Top things to do in central Ohio include beer fest, concerts, more
As February takes a bow, the Lincoln Theatre Association will bow in honor of a special group of theater staff members. Showing talents beyond their roles behind the scenes, the staffers will be in the spotlight.
Speaking of stars – well, famous people in general − historical figures from Abe Lincoln to Annie Oakley will come to life at the Ohio History Center's "Night at the Museum."
Check out these events and a few others below to find out who, what, when, where, and how much. If you’d like this list delivered to your inbox weekly, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.
All-stars to shine at Lincoln Theatre concert
The Backstage at the Lincoln concert series allows audiences to experience art from a different perspective − the artist's.
Attendees are seated onstage during the intimate performances, which began in January and will continue with a special all-star staff edition celebrating the Lincoln Theatre team. Not just employees, the honorees are artists in their own right.
The concert will highlight the talents of Joenathan Banks, Davitrick Brewster, Gamal Brown, Job Clarkson, Naiya Sayavong, Kevin Seals, Quianna Simpson, Damani Wade, Talia Walls, and Tamani Watkins.
Backstage at the Lincoln is presented by the Lincoln Theatre Association, which manages the venue, supports local and rising artists through performances and incubation programs, and implements youth education initiatives.
Beer festival hops back into Pickerington
Sample artisanal beer from 10 Ohio breweries, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and live music, and take home a commemorative glass. The fest, which benefits the Pickerington Food Pantry, is open to ages 21 and older. ID will be checked.
Details: 1-5 p.m. Feb. 28, Combustion Private Event Space, 80 W. Church St. Suite 200, Pickerington. Tickets: $60 general admission; $75 VIP (includes brewery tour); $15 designated drivers. (helpinghops.org/pobf)
Carpe Diem to blend music, spoken word
Carpe Diem String Quartet will continue its 20th anniversary season on Feb. 28 and March 1 with "The Sound of Words," showcasing saxophonist, composer and educator Michael Rene Torres, a work by Columbus poet Jennifer Hambrick, and more.
Details: The Feb. 28 concert will be at 3 p.m. at Engine House No. 6, 540 W. Broad St. The entrance is on Mill Street. Tickets: $10-$35; under 21 free.
The March 1 concert will take place at 3 p.m. at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road. Tickets: $10-$35; under 21 free. (cdsq.org)
A guest sporting Princess Leia's hairdo waits for an autograph from a stormtrooper during "Night at the Museum" at the Ohio History Center. This year's event will take place on Feb. 28.
Ohio History Center to come alive after dark
Explore the Ohio History Center after hours and find out if historical figures really do come to life during "Night at the Museum."
Inspired by the Ben Stiller movie franchise, the annual event will introduce visitors to characters dressed in historically accurate costumes including Rosie the Riveter, Abraham Lincoln, Annie Oakley, Ulysses S. Grant, a coal miner, firefighter, and astronaut.
In addition, characters representing barn loom weavers, World War I and Civil War soldiers, an 1860s Ohio homestead, and 1950s OSU cheerleaders also will be present.
A variety of hands-on activities for kids will be offered, and light snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
Details: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 28, Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Admission is $18 for adults (members $13); $14 for children 4-12 (members $9). Children 3 and younger are free. (ohiohistory.org/events/night-at-the-museum)
Bay Area pianist to solo twice in Westerville
Pianist Sarah Cahill will be featured with the Westerville Symphony on March 1, then give a solo performance of her program, "The Woods So Wild," on March 4.
Details: The March 1 concert will begin at 5 p.m. in Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville. Tickets: $25-$30; free for students with ID.
The free March 4 concert will start at 7:30 p.m. in Riley Auditorium at Battelle Fine Arts Center, 170 W. Park St., Westerville. (westervillesymphony.org)
Youth graphic novelist to give talk
Jerry Craft, creator of the "New Kid" graphic novel series and an award-winning comic strip, will detail his journey from reluctant reader to Newberry Medal-winning author.
A book signing will follow the interactive talk, with Cover to Cover onsite to sell Craft's novels. The event is recommended for ages 8 and older.
