KEMBA Live!
Columbus's premier indoor-outdoor concert venue, KEMBA Live! hosts over 5,000 guests for major musical acts across diverse genres.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better vibes
KEMBA Live!
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better vibes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Columbus's premier indoor-outdoor concert venue, KEMBA Live! hosts over 5,000 guests for major musical acts across diverse genres.
"Cool venue, great sound and lighting, but be prepared for pricey food and drinks."
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your spot for KEMBA Live! concerts well in advance.
💰 Prepare for Pricey F&B
Food and drinks are expensive. Consider eating before you go or budgeting extra.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Stage Experience
Outdoor Amphitheater
Experience major headliners in this versatile outdoor space, perfect for large-scale concerts.

Intimate Indoor Shows
Indoor Venue
Enjoy fantastic sound and lighting in the more intimate indoor section for medium-sized acts.
Local Flavors at Mikey's Pizza
Concessions
Grab a delicious slice of pizza from Mikey's, a surprisingly tasty option available at the venue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Costs
Know Your Seating Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your spot for KEMBA Live! concerts well in advance.
💰 Prepare for Pricey F&B
Food and drinks are expensive. Consider eating before you go or budgeting extra.
👟 Lawn vs. Seats
Lawn can be crowded; seats might be far. Choose based on your concert vibe preference.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be a challenge. Explore nearby lots or consider ride-sharing options.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your spot for KEMBA Live! concerts well in advance.
💰 Prepare for Pricey F&B
Food and drinks are expensive. Consider eating before you go or budgeting extra.
👟 Lawn vs. Seats
Lawn can be crowded; seats might be far. Choose based on your concert vibe preference.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be a challenge. Explore nearby lots or consider ride-sharing options.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your phone for photos, but check venue policies on professional cameras.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
KEMBA Live! is praised for its versatile indoor/outdoor spaces, good sound, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular concert destination. However, attendees frequently note the high prices for food and drinks, and the lawn seating can be overcrowded with limited visibility.
"Cool space, great sound and lighting. Like many places of the same variety, food and drink are extremely pricey, so be prepared for that. Otherwise, I'd happily attend another show there."
Jared Bowers
"Sierra Farrell at Kemba live. Amazing show. She is such a original and classy entertainer. Less excited about paying a premium to sit in chairs. I'm an old man, can't lean on a rail for 3 hours like these kids, lol! Not close at all to the stage. The promoters section was in front of the premium seating. There was a walkway that was being used non-stop throughout the show. We're sitting in chairs and people are forever walking in front of us. Cool venue, but do not waste your money on the premium seats."
Todd Henkaline
"Such a cool venue. I loved the atmosphere and the people and bands. I definitely plan on going back ASAP!;"
Jessica Ann Ward
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
KEMBA Live! is located at 405 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43215. Many attendees opt for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft due to parking challenges. Public transportation is also an option, with several bus routes serving the area.
Parking availability can be limited and varies by event. It's often recommended to arrive early or explore off-site parking lots. Some Reddit users suggest checking for nearby garages or being prepared for a bit of a walk.
Yes, ride-sharing services and personal drop-offs are common. There are designated areas for pick-up and drop-off, which can be convenient, especially after the show.
Yes, KEMBA Live! is accessible via public transport. Check the COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) website for specific bus routes and schedules that service the venue's location.
The address for KEMBA Live! is 405 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43215.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for KEMBA Live! concerts can be purchased through authorized ticket vendors like Ticketmaster, as well as the venue's official box office. It's always best to buy from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Box office hours can vary depending on scheduled events. It's advisable to check the official KEMBA Live! website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
KEMBA Live! has a clear bag policy. Generally, small clutch purses are allowed, but larger bags, backpacks, and duffel bags are prohibited. Check the venue's specific bag policy before your visit.
Yes, KEMBA Live! often offers various ticket types, including general admission (lawn or standing room), reserved seating, and sometimes VIP packages. The availability depends on the specific concert.
Refund policies are typically determined by the event promoter and the ticketing platform. Generally, tickets are non-refundable unless an event is canceled or rescheduled. Always review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Seating preferences vary. Reserved seats offer a guaranteed view but can be distant. The lawn provides a more casual experience but can get crowded and lack visibility without screens.
Unfortunately, many reviews mention a lack of screens on the lawn, making it difficult to see the stage from further back. This is a common point of feedback for the outdoor venue.
The sound quality at KEMBA Live! is generally praised, both in the indoor and outdoor sections. Many reviews highlight it as a strong point of the venue.
Professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually not allowed. However, personal cameras and smartphones for photos are typically permitted, but always check the venue's specific policy for the event you're attending.
Show times vary by event. Doors usually open an hour or two before the performance begins. Check your ticket or the venue's schedule for exact times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
KEMBA Live! offers standard concert venue fare, including options like Mikey's Pizza, which is frequently mentioned as a delicious choice. Expect typical concession items like hot dogs, nachos, and snacks.
While specific options can vary by event, most venues offer some vegetarian choices like pretzels or fries. Vegan options might be more limited, so it's best to inquire upon arrival or check the venue's website if you have strict dietary needs.
Food and drink prices at KEMBA Live! are considered very expensive by many attendees. It's a common point of feedback, so be prepared for premium pricing.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside KEMBA Live!. This includes sealed water bottles. There are concessions available for purchase inside the venue.
Yes, KEMBA Live! has multiple bar locations throughout the venue, offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal cameras and smartphones are allowed for photos, but professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually prohibited. Always check the specific event's policy.
The venue itself offers a dynamic backdrop for photos, especially during performances. Capturing the stage lights and the energy of the crowd can make for great shots.
The best time for photos is often during the performance when the stage lighting is most dramatic and the artists are engaging with the audience.
Video recording policies can vary by artist and event. While casual phone video is often tolerated, professional video equipment is typically not allowed. Check the event details for specific restrictions.
For outdoor shows, the lawn offers a wide view of the stage and crowd. For indoor shows, the floor area or upper seating can provide good vantage points, depending on the stage setup.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While food and drink are available, they can be pricey, so packing some kid-friendly snacks (if allowed by venue policy) or planning to eat beforehand might be a good strategy. For shows with a later start time, consider the age appropriateness of the music and the duration of the performance.
💰 Budget Travelers
When purchasing tickets, explore different seating tiers. Sometimes, general admission lawn tickets are more affordable than reserved seating, though they come with the trade-off of potentially less comfortable viewing. Look for deals or promotions if available, and always compare prices across different ticketing platforms.
couples
Many couples enjoy grabbing a bite at Mikey's Pizza before or during the show. The venue's atmosphere is generally upbeat and conducive to enjoying live music together. Just be prepared for the crowds and the cost of drinks if you plan on indulging.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating KEMBA Live! Seating
When choosing tickets, consider your priorities. Reserved seats offer a guaranteed view but can sometimes feel distant from the stage, and some attendees have noted obstructed views due to walkways. The lawn provides a more relaxed, standing-room experience, but it can get very crowded, and visibility can be an issue for those at the back, as screens are often absent.
Many concert-goers recommend assessing the artist and your personal preference. For high-energy bands, the standing room or lawn might be ideal, while for artists where you want a clear view of every detail, reserved seating is the way to go, provided you choose your seats wisely.
Concert Day Essentials & Tips
Be prepared for the cost of food and beverages, which are consistently cited as being on the pricier side. Many visitors suggest eating a meal before arriving or budgeting extra for concessions. For parking, it's often a good idea to arrive early or consider alternative transportation like ride-sharing services, as parking can be limited and competitive.
Finally, check the venue's specific policies regarding bags, cameras, and prohibited items before you head out. This will help you avoid any last-minute issues at the entrance and ensure you can focus on enjoying the music.
The KEMBA Live! Atmosphere
The venue's design, with both indoor and outdoor spaces, contributes to its unique feel. The indoor section offers an intimate setting with excellent acoustics, while the outdoor amphitheater provides a classic concert experience under the stars. This versatility allows KEMBA Live! to cater to different musical tastes and audience sizes, making it a popular destination for live music in Columbus.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit