Top 5: October Edition

Paul McCartney

Oct. 13

Columbus has waited a decade for Paul McCartney to return (he played the Schott in 2005). This time, he's bringing his Out There tour to Nationwide Arena for a three-hour show that promises to hit on the highlights of his 50-plus-year career. And yes, that includes loads of Beatles songs. nationwidearena.com

HighBall

Oct. 23 to 24

If Halloween is your favorite holiday, then HighBall will be your favorite party. Imagination and play are the only requirements for attending this festival that mixes a massive street party with performance art, fashion runway shows and music. Do dress to the nines-as whatever creature you care to embody. highballcolumbus.org

"The Decline of Western Civilization"

Oct. 23

Director Penelope Spheeris' resume includes blockbuster comedies like "Wayne's World" and "The Beverly Hillbillies," but she's most revered for her gritty, intimate documentary about Los Angeles' punk music subculture, "The Decline of Western Civilization." The Wexner Center for the Arts will screen the 1981 cult film about the likes of the Circle Jerks, X and Black Flag, with an introduction from Spheeris. wexarts.org

Nationwide Children's HospitalColumbus Marathon

Oct. 18

Lace up those running shoes, or-if you prefer to spectate-get those motivational posters ready. The annual 13.1- or 26.2-mile race benefits Nationwide Children's Hospital, and each mile is affiliated with a Patient Champion-a child who has been treated by Children's. You'll find the children at their respective mile markers along the route, making the blood, sweat and tears of training worth it. columbusmarathon.com

Columbus Crew SC vs. DC United

Oct. 25

There are three solid reasons to attend Crew SC's Oct. 25 game: It's the last regular match of the season, it's against D.C. United (currently sitting not-so-comfortably near the top of the league) and it's a Sunday Funday promo game, meaning you can snag ticket packages for around $30. columbuscrewsc.com