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Nutrient Sequencing

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WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF YOUR HOME

HEALTH

The Prognosis for Progress New advancements in the field of pediatric oncology By Jane Dimel Photos courtesy of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Mandy Root-Thompson and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

THIS SEPTEMBER MARKS the 15th year of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In that time, the field of pediatric oncology has changed drastically, thanks to innovations in treatments and advancements in medical technology. A December 2023 advancement gave Columbus, a regional leader in cancer treatment, its first proton therapy center. The project came via a collaboration between The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The $100 million facility, one of the country’s newest retrofitted proton therapy centers, draws patients from around central Ohio, along with West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, Kentucky and more. A new form of radiation treatment to target tumors, proton therapy uses a beam of positively charged particles in place of the photon particles used in traditional X-ray radiation. Though it’s been around for decades, the procedure is a relatively new pediatric cancer treatment, offering a more precise alternative to photon radiation.

Dr. Timothy Cripe

Dr. Joshua Palmer

cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

It also promises decreased radiation exposure beyond the site of the tumor and appears to be less likely to cause secondary cancers, says Dr. Timothy Cripe, chief of Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplantation at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Though not used in every case, as photon radiation remains prominent, the extra precision of proton therapy has been shown to improve quality of life. It’s also been shown to be potentially life-saving in patients who are still in early stages of development, or whose tumors are close to vital organs, particularly brain and spinal tumors. “If the radiation field can be narrowed by conventional methods and the surrounding tissues are not really at risk, if it’s not a growing bone or a liver nearby or things like that, patients may not need proton,” Cripe says. “But certainly, if we think patients will benefit from it. For example, if it’s a brain tumor – we want to minimize exposure to the normal brain, so a lot of it depends on the location or the size or the extent or the feasibility.” Protons’ precision comes from how their depth can be controlled, says Dr. Joshua Palmer, a radiation oncologist at The James Outpatient Care. In traditional photon radiation, radiation oncologists plan a trajectory course to best

Artist’s rendering of a natural killer (NK) cell. NK cells are an important part of the innate immune system and are emerging as useful for cancer treatment.

target the tumor, while taking into consideration entry and exit points to minimize damage to other parts of the body. Where photon radiation may hit unwanted targets as it reaches and passes through the tumor, Palmer says, radiation oncologists can better control the radiation depth in proton therapy, calculating the energy given to protons to determine where it will stop. This allows the physicians to analyze the safest course for protons without worry about additional impact beyond the tumor site and administers significantly lower doses of radiation to a patient’s body. “With photons, all this exit dose is going through the heart and lungs and breast tissue and body. The protons will stop, (for example) in the bone of the back, and then you get no dose to the

front of the body,” Palmer says. “(That) means kids can grow normally, their organs will function normally, they don’t have cancers related to the treatment.” The next challenge with proton therapy is further controlling its energy delivery, as it can have an unpredictable peak of energy, known as the Bragg peak. Palmer is working with researchers from The James – as well as Harvard Medical School and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, among others – to figure out how to optimize the Bragg peak and linear energy transfer (LET). Researchers are using the newest computational systems to run thousands of simulations to learn how to aim the hottest, most aggressive dose at the tumor site attempting to exploit this unique nature of high LET in heavy particle therapy. “That’s in part what makes protons a bit challenging: The unknown of where protons actually go can lead to some toxicity,” Palmer says. “We can actually plan that. We can know where they’re going to go and come up with alternatives to exploit where the proton is the most powerful and put that in the tumor. It’s like a new version of proton planning that allows us to kill the tumor in a more precise way.” This innovation is likely still a few years down the road, Palmer says, but “it’s in the road map of what will likely be the future in 2030.” The technology in the Proton Therapy Center is also set up to integrate a new treatment delivery process in clinical testing and patient evaluation: FLASH. This process may be capable of delivering the entire traditional radiation course – typically 30 minutes a day, five days a week for six weeks – within milliseconds. Though Cripe predicts it is still 10 to 20 years away from common usage, FLASH has the potential to be “a huge game changer” for patient experience, he says. “Compared to when I started my career, a lot of these cancers (have) much better outcomes, and not just in survival rates, but in quality of life,” Cripe says. “I think there’s reason to continue to hope for the future with the advent of AI-assisted stuff and cell and gene therapies and personalized therapies. I think it’s all going to continue to lead to better, healthier outcomes for patients. … We always say every kid deserves to grow up and lead a normal life, and I think there’s reason for hope.” CS Jane Dimel is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at jdimel@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

CUISINE

Order Matters

The science behind nutrient sequencing By Megan Brokamp Photo courtesy of Xsandra/iStock

WHEN THEY MAKE a decision to eat

healthier, most people focus on the types of foods they consume. From Mediterranean to keto to intermittent fasting, there are countless rabbit holes of internet searches that can get you lost in the world of diets. Far fewer people focus on when to eat certain foods. New research suggests, though, the order in which certain foods are eaten during a meal may influence blood sugar, energy levels and fullness. What is nutrient sequencing? Nutrient sequencing is eating foods in a specific order to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and curb hunger cravings. More and more, health experts are emphasizing the importance of the order of consumption. The basic recommendation is: fiberrich vegetables first, protein and healthy fats second, carbohydrates last. Rather than eliminate carbs or restrict certain food groups, nutrient sequencing allows the individual to eat the same meal, just in a different way. At dinner, someone practicing food sequencing would start with a salad or vegetables, move on to their protein of choice and finish with a carb-based food, such as a side of fries or rice. Unlike lunch or dinner, which are fairly simple to sequence, breakfast doesn’t always include vegetables. You don’t have to force yourself to

