Columbus Datebook for October
Julia Reichert: 50 Years in Film (Oct. 2–24)
The Wex will celebrate the Yellow Springs documentarian with a retrospective, including her film “American Factory,” which explores the culture clash within a Dayton factory owned by a Chinese billionaire. That movie, a favorite at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, is the first released by a fledgling production company owned by Barack and Michelle Obama. wexarts.org
Blue Jackets Home Opener (Oct. 4)
Welcome to the year 1 A.B.—after Bob. The offseason exodus that included superstar goalie Sergei Bobrovsky begins a new era, and the Jackets urgently need one of their green goaltenders to become a bona fide starter. Nick Foligno, Cam Atkinson and Seth Jones will still anchor the roster to start the season against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but a breakout year from Josh Anderson or Alexandre Texier would be a huge boost for the push to make a fourth straight playoff appearance. nhl.com/bluejackets
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Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live (Oct. 6)
If you’ve seen “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” it had to be on Mystery Science Theater 3000. The cult TV comedy screened dozens of (mercifully) forgotten old B movies in its 11 seasons, skewered on air by creator/star Joel Hodgson (and later, Mike Nelson) and three sarcastic robots. Check out their show at the Davidson Theatre for a live sample of the riffing, wide-ranging cultural references and deeply terrible cinema. capa.com
The American Festival (Oct. 11–12)
The Columbus Symphony’s season opener pairs two works linked to African American history. “Sanctuary Road” is based on an 1877 book by William Still documenting his time as a “conductor” of the Underground Railroad, ushering nearly 800 former slaves to freedom; Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” draws some criticism for its stereotypical characters but transports with its lovely, witty songs. columbussymphony.org
Samin Nosrat (Oct. 20)
In her hit Netflix show, Salt Fat Acid Heat, chef and food writer Samin Nosrat roams the world in search of the essential elements of good cooking, upending the TV stereotype of a white male traveler discovering exotic food. As part of the Upper Arlington Author Series, Nosrat will join Jeni Britton Bauer at Upper Arlington High School for a conversation and audience Q&A; afterward, she’ll sign copies of her James Beard Award-winning cookbook. ualibrary.org
WAYS TO GIVE BACK
Activists and Agitators (Oct. 17)
This fundraiser for YWCA Columbus at the Greater Columbus Convention Center is also an educational event, as mental health and social justice advocate Achea Redd shares ideas on fostering inclusion and creating meaningful change. Special pricing for attendees under 30. ywcacolumbus.org
Deliver Blood to Hospitals (Ongoing)
The Central Ohio chapter of the American Red Cross anticipates an increased need for volunteer drivers to bring blood from labs to the hospitals where it is needed to save lives. If you have a clean driving record, you may be eligible to sign up for two or more four-hour shifts per month. redcross.org/deliver
Columbus Marathon (Oct. 20)
You don’t have to run to support this 40-year-old event benefiting Nationwide Children’s Hospital. An army of volunteers help out in roles that range from staffing fluid stations to gathering discarded clothing along the course for Goodwill Columbus. columbusmarathon.org/volunteer
See our online calendar for a full list of things to do this month.
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