Perfect Weekend Guide for an Ohio State Buckeyes Football Game

Columbus is always evolving. In the city, historical landmarks such as the Ohio Statehouse and tributes like the Columbus Museum of Art serve as a snapshot of the past, while the bustling streets of the University District and the Short North represent the future. No matter your taste, the city has something to explore.

The people of Columbus define its sense of tight-knit community. Grand openings, local sports, and touring bands draw in crowds on a weekly basis. The city is also full of art exhibitions, flea markets, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants from independent and up-and-coming minds that foster city-wide inspiration and admiration. There is never a dull moment in Columbus.

In a single day, visitors can go to an art museum, stroll leisurely through a park, shop locally, enjoy a rooftop dinner, see the Ohio State Buckeyes play at Ohio Stadium, hit up a jazz lounge or speakeasy, and make it home before dawn. In Columbus, every day is an adventure to be seized.

When to visit: While beauty abounds in Columbus any time of year, the fall season is especially breathtaking. If you’re a nature enthusiast, consider planning your stay during mid to late October for peak foliage viewing. Autumn also brings football season back to Columbus, where the Ohio State Buckeyes will be returning to Ohio Stadium following an appearance in the 2025 College Football Playoff. If you’re torn on when to visit Columbus, the ‘ber months should be at the top of the list.

Where to stay: Many neighborhoods within Columbus offer a variety of lodging. If you’re looking for a small town stay, consider the German Village Inn, located between the University District and downtown. The Short North and downtown Columbus are other top choices that offer great ways to pass the time, whether that be dining, shopping, or nightlife, and the AC Hotel is located just between the two.

Getting around: Renting a car isn’t required for your Columbus stay. The city is highly walkable, there are e-scooters are available to rent along busy streets, and rideshares such as Lyft and Uber are at your disposal. The COTA bus also runs along fixed routes spanning major roads like High Street throughout the day.

Day 1: Get acquainted with downtown Columbus

9 a.m. Slow morning at a local favorite: Start off your weekend of adventure with the early birds at Restoration Roastery in the heart of downtown Columbus. Its friendly staff and warmly-lit dining room will start your morning off the right way. Choose from a menu of crowd-favorite sandwiches and cinnamon rolls as you grab a coffee to fuel up.

10 a.m. Browse the North Market: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown as you head toward North Market. Get to know the local vendors of the 150-year-old historic shopping center and farmers market as you browse quality baked goods, organic meats and produce, homemade souvenirs, and more. Check out great things to eat like Momo Ghar’s celebrated dumplings, tacos from Dos Hermanos, and Hubert’s Polish Kitchen’s traditional pierogies.

11:30 a.m. Explore the Columbus Museum of Art: Get historical in the heart of downtown with a visit to the Columbus Museum of Art. With a recently-introduced free admission program for people 25 years old and under, young adults can explore the museum’s contemporary galleries and exhibits free of charge. Popular programs include 10 Minutes on the Dot, where CMA educators dive in-depth on singular pieces of art in 10-minute increments.

1:30 p.m. Grab a hearty lunch: Get to know downtown even better as you head toward Wario’s Beef and Pork, known for some of the best East Coast-style sandwiches in Columbus. The stuffed chicken Caesar sandwich is a classic.

2:30 p.m. Stroll through Goodale Park: As you enjoy your lunch, make your way toward some much-needed nature enrichment time. Pack your current read or some watercolors and let nature inspire you at Columbus’s oldest park. Enjoy the pond, trees, or simply people watch as you take a step back from the busy city life.

4 p.m. Get creative in the Short North Arts District: If you’re feeling inspired, head north and meander through the nearby Short North Arts District. The neighborhood is home to indie boutiques, restaurants, and bars that line High Street. Stop by Flower Child, the award-winning vintage store, for some secondhand shopping.

5:30 p.m. Rooftop dinner at Goodale Station: Venture back toward downtown to catch an early dinner and happy hour at a city-wide favorite. Take in skyline views of the city while you enjoy an elevated American menu and early-evening cocktails at Goodale Station, or opt for a later sunset-hour reservation.

7 p.m. Get a glimpse of Blue Jacket culture: Take a walking tour of the nearby Arena District to catch Columbus’s hockey tailgating culture in action. The Columbus Blue Jackets’ regular season begins October 1 at Nationwide Arena; tickets are often affordable and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

10 p.m. Post-game celebration: Head to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a taste of one of Columbus’s most famous hometown brands. Fan-favorite flavors include Brambleberry Crisp and Gooey Butter Cake.

Day 2: The Ohio State orientation

9 a.m. Mimosas and brunch at Fourth Street: Start your morning off at Fourth Street Taproom & Kitchen, an Ohio State student favorite known for the campus-adjacent location and beloved karaoke nights. Indulge in a mimosa tower and weekend brunch, and be sure to request patio seating for a premier Midwestern cornhole experience.

