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6 INSIGHT

Dublin Irish Festival

8 H E A LT H

Recovery Advancements

10 CUISINE

New Dining Favorites

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LUXURY LIVING

Best of the ‘Bus

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38 T R AV E L

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VISUALS

Music, Movement and Memory

42 ON VIEW

Gallery Exhibits

44 EVENTS

What Not to Miss!

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S P E C I A L

S E C T I O N

•Miles for Meals •Walking yoga •Training your heart •Recovery technology

page 26

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5

INSIGHT

Celtic Celebration Dublin Irish Festival returns to Columbus with viral talent

By Megan Brokamp Photo courtesy of Visit Dublin

the brothers say. “It’s one of the biggest festivals in the world, and to be part of that, bringing joy and connection through Irish dance, is incredibly special.” CS Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Fresh to the Festival

MILLIONS KNOW THE Gardiner Brothers from viral TikTok routines blending Irish dance with contemporary music. This summer, the world champion duo returns to the Dublin Irish Festival, bringing their famous moves to the stage of one of the world’s largest Irish festivals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, brothers and award-winning Irish dancers Matthew and Michael Gardiner gained internet fame through videos of their dance routines that they posted on YouTube and TikTok. But the Gardiners were showcasing their talents far before they went viral. The duo collectively has won five world championship titles at the Irish Dancing World Championships and, in 2015, both brothers won world titles during the same week, a feat that had not been accomplished by brothers in almost four decades.

Their style blends traditional step dancing with modern pop culture and social media trends, implementing con-

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temporary music from artists such as Beyoncé and Eminem.

“We always say we honor the tradition while innovating for the future. We love pushing boundaries, but we never want to lose the roots of Irish dance,” the Gardiner brothers say. “Blending modern music helps bring new audiences in, while still showcasing the richness of the tradition.”

The brothers use social media as a sounding board, testing out new styles and moves to see what resonates with their audience and incorporating the feedback into their live performances.

The duo has performed at a range of venues, from city streets to sold-out stadiums.

This year, they will return to the Dublin Irish Festival, introducing new pieces to audiences while also bringing back fan favorites, along with guest appearances from Irish dance icons such as Keeva Corry, four-time world champion and dance captain of Riverdance.

“There’s a real sense of pride in representing Irish culture on a stage like this,”

The Dublin Irish Festival may focus on celebrating tradition, but organizers are always looking for exciting new elements to add.

Fans of The Brazenhead, the Historic Dublin Irish pub that closed in 2020, have the opportunity to visit a recreation of the bar. The former owners are working with organizers to craft a replica inside the festival, bringing darts, furniture and other nostalgia-inducing aspects of the pub.

Attendees can also enjoy music from new groups, including Irish folk band Billow Wood and CLADA, a five-piece band specializing in Irish dance music.

“It’s important for us to always remember to bring in some of those newer bands, just to show what’s happening in Irish music,” says City of Dublin Director of Events Alison LeRoy. The former Celtic Rock Stage has been rebranded as the Temple Bar Stage, named for the famed nightlife district in Dublin, Ireland.

For those looking to dress up, the festival will debut a Saturday night cosplay competition inspired by Irish history and mythology, with categories for kids, adults and families.

To celebrate America 250, the festival will have cultural presentations to recognize the Irish-born soldiers who served during the Revolutionary War, as well as other Irish immigrants who have played important roles in the country’s history.

HEALTH

Recovery Advancements

The Ohio State University patents innovative treatment for peripheral nerve injuries

By Lucy Lawler Photos courtesy of Amy Colgan and The Ohio State University Wexner and magicmine/iStock

“TO SOMEONE WHO has nothing, a little is a lot.”

These 10 words, spoken by renowned American surgeon Dr. Sterling Bunnell, have motivated countless medical professionals over the years.

Now, researchers at The Ohio State University are drawing on Bunnell’s philosophy to push the boundaries of neuroregeneration, says Dr. Amy Moore, chair of the university’s Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

She collaborated with Dr. Daniel Gallego-Perez, a professor of biomedical engineering and surgery, and his lab to devise a gene-based treatment method for peripheral nerve injury.

According to an April 2026 press release from the OSU Wexner Medical Center, peripheral nerve injuries “can leave patients with long-term weakness, numbness or loss of function” following traumatic events such as car accidents and combat exposure.

Moore says peripheral nerves – which extend beyond a person’s spinal cord to control their motor function and muscle movement – do not regenerate efficiently after suffering severe damage, regrowing at about one millimeter per day.

Dr. Daniel Gallego-Perez

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OSU’s new therapy has successfully stimulated blood vessel growth to support faster healing in mice. Down the line, this remedy could evolve to be a game-changer for human patients, Moore says.

“In the world of peripheral nerve(s), we’ve accepted poor outcomes because we didn’t know there was more to be done,” she says. “And now, we do. It’s (an) exciting time to see the interest match the need, which matches the technology’s advances.”

The treatment in question utilizes tissue nanotransfection, or TNT, and stems from research Gallego-Perez and other university scientists conducted in 2017. While studying cell reprogramming, he says, they found that skin cells could be changed into blood vessel cells.

This transformation helped prevent tissue necrosis and further inspired Gallego-Perez’s team to turn its attention to leveraging blood vessel formation in an effort to improve nerve tissue repair.

“We thought, ‘What if we take nerve injury models and we induce blood vessel formation, and then see if that blood vessel formation actually helps to improve the repair of damaged nerve tissue?’” Gallego-Perez says.

Induced blood vessel growth was shown to expedite recovery in animals with crush injuries, which damage nerves without completely detaching them. The next step was to determine whether the same approach could be used to treat segmental nerve defects, in which actual pieces of nerves are lost.

Segmental nerve defects are typically repaired by skilled plastic surgeons who use

the patient’s own nerve tissue, or donor nerve tissue, to bridge the gap via a nerve graft procedure. But growth rate can be frustratingly slow, Moore says, compromising many patients’ quality of life.

“Peripheral nerve regeneration is an imperfect science, and even with the best repairs, we often aren’t left with perfect results of function,” she says. “We need to address these capabilities through research to improve outcomes for our patients.”

TNT can be a pivotal tool in overcoming this deficit, Gallego-Perez says.

Tiny silicon chips, roughly 400 to 600 nanometers in diameter, carry three genes to injury sites. The carefully selected genes – Etv2, Fli1 and Foxc2 – are delivered through electrical pulses and quickly start boosting nerve repair.

“We usually are done within 100 milliseconds,” Gallego-Perez says. “So, within even less than a second, we’re done with deploying these drugs.”

TNT shows great promise because it can be administered so precisely in conjunction with nerve grafts, Moore says.

“I think the technology is exciting because it’s unique,” she says. “It’s unique in the sense of how it gets delivered

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(and) that it’s safe and targeted specifically to the tissue type.”

Researchers’ biggest goal is ensuring TNT can be safely scaled for human use, Gallego-Perez says. No significant concerns have been raised in the mouse trials, but gaining Food and Drug Administration approval will take time.

TNT’s initial success illustrates the importance of betting on bold science and interdisciplinary research at a university level, says Gallego-Perez, giving credit to Moore as well as to Ana Salazar-Puerta, the first author of the manuscript.

“I’m the senior author (of the study), so I get to talk about it, but I wouldn’t be able to talk about it if none of the authors had done their part to advance the science,” he says.

Beyond academic distinction, however, Gallego-Perez and Moore agree that one goal must reign supreme: making a tangible, positive difference in patients’ lives.

