone.

→ Join the ghost squad

📸 Picture of the Week

This video from the 71N and Weber Road area is blowing up for all the wrong reasons — another Columbus driver was caught on camera reversing off the freeway like it’s GTA V.

That’s a wrap, Columbus.

We’ve survived a week of holy bones, unholy housing prices, and the promise of tacos on the horizon.

If your group chat is arguing about graffitied skull fragments or you accidentally bought your mom a charcuterie board workshop instead of flowers—you’re doing May right.

Seen something strange? Found a hidden gem? Got a bone to pick with real estate developers or popes? Hit reply—we’ll take it all.

— Nate
Columbus Curiosity