🍸 There's A New Speakeasy-Style Cocktail Bar In Town

Plus: ⚔️ A Full-Contact Medieval Fight Tournament Is Going Down This May

Author

Chelsea Wiley
April 08, 2026

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens by checking out the arts-focused event calendar from Art Makes Columbus. From Columbus Symphony performances and Opera Columbus productions to concerts by nationally touring artists and local musicians playing intimate venues across the city, there’s always something happening. Discover the events that bring our community together through music, live performance, and more. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com.

Hello, Wednesday! Chelsea, here.

A familiar name from the Short North has made its way up High Street. Proof by the Alibi has opened in the Old North, bringing a more intimate, speakeasy-inspired setting to the former Bossy Grrl’s Pin Up Joint space. The new spot comes from the team behind The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge, though this location has its own menu and feel. It’s a quieter setup than its Short North counterpart, with a layout that leans into smaller groups and conversation.

🖼️ A New Fine Art Photography Gallery Is Opening Inside A Historic Olde Towne East Mansion
When was the last time you stopped by an art gallery opening? If the answer is “a long time ago” or “never", then I highly urge you to clear your schedule next month when Ilkaa’s Fine Art Gallery & Atelier will officially open its doors.

⚔️ A Full-Contact Medieval Fight Tournament Is Going Down This May
I have a lot of highlights from the Ohio Renaissance Festival, but watching the combat fighting done by the Cincinnati Barbarians was legitimately so entertaining. Now, you don’t have to wait until September to see the show!

Headlines 📰 

🇺🇸 Franklin County voters have a packed primary this May, with several local legislative races and a handful of ballot issues, including property tax levies and a Columbus charter amendment on alternative responses to mental health calls. (WOSU)

💧 Columbus’ famously clean municipal water plays a big role in the city’s brewing scene, giving both craft brewers and large producers a strong foundation with minimal extra treatment. (Axios Columbus)

🍻A recent roundup highlights breweries and distilleries across the Midwest that let you stay overnight right where everything is made, mixing a hotel stay with behind-the-scenes access and a more immersive experience than a typical getaway. Whether you’re looking to head out of the state or stay a little closer to home, these boozy Midwestern stays are one-of-a-kind. (Midwestern Living)

☀️ Weather: 64 and sunny

Sponsored by CCT 🎭
Introduce young audiences to the magic of live performance with Adventures of Frog and Toad, a 30-minute production designed especially for little ones. Based on the beloved stories by Arnold Lobel, the show follows the friendship of Frog and Toad through simple, heartfelt moments filled with humor, kindness, and playful storytelling. Children are invited to join in along the way with interactive elements that include song, movement, and shared experiences in the theater. For more info, head over to columbuschildrenstheatre.org.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Coming Up This Month 📆

🏈 The Best Things To Do in Columbus This April
There’s so much happening around Columbus this month that it’s hard to know where to start. It’s a great month to be a sports fan (Crew, Clippers, CBJ, Aviators, OSU Spring Game, and more), but there’s also plenty of concerts, theatre performances, and so much more. Have a great April, Columbus!

Today's Photo 🤳

Instagram Post

😍 Do you have a favorite waterfall around Columbus? Milikin Falls at Quarry Trails probably takes it for me, but very closely followed by Indian Falls in Dublin.

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- Chelsea