“This is something that only happens when we allow people to take risks and think big,” Gallego-Perez says. CS Lucy Lawler is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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9

CUISINE

Craving Italian Bites

Readers crown Bar Italia and Metsi’s as new dining favorites

By Megan Brokamp Photos courtesy of Brock DuPont, Metsi’s and Jordan Posner

DINERS IN COLUMBUS showed an appetite

for elevated Italian dining in this year’s Best of the ‘Bus poll, awarding Bar Italia first place and Metsi’s second in the Best New Restaurant category. While the two concepts offer distinctly different atmospheres, both have quickly become standout additions in the city’s restaurant scene through thoughtful interpretations of classic Italian dining.

First

Bar Italia

Taking first place is Bar Italia, an Italian restaurant that came to Easton Town Center in June 2025. The bistro draws inspiration from big-city ItalianAmerican restaurants, pairing fresh pasta with a lively atmosphere that brings the Miami feel to this suburban shopping center.

The concept was developed by NCR Ventures, a restaurant group founded

by Rick Doody, who started beloved German Village destination Lindey’s

10 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

with his mother, Sue Doody, in 1981.

The Easton location is its fifth, with two others in Ohio – in Lakewood and Beachwood – and two more in Florida.

The restaurant’s layout centers on its marble bar, with guests immediately enveloped in an elegant yet lively atmosphere as they walk through the doors.

High ceilings and expansive windows keep the restaurant bright and airy during the day, while the lighting turns the atmosphere into something moodier and more upscale at night. Floor-toceiling windows are fully open during warmer months, transforming the bar into an open-air patio.

“When they come in and all these doors open up, (patrons) feel like they’re somewhere else,” says Joe Isbell, managing partner for Bar Italia Easton.

The menu leans into modern ItalianAmerican dining through elevated classics and an emphasis on shareable dining. Among the restaurant’s most popular dishes is the spicy vodka rigate – a rich, creamy pasta served “Carbone style” with a kick of heat and bold flavor. Another standout is the “Famous House-Made” lasagna, layered with slow-developed meat

sauce and fresh pasta, topped with whipped ricotta.

Other classic dishes include the crispy chicken limone – a Parmesan-crusted chicken, accompanied by mafaldine pasta and arugula salad and topped with a tangy lemon butter sauce – and the grilled branzino, served “Via Carota” style with lemon butter, capers, olive oil and sauteed broccolini.

Beyond the food, the dining experience is shaped by Italian aperitivo culture, offering spritzes, Negronis and crafted cocktails.

Second

Metsi’s

In June 2025, chef BJ Lieberman opened Metsi’s in the Italian Village space that previously housed Hiraeth before it closed in 2024. Lieberman – the man behind Ginger Rabbit Jazz Club and the award-winning Chapman’s Eat Market, which closed in July 2025 – sought neighborhood input when crafting Metsi’s vision and found that people wanted a space that reflected his personality and passion for food.

The name “Metsi’s” is a nod to Lieberman’s father, whose grandchildren

call him Metsi in honor of his favorite baseball team, the New York Mets.

“Food was always a big part of our family growing up,” Lieberman says.

“When we decided we wanted to open an Italian restaurant, I really wanted it to be like the restaurant my dad would open… I call it more like metropolitan Italian, like the New York kind of Italian that I grew up with.”

Metsi’s menu was crafted with flexibility, allowing chefs to make creative choices on traditional dishes with a focus on using seasonal ingredients.

In most of Lieberman’s restaurants, his menus are constantly updated, with each new spread offering completely new options. This time, Lieberman is trying something new. While there are still seasonal dishes, multiple items are permanent fixtures on the menu.

Chef Greg’s Famous Bolognese, a standard of the menu’s signature pastas, features handmade pappardelle topped with a meat sauce simmered to perfection and covered with Parmesan. Metsi’s offers a hearty yet sophisticated interpretation of the classic dish, using woodfired cooking to intensify its flavors.

The menu includes each team member’s favorite dishes, with their indi-

vidual culinary backgrounds reflected in what is served. Gregory Gautz, head chef, has a background in Italian cuisine that emphasizes the importance of quality sauce.

“I feel like people take for granted that a good sauce takes almost all day,” Gautz says. “We have our chefs come in at 8 or 9 a.m., and the first thing they do is get a pot on.”

The restaurant’s ground-level dining room is light and airy, designed to feel like an indoor patio. Patrons are met with a windowless lower level and dark walls, illuminated by a fire hearth whose warm glow envelops the room.

The lower level features an open kitchen, allowing staff and guests to share the dining experience.

Every detail at Metsi’s, from the design to the dishes, was created with a sense of purpose, something Lieberman hopes guests recognize.

“We have a lot to say, and there’s only so much room on the menu to say it,” he says. “We’re hoping that people can dig one layer deeper with us.” CS Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Best of the ‘Bus 2026 READERS’ POLL WINNERS

14 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

Look Who It Is! Best Face of Columbus The head football coach at The Ohio State University takes home the win for a second year in a row, followed by some new runners-up. Drag performer Nina West competed on season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and professional hockey player Zach Werenski brought home a gold medal as a member of the men’s hockey team in the 2026 Winter Olympics. ● Ryan Day (OSU football coach) ● Nina West (drag queen) ● Zach Werenski (Blue Jackets player and Olympic gold medalist)

Ryan Day

Best Local Content Creator Columbus native Megan Rivers shares her life and highlights restaurants, activities and happenings all around the greater Columbus area. ● Megan Rivers (@eatplaycbus) ● Nicholas Dekker (@breakfastwithnick) ● Jordan Posner (@midwest_foodfest) Best Hometown Mascot Brutus has taken home another win and, for the second year in a row, he is closely followed by two buzzy competitors. ● Brutus Buckeye from OSU ● Stinger from the Blue Jackets ● Bee-thoven from CSO

Mikey’s Late Night Slice

Celebrating Country Columbus clearly loves its country music, as North to Nashville and Buckeye Country Superfest took home the gold for Best Local Musician and Best Concert (Since March 2025), respectively. With a busy summer schedule full of festivals and fairs, you can catch North to Nashville for a local show at the Harry Buffalo in Westerville on Aug. 1.

Megan Rivers

Pins Mechanical Co.

Netflix Royalty

Best Local Musician ● North to Nashville ● Joey & Jessica ● LDNL (Lt. Dan’s New Legs) Best Concert (Since March 2025) ● Buckeye Country Superfest ● Paul McCartney at Nationwide Arena ● Mumford & Sons at Nationwide Arena

Brutus Buckeye

When season 10 of Love is Blind was filmed in Ohio, the cast enjoyed everything from dates and gatherings to bachelorette parties and emotional support garlic sauce at several of these Columbus-area businesses that took home the top spots in their categories.

Best Local Slice ● Mikey’s Late Night Slice ● Tommy’s Pizza ● Harvest Pizzeria Best Seafood ● Mitchell’s Ocean Club ● The Pearl ● Hank’s Seafood Restaurant Best Food and Fun ● Pins Mechanical Co. ● Natalie’s Grandview ● Topgolf Best Spot to Gamble ● Hollywood Casino Columbus ● Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs ● DraftKings Sports & Social

Buckeye Country Superfest July/August 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

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Taste of Columbus Best New Restaurant (Since March 2025) Check out page 10 to learn more about these new places and how much Columbus loves its Italian food. ● Bar Italia ● Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian ● Mastro’s Steakhouse Best Barbecue A fan favorite, stop by one of City Barbeque’s 11 central Ohio locations to grab some smoked meats, delicious sides or sweet treats for your next gathering. ● City Barbeque ● Ray Ray’s Hog Pit ● SmokeOut BBQ Best Wings ● Roosters Wings ● JT’s Pizza & Pub ● Shakers Public House

German traditions steal the show Best Bakery Following its move to Gahanna, Resch’s Bakery continues to create the donuts and cakes that it’s been known for since German immigrant Wilhelm Resch and his uncle, Frank, opened the business in 1912. ● Resch’s Bakery ● Schneider’s Bakery ● Buckeye Donuts

Best Steaks ● Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse ● The Top Steak House ● Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Best Ice Cream The French pot ice creamery that took home first offers unique flavors ranging from a Kentucky Derby-inspired Backstretch Bourbon Cherry to a Skyline Chili collab called Skyline Spice, made with real oyster crackers. ● Graeter’s Ice Cream ● Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams ● Johnson’s Real Ice Cream Best Tacos ● Condado Tacos ● Los Guachos Taqueria ● Local Cantina Best Sandwiches For more than 40 years, Katzinger’s Delicatessen has offered delicious deli sandwiches and Jewish specialties that keep customers coming back. ● Katzinger’s Delicatessen ● Wario’s Beef and Pork ● Uptown Deli and Brew Best Burgers ● The Thurman Cafe ● Preston’s: A Burger Joint ● TIE: Johnnie’s Tavern and The Dublin Village Tavern Best Appetizers From getting its start at Polaris in 2019 to opening its second out-of-state location this year, Kitchen Social has exponentially grown to share its chef-driven menu with the masses. ● Kitchen Social ● Marcella’s ● 101 Craft Kitchen

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

16 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

Looking for a way to get a taste, or a sip, from several places at once? Check out these great trails to try out some of the best offerings around the city all in one day.

Best Food Trail ● Taco Truck Tour (Columbus Food Adventures) ● Ohio Ice Cream Trail ● Columbus-Style Pizza Trail

Uptown Untapped

Best Made-in-the-’Bus Columbus’ sweet tooth made itself known with this category, from the indulgent Schmidt’s cream puffs and rich buckeyes at Anthony-Thomas to the light and airy pastries of Pistacia Vera. ● Cream Puff from Schmidt’s Sausage Haus ● Buckeyes from Anthony-Thomas Chocolates ● Pastries from Pistacia Vera Best Food Truck Schmidt’s is back again with another win. Keep up with the company’s seven trucks through Schmidt’s website or by downloading its app, and get your fix of bratwurst and sauerkraut. ● Schmidt’s Sausage Truck ● Dos Hermanos ● Cousins Maine Lobster

Katzinger’s Delicatessen

Best Drink Trail ● Uptown Untapped (Westerville) ● Columbus Coffee Trail ● Columbus Ale Trail

The Thurman Cafe

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Drinks Around Town

Fox in the Snow Cafe

Best Coffee Taking home gold for a second year in row, Fox in the Snow Cafe has opened two new locations since last year’s Best of the ‘Bus poll, including one in Westerville this past fall and another in Clintonville earlier this year. ● Fox in the Snow Cafe ● Stauf’s Coffee Roasters ● Java Central Café and Roaster Best Local Wine ● Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant ● Good Vibes Winery ● Wyandotte Winery

Thank You — For Voting Eco —

Best Plumbing Company Best HVAC Company City Scene Magazine

— GetEco.com — OH 23868 • OH 46198

Taking home two wins, High Bank Distillery Co. has made a name for itself both regionally and internationally, earning several awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition over the past five years.

AWARD-WINNING ATTRACTION

Best Local Bourbon ● High Bank Distillery Co. ● Watershed Distillery ● Middle West Spirits Best Cocktails ● High Bank Distillery Co. ● Kitchen Social ● Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink Best Local Beer Land-Grant isn’t just locally grown; it supports its community through partnerships with local organizations ranging from the Columbus Museum of Art and Columbus Metropolitan Library to Pelotonia and Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks. ● Land-Grant Brewing Company ● Columbus Brewing Company ● Uptown Deli and Brew Best Retail Drink Selection ● Carfagna’s Market & Ristorante ● Weiland’s Market ● Market District Supermarket

CITYSCENE 2026 BEST OF THE ‘BUS

PROTOTYPE.ORG

July/August 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

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Get Out and About Whether you are looking to get fresh produce, grab a drink with a friend or spend a day enjoying good food and music, Columbus has plenty of destinations to fit the bill.

Best Restaurant Patio ● Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar ● Land-Grant Brewing Company ● Barcelona Restaurant and Bar Best Farmers’ Market The Worthington Farmers Market has been a consistent winner with our readers and has placed in the top 10 for the Best Farmers’ Market category in the 2026 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards three years in a row. ● Worthington Farmers Market ● Dublin Market at Bridge Park ● Clintonville Farmer’s Market Best Summer Concert Series ● Picnic with the Pops by the Columbus Symphony ● Fourth Friday Summer Concert Series by Uptown Westerville Inc. ● Hinson Amphitheater Summer Concert Series Best Downtown Festival ● Columbus Arts Festival ● Columbus Italian Festival ● Columbus Book Festival ● Columbus Greek Festival

Lindey’s

Best Suburban Festival ● Dublin Irish Festival ● Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival® ● Worthington Arts Festival ● Westerville Area Chamber Music & Arts Festival Best Suburban Fourth of July Celebration ● Upper Arlington ● Westerville ● Dublin Best Wellness Event ● TIE: Pelotonia and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon ● Arnold Sports Festival ● New Albany Walking Classic® Best Food Festival ● Columbus Italian Festival ● Jazz & Rib Fest ● The Columbus Greek Festival

Worthington Farmers Market

Best Drink Festival ● Columbus Oktoberfest ● Uptown Untapped (Westerville) ● Wine & Arts Festival (Grove City) ● Columbus Brew Festival

Best Charitable Gala Our community loves to give back, so we couldn’t highlight just the top three. Check out some of the ways our readers around Columbus give back.

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Discover the Dream • Columbus Museum of Art’s Wonderball • Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio’s Dancing with Our Stars • Arts Council of Westerville’s WesterBall • Girls on the Run Central Ohio’s Sneaker Soiree • No Kids Fight Cancer Alone’s Gala • Columbus State Community College’s Taste the Future • McConnell Arts Center’s Arts Enchanted Evening • Cancer Support Community Central Ohio’s Night of Chocolate • New Albany Community Foundation’s Remarkable Evening

18 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

Huli Huli Tiki Lounge

Editors’ Picks ✔ Best Female-run Business ● Donna’s Delicious Dozen Started in 2019 by Traci Lukemire as a way to escape her corporate job, Donna’s Delicious Dozen – named after Lukemire’s grandmother – has expanded to offer a wide variety of sweet treats, including several gluten-free varieties.

Best Live Music Destination

● Natalie’s Grandview

Natalie’s Grandview brings together an array of music – from bluegrass to cover bands – and plenty of bar-favorite food options to enjoy alongside its house cocktails.

Best-Looking Drinks

● Huli Huli Tiki Lounge

At Hawaiian-themed Huli Huli Tiki Lounge, which just opened a second location in downtown Columbus, the tropical cocktails are just as much an experience as they are a beverage.

These colorful, garnish-filled drinks will transport you to paradise.

Best Public Garden ● Inniswood Metro Gardens Open year-round with more than 120 acres to explore, Inniswood offers a quiet escape for all, whether you are a garden enthusiast or just enjoy a scenic walk.

Inniswood Metro Gardens July/August 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

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Supporting the Arts If you’re looking for ways to enjoy art, Columbus has a plethora of organizations that provide spaces and performances for art lovers to get a taste of what the city has to offer.

Best Locally Owned Art Gallery ● McConnell Arts Center ● Columbus Glass Art Center ● Dublin Arts Council Best New Exhibit ● The Science Behind Pixar at COSI ● Love Hug at Prototype: The Experimental Museum ● We Cover New York: The Photo League at Columbus Museum of Art

Shows at Home

Best Act in Town ● Shadowbox Live ● Columbus Symphony ● Short North Stage

If you are craving a night in or are cooped up at home, never fear, our Best Binge-Worthy Show and Best Blockbuster Movie lists are here!

Whether you are looking for period pieces, action-packed pieces or a feelgood refresh, our lists have it covered.

