Columbus Curiosity - April 11th, 2025

Your Weekly Dose of Columbus Events, News, and Fun

Author

Nathan Griggs
April 11, 2025

Hey there, Columbus crew —

If this week had a soundtrack, it’d be equal parts marching band hype and the distant rumble of construction barrels toppling in the wind.

We’ve got:

  • Libraries bracing for massive budget cuts 💸

  • Million-dollar mansions flying off the market like it’s Monopoly night 🏠

  • Used cars getting treated like rare Pokémon cards 🚗

  • A Buckeyes spring game with quarterback drama and an NFL coach on defense 🏈

  • And yes, even a brand new inclusive playground that’s making us feel things 🛝

But first, a quick vibe check:

Would you rather:

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

(Trick question — you're probably doing both this weekend.) Let’s dive in. 👇

🚨 The Headlines

🏠 Million-Dollar Cribs: April Edition

Remember when million-dollar homes were rare? Yeah, Columbus said “hold my White Claw.”

Columbus real estate said:

  • $2.25M home in Upper Arlington
    Probably has an espresso bar, a pool that auto-heats to “spa day,” and a garage that rejects Toyotas.

  • $2.44M property in Powell
    Buyer walked in like, “Throw in the gold-plated bidet and we’ve got a deal.”

  • The March sales report reads like Columbus’ version of Succession—walk-in wine cellars, custom saunas, maybe even a marble guest house just for your dog.

You know a place’s expensive when the shower has a better sound system than your car.

🚗 Used Cars = The New Crypto?

New car prices? Delusional. Tariffs just turned your "starter sedan" into a $48,000 commitment.

So what’s the move? Enter: the glorious return of the high-mileage hero. We’re talking 125,000+ miles, two prior owners, and maybe a CD stuck in the player—but it runs like a dream.

One dude in Grove City is still pushing a Cadillac with 255k miles, and honestly? That car’s seen more of Ohio than you have.

But fair warning: used car prices are creeping up too. Demand is high, inventory low, and suddenly that 2015 Honda Fit is the hot girl at the dance.

📚 Library Budget Cuts = Real Life Villain Origin Story

Plot twist: the people who brought you childhood reading time, free internet, and job search help are getting cut. Again.

Ohio’s proposed budget slashes $100+ million from public libraries. To put that in perspective: that's like telling your local library to throw a bake sale to afford Wi-Fi.

 Libraries:

  • Free Wi-Fi 💻

  • Job help 📝

  • Community programs 🧩

  • Literal heating/cooling shelters during extreme weather

Also Libraries:

  • Getting $100 million cut from the new state budget

  • Funding dropped to 1999 levels, but y’all expect 2025 tech

👀 39 counties will feel the hit. That’s shorter hours, fewer staff, and programs that quietly held the community together now on life support.

Libraries are basically doing nonprofit superhero work… and getting treated like they downloaded LimeWire in 2024.

🏈 Buckeyes’ Spring Game: Preview the Hype

Ohio State’s back in The Shoe this Saturday, and it’s not just a scrimmage—it’s a vibe check for the defending champs.

  • QB battle’s heating up: Sayin’s the frontrunner, but Keinholz is right behind him. Tavien’s still learning but could surprise.

  • New DC Matt Patricia (yes, that Matt Patricia) is bringing NFL-level schemes and wants the defense loud, fast, and locked in.

  • Austin Siereveld = positionless weapon on the O-line. Guard? Tackle? Wherever they need him, he’s there.

Kickoff’s at noon, and yeah, it’s technically just practice—but with the energy coming, it’ll feel like Week 1.

 🧒 Inclusive Playground Launches at Blendon Woods

This one’s special.

Blendon Woods Metro Park just opened a $1.5M fully accessible playground—complete with ramps, musical steps, sensory zones, communication boards, and even universal changing stations.

It’s fenced in. It’s shaded. It’s inclusive. And it’s open now.

 💦 4 Stunning Waterfalls Around Central Ohio

Too broke for Hocking Hills gas money? Stay local.

🚪 New Openings This Week

🍕 Luna Pizza Kitchen (4th Location!)

Known for their gyro pies and wings. New location at 150 Hutchinson Ave. → More info

🍵 WestHouse by Espresso Air

Matcha. Chocolate. A literal chocolate fountain. Opening soon in Uptown Westerville. → See the preview

🍛 Bikanervala

India-based chain now open in Dublin with a vegetarian-only menu and rare Indian sweets. → See what’s cooking

🏞️ 4 Wild Adventures in Columbus Metro Parks

Think our Metro Parks are just picnic tables and paved paths? Think again.

Friday, March 28

🧱 LEGO F1® ‘Build the Thrill’ @ LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Ready, set, build! Buckle up for this adrenaline-fueled LEGO challenge that combines speed, creativity, and tiny bricks of glory.