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eat a salad at 7 a.m. Instead, focus on getting protein and fiber before or with carbohydrates. How does it work? The key to the science behind nutrient sequencing is how quickly food leaves the stomach, is digested and enters the bloodstream as glucose. Studies on nutrient sequencing have found that delaying carbohydrate consumption may help slow

digestion and create a more gradual rise in blood sugar after eating. When you eat carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates such as white bread or pastries, they’re broken down into glucose. The pancreas reacts by releasing insulin to help transport glucose into cells for energy. Carbohydrates that are eaten alone often cause blood sugar to rise rapidly, leading to glucose spikes. Eating fiber,

protein and healthy fats before carbohydrates changes that process. Fiber-rich foods such as vegetables take longer to digest than carbohydrates. They also are more filling, which slows gastric emptying, or the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. Since carbohydrates enter the small intestine at a slower rate, glucose, in turn, reaches the bloodstream more slowly. Protein and healthy fats similarly slow gastric emptying, but they also release digestion and blood sugar-regulating hormones, leading to slower carbohydrate absorption. These hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), help the body digest food more slowly, manage blood sugar levels and feel full longer. What does the research say? The growing popularity of sequencing is part of a larger focus on managing

blood sugar, which circulated online and began to gain a following starting in 2022. Unlike many fads and diet hacks, nutrient sequencing is backed by years of scientific research. Research emerged around 2014, when multiple studies found that consuming protein and vegetables before carbohydrates reduced blood sugar spikes. A 2019 study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that people with prediabetes who ate protein and vegetables before carbohydrates reduced their post-meal blood sugar response by nearly 39 percent compared with those who ate carbohydrates first. Nutrient sequencing has also proven beneficial for adults without diabetes. A 2026 systematic review published in Clinical Nutrition Research found that meal sequencing consistently reduced post-meal blood sugar spikes in healthy adults. Though there is significant backing behind immediate blood sugar regulation, researchers do not yet know

whether this leads to long-term improvements in A1C. Who benefits? People with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and insulin resistance may benefit most directly from nutrient sequencing. Even adults without these conditions may benefit through steadier energy and improved satiation, though. One of the biggest advantages of this practice is its approachability. Rather than impose strict or unrealistic diet plans, sequencing doesn’t villainize foods. It instead encourages a more mindful approach to how meals are enjoyed. Experts and researchers note that sequencing only works if it is paired with overall healthy eating practices, as lasting health is less shaped by the order of a meal and more by daily habits. CS Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Community Cares

The New Albany Lecture Series kicks off with a discussion on national security By Abby Van Voorhis Photo courtesy of James DeCamp Photography

FOR OVER A DECADE, the New Albany

Community Foundation has created a space for community conversations, bringing together neighbors, peers, celebrities and experts with the sole intention of discussing society’s most pressing issues. Now moving into its 14th season, the series this year features five lectures across a variety of topics with 13 speakers and moderators. Starting with security The Lecture Series strives to drive conversations that are timely and important to the community, says Craig Mohre, president of the New Albany Community Foundation, which coordinates the series. The season opens Sept. 15 with a discussion about national security with retired U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, a former director of the CIA, and Marie Yovanovitch, a former ambassador to Ukraine, moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Bret Stephens. “With national security, we’re intentional about trying to pair the national defense and intelligence side with someone who makes policy,” says Mohre. Since his previous appearance, Petraeus has taught courses in international rela-

tions at Yale University and co-authored a book, Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, in 2023. In addition to Ukraine, Yovanovitch has served as ambassador to Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Today, she is a senior fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Stephens’ nearly 30-year career as a columnist, editor and contributor has included positions at media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Jerusalem Post, NBC News and SAPIR. In 2013, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for his Wall Street Journal column on foreign and domestic policy. Season overview Following the lecture on national defense, the season breaks for the Foundation’s annual Remarkable Evening benefit in November before picking

(Left to right): Foundation President Craig Mohre, Secretary Mike Pompeo, Lt. General H.R. McMaster and journalist Jim Sciutto.

10 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

back up in January. Filling out the rest of this year’s schedule are: • Jan. 28: America’s 250th featuring historians Annette Gordon-Reed, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Mark Updegrove • Feb. 24: Civil discourse and debate featuring former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan and former South Carolina Rep. Bakari Sellers, moderated by award-winning BBC journalist Katty Kay • March 3: Health and well-being featuring author and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks and Pelotonia Vice Chair and Orli Founder Doug Ulman • April 20: Economy featuring author and Financial Times Associate Editor Rana Foroohar and Andrew Ross Sorkin, a financial columnist for The New York Times, co-anchor of CNBC’s Squawk Box and founder of DealBook Looking forward As the foundation lays the plans for the 2027-28 season, it remains committed to its mission while looking to build on its successes. “I feel very confident in saying we have one of the top lecture series in the country, but we have bigger goals for it,” says Mohre. Mohre hopes to endow the Lecture Series and expand it so speakers could potentially stay in New Albany longer, making it possible to offer further community connections and discussions. CS Abby Van Voorhis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Season of Celebration

The 2026-27 performing arts season By Rachel Hanz Photos courtesy of Maria Baranova, Rick Buchanan, Columbus Jazz, Buzz Crisafulli, James DeCamp Photography, Kyle Long Photography, Matthew Murphy, McConnell Arts Center, Randall Schieber, Evan Zimmerman

As the Columbus art scene welcomes a new season, it brings with it several anniversaries, from 15 years of operations to 100 years of hosting shows. It is all possible thanks to partners – such as the Greater Columbus Arts Council, which awarded more than $6 million to performing arts groups this year – as well as the hundreds of staff, volunteers and patrons who support them. Broadway in Columbus With each season, Broadway in Columbus presents a mixture of new and fan-favorite shows, says CAPA President and CEO Chad Whittington, while increasing run times when possible. “It’s all done in the spirit of making sure we’re providing enough capacity to meet the demand here in central Ohio,” Whittington says. “We’ll continue to… try and expand our capacity in various ways over the next couple of years, to make sure we’re serving the community.” As a Tony Awards voter, Whittington is very excited for the breadth of options in the 2026-27 season, ranging from new award-winning show Maybe Happy Ending to family-friendly classic Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Can’t Miss: The Great Gatsby, Feb. 23-March 3, 2027, Ohio Theatre

Columbus Symphony Orchestra Columbus Symphony Orchestra welcomes its 75th season with an air of celebration and gratitude, says CEO Maureen O’Brien. From its Cardinal Health Masterworks Series to Picnic with the Pops each summer, the orchestra always works to meet audiences where they are, O’Brien says. 12 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

“Whether you have small kids or you’ve been coming for decades or you’re new, what we want (is for) everybody to feel like there’s something to draw them in,” she says. The orchestra returns to Carnegie Hall for the first time in 25 years with a newly commissioned world premiere titled Mysteries, Anthems & Victories, featuring Grammy Award-nominated bass-baritone Davóne Tines. Can’t Miss: Mysteries, Anthems & Victories, Oct. 23-24, Ohio Theatre

Short North Stage The Short North Stage celebrates its 15th season with newly renovated behind-the-scenes and patron-facing spaces in the Garden Theatre, as well as a brand-new stage. Producing Artistic Director Edward Carignan says the 2026-27 season welcomes back several fan favorites and some long-requested shows. This fall, the troupe debuts Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a show the team waited to add to the repertoire until they could deliver the version they wanted, Carignan says. “I’m very excited that we’re finally at a place in our growth where we can produce something of that scale and do it well,” he says.

