Experience Arts and Culture in Union County

Just a short drive from Columbus, Union County offers a creative scene that blends historic venues, live music, public art, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re catching a show, exploring murals in Uptown Marysville, or joining a local art class, visitors will find plenty of ways to connect with the arts while exploring Central Ohio.

In the heart of Uptown Marysville, the beautifully restored Avalon Theatre has been welcoming audiences since 1936. Today, the historic Art Deco theater hosts concerts, films, live performances, and community events that bring people together in a unique and intimate setting.

The Veterans Memorial Auditorium also hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including theater productions, music, and dance.

Live music is easy to find across Union County. Local venues host performances throughout the week, offering everything from acoustic sets to full bands.

• Spend an evening at Leon’s Live!, where the intimate venue and high-quality sound create a memorable concert experience.
• At Bokes Creek Winery, guests can relax with estate-grown wines while enjoying live music in a scenic setting.
• Dalton Union Winery & Brewery pairs craft beer, wine, cider, and mead with live entertainment on weekends, creating a welcoming atmosphere where visitors often linger longer than planned.
• For casual fun, Marysville Sports Pub regularly hosts local bands and a lively crowd.
• During warmer months, The Grainery becomes a favorite gathering spot with barbecue, drinks, and live music on its outdoor stage.
• Other local favorites like Benny’s Pizza hosts live entertainment and community events throughout the year.

Union County’s art scene isn’t just for viewing—it’s for participating.

Located inside the historic Houston House, the Marysville Art League offers exhibitions, galleries, and classes for artists of all levels. Visitors can explore rotating exhibits, shop local artwork, or sign up for a creative workshop.

Creative studios throughout the county also offer hands-on experiences. Join a paint night at Crooked Door Studio or book a workshop at Hammer and Stain, where guests can try new projects in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Take a walk through Uptown Marysville and discover murals that celebrate Union County’s history and creativity.

• One mural honors Reuben Partridge, an innovative bridge builder who constructed hundreds of bridges throughout Ohio.
• Another mural celebrates the All-Ohio Balloon Festival, capturing the vibrant hot air balloons that fill the sky each summer.
• Visitors can also see a tribute to Noah B. Orr, a Union County native who toured the country as a performer in the 1800s, and a mural of Bessie Brown, a Marysville-born blues singer who gained national recognition in the 1920s.
• In nearby Plain City, the “Reflections from Time” mural is another striking piece of public art that reminisces about the county's covered bridge history.

From live music and theater to murals, galleries, and creative classes, Union County offers plenty of ways to explore the arts while enjoying the charm of small-town Central Ohio.

Spend the day discovering Uptown Marysville, catch a show in the evening, and turn your trip into a relaxing overnight getaway.