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- Columbus Curiosity - 7th November 2025
Columbus Curiosity - 7th November 2025
Your Weekly Dose of Columbus Events, News, and Fun
Nathan Griggs
November 07, 2025
Hey Columbus crew,
November’s rolling in slower than a Sunday brunch line and Columbus is hitting that sweet spot between fall chaos and holiday glow.
Downtown’s getting dressed up for the season, travel drama’s brewing at the airports, and local food spots are out here proving (again) why our city’s underrated on every “best eats” list.
There’s music, magic, sports, and maybe even a donut or two worth arguing about.
The Lineup:
📰 The Headlines – Travel chaos, Buckeye grit, a wild wonder goal, and one school district’s heartwarming surprise.
💎 Hidden Gems & Local Legends – Gluten-free tacos, espresso martini maps, and national praise for our food scene.
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment – From Beatles tributes to bluegrass, McCartney to magic, your fall calendar is stacked.
🚗 Topic of the Week – The Donut Power Rankings that divided Columbus (and what locals crowned the best).
Let’s dive into this week’s chaos:
The Headlines
Travel Turbulence Hits Close to Home
If you’ve got a flight booked anytime between now and Thanksgiving, you might want to read this with a stress ball in hand. The federal government shutdown is forcing the FAA to cut flights, starting with 4% at 40 major airports today.
Now, John Glenn isn't on the list, but as any seasoned traveler knows, chaos in Chicago or D.C. has a funny way of becoming your problem in Columbus.
The pro-tip from Grandview Travel: Check your airline app obsessively, and if things go south, ask for a refund.. they won't just hand it over. Pack your patience, people. It’s the new carry-on.
Buckeyes Release Pre-Purdue Hype Video: “It’s About Us”
Coming off that dominant win over Penn State, the Buckeyes are heading to West Lafayette with a swagger we haven't seen in a minute. Their new hype trailer is all about the brotherhood in the locker room, with Matt Patricia growling, “Not about them. It’s about us.”
A word of caution from the ghost of 2018: Purdue at home has been a house of horrors for us. But something about this team feels different. Tougher. Grittier. Let’s see if they can pack that mindset for the trip.
“Are You Serious?!”: Avon’s Overtime Wonder Goal
Move over, Beckham. There’s a new bending sensation in town, and his name is Connor Britt. In a state semifinal that had everyone clutching their scarves, this Avon sophomore launched a 42-yard free kick in overtime that curved right into the absolute top corner of the net. I’ve watched the video roughly 47 times, and the assistant AD’s commentary says it all: “Are you serious? Are you serious? You've got to be kidding me! Woah!”
The wind was brutal, the moment was huge, and this kid delivered a perfect shot that’s sending Avon to its first-ever state final. This is the kind of magic that makes high school sports unforgettable.
Pickerington Schools Bring the Holiday Sparkle Early
In a move that’s all heart, the Pickerington school district surprised a local family—the Yoders, who are raising their grandchildren—with a full professional holiday light display. The family, who’d faced a tough year, was planning to “minimize Christmas.”
Then the district and Humbug Holiday Lighting showed up with ladders and strands of red and white. Diana Yoder said it made them feel “like we are part of the family.” This is the stuff, Columbus. This is the community glow that no online order can ever deliver.
El Vaquero’s Gluten-Free Wizardry
November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month, and El Vaq is here to make sure nobody feels left out. Their menu is a treasure trove for the gluten-averse, from the sizzling Fajitas Vallarta to the lush El Vaquero Bowl. And yes, the chips and salsa are safe. Crisis averted.
Your Espresso Martini Fix, Mapped
When that specific, caffeinated cocktail craving hits, here’s where to go:
101 Craft Kitchen: Their happy hour (Mon-Fri, 4-6 pm) has half-off craft cocktails. Need I say more?
The Avenue: A classic steak tavern where your martini will be as smooth as the vibes.
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar: Retro-cool meets big flavor. Their happy hour is the perfect pre-game for a night out.
Afar Magazine Shouts Out Cbus Food Scene
A major travel magazine finally looked at Columbus and didn’t just see cornfields. Afar is calling us “One of America’s Most Thrilling Food Cities,” and they’re shouting out the real heroes: the Somali cuisine at Hoyo’s Kitchen, the sublime pastries from Dan the Baker, and the genius bagels at The Lox Bagel Shop. (links in the names)
It’s not news to us, but it’s always nice to get a little external validation, isn’t it?
Live Music & Entertainment
Friday, November 7TH
JAWS in Concert @ Ohio Theatre
The classic shark thriller returns—this time with a live orchestra that’ll make every note feel like a fin breaking the surface.
The Wood Brothers @ The Bluestone
Soulful harmonies, roots rock, and one of the best live sounds to hit this old church.