Can’t Miss: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sept. 24-Oct. 18, Garden Theatre

Shadowbox Live Shadowbox Live closes out 2026 with new theater screens and a new choreographer, as well as the return of Nicholas Wilson. In addition to Holiday Hoopla, CEO Stacie Boord, says the company is excited to present two new Halloween-themed shows this fall: a sketch-comedy production and a tribute show, Speak of the Devil: Shadows and Sounds of Ozzy and Black Sabbath.

Broadway in Columbus

Columbus Symphony Orchestra

Short North Stage

“We’re creating a Halloween experience that is using the music of Ozzy and Black Sabbath as the thread, and we’re really excited because it’s a different approach than what we had before,” Boord says. Can’t Miss: Speak of the Devil: Shadows and Sounds of Ozzy and Black Sabbath, Sept. 10-Nov. 15, Shadowbox Live

BalletMet As Remi Wörtmeyer enters his third year as the artistic director of BalletMet, he’s excited about organizational changes and the upcoming season’s theme: icons. From opportunities for young choreographers to an abridged, family-friendly show, the season is meant to highlight the organization’s future and acknowledge its past, Wörtmeyer says. “I think that it’s really important that we continue to do new ballets,” he says, “but we also want to respect the past, the traditions of ballet and the traditions of the organization.” In recognition of the season’s theme and the show’s 150th anniversary, BalletMet will perform a newly choreographed version of Swan Lake, cocommissioned alongside Atlanta Ballet. Can’t Miss: Swan Lake, Feb. 19-21, Ohio Theatre

Shadowbox Live September/October 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

Suburban Spotlight The McConnell Arts Center This season welcomes back the bluegrass music series and the Mad, Mad Men Swingin’ Holiday Show, along with performances from new dance groups through the Cultural Connections Series and multidisciplinary performances in conjunction with the visual arts exhibitions.

Can’t Miss: Ballet Folclorico Xochihua, Feb. 20, The McConnell Arts Center The Abbey Theater of Dublin To close out its 2026 season, The Abbey Theater of Dublin welcomes the dramatic comedy play The Velocity of Autumn and the musical adaptation of a 2003 Disney film with Finding Nemo Jr. & Finding Nemo Kids. Can’t Miss: The Velocity of Autumn, Sept. 25-27 and Oct. 1-4, Abbey Theater Little Theatre Off Broadway The Little Theatre Off Broadway’s 2026-27 season includes a murderous play inspired by Agatha Christie’s work, two humorous holiday musicals and comedic play set in 1930s Paris. Can’t Miss: Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy Of Tenors, Jan. 15-31, Little Theatre Off Broadway New Albany Symphony Orchestra The New Albany Symphony Orchestra 2026-27 season includes seven performances, with three sensory-friendly series shows; Musical America’s 2026 Artist of the Year, pianist Emanuel Ax; and the return of internationally acclaimed violinist Isabelle Durrenberger. Can’t Miss: The Singing Rooms, Oct. 11, Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts

Opera Columbus General Director and CEO Julia Noulin-Mérat says Opera Columbus’ 45th season welcomes fan favorites alongside several new shows. While Noulin-Mérat is personally excited for next April’s The Shining, as the original Stephen King book reaches its 50th anniversary, she says the season’s opener Pirates! The Penzance Musical celebrates Columbus’ art scene. “In looking ahead, CAPA asked us, ‘Hey, the Palace (Theatre) is turning 100. Is there anything special we could be doing together?’ And that’s how the idea of Pirates came to be,” she says. Making its first appearance since its run on Broadway, the show features the Opera Columbus debut of local drag queen Nina West. Can’t Miss: Pirates! The Penzance Musical, Nov. 6 and 8, Palace Theatre

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio Producing Artistic Director Leda Hoffmann says many of this season’s shows center around the idea of finding community, from a satire about a mumps outbreak to Hoffmann’s personal favorite play, John Proctor is the Villain. The ensemble hopes to support discussions among the community, she says, by bringing back talk-backs and panel discussions for crowds to participate in. “I think that this whole season is going to help us as a community, as central Ohio, think about the way that we talk to each other,” Hoffmann says. “And that, when you need support, there really are people right there who are happy to help you.” Can’t Miss: Jagged Little Pill, Sept. 17-Oct. 4, Studio One at Riffe Center Theatres

Columbus Jazz

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra

Columbus Jazz’s season includes its Columbus Jazz Presents with the Wexner Center for the Arts, and its free, community-based PBJ & Jazz, which will be at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main branch through the winter. Following its popularity, CEO Katy Coy says, the group is excited to add more Jam Session series. With all the performances around town, Coy is particularly excited for the return of guitarist Dan Wilson, who will join the Columbus Jazz Orchestra alongside vocalist Jonathan Elliott. “It feels like (Wilson’s) communicating with you when he’s playing his guitar,” Coy says, “and it’s so nuanced and thoughtful, and has so many feelings in it.” Can’t Miss: Guitar Greats, Feb. 12-14, Southern Theatre

As ProMusica Chamber Orchestra enters its 48th season, CEO Janet Chen – who is celebrating 20 years with the organization – says it will continue to present pieces by well-known composers and highlight artists from newer generations. “We want audiences to leave after the concert feeling like they’ve experienced something that they wouldn’t have been able to experience either elsewhere or sitting at home,” Chen says. The orchestra is excited to welcome back Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad to perform another of her commissioned pieces, which will feature the Grammy-winning percussion quartet Third Coast Percussion. Can’t Miss: PLAY! & Schubert’s Third, Dec. 12 and 13, Southern Theatre

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra

14 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

Wexner Center for the Arts

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Nationwide Arena Sept. 30: Teddy Swims: The UGLY Tour Oct. 6: Weezer: The Gathering Oct. 21: Five Finger Death Punch with Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire Schottenstein Center Sept. 11: Thomas Rhett: Soundtrack to Life Tour Columbus Jazz