Shadowbox Live

McConnell Arts Center

20 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

Best Arts Performance (Since March 2025) ● The Nutcracker by BalletMet ● Come From Away by Short North Stage ● Les Misérables by Broadway in Columbus

Best Binge-Worthy Show ● Ted Lasso ● The Pitt ● Bridgerton Best Blockbuster Movie ● Wicked: For Good ● Sinners ● KPop Demon Hunters

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Play, stay, dine and unwind at Hollywood.

From the hottest slots and world-class table game action to seven incredible dining options including our newest restaurant- The Hill Eatery and Lounge, live music and comedy and Columbus’ home for sports — The Sportsbook Restaurant & Bar — it’s all happening here.

Plus, experience our bold new hotel to stay and play.

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Goodbye Stress, Hello Refresh Stressed out with the hustle and bustle of the daily grind? Stop for a refresh at these spa and wellness spots or visit these paradise locations close to home.

Best Spa Day Out ● Woodhouse Spa ● Panacea Luxury Spa ● Kenneth’s Hair Salons & Day Spas

Local Business Love From picking up a good book and some shiny jewelry to getting financial advice and the right piece of furniture, there is a lot to love about local businesses.

Best Jewelry Store ● Worthington Jewelers ● Diamond Cellar ● Meyers Jewelers Best Bookstore ● The Book Loft of German Village ● Birdie Books ● Storyline Bookshop

22 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

Best Cabinets ● The JAE Company ● Signature Cabinetry ● The Cabinet Shop Best Local Bank ● Telhio Credit Union ● Buckeye State Bank ● TIE: Riverside Bank of Dublin and The Middlefield Banking Company

Best Wellness Escape ● Woodhouse Spa ● Panacea Luxury Spa ● Donaldson Plastic Surgery Best Weekend Getaway ● Hocking Hills ● Nemacolin Resort ● Kelleys Island

Best Furniture ● Ethan Allen ● Amish Originals Furniture Company ● Arhaus Best Pools and Hot Tubs ● Scioto Valley ● Serenity Pools Ohio ● Omni Pools & Scapes

Hocking Hills

Help At Home Seeking advice on your next home purchase or build? This year’s list of winners brings together some of Columbus’ best experts in the home and building industry.

Best Roofing Company For more than 30 years, Newman Roofing, LLC has repaired and replaced the roofs of countless Columbus neighbors.

On page 36, you’ll hear from experts at this family-run business as they share tips about skylights. ● Newman Roofing, LLC ● Feazel Roofing ● Koehler Roofing

Best Showroom Check out page 32 for tips from experts on what to do before you get to a showroom, and what to look for once you’re there. ● America’s Floor Source ● The JAE Company ● The Cleary Company Best Home Builder ● Romanelli & Hughes ● Bob Webb Homes ● 3 Pillar Homes Best Remodeling Company ● The Cleary Company ● J.S. Brown & Co. ● Nth Degree Best Lawn and Garden Services ● Hidden Creek Landscaping ● Scotts Lawn Care Solutions by Scotts Miracle-Gro ● Lawn Doctor of Columbus Best Outdoor Space Remodeler ● Hidden Creek Landscaping ● Ciminello’s Landscape Design ● Omni Pools & Scapes

24 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

The Cleary Company

Best Realtors (Team or Individual)

● The Mathias Team (Cutler Real Estate) ● The Raines Group Real Estate Group ● Marci Press (Home Central Realty) ● The Nth Degree Team (Coldwell

Banker Realty)

● Sam Cooper (Howard Hanna Real

Estate Services)

Best Senior Living Community ● The Coventry Senior Living ● Friendship Village of Dublin ● The Wesley Communities ● First Community Village/National Church Residences ● The GRAND of Dublin

Best HVAC Company ● TIE: Atlas Butler and Columbus Worthington Air ● Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians ● Five Star Home Services Best Moving Company ● Two Men and a Truck ● Leaders Moving & Storage Co. ● Black Tie Moving Best Window Company ● Pella Windows & Doors ● Rosati Windows ● Andersen Windows & Doors Best Plumbing Company ● Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians ● Five Star Home Services ● West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating

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SPECIAL SECTION

Miles for Meals

The Walking Classic’s next chapter

By Rachel Haugk Photos courtesy of Healthy New Albany

F

or more than two decades, the Healthy New Albany Walking Classic® has been a cherished community tradition. Each September, neighbors, families and friends gather on the streets of New Albany – some chasing PR times, others simply enjoying the chance to move together – all united in support of community wellness. Over the years, this event has become more than a walk through tree-lined neighborhoods. It has become a celebration of connection, generosity and health.

As we look ahead to the 2026 Walking Classic, I am excited for a new chapter in this long-standing event. This year, the Healthy New Albany Walking Classic is narrowing its focus to directly support one of our community’s most essential resources: the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry.

This evolution reflects both the growing needs we see in our community and the extraordinary generosity of those who continue to step forward to help.

Just last year, the Healthy New Albany

26 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

2026 Healthy New Albany Walking Classic 5K or 10K Sunday, Sept. 13, 8 a.m.

200 Market St., New Albany www.newalbanywalkingclassic.com

Food Pantry provided roughly 250,000 meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity, helping ensure local families and individuals had reliable access to the nutrition they need to thrive.

This year’s “Miles for Meals” theme brings that mission to the forefront.

Every step taken on Sept. 13 will help ensure that neighbors in our community aren’t facing impossible choices between groceries and medications, or between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on. Held during National Hunger Action Month, the Walking Classic brings us together around a need that exists closer to home than many might expect.

While the focus is evolving, the spirit of the Walking Classic remains unchanged. It will continue to be a welcoming, fun, walking-only event designed for participants of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a long-time competitor or a walker considering joining for the first time, there is a place for you at the starting line.

What has been especially inspiring is the enthusiasm we have already seen from the community. As we’ve shared this renewed vision, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Sponsors, volunteers and participants have embraced the opportunity to connect this beloved tradition more directly to helping local families. That excitement reminds me of what makes New Albany so special: When needs arise, this community responds with compassion, generosity and action.

The Walking Classic has always represented healthy movement and community connection. Now, it also represents

a shared commitment to ensuring that when a neighbor hits a difficult season – a job loss, a medical bill, an unexpected setback – healthy food is one less thing they have to worry about.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped shape the Walking Classic

over the past 22 years and to those joining us as we begin this next chapter. I look forward to continuing this tradition alongside all of you, and to the greater impact we’ll make on our community.

I hope you will join us on Sept. 13 as we walk Miles for Meals together.

With gratitude,

Rachel Haugk Executive Director, Healthy New Albany

EX H I B I T I O N O PEN I NG A UG UST 8 , 2 0 2 6 See a vibrant collection of oil paintings by President George W. Bush—and the stories of the warriors they represent—honoring the sacrifice and courage of America’s military servicemen and women.

300 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Scan for more information, or visit NationalVets.org

AUGUST 8 – D E C E M B E R 3 1, 2 0 2 6

Portraits of Courage by President George W. Bush is on loan from the Argyros Collection at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit whose work includes helping veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.

July/August 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

27

SPECIAL SECTION

In the Zone

Training your heart with heart rate zones and perceived exertion

By Grey Romohr Photo courtesy of PeopleImages/iStock

M

ost people are familiar with the sight of the local power-walker speeding down the street. To onlookers, the benefits of walking every day may seem obvious. But what many people don’t realize is that these steady striders are often maximizing their workouts by training according to heart rate zones.

What is a heart rate zone?

Heart rate zones are used to reflect how hard your body is working during exercise, from a casual walk to intense weightlifting. Zone 1 is considered easy effort with minimal stress on the body.

In Zone 2, breathing becomes more normal as intensity increases.

