Coming in 2025: New year brings big names, big events you won't want to miss

Coming in 2025: New year brings big names, big events you won't want to miss

Another year is almost in the books and a new chapter soon will begin. Once the smoke has cleared from gift-shopping madness, holiday parties have wound down and decorations are packed away, folks will be looking for the next big rush of excitement.

Well, look no further, thrill seekers, because there's an embarrassment of riches when it comes to entertainment heading to Columbus and central Ohio in 2025.

From country and Christian contemporary to hip-hop and heavy metal, concerts and music festivals will bring big-name artists to town, and a cornucopia of knee-slapping comedy will tickle your funny bone.

There's also a full lineup of other can't-miss events and performances to suit a variety of tastes: dance, sports, theater, festivals, parades and more.

So, while you're making resolutions for the new year, add a few of the happenings below to your to-do list!

The country-pop singer is known for hits including "Love Me Like You Mean It," "Dibs, "Peter Pan," "hole in the bottle," "HEARTFIRST" and "half of my hometown" featuring Kenny Chesney.

When and where: 7 p.m. Feb. 1, Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Drive

Tickets: Prices start at $50.50 at ticketmaster.com.

Rescheduled from October, the concert will be one of many that Timberlake has performed in Columbus over the last two decades, both as a solo artist and with the boy band NSYNC.

When and where: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

Tickets: Prices start at $59.50 at ticketmaster.com.

The group’s “Life Is a Highway" tour with Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane marks their 25th anniversary as well as the homecoming of Columbus natives Gary LeVox (lead vocals) and Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, background vocals).

When and where: 7 p.m. March 6, Nationwide Arena

Tickets: Prices start at $79.75 at ticketmaster.com.

Born Kevin McKeehan, TobyMac first gained attention as a member of Christian rap-pop crossover trio DC Talk. He boasts seven Grammys, plus No. 1 hits such as "Made to Love," "Me Without You," "City on Our Knees" and "The Goodness."

When and where: 6:30 p.m. March 16, Nationwide Arena

Tickets: Prices start at $35.75 at ticketmaster.com.

The innovative, award-winning alternative hip-hopper and successful fashion designer is touring in support of his latest album, "Chromakopia," released in October.

When and where: 7:30 p.m. March 29, Schottenstein Center

Tickets: Prices start at $134.50 at ticketmaster.com.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is thanking her supporters on the "For My Fans" tour with R&B singers Ne-Yo and Mario. Blige was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Oct. 19, and released her 15th studio album, "Gratitude," on Nov. 15.

When and where: 7 p.m. April 2, Nationwide Arena

In what USA TODAY called one of the most anticipated tours of the summer, Creed returned from an 11-year hiatus to be welcomed by fans "With Arms Wide Open” at sold-out shows across North America. Mammoth WVH and 3 Doors Down will be the supporting acts.

When and where: 7:30 p.m. July 20, Schottenstein Center

Tickets: Prices start at $61.55 at ticketmaster.com.

The raspy-voiced Grammy and Academy Award-winning Etheridge is co-headlining the “Yes We Are” tour with the popular folk duo whose 1989 song “Closer to Fine” was covered last year by Brandi Carlile for the “Barbie” movie soundtrack.

When and where: 7 p.m. Sept. 22, Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.

Tickets: Prices start at $59 at ticketmaster.com.

Christian music’s biggest tour is an all-ages, family-friendly event with performances by Skillet, Anne Wilson, KB, Colton Dixon, NewSong, Micah Tyler and other artists, as well as an appearance by speaker Zane Black.

When and where: 6 p.m. Jan. 25, Schottenstein Center

Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival

Metallica will headline twice, offering two unique sets during a "No-Repeat Weekend." Other performers will include Korn, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Alice in Chains, Linkin Park and more than 100 other bands.

When and where: May 8-11, Historic Crew Stadium, 1 Black and Gold Blvd. (Gates usually open between 11 a.m. and noon; exact times will be announced closer to the event.)

Tickets: Single-day, two-day and four-day general-admission and VIP passes are available; the Rock Royalty reserved pass includes a lounge and reserved seats. Purchase tickets at sonictemplefestival.com.

The artist lineup for the nationally touring 18-and-older festival has not been unveiled yet.

When and where: May 30-31, Historic Crew Stadium

Tickets: Early-bird tickets start at $129 at breakawayfestival.com.

Jelly Roll, who performed in Columbus earlier this year, will return to share the bill with Kane Brown at the eighth annual country megaconcert.

When and where: 3 p.m. June 21, Ohio Stadium, 411 Woody Hayes Drive

Tickets: Prices start at $64.99 at ticketmaster.com.

INKcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival

So far, the roster for the metal and tattoo fest features Acid Bath, Knocked Loose, Three Days Grace with Adam Gontier, and Crossfade. More artists will be announced at a future date.

When and where: July 18-20, Ohio State Reformatory, 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield (Gates usually open between 11 a.m. and noon; exact times will be announced closer to the event.)

Tickets: Three-day general-admission passes start at $229.99, and three-day VIP passes start at $479.99 at inkcarceration.com.

Best-known as Darryl Philbin on NBC's "The Office," the actor-comedian and Second City alum headlines venues and festivals across the U.S., both as a solo act and with his band, The Nasty Delicious. Fun fact: Robinson was a K-8 teacher before going into comedy full-time.

When and where: Jan. 16-19, Columbus Funny Bone, 145 Easton Town Center

Tickets: $54 at columbus.funnybone.com. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Social media has boosted this gifted storyteller’s profile in the past year, but Johnson is no newcomer. He boasts two stand-up specials, YouTube content with more than 140 million views, plus writing and onscreen credits for "The Daily Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." He’s doing two shows in Columbus; one sold out and the other is rapidly following suit.

When and where: 10 p.m. Feb. 1, Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.

Tickets: Prices start at $43.96 at cbusarts.com, with very few tickets left.

The man affectionately known as “Tater Salad” — and a New York Times bestselling author — will weave side-splitting narratives about his life and other topics during one of his numerous visits to Columbus.

When and where: 7 p.m. Feb. 14, Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.

Tickets: Prices start at $73.39 at cbusarts.com.

Dunham, who's been doing ventriloquism for 54 of his 62 years, will be joined by his partners in comedy crime, who include Peanut, Achmed and disgruntled retiree Walter. Fun fact: Dunham has held the Guinness world record for most tickets sold for a stand-up comedy tour since 2014.

When and where: 7 p.m. Feb. 19, Nationwide Arena

Tickets: $65.50 at ticketmaster.com.

Expect an evening of quick wit, hilariously relatable stories and infectious energy from the veteran comic, actor, game show host and judge on “America’s Got Talent” for the past 14 seasons.

When and where: 8 p.m. Feb. 22, McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Road, New Albany

Tickets: Prices start at $68.12 at cbusarts.com.

On their second joint tour, Seinfeld and Gaffigan will deliver a double dose of deadpan humor. The comedy heavyweights also can be seen in Netflix’s “Unfrosted,” which was nominated this year for an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie.

When and where: 7:30 p.m. March 21, Nationwide Arena

Tickets: Prices start at $35 at ticketmaster.com.

The Aussie-born stand-up comedian has been attacked onstage physically and offstage verbally for his provocative remarks, including a confrontation by an offended Axl Rose. So, it’s fair to say it’s anyone’s guess what you’ll get when he takes the mic.

When and where: 7 p.m. April 16, Mershon Auditorium

Tickets: Prices start at $42.75 at ticketmaster.com.

Spears’ extensive credits include stand-up, voiceovers, sketch comedy like Fox's "Mad TV," films such as "Jerry Maguire" and spot-on impressions of celebrities including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Mike Tyson, Denzel Washington and Eddie Murphy.

When and where: April 18-20, Columbus Funny Bone

Tickets: $37 at columbus.funnybone.com. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Rife’s meteoric rise has taken the central Ohio native from TikTok to his “Stay Golden” headlining tour of North America, which begins Dec. 26 with four sold-out nights in Chicago. There’s sure to be plenty of Rife riffs, i.e., the improvised crowd work that’s become his calling card.

When and where: 8 p.m. Aug. 9, Nationwide Arena

Tickets: Prices start at $39.50 at ticketmaster.com.

Clean comedy with wide appeal is Bargatze’s specialty. If you can’t wait until next year to see him, catch his upcoming holiday special, “Nate Bargatze’s Nashville Christmas.” Produced by “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels, the show will air at 9 p.m. Thursday on CBS and stream the next day on Paramount+.

When and where: 7 p.m. Aug. 23, Schottenstein Center

Tickets: Prices start at $39.75 at ticketmaster.com.

More big events you won't want to miss

Guests will dress to impress in their finest black-and-white fashions, adding a pop of turquoise and/or metallic fabrics inspired by the theme "Reflection." The evening includes art, live music and other performances, drinks and sample bites. Think "smaller-scale Met Gala."

When and where: 8 p.m. to midnight, Jan. 25, Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St.