Wexner Center for the Arts This year welcomes a range of topics, from a stand-up comedy dissecting American consumerism, featuring a live ASL interpretation, to a jazz concert featuring the Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in his final season as artistic director. With unique shows in queue such as the French production La vie secrète des vieux, Senior Producers Elena Perantoni and Kathleen Felder are especially excited to be a part of bringing the pieces to life, they say, including the world premiere of Wex-commissioned piece adaku, part 2, centering on a family’s connection to the transatlantic slave trade. Can’t Miss: adaku, part 2, Oct. 20-22, Wexner Center for the Arts CS Rachel Hanz is the lead editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rhanz@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Sept. 25: Ella Langley with Kameron Marlowe and Laci Kaye Booth Sept. 30: The Smashing Pumpkins: The Rats in a Cage Tour

Arts Alive! Be on the scene with Columbus arts, entertainment & style

Oct. 2: Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire Ohio Stadium Oct. 17: Twenty One Pilots

Centennial Celebrations In celebration of the Palace Theatre’s 100th, the theater is hosting a community event and guided tours in September, followed by a centennial version of CAPA Haunts the Palace in October. In November, CAPA presents a tribute to the music and legacy of Ray Charles with Palace 100: The Genius of Ray Charles, featuring Charles’ collaborators and Columbus native Billy Valentine alongside bandleader and television personality Paul Shaffer and Grammy-winning drummer and producer Gregg Field.

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EDUCATION

SPOTLIGHT

Culture for the Next Generation Columbus organizations provide opportunities for youth to learn about the arts By Grey Romohr Photos courtesy of Short North Stage and Jennifer Zmuda

ith the growth of Columbus’ art scene comes a demand for young virtuosos, and local organizations are stepping up to help the next generation discover their calling. Theater Shadowbox Live High schoolers in the Studio 8 Arts Program gain experience in performance and technical production with updated facilities. “It’s exciting to be able to provide them the tools that they need… to really actualize themselves as artists,” says Shadowbox Live CEO Stacie Boo. The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio hosts a Saturday Morning Musicals program as well as summer camps for ages 8 to 14. Topics range from developing lifelong skills in collaboration and public speaking to script writing and improvisation. Ohio Musical Theatre Institute Cultivating aspiring performers and technicians, the Southeast Columbus-based Ohio Musical Theatre Institute offers weeklong summer camps, private lessons and a range of internship opportunities for each season.

Short North Stage For high school students, internships and work opportunities are available at Short North Stage, which offers performance, technical and staff roles to build experience with industry professionals. “Young people (get) an opportunity to work with New Yorkers that they may potentially want to work with in the future,” says Producing Artistic Director Edward Carignan. Music Columbus Symphony Orchestra In conjunction with its youth orchestra sections, the orchestra works with underserved students in grades 5-12 through The Academy. “(It is) about 10 students that are getting really direct instructions and lessons from some of our musicians,” says Maureen O’Brien, Columbus Symphony Orchestra CEO. Benefits of The Academy include weekly private lessons, performance opportunities and financial assistance. Opera Columbus Serving more than 13,000 students in central Ohio, Opera Columbus artists visit K-12 schools to perform and discuss elements of opera and individual journeys as professionals with curious students. ProMusica Expert ProMusica musicians work directly with middle and high schools and underserved students, providing mentorship and appreciation for classical music. “(We are) putting instruments in their hands, giving them lessons, giving them musical experiences,” says Janet Chen, CEO of ProMusica.

BalletMet

16 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

Columbus Jazz Students in grades 7-12 can audition for Columbus Jazz’s Youth Jazz programs

Short North Stage

and place in one of four ensembles or specialized vocalist programs. Jazz Girls programs are available to uplift underrepresented female, non-binary and gender-expansive groups in jazz. Dance Columbus Dance Theatre Alongside its summer programs and young children’s division, the Columbus Dance Theatre offers a trainee program in classical and contemporary ballet as well as jazz for students ages 16-25, preparing them for college-level dance programs and companies. BalletMet BalletMet’s ballet and dance academy welcomes all ages into various division classes based on age and experience. “It’s important to offer avenues for these talented young people to grow and to learn their art form and to have a platform to express their voice,” says Artistic Director Remi Wörtmeyer. CS Grey Romohr is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Fostering Belonging

Community house systems in educational spaces across the U.S.

What is the House System? These communities are similar to the houses from Harry Potter, in which students are assigned to different groups. Each group has unique attributes, and they engage in friendly competition against other houses to earn points. These houses are meant to strengthen teamwork, student communication skills and motivation.

By Sandhya Kannan Photos courtesy of New Albany-Plain Local Schools and South Western City Schools

n the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of students facing participation challenges, attention loss and a lack of motivation in schools has increased, according to the Institute of Education Sciences. This issue has grown year after year, and educators have been inspired to take matters into their own hands using Harry Potter as inspiration. The house system concept has been adopted by schools across the U.S., with the Atlanta-based Ron Clark Academy spearheading the movement in 2007. Many schools in Columbus – such as Columbus Academy, The Wellington School, South Western City Schools and New Albany-Plain Local Schools – have followed suit, seeing the positive impact in-school communities have had on students’ motivation.

helped to relieve a portion of the academic stress and rigor that students faced, by encouraging them to engage in leadership and community activities. Per a post on Wellington’s blog, the school’s House System created a higher purpose for students, with the friendly competition between houses boosting team morale and spirit while building teamwork skills.

Statistic support Multiple studies have shown that students across the U.S. report feeling disconnected from their peers and teachers, including a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that put the proportion of isolated students at 45 percent. A 2025 Consortium for Public Education study found a number of cases in which house systems across the U.S. contributed to students’ increased motivation to excel in their school. The study also found that in private academies, such as Columbus Academy and Wellington, the house system

Impact on education Among the motivations of schools that have adopted house systems is promoting a greater sense of community among students who are still finding their place in their adolescent social circles, encouraging students to interact with peers they may not otherwise encounter and discouraging bullying. It also pushes participants to demonstrate leadership and collaborate with their fellow students to build essential life skills. Educators have reported seeing stronger relationships between students and staff across schools that have adopted house systems, according to a research

study completed by the University of New England. The same study showed greater connections among students and a positive correlation between House and school engagements. “At South Western City Schools, the House System gives fifth- and sixth-grade students a stronger sense of belonging by connecting them with peers and staff beyond their classrooms they may not otherwise get to interact with,” says Evan Debo, executive director of communications. The House System also helps smooth the transition between the district’s elementary and intermediate schools, Debo says, allowing the incoming fifth grade students to find mentors in sixth-graders who help them adapt to their new environment. “The House System helps ensure every student feels connected, valued and supported as part of the SWCS community,” he says. CS Sandhya Kannan is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. September/October 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

EDUCATION

SPOTLIGHT

The Future of Fashion

Columbus Fashion Alliance partners with Columbus College of Art and Design to open maker space Downtown By Ellie Keehn Photo courtesy of Renee LeGendre

t the Columbus Fashion Alliance (CFA), the guiding mission is to create positive change for the people and the planet through the power of fashion. The group strives to create educational pathways and provide resources to connect the community to the large retail industry in Columbus, says Yohannan Terrell, founder and executive director. Alongside Harvard Business School, Ohio University and others, the CFA did extensive research to answer Terrell’s question: “How do we help the next generation of fashion brands and creatives to lead the way (in Columbus)?” The answer: Create a hub that brings them together. The CFA and the Columbus College of Art and Design have a symbiotic relationship, says CCAD President Melanie Corn. Both organizations care deeply about strengthening the fashion ecosystem in Columbus, Corn says, and work toward that goal together whenever possible. So when CCAD was selling a building on the periphery of its campus, the school gave CFA time to raise funds and purchase the building for its new hub: The Loom.

Fashion Design students at Columbus College of Art & Design

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Melanie Corn of Columbus College of Art & Design and Yohannan Terrell of Columbus Fashion Alliance inside The Loom

The Loom The Loom is a maker space for fashion entrepreneurs, students and small fashion design companies, providing them with the tools they need to bring their ideas to fruition. It also serves as a home base for the CFA’s community and educational programs, to which CCAD often brings faculty and alumni to speak and teach. Because the building is on CCAD’s campus, it is a close resource for students and a way for prospective students to get fashion experience before applying. “I think The Loom is going to be a really exciting space for Columbus,” says Corn. “It will help make downtown Columbus a really vibrant and fun and creative city.” The Loom is opening in three stages. Loom Version One, open now, offers event spaces, working spaces and select classes. Loom Version Two will include an innovation lab and office spaces for rent. Loom Version Three, which Terrell hopes to have completed by the middle of next year, will have a finished first floor with bigger social spaces, classrooms, conference rooms and offices.

Sewing community Terrell’s main goal is to use the facility to strengthen the fashion community, he says. “The building is a building. People can work out of anywhere they want to work out of,” says Terrell. “But it’s building the community authentically together. We’re tapping into the cultural leaders, the fashion leaders, the learners, the entrepreneurs, and we’re starting to build tribes together.” The opening of The Loom is just one of many efforts to strengthen the fashion industry in Columbus, Terrell says. “We don’t have the mountains and the beaches and the rivers that some cities have. (We) don’t have the pro basketball, the pro football, things … that really drive a lot of economic opportunity to a city,” he says. “But fashion is that one thing we have… It has so many positive implications on this region.” CS Ellie Keehn is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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S POTLIGHT

Building Communities BIA Parade of Homes returns to central Ohio By Abby Van Voorhis Photos courtesy of Jennifer Michelle Photography, Nathan Schivley at Blue Avenue Media, 3 Pillar Homes and Tevis Visuals, Epcon Communities

he annual BIA Parade of Homes returns to central Ohio this fall. Through this more than 70-year-old tradition, the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio has created a way to see all the new trends and features local builders and designers have to offer. Columbus is a rapidly growing city, as are the smaller communities in its metro area. The U.S. Census Bureau reported the metro population reached 2,242,028 in 2025, and the Columbus Partnership reports a growth rate double the national average. This puts Columbus’ growth rate on par with Atlanta’s. That growth has brought with it a need for new housing. As of June 2026, a total of 6,197 permits were approved in the Columbus Metro area, according to National Association of Home Builders data. The homeownership rate in the Columbus metro area was approximately 62 percent in 2024, according to data from Census Reporter. This is 8 percent less than the state rate reported by the

weekends

days

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Ohio Housing Finance Agency in 2024, and about 3 percent less than the national rate reported by the U.S. Census Bureau for the first quarter of 2026. Continuing its dispersed site model for the sixth year in a row, the BIA Parade of Homes will feature a variety of different home types all across the region. With every shape, size and price point, any visitor can expect to find something that fits what they’re looking for. The Parade includes many singlefamily homes across Columbus and its suburbs, from Dublin to Pickerington. Within Columbus City limits, Schottenstein Homes presents a spacious three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom singlefamily home near Hilliard Green. The Parade also features a number of multifamily options. Ardent Communities is showing a variety of apartment floorplans at its Hague Ravines complex featuring one to three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms. The complex also features amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor

admission

builders

kitchen and fire pit, a billiards lounge and a pool. Further north near Worthington and Westerville, Maronda Homes is highlighting its townhomes at Worthington Preserve. These new builds are 1,772 square feet and include three to four bedrooms and two-and-a-half to threeand-a-half bathrooms. Parade properties are open from noon6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday during the last two weekends in September. CS Abby Van Voorhis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Save the Date BIA of Central Ohio 2026 Parade of Homes Sept. 17-27 Thurs.-Sun. Noon-6 p.m. daily www.BIAparade.com

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TRAVEL

Wicked Weekend in Salem

Planning your visit to one of America’s most haunted cities By Ella Jay Photos courtesy of National Park Service, Salem Night Tour, Real Pirates Museum, Salem, MA

COBBLESTONE STREETS, TIMELESS archi-

tecture, witch hats displayed in shop windows and ghost stories around every corner: In Salem, MA., the line between history and folklore is delightfully blurred. Probably best remembered for its notorious series of witch trials in 1692, the coastal New England city has become a bucket-list destination for its spooky attractions, as well as its seaside charm. Visitors can spend the day exploring centuries-old landmarks, browsing eclectic boutiques, admiring waterfront views and uncovering haunting tales that continue to captivate 400 years later. From world-class museums to witchy walking tours, this is your guide to a spellbinding stay in Salem.

