Photo credit: Asian Festival

The Asian Festival's beloved Dragon Boat Race returns to the Scioto Mile on Sunday, May 17, kicking off another year of the Columbus Asian Festival celebrations. What started as a two-team exhibition in 2010 has grown into a spirited competition featuring more than 20 crews. It's a lively, community-rooted event that's as fun to watch from the shore as it is to paddle.

Photo credit: BalletMet

BalletMet closes out its 48th season with a stunning reimagining of La Bohème, running May 13-17 at the Davidson Theatre. Artistic Director Remi Wörtmeyer transports Puccini's iconic story from Paris to the French Quarter of New Orleans, complete with new sets, costumes and the Columbus Symphony performing live onstage amidst the action. It's a one-of-a-kind production that brings the spectacle of Mardi Gras to the Columbus stage.

One of the biggest rock festivals in the country, Sonic Temple, descends on Historic Crew Stadium May 14-17, with headliners My Chemical Romance, Tool, Bring Me The Horizon and Shinedown leading a lineup of 140+ bands across five stages. Beyond the music, the festival doubles as an immersive art experience, with large-scale installations, live mural painting and works from Columbus-based artists throughout the grounds.

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Photo credit: Discover Clintonville

Clintonville stays open late every third Friday, and this week is no exception at the Clintonville Jamboree. Head to the neighborhood on Friday, May 15, for live music, food trucks and local shops offering pop-ups, flash discounts and freebies. It's a laid-back, community-driven evening that's a perfect excuse to explore one of Columbus's most charming neighborhoods.

Photo credit: Galla Park Social

Galla Park Social marks four years with a party on Thursday, May 15, featuring a Surf and Turf dinner special served from 4-10 p.m., a live DJ, giveaways and a free cocktail hour starting at 9 p.m. The first 50 guests to arrive between 9 and 10 p.m. will receive a special gift. Stop by to help celebrate a local staple and raise a glass to four great years.

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