🦋 Blooms & Butterflies @ Franklin Park Conservatory

Hundreds of vibrant butterflies flutter around a botanical dreamscape. It’s like walking through a live screensaver.

🎸 Jared Foster LIVE @ Edison Brewing Company

Good brews, great views, and Jared Foster’s smooth vocals setting the vibe just right.

Saturday, April 12

🚶‍♂️ Walk with a Doc @ Walk with a Doc

Stretch your legs, learn something new, and maybe ask that health question you’ve been Googling for 3 weeks.

🎤 The Attic After Dark @ The Attic Comedy Club

An underground vibe, spicy mic drops, and jokes that go way past PG-13.

🌸 Ohara Ikebana Flower Arranging Lesson @ Yokoso Center

Level up your zen. This Japanese art of floral arrangement is calming, beautiful, and surprisingly badass.

Sunday, April 13

🍻 Beers & Bluegrass ft. Asheville Mountain Boys @ Combustion Pickerington

Kick back with local brews and the foot-stomping sounds of Appalachian magic.

🐰 Sensory-Friendly Bunny Experience @ Columbus Zoo

Quiet lights, chill vibes, and the Easter Bunny — for kiddos (and adults) who need a softer setting.

🎨 Friends & Family Open Paint @ Brush Crazy

Paint what you want, how you want — and leave the mess behind.

Monday, April 14

🎤 Actor & Activist Sean Astin LIVE @ Otterbein College Theatre

Samwise Gamgee himself is stepping out of the Shire and into Cowan Hall for one night only. Expect heartfelt stories, unexpected laughs, and maybe a “potatoes” reference if we’re lucky.

🛠️ Makers Mixer: Singles Night w/ Kindling Connections @ Makers Social

Swipe left on apps, swipe right on hammers. Craft your way into a new connection.

📚 Author Signing: Will Thieman @ Storyline Bookshop

Meet the local voice behind the latest buzzworthy read. Small press, big feels.

Tuesday, April 15

🧠 Excesss Trivia Night @ Budd Dairy Food Hall

Test your brain while stuffing your face with tacos. High-stakes... and queso.

🍺 BrewDog Trivia @ Franklinton

Where craft beer meets chaotic knowledge. Bonus points if your team name slaps.

🎹 AJ Angelo Performs @ Giammarco's

Live piano, wine pours, and some seriously underrated musical storytelling.

Wednesday, April 16

🏐 Columbus Fury vs. San Diego Mojo @ Nationwide Arena

Pro volleyball is here and it’s electric. Serve, spike, scream.

🎞️ Ohio State Film Senior Showcase @ Wexner Center

Catch the next Greta Gerwig before they blow up. Support student storytellers.

🎧 Big Bad Music Trivia Show @ Budd Dairy Food Hall

From Bowie to Beyoncé, test your music memory while battling for snack-fueled dominance.

Thursday, April 17

🎤 Speak Easy: True Stories, Told Live @ Wild Goose Creative

Unfiltered, unscripted, and straight from the gut. Columbus storytellers bare it all—expect laughs, gasps, and maybe a life lesson or two.

🖼️ ‘Fish Sing / Pez Canta’ @ Eisner Center for the Performing Arts

An immersive multimedia installation blending video, sound, and sculpture to explore nature, memory, and migration through a poetic lens.

🎸 Yelawolf – 45 Tour @ The Bluestone

Southern rap meets outlaw energy. If you like your concerts with a side of rebellion and a splash of whiskey-soaked lyricism, Yelawolf’s got your Thursday plans locked.

📸 Picture of the Week

POV: You’re about to propose... and then realize there’s Zac herr with a camera hiding in the tulips.

Shoutout to the mystery couple at Franklin Park Conservatory who got engaged on 4/5—whoever you are, this stealthy snap is straight out of a rom-com. Rain, florals, and just enough chaos. ☂️🌷

Add #ColumbusCuriosity to your photo for a chance to be featured next week :)

That’s a wrap, Columbus.

Whether you’re house-hunting like it’s House Hunters: Million-Dollar Edition, dodging library budget cuts like a dystopian protagonist, or just trying to convince yourself that a 200K-mile Camry is a "steal"—we salute you.

Got a hot take on QB battles? A used car horror story? A favorite waterfall we missed? Hit reply. We’re all ears (and maybe slightly judgmental eyebrows).

Until next time, stay scrappy, stay curious, and may your spring game snacks be as abundant as ODOT’s orange barrels.

— Nate
The Columbus Curiosity

P.S. Forward this to someone who still thinks libraries are just for books. Then drag them to a free community event before the budget vanishes. 📚✨