The Ohio State University Marching Band at Picnic with the Pops
Celebrate TBDBITL with special Buckeye moments before Picnic with the Pops.
Columbus Commons
160 S. High St.
Columbus, OH
(Look for The Ohio State University Alumni Association area near the picnic space)
Event description
Experience Picnic with the Pops with a Buckeye twist!
A Columbus summer favorite, The Best Damn Band in the Land joins the Columbus Symphony for a high-energy concert of precision marching, dynamic music and beloved Buckeye fight songs.
Stop by our tent featuring special Buckeye moments before you picnic and settle in for the show!
Registration
Registration for our special event is optional. However, any attendees must purchase a ticket for Picnic with the Pops separately. Registration on our website does not guarantee entry to the concert and tickets for Picnic with the Pops are not being sold through the alumni association.
By letting us know you plan to stop by, you will:
- Skip the line to pick up your koozie
- Be automatically entered into the nightly drum head raffle
Walk ups are welcome and encouraged.
What to expect
Before the concert, you’re invited to:
- Get a photo with Ohio State Marching Band props
- Enter to win an autographed Ohio State Marching Band drum head. You must be present at the end of the concert to win the drum head, as one winner will be announced on stage following the performance each night.
- Pick up a limited edition Ohio State koozie (while supplies last)
- If you let us know you’re planning to attend ahead of time, you’ll skip the line, receive an automatic entry into the drum head raffle and help ensure you receive a koozie.
Please note: You must be present at the end of the concert to win the drum head, as the winner will be announced on stage following the performance.
Cost
This experience is free and open to all Picnic with the Pops ticket holders. Tickets for the Picnic from the Pops start at $43.35.
Events schedule
Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2026
- 6 p.m. – Alumni association area opens
- 6–8 p.m. – Ohio State–themed engagement and photo opportunities
- 8 p.m. – Picnic with the Pops concert begins
- Following the concert – Drum head raffle winner announced. Must be present to win.
FAQs
Yes! All Picnic with the Pops attendees are welcome to stop by.
No. All attendees must have a valid performance ticket for Picnic with the Pops. Visiting the alumni association area is free with your concert ticket.
Not at all. This is a casual, drop in experience — stay as briefly or as long as you’d like.
Please note: You must be present at the end of the concert to claim the drumhead if selected.
Questions
Please contact The Ohio State University Alumni Association at osuaa@osu.edu or 800-762-5646.
Buckeye Days of Summer
From family-friendly experiences and alumni adventures to reading, volunteering and local favorites, Buckeye Days of Summer creates opportunities for Buckeyes of all ages to connect, explore and celebrate what makes summer special.