Latest news with #COSI
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Columbus Ranks as One of the Best U.S. Destinations for Summer Travel & Invites Visitors to See Why
Columbus Book Festival Unofficial Galaxies at COSI Columbus, Ohio, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Columbus is road trip-ready and rising to the top of travelers' lists in 2025. As Americans plan shorter getaways and embrace the return of the road trip, The Wall Street Journal notes a clear trend: drivable, experience-rich cities are in. With national nods from AFAR and Travel + Leisure as one of the best places to visit this summer, it's clear Columbus should be on your summer travel list. 'Summer is our busiest season for a reason,' said Sarah Townes, ECI, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. 'There's always something happening with festivals nearly every weekend celebrating the arts, music, culture, books and more. Columbus provides that perfect mix of a city escape that blends energy and ease. And with 81 percent of overnight visitors returning, it's clear that once people experience Columbus, they come back again and again.' Travelers will find Columbus exciting and accessible. Getting to Columbus is easy as Ohio's capital city is within a day's drive or one-hour flight for more than half the U.S. population. Once here, visitors can take advantage of the city's free experiential trails, from ones celebrating live music to Columbus-style pizza, and the 3-Day Columbus Attractions Pass to save more than 20% at top attractions. A Destination for Book Lovers Literary travel is a major trend in 2025, and Columbus is the perfect place for bibliophiles. Celebrated authors such as Hanif Abdurraqib, Maggie Smith and R.L. Stine all hail from Columbus. The late humorist and cartoonist James Thurber also called Columbus home. Visitors can tour his house, now the city's literary arts hub with ongoing programming ranging from writing workshops to author talks and more. The Columbus Book Festival presented by the Columbus Metropolitan Library returns July 12–13 Downtown at the Main Library and Topiary Park. Headliners include renowned authors such as Amal El-Mohtar (The River Has Roots), Gregg Hurwitz (Nemesis), Anna Todd (The Last Sunrise) and Victoria Christopher Murray (Harlem Rhapsody). With more than 120 authors, panel discussions, indie creators and local food, this free festival is a must for book lovers this summer. Summer Festival Season Summer festival season kicks off June 6-8, with the Columbus Arts Festival, recognized as one of the best in the country by USA Today 10Best. More than 400,000 people are expected to attend the annual celebration of the arts. Also in June, Stonewall Columbus Pride ranks among the top celebrations in the country, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and U.S. News & World Report. The Pride March returns June 14, drawing more than 700,000 visitors to the region and making it one of the largest in the Midwest. Just a few weeks later, the celebration continues with Red, White & BOOM!—named one of the country's most festive Fourth of July events by AFAR—bringing more than 400,000 people Downtown for the Midwest's largest fireworks show. Throughout the summer enjoy other annual festivals and events, including Jazz & Rib Fest, Festival Latino and CBUS Soul® Fest, which is expanding to two days Aug. 15-16, 2025, in Bicentennial Park and celebrates Columbus' vibrant Black culture, music, history and soul. This year's headliners include Eric Benét, Mojoflo, Raheem DeVaughn and more. New Restaurants from Top Chefs Recognized as one of the best food cities in the country by Condé Nast Traveler, Columbus' culinary scene is heating up this summer with two highly anticipated new restaurant openings. Chef Andrew Smith and Devoney Mills, the duo behind the acclaimed Roy's Avenue Supper Club, are opening their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. ISLA, a 14-seat, reservation-only spot in Merion Village will offer a seasonal tasting menu. The intimate space will operate three nights a week with staggered seatings and a 'Chef's Counter' experience on Thursdays. Guests can expect local, seasonal ingredients, and a communal approach to fine dining. James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes BJ Lieberman and Bronwyn Haines, the team behind Chapman's Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit, are introducing Metsi's, a modern Italian concept opening in the Short North Arts District. Metsi's promises a fresh, playful take on Italian fare with a warm, welcoming vibe. To learn more about all there is to see and do in Columbus this summer, visit About Columbus Did you know Columbus is a top 10 best big city in the U.S. and one of the best food cities in the country according to Condé Nast Traveler, one of the top places