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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Central Ohio residents will find no shortage of things to do this weekend, with a lineup of sporting competitions, live music, family events and cultural attractions scheduled across the Columbus area from Friday through Sunday.

The largest draw of the weekend is the annual Arnold Sports Festival, which runs Thursday through Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and other venues around the city. Now in its 38th year, the festival is considered one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, drawing thousands of athletes from dozens of countries to compete in more than 50 sports, including bodybuilding, martial arts and powerlifting.

Founded by actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the event regularly brings more than 10,000 athletes and thousands of spectators to Columbus, filling hotels and restaurants while showcasing a wide range of amateur and professional competitions throughout the weekend.

For families and hobbyists, the Columbus Brick Convention will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Ohio Expo Center. The LEGO-themed event features large-scale displays, building zones, vendors and interactive activities designed for children and adults alike. Organizers say attendees can expect elaborate fan-built creations and opportunities for hands-on building throughout the weekend.

Music fans will also have several options Friday night. Country group Eli Young Band is scheduled to perform at The Bluestone, while singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. takes the stage at KEMBA Live. Additional performances are planned at smaller venues across the city, reflecting Columbus' active live-music scene.

Sports will remain a prominent part of the weekend schedule as well. Ohio State men's basketball hosts Indiana at the Schottenstein Center on Saturday evening, a matchup expected to draw a large crowd as the Buckeyes continue conference play late in the season.

Beyond ticketed events, residents can also explore seasonal attractions across the region. Columbus' newest green space, Great Southern Metro Park, recently opened portions of its grounds to visitors during a soft-opening phase, offering walking trails and outdoor recreation on the city's South Side.

With major sporting competitions, concerts and family-friendly activities all taking place, tourism officials say the first weekend of March is one of the busiest of the year for the Columbus area. Event organizers encourage visitors to check schedules and ticket availability ahead of time, as several venues are expected to see large crowds throughout the weekend.