By Zone 3, breathing and talking become difficult as you approach high intensity. Activity is hard to maintain in Zone 4 as your body approaches its limit. Finally, Zone 5 represents maximum effort, where breathing is heavy and maintaining activity is nearly impossible. Once you are out of breath,

Zone

Range

Benefits

RPE

Effort

1

50-60%

Supports warm-ups, recovery and everyday movement

1-2

Easy to speak

2

60-70%

Builds endurance, improves cardiovascular health

3-4

Speech becomes broken

3

70-80%

Increases stamina and aerobic fitness

5-6

Talking is difficult and breathing heavy

4

80-90%

Improves speed and endurance

7-8

Cannot speak, forceful breathing

5

90-100%

Builds maximum intensity and athletic output

9-10

Borderline breathless

28 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

you may have also approached your maximum heart rate.

Burn, baby, burn Lower heart rate zones are typically used for warming up, improving endurance and recovery. As exercise intensity increases, the body requires more energy and different types of fuel.

Low-intensity exercises burn fat, while moderate- to high-intensity exercises burn protein reserves and carbohydrates because they generate energy faster. Training across multiple heart rate zones can help improve cardiovascular health, supporting a range of goals, from weight management to athletic performance.

Measuring with your heart To get a rough estimate of your maximum heart rate (MHR), subtract your age from 220. To place your heart rate in a zone’s percentage range during an exercise, divide your current heart rate by your maximum heart rate and multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage. Here is a helpful formula: (Heart Rate / MHR) x 100 = Zone Percentage.

Your maximum heart rate may differ from the calculated amount due to factors including genetics, general fitness, medications and anxiety.

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Another measurement is the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. RPE measures the body’s effort to continue an exercise on a scale of one to 10. As you move up the scale, speaking and breathing may become more difficult.

Users of the RPE scale often find that it’s more personalized to their bodies. It is especially helpful when their heart rate is impacted by medications or anxiety.

Slow and steady While there are plenty of methods to help pace and catch you up to the neighborhood speed-walker, who has already lapped the block thrice over since starting this passage, the most effective way to train is consistency.

Start slow and build a habit rather than focus exclusively on heart rate zones.

Before establishing a heavy regimen, speak with your healthcare provider or a personal trainer to determine what’s best for you. CS Grey Romohr is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

July/August 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

29

SPECIAL SECTION

Getting Back on Your Feet Technology to speed up your post-race recovery

By Abby Van Voorhis Photos courtesy of Firefly Revovery, Hyperice and Therabody

R

unning and walking are great ways to train both body and mind, but for all their benefits, both can still leave you sore the day after a race. Postrace recovery routines are important to prevent injuries, ease discomfort and get you ready to get back out there.

Over the years, different products and new technologies have come out to help athletes do just that. Here are a few new pieces of tech, as well as some budget-friendly alternatives, to aid in your search for post-race relief.

Air compression Hyperice’s Normatec 3 Legs use air to compress the muscles in your legs, helping reduce post-race aches and pains by temporarily increasing blood circulation. Working similarly to a blood pressure pump, the Legs help with both warm-ups and recovery for athletes at any level.

If you don’t mind paying more for a sleeker and more user-friendly exNormatec 3 Legs perience, try the new Normatec Elite Legs, which have removed the external motor and hoses.

Compression can also be a preventative tool. Compression socks made specially for running can help boost blood flow and reduce swelling both during and after a race.

30 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

Foam rollers Foam rolling is known to reduce muscle soreness. By massaging the muscles and tissues, you can loosen the tension, which can Therabody WaveRoller also aid in flexibility. This makes foam rolling not just useful for recovery routines, but also for warm-ups. There are hundreds of foam rollers on the market that vary in firmness, special features and price points to fit needs.

The Therabody WaveRoller provides all the benefits of a simple foam roller while adding vibration therapy technologies to help reduce pain and improve recovery times. Its namesake wavy texture adds additional pressure and traction. With five different vibration speeds, the WaveRoller is customizable to your needs. Use on your own or follow a routine on the Therabody app.

Targeted nerve stimulation The peroneal nerve allows for movement and physical sensation throughout the lower leg and foot. By stimulating the peroneal nerve, you can increase blood flow to the legs, helping your body recover faster. You can stimulate this nerve on your own through specific stretches or the Firefly Recovery Device can do it for you. The thin band can be secured around the leg and provides quick electrical pulses to stimulate the peroneal nerve. Its simple, hands-free design allows for recovery almost anywhere.

Firefly Recovery Device

It is important to note that, due to the use of electrical pulses, Firefly should not be used by those with pacemakers and/or deep vein thrombosis.

Percussive massage Massage guns aim to loosen tight muscles. Hyperice’s new Hypervolt 3 uses percussion massage therapy, making it ideal for athletes.

Percussion massage uses more targeted pulses to provide relief deeper in the muscles. With five different head attachments, the Hypervolt 3 can be customized to your needs.

Hypervolt 3 It can also be connected to your phone via Bluetooth, where you can select different guided massage routines in Hyperice’s app – perfect for beginners and pros alike. CS Abby Van Voorhis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

O O HH I I OO

START HERE. HERE. STAY START STAY HERE. HERE.BELONG BELONGHERE. HERE. No matter where you are in life, there’s a place for you here.

No matter where you are in life, there’s a place for you here.

New Albany offers award-winning schools, scenic parks, and a vibrant civic life— New Albany offers award-winning schools, scenic parks, and a vibrant civic life— all grounded in the pillars that shape our identity: lifelong learning, health and all grounded in the arts pillars shape our identity: lifelong learning, health and wellness, andthat culture, and environmental sustainability. artstoand and to environmental sustainability.

It’s notwellness, just a place live.culture, It’s a place grow, connect, and truly belong.

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S POTLIGHT

The Show(room) Must Go On How to make the best of your trip to a local design showroom

By Garth Bishop Photos courtesy of America’s Floor Source and Garth Bishop

N

o matter how meticulously you research – and no matter how much time you spend on Houzz, Pinterest and social media – there’s no substitute for the unique insight gained from a visit to a design showroom.

That’s not to say anything negative about Pinterest et al.; these sorts of platforms have their own important role to play in the research phase of any remodel. But a showroom visit, along with the knowledge and experience of the people working there, gives the homeowner important details that they’d have a hard time finding elsewhere.

Still, though, a trip to a showroom doesn’t guarantee a worry-free renovation process. To get the most out of that experience, per local showroom managers, it’s wise to be well prepared before you walk through the door – to know what decisions you’ll be making and what decisions you should already have made.

America’s Floor Source placed first in the Best Design Showroom category for CityScene’s 2026 Best of the ‘Bus reader poll. The company has three showrooms in central Ohio: one in Lewis Center, one in west Columbus near Hilliard and one in east Columbus near Gahanna. The latter location, which is connected to the company’s corporate headquarters, is the largest and has the most flooring designs and exclusive items.

32 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

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be visiting has a lot of impressive features and options.

“You can get distracted and end up spending a lot more money than you thought you would,” she says.

It won’t come as much of a surprise that you should know which rooms or spaces you want to remodel, as well as the scope of the project. But there are plenty of other factors worth considering in

D I G I TA L N E W S L E T T E R

Northwest Columbus-based The Cleary Company was one of the runners-up in the Best of the ‘Bus Best Design Showroom category. The remodeler’s expansive showroom, which opened in 2019 and was just overhauled this past year, includes plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring and lighting.

weekendscene

northmarket.org Before you arrive Though you shouldn’t be dead set on any individual element before you understand its feasibility, it’s definitely a good idea to bring with you as much information as possible. Inspiration photos, existing space photos, room measurements and preferred timeline are some of the data points that will help showroom staff understand the task ahead of them, says Carla Porter, vice president of merchandising and design for America’s Floor Source.