to go in 2025 according to AFAR and one of the best solo trips for women in the U.S. and around the world by Glamour? yes, Columbus. Columbus is bold, welcoming and forward-thinking. Home to world-class museums and attractions, historic and unique neighborhoods like the Short North Arts District, historic German Village and the Arena District — where four professional sports teams live on one street — Columbus has so much to offer. Visitors can learn what awaits in the 15th largest city in the country and Ohio's capital by visiting and following Experience Columbus on Instagram: @ExperienceColumbus, Facebook: @ExperienceColumbus, Threads: @ExperienceColumbus and TikTok: @ExperienceColumbus. Attachments Columbus Book Festival Unofficial Galaxies at COSI CONTACT: Leah Berger, APR Experience Columbus 614-222-6145 lberger@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
An "unofficial" galaxy far, far away visits COSI this summer
The Center of Science and Industry's halls feature plenty of the past and the future. But its marquee exhibition of the summer is all about one of today's biggest media franchises: Star Wars. The intrigue: Open through Sept. 1, the Unofficial Galaxies gallery features "one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world." What to expect:"Fan collections" may make you think of toys and memorabilia, but this largely involves recreations of full-size costumes, characters and scenes. Many of the items come from one anonymous collector. What's inside: Pretty much that whole galaxy far, far away. There are replicas of just about everyone, from Darth Vader and Boba Fett to Kylo Ren and R2-D2. Massive TIE fighter and X-wing replicas make for popular selfie spots. You'll find a few interactive photo ops, too, like a recreation of the classic trash compactor scene and a speeder bike with a screen to make it look like you're zipping through the Endor forest. Zoom in: There are a few pristinely preserved original toys and other items around, and a highlight was a display of three original draft scripts. 💭 Andrew's thought bubble: I enjoy Star Wars as much as the next guy, and I've loved COSI for 30 years. I genuinely think the center helped nurture my curiosity as a kid. But I wasn't very impressed by Unofficial Galaxies. COSI's best exhibits are interactive, informative and unique. If you've seen the movies, you've seen this stuff — and there's not much learning, playing or investigating here. Yes, but: Unofficial Galaxies is just a $15 add-on to a regular ticket. True Star Wars enthusiasts who are already spending a day at COSI probably won't regret it. Let's be honest: People have paid a lot more for a good Instagram pic. 🪐 Worthy of your time: The rest of COSI. Just a reminder that this place is wonderful.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Ohio University Lancaster hosts STEM Discovery Day
LANCASTER - Ohio University Lancaster hosted STEM Discovery Day and welcomed more than 350 students from 21 Central Ohio area schools, along with 36 teachers and 30 science and technology professionals to campus on May 9. This dynamic, hands-on experience was designed to spark curiosity and demonstrate the real-world impact of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), according to the press release. There was a keynote presentation by a representative from COSI, the Center of Science and Industry. 'STEM Discovery Day was all about igniting curiosity and showing middle school students, that science, technology, engineering, and math are not just subjects—they're pathways to solving future real-world challenges,' said Dr. Pamela Kaylor, professor of instruction in Communication Studies and STEM Discovery Day co-chair in the release. 'Through hands-on activities, we're helping them envision themselves as future innovators. This event wouldn't be possible without the dedication and creativity of our incredible organizing team, many science professionals who served as presenters, our generous sponsors, and dedicated volunteers—whose passion for STEM education is making a lasting impact on the next generation.' Dr. Jacqueline Tudor, co-chair of the event, joined Kaylor in thanking the educators, planning committee, and sponsors who made the day possible. Major sponsors included Cirba Solutions, Fairfield County Foundation, Mid West Fabricating, Julie D. Messerly DDS, OhioHealth, Fairfield Medical Center, Niagara Water, and Cristy's Pizza. The event received high praise from Ohio Chancellor Mike Duffey, who attended and visited multiple sessions. 'What I witnessed today was exactly what we need all Ohio's colleges and K-12 schools to be doing together,' said Duffey. 'Young students' eyes were lighting up, they were waving hands in the air and having fun learning about STEM, liquid nitrogen, and energy. The COSI kickoff was so much fun, and I was able to observe students diving deeper in the sessions afterward. On behalf of the State of Ohio, I extend my thanks to Ohio University for being such a great community partner.' Kaylor emphasized the long-term impact of the event. 'Our approach is evidence-based. In our 40+ years of organizing STEM events, a great many of the young participants have grown up to have amazing careers in STEM—and are now presenters themselves.' This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: More than 300 students experience STEM Discovery Day at OUL
