Need plans? Check out these 10 events in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend
Movies are groovy and this weekend's lineup includes a plethora of picks. The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) will get the credits rolling with four flicks showing Thursday through Saturday as part of its ongoing Summer Movie Series.
On Saturday, the day after what would have been James Baldwin's 100th birthday, Bexley Public Library will screen the documentary, "I Am Not Your Negro," based on an unfinished book by the acclaimed author and civil rights activist.
Then on Saturday night, the longest-running theatrical release in film history, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," will bring almost-midnight madness to the screen — and to the stage, where a shadow cast will perform along with the cult favorite.
These options, as well as others listed below, are among your best bets for entertainment in Columbus and central Ohio over the next few days. To have these events delivered to your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.
'Nancy' comic strip exhibit on display at Billy Ireland museum
Featuring a precocious and perpetually 8-year-old main character, the award-winning "Nancy" has been a comic-strip favorite for more than 80 years. The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is celebrating the mischievous moppet and her creator with "The Nancy Show: Bushmiller and Beyond."
On view through Nov. 3, the exhibit features Ernie Bushmiller's original art, along with colorful Sunday newspaper pages, photos, merchandise and other related artifacts. "Nancy" ran daily in American newspapers from 1938 to 1982.
Located on the Ohio State campus in Sullivant Hall, 1813 N. High St., the museum is open 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is free. (cartoons.osu.edu)
Cinema classics to be shown in CAPA Summer Movie Series
CAPA will continue its 55th Summer Movie Series of classic films with several screenings this weekend at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Leading the pack is the PG-rated 1944 film noir "Double Indemnity" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Friday's double feature at 7:30 p.m. will feature two 1933 comedies, the Marx Brothers' "Duck Soup" and "She Done Him Wrong," starring Mae West and Cary Grant.
The 1963 musical "Bye Bye Birdie," will bring G-rated, family-friendly viewing to the screen at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets to individual films are $6 ($5 for students/seniors) and can be purchased in advance at the CBUSArts ticket center at the Ohio Theatre, by phone at 614-469-0939 or online. (cbusarts.com)
Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake to lead night of worship at the Schott
Dove Award-winning contemporary Christian artists Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake, who toured together in 2021, have reunited to bring their “Summer Worship Nights” tour to the Schottenstein Center, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road, at 7 p.m. Friday with special guest Hulvey.
Wickham, whose latest album, "I BELIEVE (HOMETOWN VERSION)," was released in April, is known for Billboard chart-topping songs like "This is Amazing Grace," "Battle Belongs," "House of the Lord" and "Hymn of Heaven." His song, "Jesus Lord of Heaven" has been translated into seven languages.
Lake's career began with a successful crowdfunding campaign to produce an album in 2015. His first solo Hot Christian Songs No. 1 came with "Gratitude" in 2020. He released his fourth studio album, "Coat of Many Colors," last year.
Ticket prices start at $19.50 (ticketmaster.com)
Saxman Boney James to blow audience away at the Southern
In addition to a dozen of his 18 albums reaching No. 1 on Billboard's contemporary jazz charts, Boney James this year became the first artist to rack up 20 No. 1 singles on the magazine's smooth jazz charts. CAPA will welcome the veteran saxophonist back to Columbus for a show at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., at 8 p.m. Friday.
James has collaborated with a veritable who's who of jazz, R&B and soul including Al Jarreau, Eric Benét, Faith Evans, George Benson, George Duke and many other artists. His 19th studio album, "Slow Burn" is set for an Oct. 18 release.
Tickets start at $67.34 (including fees) and can be purchased at the CBUSArts ticket center at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., by calling 614-469-0939 and online. (cbusarts.com)
Bexley Public Library to screen James Baldwin documentary
Bexley Public Library, 2411 E. Main St., Bexley, will celebrate writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin's 100th birthday with a screening and discussion of the award-winning documentary, "I Am Not Your Negro" at 3 p.m. Saturday in the library's auditorium.
Based on Baldwin's unfinished manuscript "Remember This House" and narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the film examines the history of racism in the U.S. through the author's memories of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Medgar Evers, as well as his personal observations.
Facilitated by Cynthia Young, chair of the African American and African studies department at OSU, the event is free, with online registration encouraged. (bexleylibrary.org/events)
Rec and Parks to offer 5th Cap City Festival in Northeast Park
The fifth event in the Cap City Festival series will bring food, music and a variety of activities to Northeast Park, 2505 N. Cassidy Ave., from 3-7 p.m. Saturday.
Presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the festivals are geared toward bringing neighbors together in a safe, fun environment in six different Columbus neighborhoods this summer.
In addition to live musical entertainment, food will be provided by Donatos Pizza, Johnson's Ice Cream and Al's Delicious Popcorn. Other attractions will include inflatables, a climbing wall and more. Admission is free. (columbusrecparks.com/capcity)
The Ark Band to bring the islands to Natalie's Music Hall Stage
Based in Columbus but known far beyond, The Ark Band will liven up the crowd with their blend of roots reggae, calypso and soca at 8 p.m. Saturday on the Music Hall Stage at Natalie's Grandview, 945 King Ave.
Brothers Terry and Eustace Bobb — aka "The Riddim Twins" — founded the band in 1987 after departing from Irie/Identity, another Columbus-based reggae band. The Ark Band has played in all of the lower 48, as well as internationally, sharing the stage with artists such as Burning Spear, Alpha Blondy and even The Beach Boys.
Tickets for high-top tables and rail seating cost $31 and standing floor admission is $25. (nataliesgrandview.com)
Studio 35 to 'time warp' to Transylvania with 'Rocky Horror'
Give yourself over to absolute pleasure with the Fishnet Mafia live shadow cast as they make their monthly trek to Transylvania in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The 1975 cult classic will begin at 11:30 p.m. Saturday at Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse, 3055 Indianola Ave.
If you've somehow never seen "Rocky Horror," the comedy-horror musical follows innocents Brad and Janet who, stranded with a flat tire during a thunderstorm, seek help at a spooky castle. The bizarro world they find there will change their lives forever!
Expect plenty of audience participation during the film, which is rated R for strong sexual content including dialogue, violence and language. Tickets are $10. (studio35.com/tickets)
Wings and Rings in Lewis Center cooks up carnival for a cause
Stop in at Wings and Rings, 8661 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, for a heaping helping of sweet smokin' or buffalo bleu onion rings and stay for the back-to-school carnival taking place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday.
Enjoy free activities like a bounce house, face-painting, a balloon artist and other attractions while helping others. Wings and Rings will collect donations of school supplies and raffle off prize baskets, with all proceeds going to United Way of Delaware County.
The restaurant also offers a "kids eat free" special on Mondays. (wingsandrings.com/locations/columbus-pike-43035)
Guitarist Selwyn Birchwood to take blues fans on jammin' journey
For the past decade or so, critics have been raving about a young blues artist by the aristocratic-sounding name of Selwyn Birchwood. If you stop by Natalie's Grandview, 945 King Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, you'll hear the reason for the accolades.
An award-winning guitar and lap-steel player who has been touring since he was in high school, the 39-year-old Birchwood will play what he calls "electric swamp funkin’ blues" on the Music Hall Stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $36. Low-top and high-top table seats are available, as well as high-top seats along the bar. (nataliesgrandview.com)
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 10 things to do in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend
