What’s Up: Activities in and around campus to continue throughout Welcome Week

Helena Hennessy, Siena Kessler
Wed, 26 Aug 2026 03:40:53 +0000
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Students talk with members of the Cryptocurrency Club during the involvement fair on Sunday. Credit: Michael Goulet | Campus Photo Editor.

Ohio State and the Columbus community host a variety of festivities and events throughout Welcome Week, from right on campus to the Short North Arts District, to commemorate the arrival of thousands of new Buckeyes on campus.?

Welcome Week for the 2026-27 academic year takes place from Friday, Aug. 21 through Monday, Aug. 31. Read on to learn more about the experiences and events that are available to attend.?

Wednesday, August 26th:

OUABlock Party (South Oval)?

This student-focused festival will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on the South Oval and will feature tents and booths from various vendors and sponsors, supplying free merchandise for new Buckeyes. The event will also feature live music, food trucks and a dirty soda bar available throughout the evening.?

Paint and Sip (Pinot’s Palette)?

The official paint and sip studio in the Short North Arts District, located at 691 N. High St., hosts themed art classes on a recurring daily basis. Wednesday, the studio will host two concurrent sessions —?a “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Paint Enough,” Michael Jackson-theme and a more traditional “Japanese Rising Sun” theme.?

The studio serves drinks and plays corresponding playlists throughout sessions — such as a Jackson-specific queue of greatest hits. Each of Wednesday’s sessions take place from 7 to 9 p.m., and costs $39 per guest — including all required materials and supplies.?

Silent Disco (Ohio Union)?

This annual Ohio State tradition, which formally took place at Newport Music Hall, according to prior Lantern reporting, the event will be hosted from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Archie Griffin Ballroom on the second floor of the Ohio Union — located at 1739 N. High St.?

Attendees are provided with a set of headphones upon arrival to the event, and music for the evening is played exclusively through them. Listeners are able to alternate DJs’ stations at any given point to switch their current queue out for a new vibe or genre. The event encourages attendees to sing and dance their hearts out, make new friends and embrace the excitement of a new school year.?

Thursday, August 27th:?

Ballroom Dance Class (Stonewall Columbus)?

The local community center will be hosting a series of all-gender-friendly ballroom dance classes, taking place every Thursday starting this week through Oct. 1 at 1160 N. High St. Whether attendees are seasoned dancers looking for a night out or beginners hoping to learn a new skill, classes are open to all and foster a positive environment. Dance styles taught include waltz, tango, cha cha, foxtrot, rumba and swing.

The lessons take place from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., with approved, advanced students permitted to arrive at 6:15 p.m. Prices range from $30 for individuals per class and a discounted rate of $50 per couple.?

Friday, August 28th:

Community BLOC Party (University Square)

This event serves as a meet-and-greet for commuter and off-campus students to immerse themselves in campus life and mingle with their peers. The event offers informational resources and support through the office of Buckeyes Living Off-Campus.?

The event will also provide free food and drinks while students, faculty and community members are encouraged to get to know one another.?

Coffee + Comedy (Seventh Son Brewing Co.)

When looking for something to do the first week of classes, head to Seventh Son Brewing Co. — located at 1101 N. 4th St. — for an evening combining two fan favorites: coffee and comedy. The Columbus Comedy Festival and Columbus Coffee Festival are coming together for the event, which runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and will have Kasaun Wilson as the headliner, with Syed Hasnain featured, as well as Gwen Rose and Autumn Bruewer as openers.?

Tickets are $20, with coffee cocktails and other specialty coffee drinks available throughout the night.

Saturday, August 29th:

Sweat with Sophie: Rooftop Yoga x Cold Plunge (Mandrake Rooftop)

Start your weekend off right with a workout and a view at Mandrake Rooftop — located at 810 N. High St. — from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This workout class will feature a power yoga class followed by a cold plunge and refreshments. The class will be led by 500-hour certified yoga instructor Sophie Shapiro. Shapiro has trained in Power Yoga and other strength-focused classes across Columbus.

Tickets are $37.73 and include a Mandrake summer tank top. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat.