Hot Hits Weekend Best Bets - 2/6-2/8/26

Columbus, Ohio (AP) - Central Ohio residents and visitors have a wide range of sports, music, cultural and outdoor activities to choose from during the weekend of Feb. 6-8, 2026, offering something for families, students and fans of live entertainment.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

• Wrestling at Covelli Center: The Ohio State Buckeyes host the Iowa Hawkeyes in collegiate wrestling action. The matchup is scheduled for the evening at the Covelli Center, drawing college sports fans to the university campus in Columbus.

• Concert and Music Events: At A&R Music Bar, Seahaven performs a live concert - part of the Columbus music calendar for the weekend.

• Collegiate & Local Sports: Other athletic events and live entertainment opportunities are scattered throughout the region, complementing the weekend's busy schedule.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

• Andrea Bocelli in Concert: World-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli performs at Value City Arena at the Schottenstein Center, featuring selections from his celebrated career under his Romanza - 30th Anniversary World Tour.

• World's Toughest Rodeo: The family-oriented rodeo returns to Nationwide Arena, featuring traditional and specialty rodeo competitions.

• Metro Parks Activities: Central Ohio Metro Parks host a variety of daytime events, including guided hikes, a cowboy-style campfire coffee demonstration at Quarry Trails Metro Park, and an avian presentation with a red-tailed hawk.

• Downtown Community Events: Free activities such as Downtown Sip & Stroll and Wanderlights - a seasonal light experience - are scheduled in the heart of downtown Columbus.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

• Men's Basketball Rivalry: Michigan Wolverines travel to face the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena, with tip-off set for early afternoon. The matchup is expected to draw a robust crowd as part of a storied Big Ten rivalry.

• Arts and Culture: Additional arts and theatre performances take place around the Short North and downtown Columbus. Shows include staged performances at the Short North Stage - Come From Away is scheduled for both matinee and evening presentations.

WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
In addition to the marquee sporting and headline concerts, Central Ohio offers an array of smaller scale and community-focused events:

• Live music acts and DJ nights at local bars and lounges provide additional entertainment throughout the weekend.

• Cultural and hobby gatherings, including quilting displays and nature hikes in regional parks, provide family-friendly daytime options.

• Downtown nightlife includes themed dance parties and other social events.

With a mix of high-profile performances and community activities, the Feb. 6-8 weekend in Columbus and the surrounding Central Ohio area is positioned to offer a blend of athletic, cultural and recreational options for residents and visitors alike.