“To make the most of your visit, we encourage you to come with a general sense of your vision. A general idea of styles that speak to you, the feelings you want your space to evoke, and any must-haves, or must-avoids, you’ve discovered along the way,” Porter says.

“The more you share, the better we can tailor the experience just for you.”

Inspiration photos are especially useful because they make things easier for customers who might otherwise have a tough time communicating their preferences, says Laura Watson, development manager for The Cleary Company.

“The important thing is to know what you like and what you don’t like,” Watson says.

It’s always a good idea to come in with a budget in mind, Watson says, particularly when the showroom you’ll

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33

advance, Porter says, including preferred colors, preferred textures and existing finishes you want to complement. She and Watson point to cabinetry, countertops, furniture, artwork, fixtures and paint colors as some of the areas from which homeowners take inspiration.

“Some of the most creative spaces are born when that vision meets inspiration along the way,” Porter says.

After you get there As helpful as these inspirations are, it’s smart to leave a few decisions until your visit, Porter says, as you never know ahead of time what kinds of ideas the professionals will have. These experts also have greater familiarity with the products and a better sense of what’s feasible, Watson says, noting that customers sometimes find that the ideas they found online won’t work in their space.

Sometimes those elements are far more expensive than they anticipated, and sometimes they won’t work for space or safety reasons: Watson gives an example of a chandelier that a customer loved until they found out their ceilings were too low to support it. Worse, sometimes the image that inspired the

homeowner was AI-generated and the item they like simply doesn’t exist.

“You don’t have to do all the research yourself,” Watson says.

Porter encourages looking for elements that feel like the space you want to create, rather than just going with whatever catches your eye. Among the items she recommends keeping in mind throughout the showroom exploration are: • Functionality for daily needs • Coordination between materials and finishes • Maintenance requirements • Installation requirements

• How different items will look when displayed together Another wise decision: making an appointment. Some showrooms require appointments – Cleary, for instance, only opens its showroom to customers who have already been working with its team in the preliminary stages of their remodels and have entered into design agreements – but even those that don’t require this step recommend taking it, so their teams can do some work ahead of time.

“It’s also the best way to build a genuine connection with one of our flooring consultants or designers,” Porter says.

“These are industry experts who’ll get to know your vision and guide you every step of the way.”

One additional tip from Watson: Don’t visit the showroom hungry. You could be there a while, and it’s difficult to make crucial decisions when all you can think about is how long it’s been since breakfast.

“People struggle a little more either right before dinner or right before lunch,” she says. CS Garth Bishop is a contributing editor for CityScene Magazine. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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TRE ND S

Bringing the Outside In Skylights enhancing both mood and aesthetic

By Maggie Valentine Photos courtesy of Newman Roofing, LLC

O

nce considered an outdated fad, skylights have made a modern resurgence, providing homes with ventilation and natural lighting that can elevate any space. Today, skylights offer more than just overhead natural lighting, combining technology and design elements that allow for hands-free, comfortable options for homeowners.

Boosting home and health Implementing skylights in the home is beneficial for both aesthetic and health

36 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

reasons. The natural light they let in, also known as daylighting – which supports circadian rhythm, improves focus and enhances the indoor experience – reduces artificial light requirements and saves energy in the home.

There are three different types of common skylights: fixed, ventilated and tubular. Ventilated skylights are the most popular option due to the automatic sensors that open and close depending on the weather, allowing for better circulation of air quality, says Alyssa New-

man, office and marketing manager for Newman Roofing, LLC. Tubular skylights, or sun tunnels, are great options for smaller areas, such as closets or narrow hallways, Alyssa says.

Newman Roofing is a five-time winner of the Best of the ‘Bus readers’ poll Best Roofing Company category. The family-owned business has been operating in central Ohio for 34 years.

All skylights installed by Newman Roofing are from the VELUX Skylight brand and come equipped with features

such as automatic, remote-controlled blinds and rain sensors. There is also an option to add more technology features.

“We can download an app and connect it to your Google Home and incorporate it into your smart house if that’s something that you have available,” says Alexis Newman, director of production.

Rules of the roof According to the U.S. Department of Energy, direction matters when you install skylights: East-facing skylights can deliver maximum light and solar heat gain in the morning, while skylights facing west provide afternoon sunlight and warmth. South-facing skylights are desirable in the winter months for their passive heat gain but may cause unfavorable temperatures in the summer.

Skylights that face north provide constant light, but less solar heat gain.

Newman Roofing’s process involves an assessment of the home’s rafter and truss system to determine the optimal skylight size and placement and to understand the home’s structural integrity.

“Part of it is getting in the attic, inspecting what’s currently up there, looking at the angles, the size of the ceiling down below,” Alexis says. “A lot of it is predicting the cavity that’s going to follow the skylight, and then how far up that opens into the roof and into the ceiling of the home, depending on the space. That’s what determines what you can fit in there.”

Time and commitment The installation process takes three to four hours, but if included with a roof installation, the process only takes

about an hour. Alexis recommends incorporating skylight installation or replacement as part of a total roof replacement project for homeowners with older roofs.

“The cheapest and the best time to replace a skylight is when you’re replacing your roof,” she says. “The skylight will be on the same schedule as the life

of the roof so that you’re not having to tear into your new roof five years later to replace your skylight. Everything will match, and you’re good to go for another 20 years.” CS Maggie Valentine is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

July/August 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

37

TRAVEL

Still Rolling On Route 66 Neon signs, classic cars and community celebrate the centennial of an American icon

By Kobe Collins Photos courtesy of Bessels.org Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership Board Members and Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois

IN 1926, THE American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials began a project to connect the nation.

This year, Route 66 celebrates not only its centennial, but an entire subculture.

The 2,448-mile stretch of highway, referred to in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath as “The Mother Road,” runs from Chicago to Santa Monica. The road carried travelers through the Dust Bowl, World War II, the Moon Landing, 18 presidents and more, becoming an American institution in the process.

How the wheels started turning Route 66 was born Nov. 11, 1926, when two men successfully lobbied federal officials to designate a continuous highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles: Oklahoman Cyrus Avery, sometimes called the Father of Route 66, and John T. Woodruff of Missouri.

Dust Bowl migrants traveled the route in the 1930s and, by the 1950s, it became the center of car culture and the iconic American road trip.

Neon Sign Park in Granite City, Illinois

38 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

Though it was officially decommissioned in 1985 and bypassed by the interstate system, the Historic Weitz Cafe opened on Route 66 in 1950 legacy of Route 66 lives on through the neon-lit towns still drawing travelers off bringing vintage vehicles to put rubber the interstate, and in pop culture touch- to the road. From Ford Model Ts and ’65 stones such as Pixar’s Cars, which lifted Fastbacks to cherry red Corvettes, the its fictional Radiator Springs straight Mother Road Classic Car Show brings from the Mother Road’s stop in Selig- together community, classics and the golden age of automobiles. man, Arizona.

Flagstaff is one of the more interesting stops along the route, sitting at 7,000 Summer across 66 Though the centennial celebrations feet of elevation among the ponderosa began in Springfield, Missouri, this pine forests. Its walkable historic downspring, this summer offers a variety of town is full of preserved neon signs, immersive ways to experience the neon, locally-owned restaurants and vintage motels. It’s also just 80 miles south of diners and classic cars of the route.

Oklahoma holds more than 400 miles the Grand Canyon, making it a great of Route 66, and the festivities match the base for a longer Southwest adventure.

Finish off summer with the Mother mileage. During the weekend of July 1719, the Route 66 MuralFest brings com- Road in Illinois. The centennial festivmunities along the highway together for ities begin with the Illinois State Fair – the unveiling of new murals celebrating Aug. 13-23 – centering on the Route 66 the centennial. Over the state’s “Week- Experience. An outdoor walk-through end of Local,” travelers and locals are exhibit at the fairgrounds takes visitors encouraged to shop at small businesses from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, under neon signs, past replica and restaurants along the road.