A bewitching beginning Begin your morning at Salem Common, a picturesque public park – Salem’s oldest – surrounded by historic homes and churches. From here, many of the city’s most significant landmarks are just a short walk away. Salem Witch Museum and Witch Trials Memorial Before diving fully into Salem’s fascinating folklore, take time to acknowledge the solemn history behind the city’s most infamous chapter. Just southwest of Salem Common lies the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a quiet but powerful tribute to the 20 people who were executed during the witch trials. Granite benches bearing the names and execution dates of each victim surround the courtyard, creating a 22 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

Salem Witch Museum

space of remembrance for lives cut short. Inside, the museum takes an immersive look into 1692 in one exhibit, and explores the evolving perception of witches over time in another.

life through preserved rooms, period furnishings and exhibits exploring colonial and local history.

Old Burying Point Cemetery Just beyond the memorial sits the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in the city and one of the oldest cemeteries in the U.S. Established in 1637, it is the final resting place of many prominent Salem residents.

After stepping into the city’s past, spend the afternoon experiencing its present.

The Witch House Continue your walk to The Witch House, the only remaining structure in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials. Built circa 1675 and once home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the leading examiners during the trials, the house offers a glimpse into 17th-century

Midday magic Essex Street Pedestrian Mall In the heart of downtown Salem is the wonderfully walkable, car-free Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Here, colorful storefronts, local eateries and unique attractions line the brick-paved streets, inviting visitors to explore everything from witch-themed emporiums and cafés to art galleries, independent bookstores and gift shops. Peabody Essex Museum Another afternoon attraction for history buffs, the world-renowned Pea-

Haunts at Home Continue your adventure closer to home with Columbus Ghost Tours. Locally owned and curated by paranormal historians, these guided walks invite visitors to explore haunted history, true-crime lore and the supernatural right here in central Ohio.

   Salem 400 Salem Maritime National Historic Park

body Essex Museum is the nation’s oldest museum, as well as one of its largest. Featuring art and culture exhibitions from around the world, the museum houses more than 850,000 works and objects in addition to 22 historic properties. The House of Seven Gables Literature lovers will enjoy stepping inside The House of Seven Gables, the waterfront mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name. Once the home of merchant and ship owner John Turner, this historic house and garden now function as both a museum and philanthropic hub. Salem Maritime National Historic Park The first National Historic Site in the U.S., the nine-acre Salem Maritime National Historic Park hosts 12 historic structures along the waterfront. Take a stroll down Derby Wharf, visiting landmarks such as the 1871 Light Station and the replica tall ship, Friendship.

The House of Seven Gables

End your evening with a fright By day, Salem tells its tales through museums and landmarks. By night, those stories come alive. Explore haunted sites under lamplight, visit a medium or attend a seasonal celebration to end your evening in true Salem fashion – with a fright. Ghost Tours As darkness falls, join one of Salem’s acclaimed ghost tours, each offering its own blend of local lore, documented history and spine-tingling storytelling. Popular options include Witch City Walking Tours, featuring nine distinct excursions; The Salem Night Tour, centered on Salem’s darker history; and Black Cat Tours, known for its costumed guides and theatrical narrations.

There’s never been a more exciting time to visit Salem. As the city marks its 400th anniversary in 2026, yearlong commemorations highlight its unique history, culture and community through special events and festivals, honoring Salem’s layered past and celebrating the people and traditions that continue to shape its future.

The Salem Night Tour

Beyond the Ordinary Embrace Salem’s mystical side with a tarot reading or psychic experience. Many shops downtown offer tarot, palmistry, medium readings and more for those who believe. Reputable spots include The Cauldron Black, Crow Haven Corner and Hex: Old World Witchery.

A Taste of Salem

Haunted Happenings Festival While Salem’s charm shines yearround, the city truly embraces its legendary reputation during Haunted Happenings. If you’re visiting in October, check out this monthlong festival, which brings thousands of visitors together for ghost tours, live entertainment, parades, Halloween festivities and more. CS

Bakes and brews: Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar; A&J King Artisan Bakers

Ella Jay is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Need a break from exploring? Refuel at one of Salem’s locally-loved restaurants, breweries or cafés – where fresh seafood, New England classics, craft beverages and creative fare offer another way to experience the city’s history, charm and character.

Quintessentially coastal: Sea Level Oyster Bar; Turner’s Seafood Local libations: Notch Brewing; Far From the Tree Elevated eats: Ledger Restaurant & Bar; Settler Scenic sips: Rockafellas Restaurant; The Roof September/October 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

VISUALS

Inspiring Creativity Local poet’s hopes shape her Aminah Robinson Residency experiences By Sandhya Kannan Photo courtesy of Ohio Humanities

FOR CYNTHIA AMOAH, poetry is the act of

performing, harnessing culture and inspiring masses. All of these things fuel her love for the art and pushed her to be part of the Columbus Museum of Art’s 2026 Aminah Robinson Writing Residency. Amoah began her journey writing and performing poetry in high school, after an English teacher encouraged her to join the national Poetry Out Loud competition. The experience of competing with her peers heavily shaped her love for poetry. “(Performing poetry) lit a fire in me to continue performing and sharing words out loud,” Amoah says. Early inspiration Much of Amoah’s creative direction draws from the Ghana-born artist’s exploration of identity. “I found myself having an affinity for language arts,” she says. “I was often found in my English rooms, chatting it up with my ELA teachers, and I grew very close with my ELA teacher, Mrs. Fitzgerald.” Amoah has spent most of her life in Columbus, having moved here when she was 8 or 9. Her time in Reynoldsburg allowed her to meet educators who inspired her to dive into the field of performance poetry through programs such as Poetry Out Loud and Mosaic. “It felt like everywhere I turned, I was being exposed to arts and culture in a really beautiful way,” she says. “(Having positive educators) is a huge testament to the impact that educators and teachers have on young minds. As a

24 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

result, I became a teaching artist, and I implemented an educational component to my art.” The journey After attending college in New York and earning her master’s degree from the New School in New York City, Amoah was inspired to write about her identity, which she says changes from season to season. “Oftentimes, I am in search of what home looks like for myself,” Amoah says. “When I go to Ghana, I don’t feel quite at home, and I’m not fully accepted because I’m coming from another country. When I’m here in America, I look different. I sound different. I speak another language. I eat different foods. And so I don’t quite feel at home here.” As a result, Amoah’s work often focuses on her concept of home. “Maybe, in all of my exploration, my definition and idea of home has been found in the exploration, and the journey itself is my home,” says Amoah. Amoah’s idea of belonging is also ever-changing, and her work often explores the notion of identity as a Black woman in America. “I’m often exploring this idea of belonging: belonging to one place, belonging to multiple places, belonging to multiple identities,” she says.

