What's New in Columbus in 2024?

Columbus is poised to become a sports mecca in 2024. It all starts in January when Nationwide Arena hosts the 2024 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships, marking the city's debut as host for the ice-skating spectacle. A month later, the Columbus Fury, the city's first-ever women's professional team, will showcase their volleyball skills in the same arena. Then in July, a historic day unfolds at Lower.com Field, home to the reigning MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew, when it hosts the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. This event is expected to bring Messi mania to Columbus as it will likely be the soccer legend’s first appearance in an All-Star Game.   

We’re a culinary city on the rise. Columbus holds its own among top-tier culinary cities, earning recognition as a top foodie spot in 2024 by Essence, ranking alongside cities like Paris, Barcelona and Charleston. Chefs like Christina Tosi, owner of Milk Bar, have said Columbus is the city with the shockingly great food scene and is one she’ll fly to eat. Home to the headquarters of major brands like Wendy’s, White Castle and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Columbus has long served as a test market. With its debut scheduled in June, the highly anticipated two-day Flavortown Fest, led by Columbus native celebrity chef Guy Fieri, promises an unprecedented culinary experience for food enthusiasts near and far.  

Prepare for public art to take off. The arts scene is alive and well in Columbus as evidenced by its roughly 100 pieces of public art. From nationally recognized exhibits on display at the Columbus Museum of Art to recurring events that locals love like Franklinton Fridays and Short North Gallery Hop, Columbus is a city that embraces the arts. Public art remains a central focus for Columbus demonstrated by the debut of Current, a vibrantly colored floating sculpture by Janet Echelman, which hangs seasonally above the bustling intersection of High and Gay Streets downtown. In 2024, the City of Columbus and Franklin County are creating a plan to guide the future of public art in Greater Columbus. The process is being led by the Greater Columbus Arts Council along with Columbus-based cultural leaders Jonna Twigg and Marshall Shorts. 

Photo by Photo by Randall L. Schieber