Hot Hits Weekend Best Bets - 4/10-4/12/26

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A wide range of entertainment, sports and cultural events are scheduled across Columbus and Central Ohio for the weekend of April 10-12, 2026, offering residents and visitors options that range from large-scale arena shows to community festivals and live performances.

Monster trucks will take center stage at the Schottenstein Center as Monster Jam returns for a three-day run beginning Friday. The event features competitions and fan experiences, including a pit party where attendees can meet drivers and see the trucks up close.

Live theater and performing arts also highlight the weekend calendar. The Tony Award-winning musical "Shucked" continues its run with multiple performances from Friday through Sunday, while additional productions such as "Let's Misbehave: The Songs of Cole Porter" and "Mozart & Schnittke" are scheduled across Columbus venues.

Sports fans will find no shortage of action. A Columbus Blue Jackets home game is scheduled for Sunday evening at Nationwide Arena, while amateur and youth competitions-including the Spring Sizzle basketball tournament at Polaris and The Cheer Expo-will bring regional teams into the city throughout the weekend.

Community and participatory events are also prominent. The Ohio State 4 Miler will take place Sunday, drawing thousands of runners and walkers to Ohio Stadium for a race that finishes on the field. Meanwhile, the Columbus Museum of Art will host its "CMA Family Fest: Art Starts Here" on Saturday, featuring hands-on activities, music and gallery experiences for families.

Seasonal and cultural celebrations continue as part of the Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs through late April and includes programming during the weekend. Additional community offerings include educational programming such as a hydrocephalus awareness event Saturday morning and ongoing free and low-cost activities across the region.

Music and nightlife round out the weekend, with concerts scheduled at venues across the city, including a Friday night performance by the Concrete Boys at A&R Music Bar and other live shows throughout the area.

Altogether, the weekend's lineup reflects a mix of large-scale entertainment, local arts and community engagement, underscoring Columbus' position as a regional hub for events spanning sports, culture and family-friendly activities.