Creating a future Amoah will live in Aminah Robinson’s former home for three months as part of the program while she works on her collection, something she’s long wanted to do. She hopes the collection showcases explorations of her identity through her conversations with the women in her family and her culture. “I am making my own art by exploring myself and the life and conversations of many Black women in my life who have inspired me and who have served as these guiding posts for me,” Amoah says. “It feels like I am, in a way, telling a portion of the story that is Aminah’s legacy.” Amoah hopes today’s young, aspiring artists will be inspired by her exploration of her identity to do the same for themselves. “Young people are on the cusp of discovering their greatness. I would tell them to pursue the things that might not be as popular, but that they might have a gift in,” she says. “Be in the spaces where your passion lives, surround yourself with other people who are also pursuing their passions or pursuing similar interests. Just immerse yourself fully in your gift and watch it pay off.” CS Sandhya Kannan is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

ON VIEW

Dates and shows are subject to change. Visit the websites for more information.

Gallery Exhibits 24 Lincoln Street Art Studios and Gallery: Moon Evans Solo Exhibit. Work by Moon Evans, exploring serene, mist-filled landscapes shared by humans and animals. Open Sept. 3-27. Five Artists Exhibits. Work by resident artists Amy Adams, Julia Jones, Moon Evans, Lisa Parks Godfrey and Tamar Rudavsky. Open Oct. 1-31. www.sharonweissgallery.com Capital University Schumacher Gallery: Shutter and Sound: The Jazz Photography of Bob Willoughby. Photography by Bob Willoughby capturing the intimacy of musicians and audiences during the 1950s jazz scene, including jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. Open Sept. 8-Dec. 5. www.capital.edu Chaos Contemporary Craft: Treasure Trove. Work by New York City-based artist Bradley Parsons featuring dense layers of hand-cut paper media and reclaimed

Hayley Gallery

ceramic ephemera. Open through Sept. 18. www.chaoscontemporary.com Columbus Museum of Art: Clare Rojas: Returning. More than 60 works of painting and sculpture by Clare Rojas, spanning various scales and subject matter. Open Sept. 18-Feb. 7. Queer Constellations: Photographs from the Aronowitz Family Collection. More than 150 works by 75-plus artists exploring queer photographic histories, artistic lineage and the role of collecting. Open Oct. 16-March 21. www.columbusmuseum.org

Open Sept. 11-Oct. 4. Rhythm & Form: Art in Motion. Works by multiple visual artists, a collaboration with Columbus Dance Theatre, highlighting visual artists for its Dancers Making Dances season opener show over the years. www. hammondharkins.com Hayley Gallery: Brushstrokes of Life. Works in various painting media by Natalya Romanovsky and Kyndall Potts.

Dublin Arts Council: Constructed Worlds. Work by Elham Bayati, Katie Davis and Morgan Rose Free, combining materials and fragments of everyday life into something whole. Open Sept. 12-Oct. 29. www.dublinarts.org

Chaos Contemporary Craft

26 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

Hammond Harkins Galleries: Nonlinear Narratives. Work by Rory Krupp and filmmaker Roger Beebe, exploring unexpected moments and found images.

Columbus Museum of Art

Open Sept. 19-Oct. 13. Falling In Love with Art. Oil paintings by Man-Wai Wu and Marianne Miller. Open Oct. 17Nov. 16. www.hayleygallery.com Marcia Evans Gallery: JT Thompson & Richard Ferguson. Abstracts by JT Thompson featuring fragmented, surrealistic landscapes and abstracts by Richard Ferguson. Open through Sept. 27. Kirsten Bowen McGillicuddy. Work by Kirsten Bowen McGillicuddy including abstracts featuring the intersections of color and shapes, and photorealistic water paintings. Open Oct. 3-Nov. 29. www.marciaevansgallery.com McConnell Arts Center: Chasing the Light: Artists Speak. An interdisciplinary, intergenerational and community-focused exhibition with work from more than 20 artists, curated by Loren Bucek. Open Sept. 24-Nov. 12. www.mcconnellarts.org Open Door Art Studio & Gallery: Illumination. Work by Open Door artists. An exhibition reflecting unique interpretations of light and shadow. Open Sept. 12Oct. 16. Are You Afraid of the Art? Work by Open Door artists inspired by haunted spaces and local legends. Open Oct. 24Nov. 25. www.opendoorcolumbus.org

mixed media. Open Oct. 1-31. www. sharonweissgallery.com Studios on High Gallery: Ruby. Mixed media by Tracy Greenwalt, crafting landscapes from collected paper items. Open Sept. 5-Oct. 1. Weathering. Work by Jessica Wojtasek exploring the relationship between weather and time using the interplay of light and composition. Open Oct. 3-Nov. 5. www.studiosonhigh.com

Studios on High Gallery

Pizzuti Collection of Columbus Museum of Art: Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began. Work by conceptual artist Tavares Strachan shedding light on invisible figures and histories. Open through Jan. 3. www.columbusmuseum.org Sharon Weiss Gallery: Salon Show. Work by Sharon Weiss Gallery artists, featuring a collection of diverse styles, subjects and mediums. Open Sept. 1-30. Mark Lincewicz Solo Exhibit. Work by Mark Lincewicz featuring imagery such as nests, trees and shifting light through

Terra Gallery & Creative Studio: Real and True. Realistic works in acrylic, oil paint, watercolor, graphite and chalk pastel by Diana Lynd, focusing on beauty in the simplicity of what is real and true. Open Sept. 13-Oct. 10. www.terra-gallery.com Wexner Center for the Arts: Wexner Center for the Arts Fall 2026 Exhibitions. Three new contemporary exhibitions: photography, film, sculpture and large-scale installations by Sammy Baloji, multisensory gallery by Okwui Okpokwasili and Peter Born; and sculptures, paintings, drawings and interactive installations by Temitayo Ogunbiyi. Open Sept. 19Feb. 14. www.wexarts.org Find additional listings at www.cityscenecolumbus.com