10:30 a.m. Pick up your Buckeye gear: Make a pit stop at High Street’s Clothing Underground for the best deals on vintage Ohio State merchandise ahead of the evening’s big game. From cropped tees and tanks to jerseys and windbreakers, everything in the shop is repurposed and recycled. Don’t forget to browse their extensive Buckeye-themed sunglass collection.

11:30 a.m. Get a boost from a late lunch: Grab a gourmet bagel or sandwich from the Lox Bagel Shop and pair it with a cold brew or lemonade to jump start your lunch break. Popular menu items include the signature Lox sandwich with capers, onion, cucumber, cream cheese, and egg, or create your own bagel of choice with a savory spread.

12 p.m. The Ohio State walking tour: Explore the home of the Buckeyes in the heart of Columbus and the University District ahead of the big game. Be sure to walk through the Oval on your way to Thompson Library (the largest of the university’s 15 libraries, with 11 floors), Mirror Lake pond, and the Ohio Union, where you can snap a selfie with Brutus, the legendary buckeye mascot.

2 p.m. Tailgate season in full swing: Make your way toward Ohio Stadium, affectionately nicknamed the Horseshoe, to get a glimpse of Ohio State’s gameday atmosphere. Watch the ‘Shoe buzz to life as thousands of Buckeyes come together to grill, drink, and sing along to signature songs from the Ohio State University Marching Band ahead of the night’s festivities.

4:30 p.m. Grab dinner ahead of time: Make a reservation at Marcella’s in the Short North to fuel yourself with an Italian delicacy before your evening plans. The pasta and pizza are famous around campus, and happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m.

6 p.m. Head toward the ‘Shoe: Foot traffic can get hectic around campus on game days, so make your way to Ohio Stadium earlier rather than later to soak up the Buckeye atmosphere while keeping on schedule. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Ohio State community as you walk through campus’s busiest pathways.

7 p.m. Let the game begin: Enjoy the show at the ‘Shoe as you watch a game with the National Championship-winning Buckeyes on their home field. Don’t miss the halftime performance from the justifiably self-confident Best Damn Band in the Land.

10:45 p.m. Post-game celebration: Nightlife and going-out culture always follows an Ohio State game day. Take a more upscale approach to this college tradition with a stop in the Short North at Pint House if you’re looking to keep it sophisticated but fun, or check out Good Night John Boy if you’d rather spend your night on the dance floor or enjoying a rooftop view.

12 a.m. A late night bite: End your jam-packed day of celebration with two Ohio State staples. Grab a signature hot dog from Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace and a beloved sweet treat from the 24-hour Buckeye Donuts. You can never go wrong with a buckeye, red velvet, blueberry, or classic frosted donut.

Day 3: Small town feel in the city

9 a.m. Recovery breakfast: Enjoy a restorative cafe-style breakfast in an eclectic Latin American-inspired package at Katalina’s. Seat yourself and order the famous pancake balls filled with Nutella, dulce de leche, or seasonal pumpkin-apple butter, or opt for a savory sandwich or taco with a side of the signature sweet and spicy bacon.

10:30 a.m. Wander around German Village: Discover the historic district’s brick streets, homey architecture, gardens, and local businesses. This neighborhood is perfect for anyone searching for small town fall energy. Take a pit stop at Stauf’s Coffee Roasters to caffeinate yourself ahead of a day of exploration.

11 a.m. Village shopping vibes: Stop at the essential Book Loft of German Village, a famous 32-room independent bookstore. If you’re seeking out your new favorite boutique, browse handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and home decor at Helen Winnemore’s, explore Vernacular’s selection of clothing, Urban Sundry’s home goods, and the Red Stable’s German imports and artwork. End your adventure with treasure hunting at the Gr Columbus Antique Mall, which offers five floors of thrifting.

1:30 p.m. Brown bag it for lunch: Make a stop at the Brown Bag Deli for a signature sandwich. Popular menu items include the Mohawk Stroller, with turkey, peppers, and pesto, or the Village Addiction, with turkey, havarti, and cranberry mayo. Before leaving the German Village neighborhood entirely, take a walk through Schiller Park to eat on a bench and get to know Columbus’ homey tree-lined paths and gardens.

3:30 p.m. Explore Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Wander through indoor conservatories and see tropical rainforests, desert landscapes, and seasonal floral displays at Columbus’ idyllic nature escape.

6:30 p.m. Dinner in the heart of it all: Continue your stay in the German Village with a reservation at Lindey’s. Enjoy a sophisticated American menu, and request a courtyard patio table at this upscale-casual restaurant.

9 p.m. Live music and drinks: End your night with a visit to Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge, where you can enjoy live jazz and craft cocktails in a retro setting. Or opt for the Marmont at Forno Speakeasy, currently featuring a tiki-themed pop-up.