Experience · Columbus

Broadway & Rooftop Date Night

Begin your date night with pre-show drinks at a trendy spot, then immerse yourselves in a live performance at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Conclude the evening with an upscale dinner and drinks at a hip rooftop bar, offering great views and conversation.

A 4.5-hour Columbus evening plan for couples — The Loft, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Nonic - Restaurant and Rooftop Bar.

Duration: 4h 30m
Cost: $100–$200
Stops: 3 stops
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 0.7-mile driving route
Best time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for: Couples · Solo

Start Plan

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The plan

1The Loft(1 hr)→
2RiverCenter for the Performing Arts(2 hrs)→
3Nonic - Restaurant and Rooftop Bar(1 hr 30 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 0.7 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Columbus instead of crossing town between them. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Nonic - Restaurant and Rooftop Bar — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples and solo who want a planned Columbus outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1 hr
The Loft
Food & Drink
Trendy spot for a variety of casual American fare plus music & comedy acts in the upstairs lounge.
What to do — Grab a table and order some appetizers and drinks to get your evening started. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively.
0.2 mi · 4 min walk or 3 min drive
Then Walk just a few blocks to the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts for your show.
2
2 hrs
RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
Arts & Culture
A grand hall & 2 smaller theaters host symphony, ballet, Broadway musicals, comedy & special events.
What to do — Arrive with enough time to find your seats and settle in for the performance. Check their schedule for upcoming shows and book tickets in advance.
Scout Side Quest
Before the lights dim, take turns predicting the exact first word spoken or sung on stage.
0.5 mi · 10 min walk or 4 min drive
Then A short walk brings you to the rooftop bar for dinner.
3
Optional 1h 30m
Nonic - Restaurant and Rooftop Bar
Food & Drink
Hip, lofty hangout with sharable pub plates, 30 rotating craft beers on tap & sidewalk seating.
What to do — Dine on sharable pub plates and choose from 30 rotating craft beers on tap while enjoying the unique rooftop ambiance.
Scout Side Quest
From the rooftop, each pick the most interesting speck of city light you can spot in the distance.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Columbus itinerary for couples?: Yes. It's built for couples and solo and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at The Loft.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Columbus itinerary cost?: Roughly $100–$200 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.7 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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