Columbus has had a big year for live music, and the arena in the middle of it all is still the busiest room in town. If you're visiting the city this fall, Nationwide Arena in the Arena District is where most of the big nights happen.
The Columbus Dispatch kicked off the year with its full concert list for Columbus in 2026, and the arena has stayed busy all year. Most recently the paper reported on the Jonas Brothers returning to Nationwide Arena for their second Columbus stop in less than a year.
Country and rock fans have the next big night to look forward to. Five Finger Death Punch share a bill with Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire on October 21. Rising singer sombr plays in early November, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra bring their holiday show on December 5, a December tradition in Columbus for years.
In between, the Columbus Blue Jackets are home most weeks. The NHL season brings the Rangers, Maple Leafs, Golden Knights, Avalanche and Lightning to town before Thanksgiving. A college basketball showcase with Memphis, Dayton, USF and St. Louis takes over the building on November 29.
Nationwide Arena opened in 2000. It holds about 18,500 for hockey and close to 20,000 for concerts. The surrounding Arena District is packed with bars and restaurants, so it's easy to make a night of it. Parking garages around Nationwide Boulevard fill early on big nights, and the Short North is a short walk away if you'd rather eat before the show.
Dates, seating charts and prices for every event are on our Nationwide Arena page.