Columbus Curiosity - March 21st, 2025

Your Weekly Dose of Columbus Events, News, and Fun

Author

Nathan Griggs
March 21, 2025

Hey there, Columbus crew.

If this city had a personality, it’d be that friend who texts, “Wanna do something wild?” at 10 PM on a Tuesday.

This week, we’ve got a mansion the size of a small town that won’t sell, Columbus’ immigration-fueled boom, and home prices that refuse to chill. 

But first, a quick reality check:

Would you rather…
A) Pay $500K for a 22,000-square-foot estate?
B) Pay $500K for a two-bedroom in the Short North?

(Trick question—you probably can’t afford either.) Now, let’s see what’s happening in Columbus this week! 👇

🚨 The Headlines

🌼 Spring Brings Litter Surge Across Ohio

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—Ohio’s roads need it too. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports a spike in littering as the season changes, with cigarette butts, cans, and other trash piling up on roadways.

Matt Bruning, ODOT’s press secretary, calls it “disgusting” and “embarrassing,” urging Ohioans to step up and help. Cleaning up litter costs taxpayers $10 million annually—money that could fund programs like Safe Routes to School.

Littering is a misdemeanor in Ohio, punishable by up to $500 in fines and 60 days in jail, but Bruning says cultural change is key to solving the problem. Want to help? Join the city’s first major cleanup event this Saturday at Wolfe Park Shelter House.

🏡 A 22,000 Sq. Ft. Ohio Mansion for Under $500K?!

Think your place is too small?

Try this 22,000-square-foot Bowling Green estate—complete with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, an elevator, a private pond, and a full gym—that hit the auction block for less than $500,000.

The catch? No one bought it. Maybe because maintaining a literal compound costs more than the mortgage.

But hey, if you’re in the market for a mini hotel-sized home that looks kind of ugly, it’s still up for grabs.

🌍 Post-Pandemic Boom? Thank Immigration.

While other Ohio cities are losing people, Columbus is growing fast—and immigration is the driving force.

Franklin County added 32,500 residents since 2020, but here’s the twist: More Americans are actually leaving Columbus than moving in.

The growth comes from international newcomers, with over 20,000 immigrants arriving between 2023-2024 alone.

At this rate, Columbus is on track to add 363,000 more people by 2050—so expect even more global influence on the city’s culture, economy, and (hopefully) food scene.

🏠 Columbus Home Prices Keep Climbing—Here’s Why

Bad news for house hunters: Home prices in Columbus jumped 4.8% in a year, now averaging $352,854.

What’s driving the surge? A perfect storm of inflation, high demand, and too few homes being built. Renters aren’t catching a break either—Columbus residents now need to make at least $25 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment.

With 30,000+ new residents arriving last year, experts say Columbus needs to double its home construction rate or prices will keep rising. So unless you’re sitting on cash, buying in this market is like a competitive sport.

🍽️ Restaurant Buzz: Openings, Collabs & More

Here's the scoop on Columbus's hottest new eats and collabs making waves:

  • Katalina's Cafe Turns 15: This local favorite is throwing a quinceañera-worthy celebration by bringing back classics like Huevos Rancheros and the famously comforting Shagbark Black Bean Soup.

  • Pho Chef Opens Second Location: More pho, more happiness! The Kenny Center Mall spot offers an extensive menu with 18 delicious pho options, vermicelli bowls, and banh mi sandwiches.

  • OX-B’s Expands to Newark: From humble beginnings in a shipping container to multiple brick-and-mortar locations, OX-B’s serves up irresistible chicken sandwiches and wings. Newark, this gem’s now in your backyard—don’t sleep on it.

    → Dig into Them All

🥐 Seattle’s Famous Bakery Comes to Columbus

Seattle’s legendary Piroshky Piroshky bakery is rolling into town for one glorious day on March 26 at Combustion Brewing Clintonville.

Sweet or savory, from Chicken Pot Pie pastries to Cinnamon Cardamom rolls—this pop-up has all your pastry dreams covered.

Preorder or regret forever.

 🍕 Hilltop Native Launches New Pizza Concept

Danny Phillips, a proud Hilltop native, is launching Bobby Jo’s Pizza on March 28 at Third Way Coffee.

The pizza? Crispy, charred, kinda New Haven-inspired—but totally unique. Danny's bringing flavor and excitement to the West Side one slice at a time.

Pizza lovers, mark your calendars.

🍽️ Best New Restaurant Picks 2025

Columbus Monthly’s top picks are in—and they're worth the hype:

  • Gene’s: Creative dishes and perfect wine pairings in Historic Dublin.

  • Butcher and Rose: Luxe steaks, seafood, and all things indulgent in a stunning Downtown setting.

  • Taj on Fifth: Modern Indian cuisine that goes beyond buffet stereotypes, paired with impressive craft cocktails.