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Columbus Oktoberfest

Picks&Previews Keep your eyes peeled for these events! Columbus Greek Festival Sept. 4-7 The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 555 N. High St. This longtime central Ohio tradition returns on Labor Day weekend, offering plentiful Greek fare, vendors, performances and more. www.columbus greekfestival.com Shadowbox Live presents Speak of the Devil: Shadows and Sounds of Ozzy and Black Sabbath Sept. 10-Nov. 15 Shadowbox Live 503 S. Front St., Ste. 260 This tribute to one of rock’s most iconic figures and the band that kick-started his career explores the legacy of both,

enhanced by an immersive performance with striking dance and production elements. www.shadowboxlive.org BalletMet presents Future Icons: A Choreographic Project Sept. 10-12 BalletMet Performance Space 322 Mount Vernon Ave. This mixed repertoire performance features new works from three choreographers who were selected through a competitive international process. Their creative visions are brought to life by BalletMet’s skilled company of dancers. www.balletmet.org Columbus Oktoberfest Sept. 11-13 Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds 717 E. 17th Ave. One of the largest celebrations in central Ohio, Oktoberfest returns with a festive atmosphere including authentic German bier halls, a wine garden and a Marktplatz. www.columbus oktoberfest.com

Columbus Greek Festival

28 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

Healthy New Albany Walking Classic Sept. 13, 8 a.m. New Albany Market Square 200 Market St., New Albany The Walking Classic offers accessible 5K and 10K courses open to everyone, from competitive participants to casual walkers and families, with every step taken in support of the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry. www.healthynewalbany.org Chamber Music Columbus presents VIVO Hope Sept. 13, 1 p.m. Southern Theatre 21 E. Main St. In collaboration with VIVO Music Festival, this program explores hope in American music, featuring Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Hilos,” Philip Glass’s “String Quartet No. 5” and more. www. chambermusiccolumbus.org Dublin Arts Council presents Sundays at Scioto Sept. 13, 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 4-6 p.m. Scioto Park 7377 Riverside Dr., Dublin Dublin Arts Council’s free outdoor concert series is back, bringing music, nature and art together. This year’s musical performances include local acts such as Spikedrivers, Dublin Scioto’s Fiddle Frenzy and MojoFlo. www.dublin arts.org

The New Albany Community Foundation presents The New Albany Lecture Series: National Security Sept. 15, 7 p.m. Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany This annual lecture and educational program kicks off its 2026-27 season with a discussion on global and national defense priorities, featuring retired U.S. Army General and former CIA Director David Petraeus alongside former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. www.newalbanyfoundation.org

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. Schottenstein Center 555 Borror Dr. After taking some time to focus on his health, Lionel Richie is back in Columbus for his last U.S. tour stop. Tickets from the original June 27 date will be honored. www.schottensteincenter.com PNC Broadway in Columbus presents Death Becomes Her Oct. 6-11 Ohio Theatre 39 E. State St. Be sure to catch this Tony Awardwinning comedy based on the 1992 film. “Don’t Say I Didn’t (Warn You)” that this play will have you “Falling Apart” with laughter. columbus. broadway.com

Lionel Richie

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio presents Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical Sept. 17-Oct. 4 Studio One Theatre, Riffe Center 77 S. High St. This rock-driven musical follows the seemingly perfect Healy family as buried tensions and harsh realities come to the surface. www.thecontemporaryohio.org BIA Parade of Homes Sept. 17-27, noon-6 p.m. Multiple locations Tour some of the top home designs in central Ohio through the Build-

Sundays at Scioto

ing Industry Association of Central Ohio’s annual Parade of Homes. www. biaparade.com

Dan + Shay with Tyler Hubbard and Josh Ross Oct. 8, 7 p.m. Schottenstein Center 555 Borror Dr. Don’t miss the chance to see threetime Grammy Award-winning Nashville country duo Dan + Shay on tour

O N D I S PL AY TH RO UGH

DE CE M BE R 31, 2026 See a vibrant collection of oil paintings by President George W. Bush—and the stories of the warriors they represent—honoring the sacrifice and courage of America’s military servicemen and women.

300 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Scan for more information, or visit NationalVets.org

R ESERVE YO U R T I C K E T S T O D AY

Portraits of Courage by President George W. Bush is on loan from the Argyros Collection at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit whose work includes helping veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.

September/October 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

Columbus Italian Festival Oct. 9-11 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 168 E. Lincoln St. Gather family and friends for a weekend celebration of Columbus’ Italian community with this year’s theme, “Roma Eterna – All Roads Lead to Rome.” www. columbusitalianfestival.com

celebrating their new album, Young. www.schottensteincenter.com COSI presents COSI After Dark: Halloween Tattoo Carnival Oct. 8, 7-10 p.m. COSI 333 W. Broad St. This spooky carnival experience offers Halloween-inspired attractions, themed cocktails and music as attendees celebrate the art, history and culture of

Twenty One Pilots Oct. 17, 6 p.m. Ohio Stadium 411 Woody Hayes Dr. The Grammy Award-winning alternative rock duo – and central Ohio natives

CHOREOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP BALLETMET PERFORMANCE SPACE SEPTEMBER 10 — 12, 2026 photos: Jennifer Zmuda | dancers: Katelyn Yang, Sophie Miklosovic Marilyn Monroe™; Rights of Publicity and Persona Rights are used with permission of The Estate of Marilyn Monroe LLC.

DAVIDSON THEATRE OCTOBER 16 — 24, 2026

JOIN US AT THE THEATRE! Get tickets at www.balletmet.org

30 cityscenecolumbus.com | September/October 2026

Short North Stage presents The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 22-31 Garden Theater 1187 N. High St. Can’t make it to NYC to catch the revival? No worries! Short North Stage is back for the ninth year with this show-stopping cult classic. www.short northstage.org Columbus Symphony presents Mysteries, Anthems & Victories Oct. 23-24, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Ohio Theatre 39 E. State St. Join the Columbus Symphony for the world premiere of Gregory Spears’ “The Mysteries”, with special guest bass-baritone vocalist Davóne Tines, before they take the show on the road to Carnegie Hall. www. columbussymphony.com

Find more at www.cityscenecolumbus.com

D I G I TA L N E W S L E T T E R

Twenty One Pilots

ProMusica presents Mozart’s Great Mass Oct. 17-18, 7 p.m. Southern Theatre 21 E. Main St. Guest soloists Yulia Van Doren, Abigail Nims, Steven Soph and Kevin Deas join Columbus Choral Artists and the Capital University Chapel Choir in a spectacular opening of ProMusica’s 48th season. www.promusicacolumbus.org

– play the Ohio Stadium for a hometown show that is being called “the biggest U.S. headline performance of their career.” www.schottensteincenter.com

weekendscene

tattooing and learn about the science of skin and self-expression. www.cosi.org

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