Your Guide to the Best Entertainment & Fun Around Powell & Columbus!
If you’re part of the Powell community or just visiting the Greater Columbus area, you know how rich our local culture is—with venues and events that offer everything from wild outdoor adventure to nostalgic night-life, live music, convention excitement, and dancing by the hundreds. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Powell, we believe these places are what inspire us to dance—literally and figuratively. Here’s a tour of some of the most vibrant, high-traffic entertainment hubs around here, and how we draw inspiration (and students) from them.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium + Zoombezi Bay
Located right in Powell, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is more than just a world-class zoo—it’s a local landmark. With daily attractions, animal experiences, beautifully maintained grounds, and special events, it’s a go-to for families, school trips, and visitors from out of town. Learn more at columbuszoo.org!
Next door is Zoombezi Bay, a seasonal water park owned by the zoo. In summer it draws huge crowds—people looking for thrills, relaxation, and sunshine.
These venues are amazing local attractions—packing in people who want fun, shared experiences, memory making. For us at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, that means there’s a steady stream of people looking for more active, creative outlets—dancing, lessons, performance opportunities—and we’re proud to offer that!
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Downtown Columbus is anchored by the Greater Columbus Convention Center, which hosts large-scale trade shows, conventions, expos, concerts, and seasonal events.
From multi-day expos to fan conventions and performances, the Convention Center not only brings visitors, but also ignites community engagement—sometimes bringing in many thousands of people for a single event. With so many people gathering, it creates tremendous awareness about arts, culture, dance, music, and fitness—exactly the kinds of things that lead people to discover studios like ours.
Historic Music & Dance Venues – The Valley Dale Ballroom
One of Columbus’s most storied dance and music venues is the Valley Dale Ballroom (also referred to as New Valley Dale Ballroom). Valley Dale Ballroom was built in the 1920s, it came of age during the Big Band era, hosting legends like Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and more. Every Friday you can still experience live music there—Rick Brunetto Big Band (a large local ensemble) plays from about 7:30-10 pm, with doors opening earlier, a historic dance floor, full sound, and people from all over Columbus and the suburbs coming to dance.
Valley Dale embodies something powerful: tradition meeting celebration. It’s a place that reminds us every week that dancing isn’t just a class or a pasttime—it’s part of living culture, community, and fun shared experiences!
Other Performing Arts, Festivals & Live Music Spots
Columbus has no shortage of performing arts options: CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts) brings major touring performances, dance shows, theater and more.
Then there are the seasonal festivals and conventions—usually hosted at the Convention Center or around the city—that bring in music, dance, arts, food, and crowds who might want to try something new.
Why These Venues Matter for Dancers & for Us
Inspiration & Exposure: Seeing a big performance, hearing a live band, watching dancers on stage at places like the Ballroom or CAPA—it lights a spark. It reminds us why we dance.
Community & Connection: These venues bring people together—families, friends, visitors. They create an environment where arts, culture, and movement are celebrated.
Opportunity: For students and aspiring performers, it means chances to see live events, maybe participate, up their game, or simply find new rhythms and influences.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Powell: A Natural Next Step
Here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Powell, we see ourselves as part of that broader entertainment landscape. We’re not just a place to take dance lessons—we’re a space where you can connect to what’s around you. Lessons in ballroom, Latin, swing, even performance choreography—all of which complement the live music, the big dance nights at Valley Dale, the conventions, and the festivals.
Whether you see a show at Valley Dale and think, “I want to be up there,” or you want to bring that sense of rhythm and performance home, we’re ready to help.
Ready to Step Onto the Dance Floor?
Don’t let the amazing shows, concerts, and venues be something you watch from the sidelines. If you feel even a little tug—“I want to move, I want to dance”—then Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Powell is here for you.
Take the first step today: schedule a trial class, join one of our beginner sessions, or just drop in and meet our instructors. Whether your goal is to enjoy dance as a hobby, perform, or bring elegance and energy into your life, we’ll help you find your rhythm. Let’s dance together!
