With the new year already in full swing, I’m sure many of you are wondering what 2020 will bring to Columbus. We all know there will be plenty of new breweries and restaurants, but also there will be new concerts, hotels, live shows, and events! Here are the best new ways to do date night in Columbus in 2020.
New Bars/Breweries
Four Entertainment Group from Cincinnati is bringing exclusive nightlife to Easton Town Center’s new expansion, with the Beeline Bar. With no dedicated restaurant, this space will be THE place to hang out on the eastside featuring weekend DJ entertainment. In the summer months specifically, as the majority of it will be devoted to outdoor entertainment. But don’t worry, in the winter months there will be heat lamps and a rumored s’mores buffet!
North High Brewing Company recently announced they will be taking over the Brazenhead Dublin space in conjunction with COhatch. The brewery will be located in the old building, opening in spring, with the coworking in a new adjoining facility.
The ever revolving Short North will add a self-proclaimed “new concept” called the Pocket Bar Short North. Instagram teasers are up, so I’m anxious to see what the new concept entails!
For more brewery date ideas check out A Guide to 9 Downtown Columbus Breweries and A Guide to Breweries Around Ohio State’s Campus
Opened near the end of 2019: Coast Wine House, Columbus Brewing Company Taproom, Forbidden Root, Lawbird Bar, Taft’s Brewpourium, Zaftig Italian Village
New Dining
The highly anticipated Budd Dairy Food Hall in Italian Village, will be opening in the early months of this year (we hope!). The new endeavor from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants will feature previously announced “chef partners” including well-known local favorites Boni: Filipino Street Food, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Stauf’s Coffee Roasters, as well as six newcomers. The hall will also have bar space with communal seating throughout.
Another Cincinnati concept from the owners of BBR, Dahlia Nightclub, and Fireproof, called Galla Park will be opening in the Short North. This location will have more of a restaurant focus with a dance floor and DJs spinning tunes on the weekends. During the week they will have live entertainment.
Ivan Kane opened his 4th Forty Deuce location on January 10 as part of the new district at Easton (other locations are in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Atlantic City!). This cafe/club approach gives you the opportunity to grab a burger for lunch, dinner, or late-night and is combined with a “secret” upstairs burlesque club. Crimson Cup, Dragon Donuts, Slurping Turtle, and True Food Kitchen will be joining later in the year.
More dinner spots we are excited about this year include: Freedom A La Cart, North Market at Bridge Park, The Pearl Dublin, TownHall
Opened near the end of 2019: Ghostwriter Public House, Goodale Station, RH Rooftop Columbus, Ruth’s Chris, Vine and Forge
New Experiences and Attractions
Hilliard locals are very excited for the Center Street Market to open in the center of town. The market is modeled off Plant Street Market in Winter Garden, Florida. The market will include a new brewery to the Columbus area, Crooked Can Brewery, as well as local favorites: Bakes by Lo, The Cheesecake Girl, Coffee Connections and a few more still to come! If you want an idea of what to expect, check out this article from our sister site in Orlando: 7 Quintessential Dates at Plant Street Market.
Adventure Cove will be opening this spring at the Columbus Zoo. The new exhibit will house California sea lions and harbor seals. The experience will feature a first of its kind viewing tunnel that will allow guests to walk underneath the habitat.
I have to say, the media specialist in me is so excited about the new “bar” in town. Studio 614 is opening Makers Social, a new DIY bar in Franklinton at the end of the month. This bar features beer, cocktails, AND a menu full of DIY projects you can make yourself. Projects range from bird feeders to bows paired with cocktails aptly named “Home Improvement” or “You Know the Drill.” (Libraries now have makerspaces that encourage creativity and problem solving. This bar reminds me of that!).
More attractions we are excited about this year: Pinot’s Palette, Quarry Trails Metro Park
New Staycations
Indus Hotels will be adding another Aloft brand hotel to Columbus. This one will be situated on Olentangy River Rd. close to OSU. The hotel’s modern design will make you feel as if you are in your own boutique college dorm room. Their W XYZ bar will provide chill vibes and cool cocktails.
Other hotels we are excited about: Residence Inn (John Glenn International Airport)
Opened near the end of 2019: Canopy by Hilton, Graduate Columbus, Moxy Columbus
New Concerts
Brian McKnight
Friday, March 20, 8pm
Hollywood Casino
Chicago
Tuesday, April 14, 7:30pm
The Palace Theater
Chris Stapleton
Thursday, April 23, 7pm
Value City Arena
Dan + Shay
Sunday, March 8, 7pm
Nationwide Arena
Dashboard Confessional and The Get Up Kids
Friday, March 6, 7pm
Newport Music Hall
Elton John
Saturday, April 25, 8pm
Value City Arena
Journey
Friday, July 10, 7pm
Nationwide Arena
Justin Bieber
Saturday, August 8
Ohio Stadium
The Lumineers
Tuesday, February 4, 7:30pm
Value City Arena
Zac Brown Band
Friday, March 13, 7pm
Nationwide Arena
New Live Shows
The Bachelor Live on Stage
Tuesday, March 17, 7:30pm
Palace Theatre
The Illusionists Live from Broadway
Thursday, February 6, 7:30pm
Palace Theatre
Nikki Glaser: Bang it Out
Friday, March 20, 7pm
Southern Theatre
The Peking Acrobats
Wednesday, March 11, 7:30pm
Southern Theatre
The Price is Right Live
Friday, March 20, 8pm
Palace Theatre
Shen Yun Performing Arts
Wednesday, February 5
Ohio Theatre
Trixie Mattel: Grown Up
Saturday, February 15, 7pm
EXPRESS LIVE!
New Events
Cinema Columbus
May 7-17
Feature image credit: Easton Town Center blog.
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