Columbus Curiosity - 5th December 2025

Your Weekly Dose of Columbus Events, News, and Fun

Author

Nathan Griggs
December 05, 2025

Hey Columbus crew,

Big week ahead, from a $400M arena glow-up and a historic district lawsuit, to school closures, new openings, and a packed December events calendar. It’s one of those weeks where Columbus feels like ten different cities at once.

The Lineup:

📰 The Headlines — Nationwide Arena’s massive renovation plan, a German Village curb war, four CCS schools closing, and Ohio’s first Hope Treatment Center opening for teens.

💎 Hidden Gems & Local Legends — A motorcycle shop turned coffee garage, a pizza comeback made possible by Dave Portnoy, waffles taking over Westerville, and a new Polaris burger contender.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment — Holiday Pops, WinterFest, Stevie Nicks, Beatles tributes, whiskey festivals, candlelight concerts, and a full week of shows across the city.

❄️ Topic of the Week — Columbus’ winter driving debate: clear the snow off your car… or let 270 do the work?

Let’s dive into this week’s chaos:

The Headlines

Nationwide Arena is Getting a $400M "Mid-Life Crisis" Makeover

Well, folks, Nationwide Arena is having its 25th birthday and apparently looked in the mirror and said, “I need work.” The Franklin County Convention Facility Authority has officially approved a staggering $400 million renovation plan.

We’re talking a new entrance, a rooftop terrace, a food hall overlooking the ice, and concessions you can actually use without missing a goal. The goal? To keep up with the shiny new kids on the block (looking at you, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field)

The funding pie is a classic Columbus recipe: a slice of state money, a dash of city and county bonds, and a heaping helping of private investment. They’re even using some savings to pay off the old arena loan. It’s a four-to-five year project, so get ready for some construction chaos. But hey, if it means not having to crane my neck for a $15 beer, maybe it’s worth it.

German Village Society vs. The City: The Great Curb War

This one’s got more drama than a season finale. The German Village Society has sued the city to stop a project installing 55 ADA-compliant curb ramps. Their argument? It’s not about being against accessibility; it’s about the city using modern materials that clash with the historic district’s cobblestone charm.

The city’s response is basically: “The feds say we gotta do this, and people need to be able to cross the street.” Now, City Council is weighing legislation that would let the city bypass historic review for public right-of-way projects altogether. It’s a classic clash: preserving the past vs. building an accessible future. And the stakes? How all 18 of our historic districts handle infrastructure forever.

Columbus City Schools Closes Four More Buildings Amid Budget Crunch

This is the tough news no one wants to read. Facing a $50 million budget shortfall, Columbus City Schools has voted to close four more schools: Duxberry Park Arts Elementary, Como Elementary, Everett Middle School (home to Columbus Gifted Academy), and Fairwood Alternative Elementary.

It’s about “underutilization” on paper, but on the ground, it’s about kids walking farther and communities losing anchors. Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman calls it “limiting the impact,” but for neighbors like Robert Bramtley near Fairwood, it’s a real fear: “I feel like more kids will drop out.” A stark reminder that budget lines have real human faces.

Buckeye Ranch Opens Ohio’s First “Hope Treatment Center” for Teens

Now, for a story that actually warms the soul. After a $35 million expansion, The Buckeye Ranch in Grove City has opened the Hope Treatment Center—Ohio’s first residential facility specifically for teens transitioning from psychiatric hospital care. It’s a 48-bed, home-like space with living rooms, chalkboard doors, and sensory rooms, designed so kids don’t have to leave Ohio for this level of healing.

Funded by state dollars and private donors (including cash from Gov. DeWine’s mental health push), it’s a lifeline. President & CEO Vickie Thompson-Sandy put it perfectly: “I really do believe we’re gonna save lives.” In a week of heavy news, this is the kind of progress that matters.

Hidden Gems & Local Legends

Grumpy’s Coffee Garage Revs Up in Obetz

An old custom motorcycle shop on Groveport Road has been reborn as Grumpy’s Coffee Garage. They’re leaning hard into the industrial garage vibe, serving up americanos, lattes, and house-made baked goods. It’s the perfect spot if your aesthetic is “mechanic chic” but your craving is for a perfect cinnamon roll.

Artisan Pizza Cafe: Saved by the (Barstool) King

You love a comeback story? Here’s a good one. Artisan Pizza Cafe (the one on 5th Ave. that got a killer 8.1 from Barstool’s Dave Portnoy) had to shut its pizza ops after their oven straight-up died from the hype. Cue Portnoy riding to the rescue. He bought them a brand new, Italian “Lamborghini” of an oven. They’re back open, and the pizza is apparently better than ever. Sometimes the internet is good.

Waffle Way Cafe Brings the Sweet & Savory to Westerville

Need a reason to go to Uptown Westerville? Waffle Way Cafe is now open, serving a duel of delights: decadent dessert waffles and loaded savory waffle fries. Pair it with a latte served in a comically sturdy cup. It’s your new spot for whether you’re craving chocolate drizzle or cheese and bacon.

Jaggers (From Texas Roadhouse Founders) Files for Polaris Location

The founders of Texas Roadhouse are coming for your burger fix. Jaggers, a fast-casual chain described as a Chick-fil-A/Five Guys lovechild, has filed permits for its first Ohio location at Polaris Parkway. Think quality burgers, chicken sandwiches, tenders, and milkshakes. The suburban hunger games are about to level up.

