This edition was for Monday, October 26, 2026. Times, prices and plans applied to that day only.
GasBuddy's survey of 500 Columbus stations puts the average at $4.43 on Monday, $1.49 above a year ago and above the $4.24 national average. Sunday's prices ran from $3.99 to $4.99, and GasBuddy blames a regional refinery problem that it says is starting to clear.
A one-dollar spread between the cheapest and priciest stations makes it worth checking prices before filling up.
ABC6 · Mon 7:06 AM
The state auditor found Michelle Scott rerouted 19 vendor payments, nearly $270,000, into her own accounts at the Hilltop charter school. She is serving four to six years for theft. NBC4
Emergency legislation would add to the 2024 law that requires warning signs and life preservers at apartment complexes with ponds. The hearing followed drownings at Polaris Place in September and Bayside Commons in July. NBC4
The health district confirmed 20 new cases Friday and says contact tracing is done. Two MMR doses are about 97 percent effective. 10TV
Malte Amundsen scored on two corners and Dylan Chambost had three assists. The Crew play at FC Dallas on Wednesday. ABC6
More than 40 businesses take on roles from the show, with a Saturday vendor market from 11 to 4 and a Luke look-alike contest at 5. Organizers expect 10,000 to 15,000 visitors. Columbus Navigator
10 AM–5 PM · Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell
It is open until 5 on a sunny 73-degree afternoon, Franklin County residents pay less, and North Market Bridge Park is about 15 minutes away and open until 9 for dinner.
Online tickets from $34.95 for ages 10 to 59, $24.95 for Franklin County residents; parking $12 · 15 mi northwest of downtown
6 PM · KEMBA Live!, Arena District
It is all ages, doors open at 6 in the Arena District, and it is the biggest show in town on a quiet Monday.
Ticket prices not stated · Downtown
Milestone · 25 years on Oct. 25
Polaris
The mall opened Oct. 25, 2001, and marks the date with a photo wall in Center Court. Management says new stores and restaurants are planned.
Coming soon · Targeting mid-November
Polaris · 2140 Ikea Way, Columbus, OH
The Short North bagel shop's second location goes into the Galaxy at Polaris development, with a menu close to the original's.
Coming soon · No date announced
University District · 2094 N High St, Columbus, OH
The stir-fry chain filed building plans for the United Dairy Farmers site near campus. Its first Columbus location opened last year on Morse Road.
Now open · Ribbon cutting reported Oct. 22
Westerville · 1025 Polaris Pkwy, Westerville, OH
The new Mexican restaurant cut its ribbon on Polaris Parkway.
Coming soon · Nov. 21 through Jan. 3
Franklin Park · 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH
The holiday light show returns with a life-size Candyland board and the 100-foot light tunnel, 5 to 9 Sunday to Thursday and 5 to 10 Friday and Saturday through December.
Take a free Statehouse tour on the hour, walk about a mile north to North Market for a late lunch before it closes at 5, then KEMBA Live is a few blocks west with doors at 6.
The zoo closes at 5, and North Market Bridge Park in Dublin is about 15 minutes south and open until 9 on Mondays.
Walk the Inniswood gardens in Westerville, then drive about 25 minutes southeast to the Lynd market for apples and pumpkins before it closes at 6.
Bowl duckpin at Pins for $7 a game from 4, then cross the river to Land-Grant in Franklinton for the ACOTAR party until 9:30.
The gardens close at 7 from October through March. The 2.8-acre Innis children's garden, the woodland rock garden and the conifer garden are all on the paths.
Photo: Metro Parks: Inniswood Metro Gardens
Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville · 11 mi northeast of downtown
No admission listed on the park pageGood for kids
A regular zoo day now that Boo at the Zoo and the Lantern Festival have ended. Children under 3 are free, and the zoo is cashless.
Photo: Columbus Zoo: Hours, Rates and Tickets
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell · 15 mi northwest of downtown
Online tickets from $34.95 for ages 10 to 59, $24.95 for Franklin County residents; parking $12Good for kids
Weekday walk-in tours leave the Map Room on the hour from 10, with the last at 3. Enter on Third Street or through the underground garage.
Photo: Ohio Statehouse: Public Tours
Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus · Downtown
Free
Pumpkins Aglow is dark tonight and returns Wednesday, so the gardens keep regular hours until 5. The Palm House and Showhouse are closed for renovation until fall 2027.
Photo: Franklin Park Conservatory: Plan a Visit
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus · 2 mi east of downtown
General admission prices not stated on the visit page; $4 with Museums for All
The downtown market keeps short Monday hours, 10 to 5. Park in the Vine Street Garage and get a merchant validation slip for $2 for up to two hours.
North Market Downtown, 59 Spruce St, Columbus · Downtown
Prices vary by merchant
The market is open daily 10 to 6 this week; u-pick and the corn maze run Friday to Sunday only. From Nov. 2 the market closes Mondays and Tuesdays.
Lynd Fruit Farm Market On Morse, 9399 Morse Rd SW, Pataskala · 15 mi northeast of downtown
Admission not stated; produce priced by item
The downtown bar opens at 4 on Mondays and stays open until 11:30. Duckpin is $2 cheaper per game than on weekends.
Photo: Pins Mechanical Co. Columbus
Pins Mechanical Co., 141 N 4th St, Columbus · Downtown
Duckpin $7 per game per person Monday to Thursday
The Dublin food hall is open until 9 on Mondays, four hours later than the downtown market. It is about 15 minutes from the zoo.
North Market Bridge Park, 6750 Longshore St, Dublin · 11 mi northwest of downtown
Prices vary by merchant
Jesse Welles plays an indoor, all-ages show presented by WCBE. Doors open at 6; tickets are on AXS.
Photo: PromoWest: Jesse Welles Red Tour 2026
KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave, Columbus · Downtown
Ticket prices not statedGood for kids
A party for the new ACOTAR book with free tarot readings, a Celestielle Bookstore pop-up taking pre-orders, ACOTAR trivia, a costume contest and themed cocktails.
Land-Grant Brewing Company, 424 W Town St, Columbus · Downtown
Admission not stated; tarot readings free
A pop show for all ages, with doors at 7. The VIP upgrade adds an acoustic pre-show set and Q&A but does not include a ticket.
Ace of Cups, 2619 N High St, Columbus · 4 mi north of downtown
$19.50 to $65Good for kids
The Welsh brass band plays one of five North American dates, marking 50 years since its 1976 Bicentennial tour. The Dublin Silver Band sponsors the concert and sells tickets.
Photo: Ohio Wesleyan University: Cory Band Ticketed Performance
Gray Chapel, University Hall, Ohio Wesleyan University, 61 S Sandusky St, Delaware · 23 mi north of downtown
$35 to $65, reserved seating
