Short North Arts District
Columbus, OH
One of Columbus’ most vibrant neighborhoods, the Short North Arts District is centered on North High Street. Framed by 17 steel arches, the walkable thoroughfare is packed with galleries and art spaces, as well as hip boutiques, popular restaurants, and cool coffee shops. It hosts several major events throughout the year, including Stonewall Columbus Pride.
The basics
Sandwiched between the Victorian Village and Italian Village neighborhoods, the narrow Short North Arts District is the main hub of Columbus’ art scene. It’s worth visiting during its monthly Gallery Hop event, when visitors come to browse its latest gallery exhibitions and soak up the atmosphere. The neighborhood is also easy to visit independently: Home to hundreds of locally owned businesses, from shops and bars to cafés and restaurants, as well as historic architecture, it’s the perfect place for window-shopping, wandering, and people-watching.
Things to know before you go
Short North is famous for its murals—keep an eye out for public art as you explore.
The neighborhood is somewhat accessible to wheelchair users, but uneven sidewalks and historic buildings may impede some access.
Located on the edge of the neighborhood, the North Market Downtown is a popular farmers market with centuries of history—be sure to save time for a visit.
For a green retreat, head to the tranquil Goodale Park, the oldest public park in Columbus.
How to get there
The Short North Arts District is just north of the Arena District and downtown. You can reach it by bus, including the 1, 2, or 5, and it’s less than a 10-minute drive from the city center. Take a taxi or rideshare service for extra convenience.
When to get there
There’s rarely a bad time to visit the Short North Arts District—it’s lively by day and by night—but it’s worth timing your visit for the first Saturday of the month, to catch the Gallery Hop event. You can also visit during Halloween, when the annual HighBall Halloween costume party is held, or in June, for Stonewall Pride Columbus.
Short North Stage
Short North isn’t just a destination for visual arts—it’s also known for its performing arts scene. You can experience it at the historic Garden Theater, home of the Short North Stage theater company, which hosts regular performances as well as touring musicals and other theatrical events.
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