Current Thurber House Events & Programs

Thurber House is a nonprofit arts hub, James Thurber museum, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists of all ages.

Our programs include the Thurber Prize for American Humor, one of the highest recognitions of humor writing and cartooning in the United States; author events featuring nationally known and local authors; social events for book lovers; creative workshops for children, teens, and adults; month-long writer residencies for writers of adult and children's literature; and a historic home museum of James Thurber memorabilia.

‣ Events

Featured

Ohio Goes to the Movies (Thurber Film Screening at the Wexner Center)

Feb 19

Feb 19, 2026

Ohio Goes to the Movies (Thurber Film Screening at the Wexner Center)

Feb 19, 2026

As part of Ohio Goes to the Movies (a statewide celebration showcasing films connected to Ohio stories, creators, and cultural history), audiences are invited to experience James Thurber’s work on the big screen!

Hosted by the Wexner Center for the Arts, this program pairs a screening of the feature film The Male Animal (1942) with the beloved animated short The Unicorn in the Garden (1953).

The Male Animal features Henry Fonda as a popular professor at Midwestern University who is facing dismissal for his outspoken views. Based on Thurber’s Broadway play, the film highlights Central Ohio locales and unfolds during homecoming weekend—featuring a match against Ohio State rival Michigan.

Produced by United Productions of America, the animated classic The Unicorn in the Garden brings to life Thurber’s short story about a browbeaten husband who discovers the unthinkable in his backyard.

Thurber House is proud to support the evening, with docent Steve Andersson introducing each film. His remarks will highlight James Thurber’s life, his influence on American humor, and his deep roots in Columbus.

Feb 19, 2026

February Book Bar (Adult Social Mixer for Book Lovers)

Feb 26

Feb 26, 2026

February Book Bar (Adult Social Mixer for Book Lovers)

Feb 26, 2026

Our popular Book Bar is back! This is an upbeat social event for book lovers who want to mingle, read, or both.

This time we’re at Antiques on High and we can’t wait to welcome you for another round of great books, drinks, and conversation. Get a drink, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy this community-oriented event where you can chat, read, or both!

Every ticket comes with one standard drink and buffet-style appetizers.

You can choose from the Event Only ticket (includes admission, one standard drink, and appetizers) or an Event + Blind Date Book Bundle ticket (includes one randomly selected “Blind Date” book, admission, one standard drink, and appetizers).

Seating is limited, so grab your spot early, and let’s make this night one to remember!

Note: This is an adult-only event. All guests must be 21 or older.

Feb 26, 2026

‣ Adult Programs

LAUGHTER WELLNESS

Joyful Self-Care & Stress Relief

‣ Laugher Wellness: Join certified Laughter Yoga teacher, breathologist, and internationally recognized storyteller Lyn Ford for a joyful, restorative, and relaxing 60-minute session designed to support your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, your creativity, and your connection with others.

Learn more

Adult writers’ studio

Creativity & Community

‣ AWS: Join us this spring for Adult Writers’ Studio, featuring two pathways to choose from: Elevate Your Writing and/or Finish Your Manuscript. This adult writing group offers supportive discussion, sharing, feedback, and a welcoming community for adult writers looking to strengthen their work and make meaningful progress on their projects. Open to writers 18+ across genres.

elevate your writing

Finish your manuscript

Adult writing workshops

Learn, Write & Connect

‣ AWW: These workshops are designed to support a wide range of writers and projects. Whether you're exploring personal stories, sharpening your skills for work, or finally diving into that book idea you’ve been carrying with you, there's a workshop here to help you grow. Open to adult writers 18+ across genres.

Learn more

‣ Children's/Teen Programs

YOUNG WRITERS’ STUDIO

Writing Group for Grades 9-12

‣ Young Writers’ Studio for grades 9-12: Every other week, teens gather in-person and virtually to write, create, and explore ways to get their stories on paper. Whether it's a passion or just a hobby we invite any student in grades 9-12 to join us for an opportunity to spend time with others who also like to write.

LEARN MORE

LAUGHTER WELLNESS

Joyful Self-Care & Stress Relief

Open to adults and teens ages 14+.

Learn more

2026 FLIP THE PAGE: CENTRAL OHIO’S TEEN LITERARY JOURNAL

For Writers & Artists Ages 13-19

‣ Flip the Page: A literary journal produced by Thurber House and curated by a teen committee that features stories, poems, nonfiction, and artwork from Central Ohio writers and artists ages 13-19. Flip the Page showcases the work of young writers and artists and offers opportunities for teens to learn about submission, critique, editorial design, and publication.

Learn More

How to Register for Events & Programs

If you are able to order online, we strongly encourage you to do so. All event tickets and program registrations are digital and will be emailed to you.

Click the event and program listings on our website to purchase tickets or register for programs. Follow the prompts to complete your order. We accept Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express. After you have submitted your order, you will receive an email confirmation that serves as your ticket(s)/registration(s).
Please call 614-464-1032 and select the applicable menu option. We accept Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express.

Thank you to our major arts supporters:

Disclaimer:

Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by event and program speakers in all mediums are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thurber House, its affiliates, or its staff/board.