Tickets: $150 at bit.ly/4gwJsKI. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Disney on Ice presents 'Frozen' and 'Encanto'

Fans will be transported into two of Disney's most popular recent films as they sing along to their favorite songs and marvel at top-tier ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more.

When and where: Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Nationwide Arena

Tickets: Prices start at $20 at ticketmaster.com. Ages 2 and older must have a ticket.

Don't miss the last chance to see this version of Zimmer's audio and visual show featuring the Grammy and Oscar-winning composer playing a selection of his scores with an 18-piece live band and full orchestra. The program will include music from "Gladiator," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Lion King," "Dune" and other films.

When and where: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4, Nationwide Arena

Tickets: Prices start at $45 at ticketmaster.com.

'Dancing with the Stars: Live!'

Following last year’s sold-out tour, "Dancing with the Stars: Live!" returns with a dazzling, new live production choreographed by Mandy Moore. See fan favorites including Daniella Karagach and Gleb Savchenko, among others.

When and where: Feb. 7, Mershon Auditorium

Tickets: Resale prices start at $331 at ticketmaster.com.

This much-anticipated musical unites four of the city's leading arts organizations: BalletMet, CAPA, the Columbus Symphony and Opera Columbus. Featuring Spanish and English captions, the production explores the tale of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria amid the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks.

When and where: Feb. 13-16, Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

Tickets: Prices start at $31.25 at cbusarts.com.

The Arnold Sports Festival & Expo

Founded in 1989 by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Columbus sports promoter Jim Lorimer, the sports showcase known as "The Arnold" brings athletes from around the world to compete in strength, bodybuilding, combat, fitness and other events, plus hundreds of booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition.

When and where: Feb. 27-March 2, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

Tickets: Prices vary according to event at arnoldsports.com/tickets.

Monster truckers will put the pedal to the metal during revved-up rivalries, high-flying stunts and head-to-head battles for the event championship. Preshow pit parties give fans the chance to meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs and pictures, and see the 12,000-pound trucks up close.

When and where: April 4-6, Schottenstein Center

Tickets: $24.50 at ticketmaster.com. Pit passes are sold separately for $20, also through Ticketmaster.

You won't need to travel to a galaxy far, far away to see one of the largest private collections of "Star Wars" memorabilia when this exhibition opens in the spring. More than 150 artifacts from legendary characters to full-scale starships and costumes will be showcased.

When and where: May 10-Sept 1, COSI, 333 W. Broad St.

Tickets: Sales will be announced at a future date.

The unofficial kickoff to summer, the nationally ranked arts fest draws nearly half a million visitors to enjoy exhibiting artists, artisans and other creators giving demonstrations, live performances, food vendors and more.

When and where: June 6-8, Scioto Mile Riverfront, downtown Columbus

Cost: General admission is free.

Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival

This annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights and culture offers a resource fair with hundreds of vendors, live performances, a community wellness area and numerous community resources, capped off by the always lively and colorful Pride March.

When and where: June 13-14, location to be announced; stay updated at stonewallcolumbus.org.

More than 400,000 visitors come together for an Independence Day celebration featuring a parade, street festival, live music and the much-loved fireworks finale.

When and where: July 3, downtown Columbus, with fireworks in Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St.

Cost: Free to attend or purchase a VIP package offering food, drinks and the best views of the festivities. Tickets are $125 for adults and $25 for children ages 4 and older, available at redwhiteandboom.org.

A family favorite since 1850, the fair is teeming with exhilarating rides, youth agricultural competitions, exhibits, food, live entertainment and more. The fair's concert series presents well-known artists like Foreigner, who will perform July 24; other acts will be announced in the future.

When and where: July 23-Aug. 3, Ohio State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave.

Cost: Gate admission is $12 for ages 13-59; $10 for ages 6-12 and ages 60 and older; and free for children 5 and younger, as well as veterans, military and first responders with proper ID. Tickets to see Foreigner are $62 and $72 at ticketmaster.com.

Thousands of bicyclists and virtual participants raise funds each year in support of Pelotonia's "One Goal" to end cancer by supporting innovative research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Last year, the Pelotonia community raised more than $26.2 million.

When and where: Aug. 2-3, routes will be posted on the website

Registration: Information forthcoming; stay updated at pelotonia.org.

The offerings at this multigenre entertainment convention include vendors, exhibitors, celebrity panels and Q&A sessions, cosplay competitions, tattoo artists, tabletop and video games, karaoke, themed dance parties and more.

When and where: Dec. 5-7, Greater Columbus Convention Center

Tickets: Single-day passes are $50-$70, with two-day and three-day passes also available at galaxycon.com. Children ages 9 and younger are admitted for free with a paid adult.