Les Misérables to Wonderball: Columbus weekend guide

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Central Ohio is wrapping up January with a packed weekend offering several ways to stay cozy indoors or embrace the winter chill.

From blockbuster Broadway musicals and a jazz icon on stage to snowshoeing, igloo building, film, sports and unique museum experiences, the final weekend of the month is filled with ways to make the most of the season.

See the list below for details on the weekend events for Jan. 30 through Feb. 1:

‘Les Misérables’

Ohio Theatre, through Sunday, Feb. 1, showtimes vary

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, “Les Misérables.” Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption, a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

Metro Parks Outdoor Adventures

Snowshoeing, Highbanks Metro Park Nature Center, Friday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Instruction will be provided. Snowshoes are sized for teenagers and adults, first-come, first-served; no child or toddler snowshoes will be available at this time. Snowshoeing is free.

Igloo making, Walnut Woods Metro Park, Tall Pines Area, Friday, Jan. 30, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

ReelAbilities Film Festival Columbus presents: The Art of Film Shorts

McConnell Arts Center, Friday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m.

The January screening of the ReelAbilities Film Festival Columbus will be an evening of shorts about making film.  Each film explores a different aspect of the filmmaking process and encompasses various genres, including narrative, documentary and experimental filmmaking.  Each film tackles the idea of making a film with a disability. Tickets are free with a reservation.

‘Come From Away’

Short North Stage at the Garden Theater, through Feb. 15, showtimes vary

Based on real events, the musical “Come From Away” tells the story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them with open arms. When 38 planes are diverted to the tiny town of Gander on 9/11, the locals and the “come from aways” find themselves in an unexpected and unforgettable adventure.

Columbus Fury vs Orlando Valkyries

Nationwide Arena, Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m.

The Columbus Fury, Columbus’s professional women’s volleyball team, takes on the Orlando Valkyries at Nationwide Arena.

Diana Krall

Palace Theatre, Saturday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m.

Jazz singer Diana Krall is the only artist to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Her albums have garnered two Grammy Awards and 10 Juno Awards. Her album sales have earned nine gold, three platinum and seven multi-platinum designations. Krall’s unique artistry transcends any single musical style, making her one of today’s most recognizable artists.

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 01: Singer-songwriter Diana Krall performs at the 2023 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song on March 01, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)

Wonderball 2026

Columbus Museum of Art, Saturday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m. to midnight

The art museum’s signature fundraiser features black and white fashion and benefits its creative programming. The theme for the 12th annual Wonderball will be Baroque, inspired by CMA’s current exhibition, “Artemisia Gentileschi: Naples to Beirut.” Guests are invited to indulge in an exploration of opulence, drama, and daring to be different by adding a touch of gold or any other ornate detail to their ensemble. 

5th Line 5K

Nationwide Arena, Sunday, Feb. 1, race begins at 10 a.m.

This will be the 11th year of the 5th Line 5K. NBC4 Today anchor and Storm Team 4 meteorologist Joe Speir will emcee this premier Columbus running event. The race will begin at 10 a.m. outside Nationwide Arena and will feature a 3.1-mile tour of downtown Columbus in the Arena District, finishing on center ice inside Nationwide Arena. Nationwide Arena will be open to spectators at 9 a.m. Registration is now open on the event website at 5thLine5K.com.

Historical Miniatures Gaming at the Ohio History Center, ‘Aces High,’ World War I

Ohio History Center, Sunday, Feb. 1, starting at noon

Military history buffs and those interested in miniature games can enjoy an afternoon of tabletop miniatures gaming at the Ohio History Center. Participants will learn about battles important to Ohio’s history and put themselves in command. Different scenarios are played on the first Sunday of each month. This February, the program will take to the skies with Ohio’s own Eddie Rickenbacker as he and his squadron mates fight for air supremacy above the Western Front. Included with museum admission.

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