One of the Oklahoma towns along roadside attractions, through a simulatthe route is Yukon, where Route 66 still ed drive-in movie theater and more. CS runs right through a Main Street lined with local shops, breweries, restaurants Kobe Collins is a contributing writer at and public art. Nearby Chisholm Trail CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome Park offers tree-lined walking trails, sce- at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. nic views from Boot Hill and peaceful open spaces to stop and stretch your For more events, check out the in-depth legs between road trip destinations. cross-country events list created by On Aug. 15, Flagstaff, Arizona hosts the Route 66 Centennial Commission the Mother Road Classic Car Show, at route66centennial.org.

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VISUALS

Emotion on Canvas

Said Oladejo-Lawal transforms music, movement and memory into acrylics

By Ella Jay Photos courtesy of Said Oladejo-Lawal

FOR COLUMBUS-BASED artist Said Oladejo-

Lawal, painting is about much more than producing images on a canvas.

Through vibrant, large-scale acrylic works inspired by music, movement and memory, he creates pieces that prompt emotional resonance and human connection.

“Art is self-expression, which is all about your voice. Every voice has something to say, and everything said originates from a feeling,” says OladejoLawal. “It’s not just a picture. Every brush stroke put on the canvas is there to generate emotion.”

Born in Nigeria, Oladejo-Lawal first became interested in the world of art while accompanying his father, a contractor who specialized in house painting and interior design, to work. This eventually led him to study painting at the prestigious Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. Following a 2009 move to the U.S., he earned a second degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh before settling in Columbus with his family.

Throughout those years, OladejoLawal experimented with multiple mediums – using oil paints for some time, as they were the most readily available and most affordable option in Nigeria – before discovering his love for acrylic.

“I found that acrylic matched my temperament,” says Oladejo-Lawal. “I paint quickly, sporadically. And acrylic works best with the techniques I like to employ, certain brushwork that can communicate an emotional statement.”

Music is central to Oladejo-Lawal’s artistic identity. An avid music collector, he often paints with classical, jazz and

40 cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2026

Swirls

Making My Reality

music from other countries playing in the background, using rhythm and sound to shape the feelings he hopes to portray.

“I find it projects emotions in ways other characteristics may not do,” he says.

“Music is a universal language. It’s not about the alphabet, it’s about feelings.”

Those emotions then take shape through a creative process that begins with a photographic reference and charcoal sketches before evolving into expressive layers of color. Drawing from both impressionism and fauvism, Oladejo-Lawal favors bold hues evocative of nostalgic memories.

Social discourse is another influential factor for Oladejo-Lawal’s art. Understanding the ubiquitous desire for a better life, he wishes for his work to communicate that no one is alone in their struggles – something that is often reflected in his piece’s titles.

“I like people to walk away from my paintings feeling as if they’ve had a conversation, knowing that we are all individuals having different feelings,

but that we are all still connected and thinking, ‘Yes, I can identify with this person’s journey,’” says Oladejo-Lawal.

While gallery exhibitions remain meaningful to him, Oladejo-Lawal says art festivals hold a special place in his heart because they allow for direct human interaction between artist and viewer – offering the opportunity to witness emotional responses firsthand and engage with a larger audience.

Those interested in experiencing Oladejo-Lawal’s work can find him at local and regional events throughout the summer, including the Westerville Area Chamber Music & Arts Festival, ARTfest on Main in Springboro and the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival. CS Ella Jay is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.

To learn more about OladejoLawal and view more of his work, visit www.lawalsaid.com.

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Where every woman belongs, every pace is celebrated, and every finish line is a victory.

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ON VIEW

Dates and shows are subject to change. Visit the websites for more information.

Gallery Exhibits 24 Lincoln Street Arts Studios & Gallery: 5 Artists 5 Paintings. Work by resident artists Amy Adams, Moon Evans, Lisa Parks Godrey, Kara Razek and Tamar Rudavsky. Open July 2-26. End of Summer. Works by resident artists, featuring five active artist studios. Open Aug. 2-30. Amanda Hope Cook Solo Exhibit. Oil paintings depicting landmark neon signs during different times of the day and seasons by Amanda Hope Cook. Open Aug. 1-30. www.sharonweissgallery.com Adamah Ceramics Gallery: Audra. Work

by Tanisha Murray, rooted in experimentation and exploring contrast in form, color and texture. Open July 9-25.

Tidal Waves of Love. Work by Olivia Pi’ilani, paying respect to the ancestral and ceremonial tradition of storytelling through themes of fantasy, romanticism, grief, generational trauma and the connection between nature and human experience. Open July 30-Aug. 29. www. adamahceramics.com The Arts Castle: An Artist’s Garden.

Retrospective paintings by Tom Conrad featuring colorful landscapes and recent works featuring a more abstract approach. Color Splash. Quilted panels

Hammond Harkins Galleries

by Mary W. Williams showcasing colors and patterns. Both open through July 10. Delaware Artists Guild Exhibit.

In celebration of the 52nd year of the Delaware Artists Guild, this exhibit features works by guild members in various mediums, including jewelry, sculpture and paintings. Open July 20Sept. 18. www.artscastle.org Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum: Story of Comics. A gallery highlighting works from a variety of comic and cartoon artists, including original Calvin & Hobbes artwork by Bill Watterson, The Passing Show by Billy Ireland and Little Nemo in Slumberland by Winsor McCay. New permanent exhibition.

Life is Complicated. A design-driven installation showcasing cartoonist Chris Ware’s original drawings, objects and rarely-seen materials. Open through Jan. 3. www.cartoons.osu.edu

Hayley Gallery

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Chaos Contemporary Craft: STACEY LEE WEBBER. Art made entirely out of money

by Stacey Lee Webber, offering commentary on capitalism, socio-economics, government and politics. Open through July 31. www.chaoscontemporary.com Hammond Harkins Galleries: Material Dialogue. Work by multiple artists in mediums including glass, ceramics, textiles and painting. Open July 5-Aug. 2.

Chromatic Reverie. Small group show full of color, energy and detail, featuring artists Cheryl Frey, Drew Robinson and Dominic LaRiccia. Open Aug. 7-Sept. 6. www.hammondharkins.com Hayley Gallery: In my Head, In My Heart.

Paintings by Priya Rama transforming pain into beauty, and sgraffito on clay board by Evangelia Philippidis celebrating nature and dynamic women. Open July 18-Aug. 10. Beneath the Surface. Mixed media by Adam Kolp, displaying fleeting moments of beauty, and Laura Jacob, exploring nature and the link between ordinary life and moments of magic. Open Aug. 15-Sept. 14. www.localohioart.com

Kittie’s Highline Art Space: Quieting Thoughts. Work by Draven Burdock.

Acrylic combined with charcoal, emphasizing the beauty of the present moment. Open July 2-Aug. 31. www.rebeccaink.com/highlinecoffeeartspace Mac Worthington Studio, Gallery & Sculpture Park: The art of abstraction.

Original paintings by Mac Worthington. Open July 1-31. Sculpture Park Summer tour. Exploring the relationship between nature and heavy metal. Open Aug. 1-31. www.macworthington.com McConnell Arts Center: In the Valley of Dreams. Paintings of naturalistic spaces

by Aaron Troyer, depicting plants and biomes that embody humanistic mood and traits. Fables for Our Time. Paintings

by Anita Dawson offering commentary on the relationship between nature and human culture. Both open July 1-Sept 1. www.mcconnellarts.org Ohio Art Council’s Riffe Gallery: Metamorphosis. Curated by Tracy Longley-Cook, this exhibition features work by 12 Ohiobased artists and explores fragmentation and growth. Open Aug. 1-Oct. 9. www. oac.oho.gov/riffe-gallery

and sculptures. Open July 2-26. www. sharonweissgallery.com Studios on High Gallery: Harmony. Metalwork by Carole Bucklew harmonizing gemstones and metal to create wearable art. Open July 5-30. Doubling Back. Encaustic by Kim Covell Maurer exploring ephemeral and lasting memories. Open Aug. 1-Sept. 3. www.studiosonhigh.com Ohio Art Council’s Riffe Gallery

Ohio Craft Museum: A Common Thread.

