8 fun things to do this weekend in Greater Columbus, including Kendrick Lamar, tastings

Has anyone else noticed that it's been a looong week?

Not a bad week, we're just ready to have a couple of days off to recharge and have some fun.

And that's where our Weekender section comes in. If you aren't sure what is happening in Greater Columbus, we offer a broad range of suggestions to suit just about anyone's tastes.

From music −− Kendrick Lamar and 7 Bridges, an Eagles tribute band − to a host of tastings − think bourbon, vodka and brandy − there are many things to occupy your free time. And that's just a sampling of ideas. Read on for more suggestions.

And have some fun. We all deserve that!

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Rapper Kendrick Lamar to sing, dance in Value City Arena

Superstar rapper Kendrick Lamar is bringing his “Big Steppers” tour to Value City Arena, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Expect the rapper, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album DAMN. — and who has been largely out of circulation for several years — to bring plenty of spectacle and drama, and a little bit of mystery, to the arena. The concert likely will feature fog, pyrotechnics, hazmat suits, an onstage COVID test and multiple dancers. Joining him will be his cousin Baby Keem and Tanna Leone, who is signed to his new production company. Tickets start at $59. (614-688-3939, schottensteincenter.com)

Shadowbox Live's 'Wicked Games' full of fun and frights

Shadowbox Live promises a wild time for those who dare to attend its latest combination of comedy and music, “Wicked Games,” which opens on Thursday, and runs on select Friday and Saturday nights through Nov. 12 at the group's home on 503 S. Front St. Halloween starts early with a mixture of monster-themed rock music and comedy sketches. Enjoy dinner and drinks while you take in the scares. Tickets start at $40. (614-416-7625, shadowboxlive.org)

'Rent' gets a makeover for younger audiences

Take a look and listen to the school edition (which tempers some of the original's profanity) of Jonathan Larson's ground-breaking musical “Rent” at 7 p.m. select nights Thursday through  Aug. 21 at the Abbey Theater of Dublin, 5600 Post Road, Dublin. The musical uses rock music to explore the lives of young people in the late '80s in the East Village of New York living with HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, artistic ambitions and financial stress. Tickets: $18 (614-410-4550, https://dublinohiousa.gov/abbey-theater)

Eagles tribute band coming to Dublin

Nashville-based Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges will be the opening act of the free Sundays at Scioto outdoor concert series, which resumes at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Scioto Park, 7377 Riverside Drive, Dublin. Numerous Eagles hits will be performed as the audience can also enjoy eats from the food truck Roadster and treats from Chilljoy. Lawn chairs or blankets are suggested, and attendees are also free to bring their own picnic items. (www.dublinarts.org)

Filmic fun for kids (and grown-ups)

Even if you are old enough to remember Sid and Marty Krofft’s innovative children’s TV series “H.R. Pufnstuf,” you may not recall that there was a movie version made in 1970 — yes, a movie version. The big-screen “Pufnstuf,” directed by Hollingsworth Morse and starring the inimitable cast of Jack Wild, Billy Barty, Martha Raye, and Cass Elliot of the Mamas & the Papas, will screen at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Saturdayat the Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St. Tickets cost $3. (www.wexarts.org)

The Poindexter Village Drum Circle to feature a variety of events

Join in on some drumming, or listen to musicians, at the Poindexter Village Drum Circle, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Poindexter Village Museum and Cultural Center, 290 N. Champion Ave. The event will include a giant drum call at noon, as well as later drum call-and-responses. Vendors and food trucks will be on hand, and visitors can watch African dance, listen to storytellers and poets, look at art and make drums of their own. Admission is free. (www.ohiohistory.org/drumcircle; poindextervillagemuseum.org)

Tequila Festival is back for its third year in Columbus

Hosted by Gravity, 500 W. Broad St., the Tequila Festival is back from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The event will showcase more than 50 tequilas, taco specials, a margarita bar and more. Tequila sampling hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for as low as $50 at www.tequilafestcolumbus.com/buy-tickets. There are a variety of tickets including a VIP option and designated driver option. (www.tequilafestcolumbus.com/)

Craft distillery tasting to bring it all together in Grove City

Grove City Town Center, 3378 Park St. Suite C, is hosting its Craft Distillers Festival on from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Sample and enjoy a variety of bourbon and craft distillery products, plus enjoy food and live entertainment. Formerly known as the Bourbon Tasting, the Craft Distillers Festival adds a bit more to the tasting experience, including products such as vodka, brandy and more. Tickets cost $30 for eight tickets and come with a cup for the tasting experience. (https://bit.ly/3BQGrE2)

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 8 can't-miss things to do in Columbus this weekend