Hot Hits Weekend Best Bets - 4/24-4/26/26

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A mix of large-scale sporting events, live music, festivals and community gatherings will headline the weekend of April 24-26, 2026, across Columbus and Central Ohio, offering residents and visitors a broad range of spring activities.

One of the weekend's signature events is the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon, set for Saturday in downtown Columbus. The race includes a half marathon, quarter marathon and 5K, drawing thousands of runners through city neighborhoods with a start time of 8 a.m.

Also Saturday, country music star Luke Combs brings his "My Kinda Saturday Night Tour" to Ohio Stadium. The show, scheduled for 5:20 p.m., features a stadium-scale production with multiple supporting acts and is expected to be one of the largest entertainment events of the weekend.

Festivalgoers can continue to take part in the Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs through April 25 at Franklin Park. The annual event celebrates spring with cultural programming, food vendors and outdoor activities centered around blooming cherry trees.

In the music scene, R&B singer Angela Winbush is scheduled to perform Friday evening at the Trio Event Center in east Columbus, while the Columbus Doomsday Festival will bring a two-day lineup of rock and metal acts to The Summit Music Hall beginning Friday night and continuing into Saturday.

Sports fans will also have multiple options. A Columbus Crew home match is slated for Saturday night, adding to a busy weekend of athletics that complements the marathon and other local competitions.

Meanwhile, food enthusiasts can explore the citywide Vegan Dining Week, a newly launched initiative featuring dozens of participating restaurants offering plant-based specials and limited-time menus.

Additional entertainment options across the weekend include niche concerts such as electronic music performances at venues like Otherworld, as well as a variety of community events, pop-up experiences and nightlife offerings throughout the region.

The weekend continues a busy spring season for Central Ohio, where festivals, races and concerts routinely draw large crowds and contribute to the region's cultural and economic activity. Organizers encourage attendees to check event details, parking advisories and ticket availability in advance.