🍴 The Best New Restaurants To Try This Month

Plus: ⚾️ What’s Happening Around Columbus This May

Author

Chelsea Wiley
May 01, 2026

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
The Columbus Arts Festival returns to the Scioto Mile June 12–14 for one of the city’s most beloved summer traditions. Explore work from 250 artists, catch live performances across four stages, and snack your way through dozens of local food vendors along the downtown riverfront. Best of all, it’s completely free to attend, making it an easy yes for a full day (or weekend) of art, music, and sunshine in the heart of Columbus. For more info, head over to columbusartsfestival.org.

Hello, Friday! Chelsea, here.

May is here, and with it comes a fresh batch of new spots to try around Columbus. And honestly, we could all use a little something to look forward to right now, whether that’s a great meal, a new neighborhood hang, or just an excuse to get out of the house. This month’s openings bring a little bit of everything, from longtime local favorites expanding into new neighborhoods to exciting newcomers getting their start. It’s a reminder that even when things feel a little heavy, there’s still plenty of creativity (and really good food) popping up all over the city.

So, if you’ve been meaning to try somewhere new, consider this your sign.

Navigator Feature Story: 🍴The Best New Restaurants In Columbus

⚾️ The Best Things To Do in Columbus This Month
May in Columbus is absolutely packed, with everything from huge concerts and festivals to food events and neighborhood favorites popping up all over the city. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get out and do something fun, this is your month.

🌸 Some Of The Most Enchanting Gardens In the World Are Right Here In Ohio
Tickets just went on sale for the Schnormeier Gardens 2026 season. This one-of-a-kind park is only open to the public in the month of June, and it’s truly a magical place to explore.

Headlines 📰 

🇺🇸 Ohio voters head to the polls on Tuesday, May 5, to weigh in on key statewide races, including governor, Senate, and more. Here’s a quick breakdown of who’s on the ballot and what to know before you vote. (NBC4)

🏈 Girls flag football is taking off across Ohio, with more schools adding teams and new opportunities opening up at the college and even Olympic level. What started as a small movement is quickly becoming one of the state’s fastest-growing high school sports. (WOSU)

🧑‍🍳 At Columbus State’s Mitchell Hall, cooking classes through The Mix turn everyday home cooks into confident chefs, sometimes with a little fire involved. From hands-on lessons to full-on themed dinners, it’s a fun (and delicious) way to level up your kitchen skills. (Columbus Monthly)

🌥️ Weather: 57 and partly cloudy, with a chance of showers

Sponsored by Columbus Recreation and Parks 🌳
Columbus Recreation and Parks knows how to keep the city busy in the best way. From neighborhood gatherings to full-blown festivals, their events are all about getting you out and enjoying Columbus. Looking for something low-key or something with a little more energy? You’ll find both. Check out what’s coming up, or learn how to host your own event on City property. You can get more info over at columbusrecparks.com/events.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

Instagram Post

🍺 I love it when historic buildings in this city find new life. Gemüt Biergarten is located inside a former fire station that was built in the late 1800s, but still stands proudly on Oak Street in Olde Town East.

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- Chelsea