  • Chouette: Your authentic Parisian bistro escape, located at the lively intersection of Gay & High streets.

Friday, March 21, 2025

🎶 Wine Down with Live Music Fridays at Wyandotte Winery

Sip, relax, and enjoy live tunes at Wyandotte Winery. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just in it for the vibes, it’s the perfect way to start your weekend.

🦇 Opening Day at Olentangy Caverns

Step into prehistoric Ohio and explore underground caves, meet adorable animals, and try your luck at gem mining. A perfect adventure for nature lovers and history buffs alike!

🎭 Columbus Symphony Masterworks: Bolero at Ohio Theatre

Experience the passion and drama of Bolero performed by the Columbus Symphony. Whether you're a classical music aficionado or just want to soak in an unforgettable performance, this is a must-see.

Saturday, March 22, 2025

🍩 Sweetest Trail in Ohio: Butler County Donut Trail

Tackle Ohio’s tastiest adventure—hopping between local donut shops to collect stamps (and sugar highs). Complete the trail and score a T-shirt!

🚶‍♂️ Walk with a Doc at Highbanks Metro Park

Get active while learning health tips from medical professionals. Walk at your own pace and soak in some fresh air.

⚽ Columbus Crew vs. New York at Lower.com Field

Soccer fans, assemble! Cheer on the Columbus Crew as they take on New York in what promises to be a high-energy match.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

🎨 Free Sundays at Columbus Museum of Art

Explore world-class art collections, hands-on exhibits, and family-friendly activities—all for free.

🌸 Blooms & Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory

Step into a tropical paradise filled with free-flying butterflies and lush flowers. It’s springtime magic in full effect.

📚 Carnegie Author Series: Mary Robinette Kowal at Columbus Metropolitan Library

Sci-fi and fantasy lovers, don’t miss award-winning author Mary Robinette Kowal as she discusses her latest work and creative process.

Monday, March 24, 2025

🎳 Star Lanes Manic Mondays: 1/2 Price Bowling

Nothing beats cheap bowling! Gather your friends and roll into the week with a few games at half the price.

🦐 Ultimate Endless Shrimp Monday at Red Lobster

If your dream meal involves unlimited shrimp, this one’s for you. Just keep the refills coming.

🎶 Music Movie Monday at Strand Theatre

From rock docs to legendary concert films, this weekly series is a must for music lovers. Bonus points if you sing along.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

🎬 Discount Tuesdays at Cinemark ($5.50 Movies!)

Cinemark slashes ticket prices every Tuesday, so now’s your chance to catch that blockbuster on the cheap.

🎨 Spring Art Breaks at Columbus Museum of Art

Need a creative recharge? Drop by the Columbus Museum of Art for a hands-on art session. Perfect for all ages, whether you're sketching, painting, or just soaking in the inspiration.

📚 Columbus Audubon Monthly Program: Women in Science at Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Celebrate trailblazing women in science with an inspiring talk at one of Columbus’ best nature centers.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

📖 Friends of Pickerington Public Library Book Sale

Score some literary treasures for cheap at this massive book sale. Perfect for adding to your ever-growing to-read pile.

🎢 Before 4 Pass at Scene75

Unlimited arcade games, go-karts, laser tag, and more—at a discounted price if you get there before 4 PM. Midday fun just got an upgrade.

🎮 Euchre Night at The Daily Growler (Upper Arlington)

Bring your A-game for a night of euchre, beers, and friendly competition. No partner? No problem—they’ll pair you up!

Thursday, March 27, 2025

🍷 North Market Indoor Mini Night Market at Bridge Park

Stroll through local vendors, grab a bite, and sip on wine—all in a cozy indoor setting.

🍷 House Wine Thursday Night Tastings

Sip, swirl, and discover new flavors at this weekly tasting event. Whether you're a wine novice or a connoisseur, expect a lineup of bold reds, crisp whites, and surprises in between.

💃 Get Fit with Line Dance Fitness Classes

Turn your workout into a party with a high-energy line dance class. Burn calories, break a sweat, and have a blast.

📸 Picture of the Week

Slow and steady wins the spotlight! Shoutout to @jakesmakesandtakes again for this incredible capture of a chill sunbather. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy nature is to just sit back, soak up the sun, and take it all in. 🐢✨

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

That’s a wrap for this week, Columbus! Whether you’re scouting for cherry blossoms, contemplating life in a 22,000-square-foot mansion, or just bracing for another rent hike, we’ve got you covered.

Got a hot tip, hidden gem, or wild event we should know about? Hit reply and spill the tea—we’re always down for the inside scoop.

Until next time, stay curious, stay caffeinated, and remember: the best deals in life are on Discount Tuesdays.

— Nate
The Columbus Curiosity

P.S. Forward this to a friend, and legend has it, you’ll find a $5 bill on the sidewalk this week. (No guarantees, but hey, it’s worth a shot.)