Columbus usually gets a bad rap as just a "college town," but if you've looked at the schedule lately, you know that’s basically a myth at this point. 2026 is shaping up to be one of those years where the city actually outpaces larger neighbors. Honestly, the sheer variety of upcoming concerts Columbus Ohio is hosting right now is a bit overwhelming, ranging from stadium-shaking rock legends to intimate club sets that’ll probably be the "I was there when" stories of the next decade.
It's not just about the Schottenstein Center or Nationwide Arena anymore. We're seeing a massive influx of diverse genres—alt-pop, country, and even legacy acts doing their "final" rounds. If you're a local or just driving in for a weekend, you've probably noticed that tickets are moving faster than usual. That’s because Columbus has become a primary "A-market" stop.
The Big Stadium Moments You Can't Miss
Ohio Stadium is usually the home of the Buckeyes, but this summer it’s basically a temple for rock and pop royalty. Bruno Mars is bringing "The Romantic Tour" to the Horseshoe on May 20, 2026. If you haven't seen him live, the production value is usually insane—expect a lot of brass and a lot of dancing.
Then there’s the heavy hitter. AC/DC is hitting the stadium on July 15, 2026, for their "POWER UP" tour. It’s loud. It’s classic. It’s exactly what you want from a summer night in a massive concrete bowl.
💡 You might also like: How to Watch The Wolf and the Lion Without Getting Lost in the Wild
Don't sleep on the Buckeye Country Superfest on June 13, either. It’s become a literal pilgrimage for country fans across the Midwest. While the lineup shifts slightly every year, the 2026 iteration is leaning heavily into that "stadium country" vibe that feels right at home in Columbus.
Arena Anthems and Farewell Tours
Nationwide Arena and the Schottenstein Center (or "The Schott" if you’re actually from here) are splitting the mid-week and weekend duties for the big touring productions.
Journey is doing their "Final Frontier Tour" at Nationwide on March 16. It’s being billed as an "evening with," which usually means a deeper dive into their catalog than just the radio hits. Speaking of legacy, Barry Manilow is stopping by on March 6 for what is being called "The Last Columbus Concert." Whether it’s actually the last one ever is anyone's guess, but the nostalgia factor is going to be through the roof.
📖 Related: Is Lincoln Lawyer Coming Back? Mickey Haller's Next Move Explained
On the heavier side, GHOST brings their "Skeletour" to Nationwide on February 2. If you're into theatrical metal and haven't seen them yet, it’s basically a high-budget gothic play with better riffs.
Key Dates for Your Calendar:
- Jason Aldean: January 23 at Nationwide Arena (Full Throttle Tour).
- Andrea Bocelli: February 7 at the Schottenstein Center (30th Anniversary Tour).
- Nine Inch Nails: February 20 at The Schott (Peel It Back Tour).
- Megan Moroney: May 29 at The Schott (The Cloud 9 Tour).
Why KEMBA Live! Still Wins for Vibe
The Arena District is the heart of the city's music scene, and KEMBA Live! is the reason why. It has that weird, perfect hybrid of indoor and outdoor space. In the colder months, the indoor stage feels gritty and close.
Zara Larsson is coming through on March 21, which is a massive get for a venue of this size. Also, keep an eye on The Last Dinner Party on June 9. They’ve been exploding lately, and seeing them in a 5,000-cap venue before they move to arenas is the move.
👉 See also: Tim Dillon: I'm Your Mother Explained (Simply)
Atmosphere is also hitting KEMBA on January 27. It's a bit of a winter tradition for underground hip-hop fans in the city. There's something about a packed, sweaty indoor show in January that just feels right.
Festivals: Sonic Temple and Beyond
If you like your music with a side of hearing loss and dust, Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival is back at the Historic Crew Stadium from May 14 to May 17. The 2026 lineup is already looking stacked with My Chemical Romance, Tool, and Bring Me The Horizon. It’s four days of absolute chaos, but it’s the well-organized kind of chaos that Columbus does well.
For a completely different vibe, the CBUS Soul® Fest hits Bicentennial Park on September 4 and 5. It’s free. It’s on the Scioto Mile. Honestly, even if you don't know the full lineup, going for the food and the riverfront views is worth it.
The Local Strategy: How to Actually Get In
Look, the bots are real. If you’re trying to snag tickets for the big upcoming concerts Columbus Ohio has on the books, you have to be smart.
- The Presale Game: Most venues in Columbus (like Promowest/KEMBA) have their own email lists. Sign up. They often drop codes 24 hours before General Admission.
- Parking Hacks: Don't park in the Nationwide garages if you can help it. It’ll take you an hour to get out. Walk three blocks north toward the Short North and park in a surface lot or use the meters. You'll thank me when you're home by midnight.
- The Box Office: Sometimes, the old-school way works. For shows at the Schottenstein Center, you can often bypass the "convenience fees" by going to the box office during business hours. It saves you enough for a beer at the show.
Actionable Next Steps for Music Fans
- Check Venue Calendars Directly: Ticketmaster is a mess, so bookmark the specific sites for Promowest Live, Nationwide Arena, and the Schottenstein Center to see new announcements first.
- Set Notifications for Sonic Temple: Since it’s a multi-day fest, the single-day tickets sell out fast once the daily schedules are released.
- Explore the Smaller Spots: While the big names are great, places like The Bluestone (a converted church) and Newport Music Hall (the longest-running rock club in the country) often host the "next big thing" before they hit the arenas.
- Verify Your Tickets: Only use official resale sites if you miss the initial drop. Columbus has a lot of "speculative" ticket listings on third-party sites—meaning they sell you a ticket they don't even own yet. Stick to the primary sellers whenever possible.