Bring the sun this weekend, and the music.

American Idol judge Luke Bryan will take the stage at Miller Family Farms in Baltimore on Friday for his Midwest Farm Tour.

Then, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, Nationwide Arena will host its first concert when Eric Church performs on Saturday night.

In the mood for comedy? Let’s face it: we all are!

Things to do in Columbus:Everyone’s ready to laugh again, and 23 comedians are on their way to Columbus to help

Jo Koy will share family stories on his “Just Kidding World Tour”, which takes place on Saturday night at the Palace Theater.

And for those looking for a cultural experience, the Columbus African Festival takes place on Saturday at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

And there are many other things happening. Read on for ideas. And get more every week by subscribing to the Life in the 614 newsletter.

And note: COVID policies are updated frequently. Please check the websites for the latest information before attending an event.

Eric Church will visit the Nationwide Arena

The first concert to take place in the Nationwide Arena since March 2020, outlaw country singer-songwriter Eric Church will take the stage at 8 p.m. on September 18, where he will perform in round for fans in the Zones. reserved for standing places as well as those with seats. “The Gather Again Tour” will address the numbers for its three-album release in the spring of 2021, “Heart & Soul,” as well as familiar tributes to Bruce (“Springsteen”) and cannabis (“Smoke a Little Smoke”). Masks will be mandatory for customers. Tickets cost from $ 29 to $ 169. (nationwidearena.com)

Luke Bryan tours farms

Country superstar and American Idol judge Luke Bryan will visit Miller Family Farms as part of his 12th Midwestern Farm Tour. The event will begin at 6 p.m. on September 17 at The Farm, 8855 Millersport Road, Baltimore, Ohio. Expect to hear many numbers from the “Born Here Live Here Die Here” album. A portion of the proceeds from the Rain or Sun show will go towards college scholarships for students from farming families. Tickets are $ 56 in advance and $ 70 at the door, and parking is $ 5 in advance and $ 20 on the day of the show. (www.lukebryan.com/farm-tour)

Otterbein will present a musical

The departments of Theater and Dance and Music at Otterbein University will present a concert version of ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’, Tony’s award-winning Broadway musical (initially scheduled for 2020) on an Englishman from birth so desperate to inherit a royal title and wealth that he plans to kill the eight heirs closest to the duchy. Performances will be 7:30 p.m. on September 16, 8 p.m. September 17-18, 2 p.m. September 19 and 8 p.m. September 23-25 ​​at Cowan Hall’s Fritsche Theater, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville . Tickets cost $ 30. (614-823-1109, www.otterbein.edu/drama)

Avant-garde arts and crafts exhibition under pressure

This weekend, you can stock up on crafts, support local artisans, and lend a hand to a good cause. Nearly 100 local artists will be making their woodwork, jewelry and other handmade creations available for purchase at the Columbus Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 19 at Makoy Center, 5462 Center St., Hilliard. Admission costs $ 3, or free for ages 12 and under. Masks required. A portion of the proceeds will go to Charity Newsies, the 114-year-old organization that devotes all of its funds to providing clothes for children in need. (www.avantgardeshows.com)

Ohiolina Music Festival for family fun

The Ohiolina Music Festival celebrates the music of the I-77 corridor from Ohio to North Carolina with a Family Weekend at Infirmary Mound Park, 4309 Lancaster Road, Granville. Music, workshops, children’s activities, and food and crafts will be held from 3 p.m. to midnight on September 17, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on September 18 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 19. . Headliners include Dom Flemons, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Addison Agen. Rain or shine event tickets are $ 30 per day or $ 75 for the weekend, free for children under 12. Various camping options are available. For tickets and more information, visit www.ohiolina.com.

Fashion in the spotlight at the Center des Arts Décoratifs

Catch an outdoor fashion show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 18 at the Ohio Decorative Arts Center, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster. “Fashion of Our Times” features four Ohio-based designers with work inspired by Paramount Studio costumes now on display at the center. In addition to the parade, the creators will participate in a round table on their influences and their visions. The profits from the show will benefit the programming and scholarships for students of the Wendel Artistic Education Center of the cultural center. Tickets cost $ 65. (740-681-1423, www.decarts.org)

Comedian Koy to share family stories

Comedian Jo Koy, on his “Just Kidding World Tour”, after having four specials on Comedy Central and Netflix and reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts for his comedy album “Live From Seattle”, is known for his humor about his family and his son. , and the intricacies of Filipino traditions. Koy will perform his stand-up number at 8 pm on September 18 at the Palace Theater, 34 W. Broad St. Masks are required. Tickets cost $ 48 to $ 188 at the CBUSArts box office (614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com)

Grove City welcomes Arts in the Alley

Join Grove City to celebrate the 42nd Annual Alley Arts Festival from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on September 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on September 18, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 19 in Park and First streets from downtown Grove City. Parking and entry are free. The event will be preceded by the unveiling of a sculpture and memorial garden at 4 p.m. on September 17 at Beulah Park, Columbus Street and Beulah Park Drive. Arts in the Alley will feature performances by those competing to be the voice of Grove City, with the winner announced on September 19. (614-875-9762, www.gcchamber.org)

Fish & Shrimp Festival features food, more

Sample local farm-raised seafood at the 19th Annual Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival at Freshwater Farms of Ohio, 2624 North US Highway 68, Urbana. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on September 18 and 25. Pet a sturgeon or two, watch frogs and turtles, sample seafood, enjoy the sandcastle playground, and listen to live music. Free entry. (937-652-3701, fwfarms.com/festival)

Columbus African Festival celebrates culture

For a bold and engaging event that shines a light on African culture, the Columbus African Festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on September 18 at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St.

Launched in 2019, co-founder Barth Shepkong said the annual event will celebrate African and diaspora culture through live music, food, poetry and fashion.

“It’s time for us to show our culture, our food and all that is African,” he said. “That was the main idea, and it was time to do something that represents our heritage.”

Admission is free and no ticket is required. (https://www.columbusafricanfestival.com/)