The other fall lineup: A guide to fun campus events
The season is for football—and also music, art and discoveries that bring creativity, curiosity and community together.
Not even counting Buckeye home games, fall is rich with reasons to come back to campus.
We made a list, and it’s full of icons and traditions, experiments and dancing. It’s hardly comprehensive. Think of this dozen as the tip of the iceberg, or yet more excuses to visit one of your favorite places yet again.
(We know you don’t really need an excuse.)
“Scrap Paper: Belonging & Resistance”
Through Feb. 7, Thompson Library
What do personal zines, punk show posters, Latin American political pamphlets (cartonera) and indie bookstore ephemera have in common? They’re physical artifacts of community and movement-making—and they’re part of a new art exhibit from University Libraries.
“Across the Field: An Artistic Tribute”
Through Oct. 1, Faculty Club
What does it mean to be a Buckeye? Eighteen artists showcase the pride and spirit seen through campus architecture, student experiences and traditions. It’s the club’s second annual juried show. (The pieces are also for sale.)
Love of Languages 5K
Sept. 20, RPAC North Plaza
Lace up and join the College of Arts and Sciences for this sprint, jog or stroll—your choice. Open to all ages and ability levels, the free-to-register 5k doubles as a celebration of multilingualism and language learning. Organizers hope to make it an annual happening.
Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs
Sept. 23, Thompson Library
Two Patent and Trademark Resource Center experts will teach about patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets—the four main types of intellectual property protections. Because it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to secure what makes their work special.
“Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World”
Sept. 25, Wexner Center for the Arts
In the mood for some poetry? How about a movie? This film by Sasha Waters Freyer is both, sharing a captivating portrait of the career and life of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer Mary Oliver. As The New York Times put it 20 years ago, “far and away, this country’s best-selling poet,” she studied at Ohio State; found inspired in nature, Whitman and Thoreau; and carefully guarded her private life.
Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire
Oct. 2, Schottenstein Center
Two iconic acts take the stage in this rescheduled concert, promising a night packed with the kinds of chart-toppers that have powered dance floors for generations.
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Oct. 6, Mershon Auditorium
One of the most respected full big bands in the country led by one of the most important figures in modern jazz? Yes, please.
“Chris Ware: Life Is Complicated”
Oct. 17, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
This is the only stop in the United States of the traveling exhibit that shows off the work of renowned cartoonist Chris Ware. And kicking it off: The artist himself will spend three hours creating a piece live and answering audience questions. Or as the Billy Ireland’s invite puts it: “warning otherwise perfectly well-adjusted civilians about the life-chewing effects of pursuing a career in the cartooning arts.” Registration is required.
The exhibit is on view through May 9, 2027.
Twenty One Pilots
Oct. 17, Ohio Stadium
This Ohio-grown duo has a style that’s eclectic and showmanship that’s electric. For the biggest concert they’ve headlined, the ’Shoe is fitting—they’re big Buckeyes fans. (Tyler Joseph studied at Ohio State for a couple of years.)
“adaku, part 2” by sweat variant
Oct. 20–22, Wexner Center for the Arts
This duo invented a three-part mythology about a West African family entangled in the slave trade. This is the middle part, told in dance, theatre and visual art. It’s also a world premiere co-commissioned by the Wex.
WestFest 2026
Oct. 24, West Campus
This kid-friendly afternoon brings cool science experiments and STEM demos to a fascinating stretch of campus that’s off the radar for too many visitors. More than 60 exhibitors mean you can expect fossils, insects, engineering marvels, marvels of the human body and so much more.
Fall Foliage Fest
Oct. 25, Chadwick Arboretum North
Chadwick Arboretum’s largest garden site includes a lake, picnic area, a “net zero” tiny house and 1,000 native trees. When the leaves are in peak color is the perfect time to explore it. Expect tours, kid activities and a food truck.
“Dead Man’s Cell Phone”
Oct. 28–Nov. 6, Black Box Theatre
In this dark comedy by Sarah Ruhl, a man dies at a café and the woman at the next table answers his phone, making up stories for the people in his life. That includes his organ-trafficking mistress. A student play from the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts.
63rd Alpheus Smith Lecture featuring Professor Wendy Freedman
Nov. 5, McPherson Lab Room 1000
Are we on the verge of a new understanding of the universe? Freedman knows! A leading expert on how fast the universe is expanding, she unlocks the mysteries of space via work with the Hubble and James Webb telescopes. She also was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people last year.
Marching Band Hometown Concert
Nov. 20, Mershon Auditorium
TBDBITL will entertain with fan favorites, classic Ohio State tunes and selections from its popular halftime shows. Tickets go on sale in late September or early October.
Annual Music Celebration Concert
Dec. 4, Mershon Auditorium
Bands, choirs, orchestras, chamber ensembles and soloists. This concert showcases the music-makers at the School of Music in a fast-paced, collage-style performance. Tickets go on sale in October.
“Game of Life” by bluemouth inc.
Dec 3–5, Wexner Center for the Arts
If the idea of experimental theatre makes you sit up straighter, this blend of theatre, dance and tech is for you. Know before you go: It dives into mortality after a cancer diagnosis and might get you dancing with a stranger. One part live action, one part video installment.
