Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Events for Adults

Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Columbus - for good reason! Our Zoo is amazing and regularly ranks as one of the best Zoos in the U.S. There's so much to enjoy this year at the Zoo, including new exhibits and new babies. With tons of outdoor exhibits and … [Read more...] about Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

Celebrate Earth Day with Green Columbus and volunteer events

Green Columbus has been organizing Earth Day volunteer events and celebrations for over a decade. Earth Day is a great way to give back, and there are dozens of Earth Day volunteer opportunities during Earth Day Columbus 2025 celebration throughout April! The service opportunities will be … [Read more...] about Celebrate Earth Day with Green Columbus and volunteer events

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Events, Discounts & Must-See Exhibits

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the premier botanical gardens in Ohio. It's located just east of Franklin Park approximately two miles from downtown Columbus. If you're looking for things to do in Columbus, this will always be one of our top suggestions! It's fun for … [Read more...] about Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Events, Discounts & Must-See Exhibits

Huge Flea market and drive-in movies at the South Drive In Theatre

Catch a movie at the South Drive-in Theatre in Columbus! Drive-in movies are a perfect option, no matter the weather! Make it a date or bring the family - they offer movies for everyone to enjoy. The only remaining drive-in theatres in Columbus, the South has been going strong since 1950. This is … [Read more...] about Huge Flea market and drive-in movies at the South Drive In Theatre

Explore The Route 33 Brew Trail throughout Fairfield County

Head southeast of Columbus to check out the breweries from just outside of Columbus, through Lancaster to Hocking Hills with The Route 33 Brew Trail! It's the perfect time to take a drive and check out the great craft beer they have to offer.   Pick up a trail guide at the … [Read more...] about Explore The Route 33 Brew Trail throughout Fairfield County

Columbus Air Show Takes Flight in Aug 2025 at Rickenbacker Intl Airport (buy tickets now!)

Get ready to witness the awe-inspiring displays of aviation agility as the Columbus Air Show soars into the skies of Columbus, Ohio. This thrilling spectacle returns August 22-24, 2025. Catch jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers, breathtaking aerial displays, and an up-close looks at an impressive … [Read more...] about Columbus Air Show Takes Flight in Aug 2025 at Rickenbacker Intl Airport (buy tickets now!)

COSI After Dark: Fun for adults only! Cocktails and Chemistry

COSI isn’t just for kids! COSI hosts monthly COSI After Dark, adult-only, after-hours events to let the adults have the run of the place.  This event feature exhibits, concessions and cash bar, and fun! Tickets make a great gift! On Thursday, April 10, 2025, shake things up at a … [Read more...] about COSI After Dark: Fun for adults only! Cocktails and Chemistry

Things to do in Canal Winchester, Ohio: Easter Egg Hunt, Dining, Festivals, and more

Canal Winchester is a quaint town established in 1828 after a dispute about a canal being dug on Henry Dove's land. Instead of suing, he was convinced that it would be the perfect place for a town, that would benefit from the canal. Located about halfway between Columbus and Lancaster, the … [Read more...] about Things to do in Canal Winchester, Ohio: Easter Egg Hunt, Dining, Festivals, and more

Visit the monthly North Market Night Market

Night Market at North Market moves to the Dublin Bridge Park location all year long. The market is inspired by traditional street fairs in Europe and Asia, and will be held inside during winter months. Night Market features a wide array of hand-made and locally grown products for sale, music, … [Read more...] about Visit the monthly North Market Night Market

Carnegie Author Series with Columbus Metropolitan Library

The Columbus Metropolitan Library is always striving to connect readers with books and authors, and they've really met the mark with these Author Talks. The Carnegie Author Series Author Talks brings national authors to you! 2025 Carnegie Author Series Author Talks The Carnegie Author Series … [Read more...] about Carnegie Author Series with Columbus Metropolitan Library

Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival brings treasures and treasure hunters to the lake

Ahoy! The Pirate Festival is coming to Buckeye Lake! Pirates, Mermaids & Steampunk fans and the public are invited for a Treasure Hunt by Land and Sea, and a family friendly Pirate Marketplace. The annual PirateFest is at Buckeye Lake on May 16-18, 2025. This 3-day family friendly festival … [Read more...] about Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival brings treasures and treasure hunters to the lake

Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show

Score some amazing handmade goods and art at the Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show Admission is $3 to the public, children under 12 are free. Tickets are only purchased at the … [Read more...] about Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show

Columbus Bonsai Society’s Annual Show and Sale, plus monthly meetings

Bonsai enthusiasts and nature lovers, mark your calendars! The Columbus Bonsai Society is hosting its annual show and sale on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, 2025. This long-standing tradition, running for nearly 50 years, offers a display of approximately 50 stunning bonsai trees, … [Read more...] about Columbus Bonsai Society’s Annual Show and Sale, plus monthly meetings

Free museum pass for Bank of America customers

Bank of America customers can enjoy free museum admission on the first full weekend of every month through the bank’s Museums On Us program. Show your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch, or U.S. Trust credit or debit card and a photo ID on Saturday or Sunday of the first full weekend. You'll … [Read more...] about Free museum pass for Bank of America customers

Book lovers: Don’t miss the Ohioana Book Festival

The Ohioana Book Festival returns to the Columbus Metropolitan Library on Saturday, May 3, 2025.  Held each spring, the Festival welcomes roughly 140 authors and more than 3,000 visitors every year. This free event celebrates Ohio authors and has events for book lovers of all … [Read more...] about Book lovers: Don’t miss the Ohioana Book Festival

Living on the Cheap

Columbus on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.