What’s Happening Around OSU & Columbus This Season

A neighborhood snapshot from just off campus

One of the things that makes owning property near The Ohio State University so meaningful is the steady rhythm of life that continues throughout the year. Even outside of peak campus moments, this part of Columbus always feels active, connected, and grounded in community.

Living just off campus offers a front-row seat to that rhythm. Students, long-term residents, visiting families, and returning alumni all move through the neighborhood in different ways, giving it a sense of continuity that goes beyond any single season.

A brief note on graduation timing may be helpful for those planning ahead. Ohio State’s next university-wide commencement will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Many families and alumni begin planning visits and housing well in advance, particularly in neighborhoods close to campus and downtown.

As we move through late fall and early winter, Columbus offers a number of events that bring warmth and energy to the city. Seasonal light displays and evening events are especially popular this time of year. Franklin Park Conservatory’s illuminated gardens, winter programming at the Columbus Zoo, and neighborhood light displays across the city create reasons to get outside even on colder nights.

For those drawn to arts and culture, the coming weeks also feature live music, theater, and performances throughout the city. Holiday productions at local theaters, classical and contemporary concerts, and smaller campus-area venues all contribute to the creative life of Columbus. One of the advantages of living near OSU is how accessible these experiences are, often without the need for long drives or complicated planning.

At Riley Nest Collective, we pay close attention to these everyday details. Real estate is not just about property values or floor plans. It is shaped by how a place feels on a quiet weekday evening, during a holiday performance, or as the city transitions from one season to the next.

Owning and caring for property near OSU means being part of a neighborhood that is always evolving while remaining deeply rooted. New chapters begin here constantly, but the sense of place endures.

This space will continue to share small observations like these, offering a window into life around campus and the Columbus neighborhoods we invest in thoughtfully and with a long-term view.

– – Riley Nest Collective