Alumni Association
Enriching firm friendships across our alumni and Buckeye communities

The Ohio State University Marching Band at Picnic with the Pops

Celebrate TBDBITL with special Buckeye moments before Picnic with the Pops.

Two large bass drums with “Ohio State” printed in red and white are being played inside Ohio Stadium.
Date
Jul 31 - Aug 1, 2026
Cost
Free
Time
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET
Location

Columbus Commons 
160 S. High St. 
Columbus, OH 
(Look for The Ohio State University Alumni Association area near the picnic space)

Topics
Register

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!

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.

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.

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

Questions

Please contact The Ohio State University Alumni Association at osuaa@osu.edu or 800-762-5646.