💌 Things to do in Columbus May 1-4

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In today's newsletter:

• North Market Downtown Ranks #6 Nationally: Columbus landmark recognized by USA TODAY

• Mochinut Opens in Grandview: Hawaiian-inspired treats arrive on W. 5th Ave

• Liberty Social Bar & Kitchen Debuts in Powell: 240-seat restaurant opening April 26

• Cinema Columbus Festival Runs Through Weekend: Film screenings across the city

• Ohioana Book Festival Returns: State Library hosts literary celebration

• Major League Pickleball Comes to Columbus: Pro tournament at Pickle & Chill

SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

NORTH MARKET DOWNTOWN RANKS #6 IN USA TODAY'S BEST PUBLIC MARKETS

Our historic market has earned national recognition, cementing Columbus's growing reputation as a food destination. [USATODAY]

Key Highlights:

• Ranked #6 in USA TODAY's 10Best Public Markets of 2025

• Historic market has been operating since 1876

• Features dozens of local merchants and food vendors

• Offers everything from fresh pierogies to vegan soul food

What Makes It Special:

• One of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the Midwest

• Serves as an incubator for local food entrepreneurs

• Maintains a balance of traditional vendors and innovative new concepts

• Bridge Park location extends the market's reach to Dublin

This ranking comes at a pivotal time for North Market, as plans continue to develop for its future integration with the North Market Tower development. The recognition highlights Columbus's growing national profile as a food destination worth traveling for, while reinforcing the market's role as a cornerstone of downtown's revitalization.

For those tracking real estate and development, food-anchored destinations like North Market continue to drive property values in surrounding areas, with downtown residences near the market commanding premium prices.

MOCHINUT OPENS IN GRANDVIEW BRINGING MOCHI DONUTS & KOREAN HOT DOGS

The nationally trending dessert chain has chosen Grandview for its first Central Ohio location, adding to the area's diverse food offerings. [Columbus Business Journal]

Key Highlights:

• Located at 994 W. 5th Ave in Grandview

• Features Hawaii-born mochi donuts in rotating flavors

• Menu includes Korean hot dogs with creative toppings

• Offers Taiwanese boba tea in various flavors

Business Details:

• Operated by local franchisees Ben and Bora Park

• Part of a rapidly expanding chain with 100+ locations nationwide

• Strategic location near Ohio State University

• Latest addition to Grandview's thriving West 5th Avenue corridor

What makes these treats special is their distinctive texture - mochi donuts combine Japanese rice cake with traditional American donuts for a chewy, unique experience. The

This opening represents another vote of confidence in Grandview's emerging status as a food destination, joining recent additions like the revamped Cleaver and Saucy Brew Works. For the area's growing population of young professionals and families, Mochinut provides another unique social gathering spot.

LIBERTY SOCIAL BAR & KITCHEN DEBUTS IN POWELL THIS WEEKEND

A new dining destination is set to energize Powell's restaurant scene with an ambitious menu and community focus. [The Columbus Dispatch]

Key Highlights:

• 240-seat restaurant opening April 26th

• Located at 240 N. Liberty St. (former Gallop's/Gallo's location)

• Menu features scratch-made pub fare and chef-driven entrées

• Opening day fundraiser benefits Autism Society of Central Ohio

Menu Highlights:

• Chef Andre Saultz promises "best wings in Ohio"

• House-made pierogies with lemon-pesto sauce

• Specialty entrées including grilled lamb chops with orange-mint sauce

• Late-night happy hours Tuesday through Saturday

Community Impact:

• Donating 10% of opening day proceeds to charity

• Creating dozens of food service jobs

• Filling vacancy left by Liberty Tavern's January closure

• Adding to Powell's growing reputation as a dining destination

The opening comes at an opportune time for Powell, which has seen several restaurant closures in recent months. With its diverse menu ranging from casual pub fare to more upscale dinner options, Liberty Social aims to fill multiple niches in the local dining ecosystem.

For area residents and real estate professionals, the investment in a substantial new restaurant signals continued confidence in Powell's economic vitality and growing residential base.

COLUMBUS CREW FACES CHARLOTTE FC IN KEY EASTERN CONFERENCE MATCHUP

The defending MLS Cup champions return to Lower.com Field for an important early-season contest. [Columbus Crew]

Key Highlights:

• Match scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd at Lower.com Field

• Columbus currently near top of Eastern Conference standings

• Charlotte FC showing improved form in their third MLS season

• Potential return of injured midfielder Darlington Nagbe

What To Watch For:

• Crew's high-powered offense led by Cucho Hernández

• Tactical chess match between coaches Wilfried Nancy and Dean Smith

• Lower.com Field approaching 50th consecutive sellout

• Eastern Conference positioning at stake as season heats up

For Columbus sports fans, the Crew's continued success represents another bright spot in the city's growing sports landscape, alongside the Clippers' strong start and the Blue Jackets' promising young core. The team's championship culture has created a model sports franchise that continues to enhance Columbus's national profile.

CINEMA COLUMBUS FILM FESTIVAL CONTINUES THROUGH WEEKEND

Film lovers have a chance to experience diverse cinema as this growing festival enters its final weekend. [Cinema Columbus]

Key Highlights:

• Festival runs through May 4th at multiple venues

• Centered at Wexner Center for the Arts with satellite screenings

• Mix of international, independent, and Ohio-made films

• Director Q&As and panel discussions throughout weekend

Featured Screenings:

• "Columbus Stories" - anthology of local filmmakers' works

• "The Listener" - starring Tessa Thompson, directed by Steve Buscemi

• "Ohio Shorts" competition featuring in-state talent

• Documentary spotlight on environmental activism

Now in its fifth year, Cinema Columbus has grown into a significant cultural event for the city, attracting film industry professionals and building Columbus's reputation as a hub for creativity and arts. The festival's economic impact extends beyond ticket sales, with visitors patronizing local restaurants, hotels, and shops throughout the weekend.

For those interested in Columbus's creative economy, the festival showcases the depth of local filmmaking talent and the city's growing infrastructure for supporting content creation across multiple media.

OHIOANA BOOK FESTIVAL RETURNS TO STATE LIBRARY

Ohio's premier literary event brings authors and readers together for a day-long celebration of the written word. [Ohioana]

Key Highlights:

• Saturday, May 3rd at the State Library of Ohio

• Features over 100 Ohio authors across genres

• Panel discussions, readings, and book signings

• Family-friendly activities throughout the day

Featured Authors:

• Bestselling thriller writer David Bell

• Award-winning poet Kari Gunter-Seymour

• Children's author Dandi Daley Mackall

• Nonfiction writer and historian David McCullough Jr.

The festival, now in its 19th year, draws thousands of attendees from across the state and has become a vital connection point between Ohio's writing community and readers. Local bookstores including Cover to Cover, Gramercy Books, and Two Dollar Radio Headquarters will have pop-up shops at the event.

This celebration of Ohio's literary culture highlights the state's rich tradition of storytelling and reinforces Columbus's status as an educational and cultural center. The event's downtown location also drives visitors to explore the surrounding area, benefiting nearby businesses.

MAJOR LEAGUE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT SERVES UP AT PICKLE & CHILL

The fastest-growing sport in America brings professional competition to Columbus this weekend. [The Columbus Dispatch]

Key Highlights:

• Tournament runs May 2-4 at Pickle & Chill facility

• Features 24 professional teams competing for championship

• Part of Major League Pickleball's nationwide tour

• Expected to draw thousands of spectators

Tournament Details:

• Teams include mix of Olympic athletes and pickleball specialists

• $100,000 prize pool at stake

• Columbus-based team "The Dinks" competing on home court

• Interactive fan experiences and equipment demonstrations

For Columbus's sports tourism industry, the tournament represents another success in attracting national competitions across diverse sports. The economic impact extends beyond the venue to area hotels, restaurants, and retail, with many out-of-town competitors and fans attending.

THIS WEEKEND IN COLUMBUS: MAY 2-4

FRIDAY, MAY 2 [Experience Columbus]

• Blooms & Butterflies | Franklin Park Conservatory | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• COSI Science Festival | COSI | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Rock Egg Spoon by Noah Diaz | Studio Two, Riffe Center | 8:00 PM

• Bourbon Stew LIVE | Edison Brewing Company | 7:00 PM

• Candlelight Spring: Queen vs. ABBA | Short North Church | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM

• Columbus Clippers vs. St. Paul Saints | Huntington Park | 7:05 PM

• Friday Night Fights Comedy Roast Battle | The Attic Comedy Club | 9:30 PM

• Rock this Way: Aerosmith & Van Halen Tribute | Shadowbox Live | 7:30 PM

• Rooftop Vibes | Budd Dairy Food Hall | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Sleeping Beauty | Ohio Theatre | 8:00 PM

• The Blue Stones | Newport Music Hall | 7:00 PM

• Cinema Columbus Film Festival | Wexner Center for the Arts | Various Times

SATURDAY, MAY 3

• Ohioana Book Festival | State Library of Ohio | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Amadeus | Jewish Community Center | 7:30 PM

• Ariel Quartet | Southern Theatre | 8:00 PM

• Columbus Crew vs. Charlotte FC | Lower.com Field | 7:30 PM

• Hot Rod Deluxe | Combustion Brewery, Pickerington | 7:00 PM

• Donnie Iris & the Cruisers | The Bluestone | 7:00 PM

• Columbus Women's Chorus | First Unitarian Universalist Church | 7:00 PM

• Jasmine Spitzer Album Release | Natalie's Grandview | 8:00 PM

• Kentucky Derby Party w/ Punch Drunk | Edison Brewing | 4:00 PM

• Leprous | Newport Music Hall | 7:00 PM

• Market After Dark | Jackie O's on Fourth | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Clintonville Farmers Market | N High St & Orchard Ln | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• German Village Farmers Market | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Granville Artwalk | Downtown Granville | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

• Twilight Zone Marathon | Bexley Public Library | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 4

• Mother's Day Pop & Country Concert | Palace Theatre | 3:00 PM

• Beers & Bluegrass with Slate Ridge | Combustion Brewery, Pickerington | 2:00 PM

• Fontaines D.C. | Newport Music Hall | 7:00 PM

• Gospel Choir Concert | Swasey Chapel | 3:00 PM

• Magdalena Bay & Sam Austins | Newport Music Hall | 8:00 PM

• Marko Topchii Guitar Tour | Our Lady of Victory Church | 3:00 PM

• New Standard Soul Jam | Natalie's Grandview | 8:00 PM

• Columbus Reptile Expo | Ohio Expo Center | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• May The Fourth Be With You | The Little Grand Market | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

• Sunday Cinema Club | BrewDog Franklinton | 7:00 PM

• Fluid Art-Paint Pouring Class | Brush Crazy | 2:00 PM

• Growing Kindness, Mother's Day Event | The Avalon Theatre | 1:00 PM

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THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: With North Market's national recognition and continued development downtown, properties in the urban core, particularly near food-anchored destinations, continue to show strong value despite higher interest rates.

Home buyers: Consider areas with emerging food scenes like Grandview's West 5th corridor, where amenities like Mochinut signal continued neighborhood investment and walkability improvements.

Bottom line: Central Ohio's culinary and entertainment landscape continues to diversify and mature, creating neighborhood amenities that support property values and quality of life. The range of new openings across both urban and suburban locations demonstrates the region's balanced growth pattern.

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See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina