COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The arts and entertainment scene dominates this weekend’s list of things to do in central Ohio with music, film, theater and comedy.
On the big screen, the Wexner Center for the Arts hosts the Unorthodocs documentary festival, while the Columbus Symphony brings “Jaws” in concert to the Ohio Theatre.
Stage performances include the Abbey Theater of Dublin’s “The Witch of November,” and comedian Karen Marie brings her stand-up show to The Attic Comedy Club.
Headlining the weekend’s concert lineup is Paul McCartney’s stop at Nationwide Arena on his Got Back 2025 Tour. Music lovers also can enjoy a range of other performances, from ProMusica Columbus’s free family-friendly Once Upon a Tune concert at the Bexley Public Library to a candlelight tribute to Fleetwood Mac at the Columbus Museum of Art.
Other shopping and special events round out the weekend with the Bethel Holiday Market and Dick’s House of Sport’s $5 Student Climb, where young people can get a discount rate to tackle the climbing wall.
Unorthodocs Shorts
Wexner Center for the Arts, Thursday, Nov. 6 through Monday, Nov. 10
• Unorthodocs 2025 film festival features documentaries, including true-crime “Predators,” “Baby Doe,” themes of civic courage and protest, “Teenage Wasteland,” “WTO/99,” and highlights of ecological issues, “Seeds,” “River of Grass.” Ohio connections and innovative uses of archival footage are prominent throughlines in this year’s festival. Passes are $45 for the public, $36 for members and adults 55 and older, $16 for students. Festival passes include admission to all Unorthodocs talks and screenings, the Unorthodocs passholders’ lounge, plus one free drink ticket for the reception on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. The festival screenings begin on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Dick’s House of Sport, $5 Student Climb
Dick’s House of Sport, every first Friday of the month, Friday, Nov. 7
• Dick’s House of Sport is offering a special deal for middle school, high school, and college students. They can enjoy a 15-minute climb on the rock wall for just $5, which is $10 off the regular price. Students can sign up online to reserve their spots and list their school name in the questionnaire. A student ID is required upon check-in for the climb.
‘The Witch of November: A Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald’
The Abbey Theater of Dublin, Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 7 through Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., Sundays, Nov. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.
• Based on the mysterious sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, “The Witch of November” follows Captain Ernest McSorley as he and his crew sail to their ultimate demise. In this world premiere, McSorley relives key moments of his life, observing the consequences of his career and what became of him and his wife’s life together. Tickets are $25, recommended for ages 13 and up.
Doing the Most with Karen Marie
The Attic Comedy Club, Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
• Stand-up artist Karen Marie is bringing a night of comedy, chaos, and catharsis, where laughter meets the real, the ridiculous and the revolutionary. No topic is off-limits, no moment is predictable, and no one leaves without feeling seen, stretched, or slightly snatched by the truth.
Admission is $24.62, including fees, when purchased online; tickets are an additional $5 at the door.
‘Jaws’ in Concert
Ohio Theatre, Friday, Nov. 7, 8 p.m.
• For the first time, audiences will have the chance to experience a live symphony orchestra performing composer John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score in sync with Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” on the big screen. Conducted by Stuart Chafetz. Tickets start at $17.55, including fees.
Bethel Holiday Market
Bethel International United Methodist Church, Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Attendees can shop from more than 150 artisan vendors selling homemade items. Products range from Buckeye items, jewelry, holiday items, home decor, wood items, food and more. There will also be two lunch options and a Youth Bake Sale. Saturday is open to the public, with $2 admission fee. A special sale is available on Nov. 7 for teachers, seniors, and veterans with free admission.
Paul McCartney: Got Back 2025 Tour
Nationwide Arena, Saturday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m.
• Paul McCartney performs his music from The Beatles to Wings and solo hits. Audiences can experience the music that defined decades. Verified resale tickets start at $488.84, including fees.
Family Concert: Once Upon a Tune with ProMusica Columbus
Bexley Public Library, Sunday, Nov. 9, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• The community is invited to join musicians from ProMusica Columbus for a family-friendly concert that links classical music and children’s literature. All ages are welcome to this free concert.
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Columbus Museum of Art, Cardinal Health Auditorium, Sunday, Nov. 9, 8:45 p.m.
• The music of Fleetwood Mac under the gentle glow of candlelight. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multisensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Open to children 8 years and older; under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. Tickets available for $58.50.
