Hot Hits Weekend Best Bets - 5/1-5/3/2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Central Ohio will offer a wide mix of entertainment, arts and family-friendly activities for the first weekend of May, with festivals, live performances and touring shows highlighting the calendar from May 1 through May 3, 2026.

One of the weekend''s marquee attractions is the COSI Science Festival, which runs through May 2 at COSI and other locations across the region. The annual event showcases science, technology and innovation through hands-on exhibits and community programming, culminating in a large-scale celebration downtown.

Family entertainment also takes center stage as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus stops at Schottenstein Center from April 30 through May 3. The reimagined production features acrobatics, aerial stunts and live performances aimed at audiences of all ages.

Live performances and touring acts will draw crowds throughout the weekend. Comedian Martin Lawrence is scheduled to bring his "Y''all Still Know What It Is!" tour to Mershon Auditorium on Friday night, offering a major stop for stand-up fans.

Music and nightlife are also well represented. Venues across the city, including Newport Music Hall and A&R Music Bar, will host multiple concerts throughout the weekend, while smaller venues like The Summit Music Hall feature touring acts and themed shows.

Dance and performing arts will have a presence on campus as the OhioDance Festival takes place at The Ohio State University from May 1 through May 3. The festival brings together performers, choreographers and educators for workshops and showcases.

Additional events across the region include interactive experiences such as scavenger hunts, pop-up picnics and themed nightlife shows, reflecting a broad mix of offerings for different audiences.

Columbus, the state''s capital and largest city, is known for hosting a steady stream of festivals and cultural events throughout the year, particularly during the spring and summer months when outdoor programming ramps up.

With a combination of large-scale festivals, touring productions and local performances, the first weekend of May signals the start of a busy season for events and entertainment across central Ohio.