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
This Ohio city is home to 5 of the country's best festivals
Advertisement The best gourmet food trucks in the Midwest rally in Columbus, Ohio – Photo courtesy of Columbus Food Truck Festival Columbus, Ohio, is known to most as a capital city and home to The Ohio State University, one of the 10 best colleges for sports fans in the U.S. Take a closer look, however, and you'll discover this Midwestern gem is multifaceted, offering a wealth of cultural and culinary treasures — to include some of the best festivals in America. For instance, every spring, indie filmmakers from around the world descend upon the city to attend Cinema Columbus, which celebrates the diversity of contemporary film. And, in August, the Columbus suburb of Dublin kicks up its heels to host the Dublin Irish Festival, a three-day homage to Irish food, music, and dance. Both events ranked first in the nation — for film and cultural festivals, respectively — in the 2025 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. Whether in town for a week or a weekend, there are limitless ways to spend a day in Columbus, Ohio. To help narrow the possibilities, we compiled a 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards guide to Columbus, which highlights all the nationally ranked places to play, eat, and stay in the city. When you're in Columbus, you might as well experience the very best. Advertisement Best things to do in Columbus, Ohio Columbus, Ohio, is one of the best places to visit in the fall – Photo courtesy of Schmidt's Sausage Haus Columbus' track record for hosting world-class festivals extends beyond indie films and Irish heritage. While Dublin throws a great Irish bash in the summertime, come fall, locals and visitors alike are known to raise a stein (or three) at one of the best Oktoberfests in the country. Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest has been going strong for decades, with hilariously impressive Gemütlichkeit games and a marktplatz overflowing with German arts and crafts. It's a great time to be in Columbus too, as the city is among the 10 best places to visit for fall. The foliage in Schiller Park is reason enough to book a trip, but you'll also find plenty of pumpkin patches and apple orchards throughout town. The capital city is also home to the award-winning Columbus Arts Festival, which draws thousands of painters, sculptors, and artists to town every summer. The annual event takes place along Columbus' picturesque Scioto Mile, an award-winning riverwalk. Center of Science and Industry You'll find the best science museum in the US in Columbus, Ohio – Photo courtesy of COSI Museums are to be enjoyed year-round, and Columbus offers plenty of them — including the No. 1 science museum in the country: the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). You easily could spend an entire day at this world-class institution of learning. There are more than 300 interactive experiences, plus a full calendar of traveling exhibitions. COSI's permanent exhibitions do a deep dive on the ocean, outer space, and everything in between. The COSI Planetarium, the largest in Ohio, also happens to be one of the 10 best planetariums in the U.S. Advertisement Many people know about Cincinnati's nationally ranked zoo, but the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium holds its own among the 10 best zoos in the U.S. Here, you can "travel" to Asia, the Congo, Africa, Australia, and beyond. For an additional fee, the zoo offers incredible experiences, like twilight zoo tours and playdates with Frankie the Elephant, in which you get a behind-the-scenes look at the elephant's training and feeding. Huntington ballpark Catch a Clippers game in Columbus, Ohio – Photo courtesy of Ben Cole If you love baseball, be sure to catch a Columbus Clippers game at Huntington Park, one of the 10 best minor league ballparks in the U.S. Ready to knock one out of the park? Head over to Mannino's Grand Slam USA, a nationally ranked batting cage in the Columbus suburb of Dublin. Best places to eat and drink The Ohio Taproom proudly serves only Ohio-made suds and goods – Photo courtesy of The Ohio Taproom The food and drink scene in Ohio's capital city serves up something for everyone. One of America's 10 best beer cities, Columbus boasts more than 40 breweries and even a Brewery District. The Ohio Taproom, an award-winning beer bar, is a must-stop for those who love their suds. Advertisement If you're more into cocktails and craft spirits, then Echo Spirits Distilling Co. should be on your list. In addition to offering tours and classes, their award-winning craft rum is extra special. Try the Queen's Share Rum, aged in used bourbon barrels, for a royally smooth sip. Of course, Columbus has a festival for everything, and good food is no exception. Time your visit so you can experience one of the best food truck festivals in the country. Columbus Food Truck Festival is an annual celebration of the best gourmet food trucks in the Midwest, so come hungry. If you can't make it to the festival, why not eat your way through town with an award-winning food tour company, like Columbus Food Adventures? Whether a walking tour of German Village or a van tour of the city's best international eateries, your appetite will be satisfied. Best new restaurants Columbus' Flour Modern Pasta Bar dishes up goodness – Photo courtesy of Arianna Wyant With its ever-growing food scene, it's no surprise that Columbus eateries show up on our Readers' Choice lists for Best New Restaurant. If you love noodles and Italian food, Flour Modern Pasta Bar is a must. The ramen carbonara puts a playful Asian spin on a traditional Italian dish. For the best steak in town, head over to Cut 132. Dishes like wagyu beef with peppercorn cognac cream keep customers coming back for more. Some say New York has the best bagels, but have you been to Bears Bagels? Located in Hilliard, a northwest suburb of Columbus, this Best New Restaurant is proud to be a "carb enabler." The bagels are boiled then baked and come in a variety of flavors, both sweet and savory. Advertisement Markets and food halls Budd Dairy Food Hall gives an old building new life – Photo courtesy of Andy Gottesman Public markets, farmers markets, and food halls offer great insight into a community's food culture. You'll find Columbus has all three — and really good ones. North Market Downtown, among the 10 best public markets in America, has been around since the late 1800s, so it must be doing something right. Here, you'll find a diverse community of vendors and merchants, offering everything from fresh produce to specialty foods that make great gifts for friends back home. Award-winning Budd Dairy Food Hall is a stunning example of how to repurpose an aging building. The former dairy is now a happening gathering spot with an eclectic mix of eateries and a rooftop bar. If you're willing to make a short drive, it's well worth your time to head north to Worthington, a suburb of Columbus. Here, you'll find one of the 10 best farmers markets in America. Worthington Farmers Market operates year-round, giving small-scale farmers and food artisans a place to sell their freshest produce and goods. Adding a weekend in Worthington to your Columbus itinerary is a solid move, as it's ranked among the best small towns in the Midwest and best historic small towns. Best places to stay The Junto is a gathering place for the city's creative class – Photo courtesy of The Junto On the Best New Hotel list, The Junto prides itself on serving as a meeting place for creatives and entrepreneurs. Its 198 rooms range from spacious lofts and apartments to sleek, modern bunk rooms. For those who prefer more intimate accommodations, The Timbrook Guesthouse, nestled on a private estate, is an award-winning bed-and-breakfast. In addition to thoughtfully appointed guest suites and gourmet breakfasts, amenities include a private pool, an outdoor aviary, and a reading room.
Axios
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Star Wars, volleyball, Sinatra and more weekend events
🐠 Just keep swimming while you watch "Finding Nemo," the first Columbus Commons family movie night of the season. 7pm Friday, 160 S. High St. Free! Pro tip: Bring your own chairs or blankets — and snacks! 🎤 Fly to the moon with the music of Frank Sinatra by Tony DeSare and the Columbus Symphony at the Riffe Center's Davidson Theatre. 8pm Friday and Saturday, 77 S High St. $34-77. ⭐️ Use the force at Unofficial Galaxies, COSI's exhibition of one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world. Saturday through Sept. 1, 333 W. Broad St. $15, in addition to COSI admission ($23-30). Kids under 2 free! 🏐 Spike your weekend at the NCAA men's volleyball championship hosted at Ohio State's Covelli Center, with games and activities outside. Matches 5pm and 8pm Saturday before the championship at 7pm Monday, 2640 Fred Taylor Drive. $50-65 for all three games. ♻️ Celebrate sustainability at Worthington's Green on the Green festival, featuring activities, exhibits and displays that encourage sustainable living. 9am-noon Saturday, downtown. Free!
