What’s New in Downtown Columbus

There’s always something new to explore in the fastest growing city in the U.S. Whether it be unveiling new top-notch attractions or restaurant concepts at the top of the food chain, you’ll be asking yourself, “Can all of this really exist in one city?” Yes, it can, and it does in Columbus.

Here’s your guide to the best new places to visit in Ohio’s capital city.

Restaurants in Columbus

Columbus is seeing an influx of exciting new food and beverage concepts set to open in the summer of 2024. Here’s the scoop. 

Coming Soon
• Butcher & Rose offers a diverse steakhouse experience from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. It specializes in flavors from Italian Piedmontese cuisine, as well as USDA prime dry-aged beef and Australian/Japanese Wagyu. 
• Chouette is introducing classic French cuisine to downtown Columbus. 
• Isla offers an intimate tasting menu and cooking class experiences by acclaimed chef Andrew Smith. It promises a unique culinary journey. 
• Little Grand Market is Columbus’s newest food hall and market. Opening near downtown in Grandview Heights, the Little Grand Market features ten local vendors, large bars perfect for socializing and relaxing patios with impressive city views.  

Recently Opened
• Land-Grant Extension is a new experience from Land-Grant Brewing Co., a long-time local favorite and a leader in the Columbus beer scene. Enjoy 12 rotating taps featuring an array of small-batch, unique and experimental libations.
• Hanks Low Country Seafood and Raw Bar is the second location of this famed Charleston, South Carolina, concept. Hank’s recently opened in downtown Columbus and is serving up all of your elevated seafood favorites.
• Cobra is located in Columbus' Brewery District and serves as a new Asian-American concept. The eatery offers late-night bites and Asian-inspired cocktails in a laid-back environment.
• At Piazza Pelino, enjoy house made focaccia-based sandwiches, creamy small-batch gelato and imported Italian wines and goods.


Art in Columbus

New art and arts experiences are popping up all over town. Here’s a list of things to add to your itinerary.

• The recently launched CBUS Soul Sculpture Trail celebrates local African American art. Download the digital pass, check in at each location, earn points and cash them in for limited edition CBUS Soul merchandise. You’ll also find audio clips available at each stop.
• Spring Exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Art (through August 18):
- Robin F. Williams: We've Been Expecting You is the first solo institutional exhibition of Columbus-born artist Robin F. Williams and features pieces that examine themes of body, gender and identity expression, artificial intelligence and more.
- Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris showcases French artist Marie Laurencin’s unique painting style, which is recognized for placing women at the center of modern art. 
• Current by Janet Echelman is back after a seasonal hiatus. Carefully suspended above the intersection of High and Gay streets, this exhibition is a marvel of engineering and artistry featuring 78 miles of twine. Be sure to visit during one of the new UnderCurrent street festivals this summer.

Attractions, Events & Things to Do in Columbus

There are new experiences and events to explore this summer! Check out our list of can’t-miss things to do. 

• Scioto Mile Fountain: Make sure to schedule some free time to experience the stunning $15 million renovation of the Scioto Mile Fountain. This iconic riverfront attraction along the acclaimed Scioto Mile riverwalk was just named one of the best riverwalks in the country and provides a beautiful setting for outdoor gatherings and exploration.
• The Center City DORA District: Recently approved to open, the Center City Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area will stretch north to south, from Nationwide Boulevard to Mound Street, and east to west, from Fourth Street to Gift Street. It will operate seven days a week between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• Food Truck Festival Returns to Downtown: The iconic Columbus Food Truck Festival is returning to the Scioto Mile after several years of being held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. 
• Michael Malul Show at TENSPACE: This is a unique revolving brick-and-mortar store by TENFOLD, showcasing the stories of emerging online brands. From June 1 to Sept. 22, this one-of-a-kind retail experience will feature luxury brand Michael Malul London for the first time. 

Get out and explore Columbus’ newest experiences and share your memories with us using #yesColumbus.