U.S. Figure Skating, Nate Bargatze and More Things to See and Do in January
Other events include the Columbus Museum of Art’s Wonderball, the New Albany Lecture Series, ‘Tea and Sympathy’ and opportunities to give back.
A curated list of things to see and do in Columbus
Nate Bargatze
Jan. 11-12
Underneath this stand-up comic’s easygoing, everyman exterior is a comedic master with perfect timing and delivery. Bargatze’s star has risen with each new comedy special, but he reached a new level of fame after hosting Saturday Night Live in the fall. Look up his George Washington sketch; you won’t be sorry. nationwidearena.com
‘The Color Purple: The Musical’
Jan. 18-Feb. 18
“The Color Purple” is an unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity. This Short North Stage production draws its inspiration from the landmark novel by Alice Walker, who became the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. shortnorthstage.org
U.S. Figure Skating Championships
Jan. 22-28
Nationwide Arena will witness a flurry of double axels and triple salchows when Columbus hosts the U.S. Figure Skating Championships for the first time. During the weeklong competition, U.S. champions will be crowned in women’s, men’s, pairs and ice dance disciplines. The event wraps up with the Prevagen Skating Spectacular on Sunday, Jan. 28. figureskatingcolumbus.com
The New Albany Lecture Series
Jan. 23
Author and political columnist Jonah Goldberg and New York Times columnist and author Ezra Klein are the featured speakers at the latest installment of this compelling series, presented by the New Albany Community Foundation. Goldberg and Klein will discuss the timely topic “Civil Discourse and Debate,” moderated by NPR’s Leila Fadel. newalbanyfoundation.org
‘Tea and Sympathy’
Jan. 25
The Wexner Center for the Arts will host a screening of this flawed but intriguing entry in the oeuvre of famed movie director Vincente Minnelli, who grew up in Delaware, Ohio. Film historian Peter Tonguette, the author of a December 2022 Columbus Monthly feature about Minnelli, will introduce the 1956 film that explores American masculinity. wexarts.org
Give Back
Jan. 15 | MLK Day of Service
Honor MLK’s memory by participating in this Seeds of Caring program, which is part of separate events at the King Arts Complex and the Ohio History Connection. Activities include assembling dental care kits and packing snack bags for unhoused citizens. seedsofcaring.org
Jan. 25 | Columbus Early Learning Centers Gala
The early education provider, founded in 1886, will host its annual gala at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the Short North. Milo’s Catering will provide food. columbusearlylearning.org
Jan. 27 | Wonderball 2024
The Columbus Museum of Art’s black-and-white gala and fundraiser will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a program that includes a variety of creative experiences, including dance, music and performance art. columbusmuseum.org
This story is from the January 2024 issue of Columbus Monthly.