A collaborative exhibition curated by Char Norman featuring mixed-media creations honoring late Ohio fiber artist Sue Cavanaugh. Open Aug. 8-Sept.

26. www.ohiocraft.org

Wexner Center for the Arts: Wexner Center for the Arts Spring Exhibitions.

Work by Vitória Cribb, Ximena Garrido-Lecca and Naeem Mohaeimen.

An exploration of themes such as identity, history, power and agriculture through film, large installation and collage. Open through July 26. www.wexarts.org

Sean Christopher Gallery Ohio: Samuel Lo: Seen in the Light, Known in the Dark.

Photography by Samuel Lo, focusing on the limitations of light as a filter for understanding and darkness as a vessel for holding everything. Open July 1-Aug. 15. www.seanchristophergallery.com

Wild Goose Creative: July Wild Gallery.

Work by Hawke Trackler and Chad Kessler highlighting graffiti, painting and collage on found objects. Open July 10-Aug. 4. August Wild Gallery. Work by Cliff Lewis and participants of Speak Easy showcasing storytelling in art and woodworking. Open Aug. 14-Sept. 1. www.wildgoosecreative.org

Sharon Weiss Gallery: Salon Show. Work by multiple artists, including paintings

Find additional listings at www.cityscenecolumbus.com

July/August 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

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Jazz & Rib Fest

Picks&Previews Keep your eyes peeled for these events!

COSI presents COSI After Dark: Rhythm & Brews July 9, 7-10 p.m.

COSI, 333 W. Broad St. Take part in a multisensory experience celebrating a range of music genres from across the city, paired with themed beverage offerings and local collaborators. www.cosi.org

Columbus Book Festival July 11-12 Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch, 96 S. Grant Ave.; Topiary Park, 480 E. Town St. Book lovers can enjoy a lineup of more than 200 national and Columbusbased authors, book signings, panel discussions, author talks and more. www.columbusbookfestival.org Columbus Symphony presents Picnic with the Pops July 11-Aug. 1, 8 p.m.

•Guster – July 11 •LeAnn Rimes – July 18 •Alan Parsons Live Project – July 25 •The Ohio State University Marching Band – July 31-Aug. 1 Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St. Enjoy a music-filled evening with Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, which brings a selection of musicians and guest artists to central Ohio. www.columbussymphony.com

Columbus Book Festival

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AC/DC Power Up Tour July 15, 7 p.m.

Ohio Stadium, 411 Woody Hayes Dr. AC/DC is set to shake the ‘Shoe all night long with its Power Up Tour,

named for the act’s 17th studio album. www.schottensteincenter.com Cody Johnson July 17-18, 7:30 p.m.

Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

Cody Johnson brings country to Columbus after releasing his seventh album, Banks of the Trinity, in June. www. nationwidearena.com Jazz & Rib Fest July 24-26 West Bank Park and Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr. Taste smoky barbecue from awardwinning pitmasters and enjoy food and drink from local vendors while experiencing a weekend full of live jazz. www. hotribscooljazz.org CAPA presents An Evening with Leslie Odom Jr. July 28, 5:30 p.m.

Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. Join Tony and Grammy Award-winning vocalist and performer Leslie Odom Jr. for a genre-spanning fireside chat and a special evening of music. www.capa.com

Ohio State Fair July 29-Aug. 9 Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave. With more than 60 rides, live music, vendors and a variety of activities and exhibits – including sporting competitions, fine arts, horse shows and a petting zoo – this tradition has no shortage of summer entertainment. www.ohio statefair.com Dublin Irish Festival July 31-Aug. 2 Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Pkwy., Dublin Experience a dynamic lineup of entertainers, including Irish dancers and musicians, at this nationally-acclaimed cultural festival. www.dublinirishfestival.org

COSI presents Farm Days

G R OV E

ProMusica Summer Music Series

Barry Manilow Aug. 2, 7 p.m.

Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow brings decades of showmanship and songs, with classics such as “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs” and “Copacabana.” www.nationwidearena.com COSI presents Farm Days Aug. 12-16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

COSI, 333 W. Broad St. This event gives kids the chance to learn all about farming, including the science behind it, equipment, how

CITY TOWN CENTER

plants grow and where food comes from. www.cosi.org ProMusica Summer Music Series Aug. 13-14, 8 p.m.

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St. Pack a picnic and some lawn chairs for these free, family-friendly concerts including works such as Mozart’s “Flute Concerto No. 1,” featuring principal flutist Nadine Hur, and Haydn’s “Trumpet Concerto,” featuring principal trumpet Justin Kohan. www.promusica columbus.org

SAT., AUG. 8 • 1-10 PM Town Center Park 3359 Park St.

Artisan Vendors Local Spirits Music 8 TASTING TICKETS & KEEPSAKE TASTING GLASS* $30 CASH $35/CARD • ADDITIONAL TICKETS 3/$10 * The first 2,000 people will receive a keepsake glass.

GroveCityTownCenter.org | 614-539-8762 July/August 2026 | cityscenecolumbus.com

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Zac Brown Band Love & Fear Tour Aug. 14, 7 p.m.

Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.

Coinciding with the Grammy Award-winning Southern rock group’s eighth studio album, the Zac Brown Band’s Love & Fear Tour offers an immersive visual experience. www.nation widearena.com Columbus Jazz presents MJ & Motown Aug. 15, 8 p.m.

Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany Enjoy a multi-generational tribute fusing Motown soul and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, with awardwinning Broadway actor, singer and recording artist Chester Gregory. www. capa.com She Runs Columbus 15K and 5K Aug. 16, 8 a.m.

Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St. Aiming to empower women of all skill levels, this 15K and 5K set against the Columbus skyline, encourages women to run toward their goals. www. runsignup.com

Festival Latino

Shadowbox Live presents Screamers Aug. 20-Nov. 14 Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St. Prepare for a night of genre-shifting entertainment full of nightmare-fueled sketch comedy and rock performances. www.shadowboxlive.org Festival Latino Aug. 22-23 Columbus Commons, Ohio Theatre and downtown Columbus For more than two decades, this festival has celebrated family and com-

munity with music, food, art, activities, dance and more. www.festivallatino.net Caamp Aug. 29, 7 p.m.

Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr. Formed by childhood friends in Athens, this folk band has topped the charts since its self-titled 2016 debut album, which led to the band’s first gold single and paved the way for festival and TV performances. www.schottensteincenter.com Find more at www.cityscenecolumbus.com

THANK YOU Celebrating 140 years in the ‘Bus!

Made Best -in-thebus SCHMIDT’S CREAM PUFF

Our World Famous Cream Puff is a guest favorite!

Made in Columbus, everyday.

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Our fleet of Sausage Trucks buzz all around Columbus, Cincinnati, and beyond.

Track our truck here!

THANK YOU to our amazing community, guests & supporters!

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COLUMBUS OKTOBERFEST

Celebrating 60 years of Beers and Cheers!

Visit the newly updated Ohio Expo Center Sept. 11, 12, 13 H

Take a peek inside.

Extended through Sept. 7, 2026 Purchase tickets at cosi.org/pixar

cosi.org/pixar

The Science Behind Pixar was developed by the Museum of Science, Boston in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios. © Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.

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