Live Music & Entertainment

Friday, December 5th

Columbus Symphony – Holiday Pops

A full-orchestra holiday blowout at the Ohio Theatre, the big kickoff to December concert season.

Ohio Theatre | 20:00 | (Tickets)

GalaxyCon Columbus (Opening Day)

Celebs, cosplay, gaming, panels, the convention center turns into a full-on fandom circus for the weekend.

Convention Center | 14:00 | (Event info)

Soul Coughing – Live

90s alt legends reunite for a high-energy set at Newport. Expect older fans losing their minds (in a wholesome way).

Newport Music Hall | 19:00 | (More info)

Friday Night Fights @ The Attic

Columbus’ rowdiest roast battle. Comics go head-to-head and the crowd decides who survives.

The Attic | 19:00 | (Tickets)

Saturday, December 6th

2025 WinterFest Columbus

Live music, food trucks, craft beer, and holiday vibes at Bicentennial Park, one of the city’s top winter events.

Bicentennial Park | 11:00 | (Event info)

An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine

Beloved folk duo brings a warm, intimate holiday show to the Riffe.

Davidson Theatre | 20:00 | (Tickets)

Rain — A Beatles Christmas Tribute

The Beatles, but make it festive, a huge stage production blending nostalgia and holiday magic.

Palace Theatre | 20:00 | (More info)

Winter Whiskeyfest

Sip, sample, and savor, premium whiskey tastings, cocktails, and cozy winter energy at Noble Cut.

Noble Cut Distillery | 15:00 | (Tickets)

Sunday, December 7th

Candlelight Tribute: Fleetwood Mac

A full candlelit chamber concert performing Fleetwood Mac classics, aesthetic overload guaranteed.

Columbus Museum of Art | 18:30 | (Tickets)

Village Lights 2025

German Village glows for one night with luminarias, shops open late, hot drinks, and festive chaos.

German Village | 17:00 | (Event info)

Holiday Market @ Little Grand

A Sunday maker market for last-minute gifts, small businesses, and cozy community vibes.

The Little Grand Market | 11:00 | (More info)

Stevie Nicks — Live

A Sunday night icon. One of the biggest shows of the month at the Schott.

Schottenstein Center | 19:00 | (Tickets)

Monday, December 8th

America’s Test Kitchen — Live

A cooking show + comedy + behind-the-scenes look at one of TV’s biggest food brands.

Wexner Center | 19:30 | (Tickets)

WNCI’s Acoustic Chrismukkah (AJR, The Orphan The Poet, Ray Jones)

Huge holiday radio show with big-name acts doing stripped-down sets.

Newport Music Hall | 19:00 | (More info)

Starry Night Snowman – Paint & Sip

A Monday night unwind option with wine, paint, and winter-themed art.

Pinot’s Palette | 18:30 | (Book spot)

Tuesday, December 9th

Jon McLaughlin & Friends – Home for the Holidays

A warm, intimate holiday show with pop-piano storytelling and Columbus-favorite energy.

Riffe Center | 19:30 | (Tickets)

Holiday Bubbles Party @ Savor Pint

A sparkling-wine tasting celebration for people who want NYE energy early.

Savor Pint | 18:00 | (Tickets)

Ohio State vs. Illinois — Men’s Basketball

The Buckeyes take on the Fighting Illini in a big home matchup at the Schottenstein Center. Doors open 90 minutes before tip-off.

Schottenstein Center | 19:30 | (Tickets)

Wednesday, December 10th

Such Sweet Thunder: Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite

A jazz reinterpretation of the Nutcracker, classy, cozy, and very Columbus.

Natalie’s Grandview | 19:30 | (More info)

RNB In The Alley

A late-night R&B lounge experience, intimate, vibey, and one of the coolest weekday hangs.

Alley Burger | 21:00 | (More info)

Holly, Jolly Mixology Class

Hands-on cocktail-making workshop, great date night or friend night.

The Trade Room | 18:00 | (Tickets)

Thursday, December 11th

COSI After Dark — Roaring 20s

A 21+ night at COSI with cocktails, science exhibits, and 1920s theme energy.

COSI | 18:30 | (Tickets)

Blue Jackets Game feat. DJ AXCESS

Hockey + live DJ set = one of the liveliest CBJ nights of the season.

Nationwide Arena | 19:00 | (Find seats)

BalletMet — The Nutcracker (Opening Night)

A Columbus holiday staple, magical staging and the official start to Nutcracker season.

Ohio Theatre | 19:30 | (More info)

Topic of the Week

Columbus… can we please clear the snow off our cars?

A Redditor said what half the city was thinking:
“It’s not that cold, take five seconds and push the snow off your dang car.”

Between people driving with rooftop snowdrifts, blocked headlights, and side mirrors still buried, 270 basically turned into a DIY blizzard.

So tell me:

Are you Team “Clear It Off”… or Team “The Highway Will Handle It”?

Hit reply, no judgment (maybe).

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?

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That’s the week in Columbus. From arena makeovers and curb-ramp drama to pop-up markets, concerts, and winter chaos on 270, the city is definitely wide awake right now.

However you spend the week bundled up, out exploring, or hiding from the weather, hope you find something good in the mix.

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

— Nate
Columbus Curiosity