RENT @ Van Fleet Theater
Columbus’s own cast revives the iconic musical—bohemian dreams, heartbreak, and anthems that still hit.
Saturday, November 8TH
Paul McCartney @ Nationwide Arena
A Beatle. In Columbus. Enough said.
Jonas Brothers @ The Schottenstein Center
Pure pop spectacle, nostalgia, and way too many choruses you still know by heart.
Saint-Saëns & Schubert @ Southern Theatre
A night of lush orchestral sound that’ll make you forget your inbox exists.
Cipha Sounds @ The Attic Comedy Club
The NYC legend brings fast laughs and real stories to the Columbus stage.
Sunday, November 9TH
Candlelight Tributes: Fleetwood Mac & The Beatles @ Columbus Museum of Art
Flickering candles. Live strings. Two timeless songbooks. Pick your night, or just do both.
Apollo’s Fire: Mozart’s Requiem @ First Community Church – North Campus
Baroque brilliance meets one of classical music’s most emotional works.
Veterans Day Rally @ National Veterans Memorial & Museum
Honor, reflection, and community. A Columbus tradition that matters.
Fortunate Youth @ Newport Music Hall
Reggae grooves and easy vibes to wind down your weekend.
Monday, November 10TH
John Legend: Get Lifted Tour @ The Schottenstein Center
The EGOT returns home—expect piano, soul, and a full house singing every word.
Bktherula: The Lucy Experience @ Newport Music Hall
Genre-bending, high-energy hip-hop with a loyal fanbase that knows every lyric.
Your Smith @ A&R Music Bar
Indie pop confessionals that make Monday night feel like golden hour.
Singles Night: Bar Bingo @ Makers Social
Craft cocktails, chaotic bingo, and maybe a number worth texting later.
Tuesday, November 11th
Durand Jones & The Indications @ Newport Music Hall
Vintage soul with a modern spark. Dance, sway, or just stand there smiling.
Stephen Day: Gold Mine Tour @ A&R Music Bar
Warm vocals, easy hooks, and a crowd that sings every chorus.
→ Dig in
Local Brews with Local News @ Seventh Son Brewing
Grab a pint and catch the latest from Columbus creators and journalists.
OSU Men’s Basketball vs. Appalachian State @ Schottenstein Center
Another home game, another sea of scarlet.
→ Go Bucks
Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular @ Palace Theatre
Illusions, levitations, and jaw-dropping tricks from world-class magicians—holiday style.
Wednesday, November 12th
East Forest w/ Jesse Cale @ Newport Music Hall
A live blend of ambient, electronic, and soul-soothing energy.
Re-Animator 40th Anniversary + Q&A @ Southern Theatre
Cult horror returns with an expert panel and enough fake blood nostalgia to fill a lab.
The Barefoot Movement @ Natalie’s Grandview
Foot-tapping bluegrass in a cozy listening room—real instruments, real feeling.
Thursday, November 13RD
Grace Helbig @ Lincoln Theatre
Comedian, writer, and podcast queen brings self-aware laughs and absurd honesty to Columbus.
Hayes Carll: We’re Only Human Tour @ A&R Music Bar
Wry country songwriting with a storyteller’s touch, honest, funny, and familiar.
The Academy Is… @ The Bluestone
Twenty years later, the emo anthems still hit just as hard.
Sammy Virji @ KEMBA LIVE!
Bass-heavy UK beats turn KEMBA into a late-night dance floor.
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: Columbus Donut Power Rankings
We went down the frosting rabbit hole this week to find Columbus’s best donuts and locals did not hold back. From maple long johns to blueberry cake classics, here are the heavy hitters everyone kept mentioning:
DK Diner (Grandview): Apple fritter and blueberry cake come up again and again.
Schneider’s Bakery (Westerville): “How is this not on every list?”
Resch’s Bakery (Livingston): Glazed twists = “best in the city.”
Destination Donuts / Rose Dough: Creative flavors and seasonal rotations.
Tremont Goodie Shop (UA): Maple long john truthers showed up in force.
Worth the drive: Donut World (Lancaster) and Crispie/Cripsie Creme (Chillicothe).
Spicy takes from the community
“Krispy Kreme? Hard pass.”
“New spots have great toppings, but the dough matters.”
“I was today years old when I learned Honey Dip buys from Buckeye” (claimed by multiple commenters; unverified).
Your turn
What’s your Top 3 Columbus donuts right now? Hit reply with:
Shop names + your must-order item,
Your neighborhood (so we can see the citywide spread),
A one-line reason it wins.
Closing Thoughts
Columbus in November is a mood, part cozy, part chaos, and fully alive.
Go see the lights, hear the music, grab a warm drink (and maybe something fried and frosted).
This city has layers just like the perfect pastry.
Until next Friday,
Stay curious. Stay caffeinated.
— Nate
Columbus Curiosity