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.

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.

Break free from the winter blues at our Cabin Fever Crafternoon! We're here for the serious makers and the "I just need to get out of the house" crew. Knock out that project, start a new one, or just bring a book and chill. Whether it's that Pinterest project you abandoned or a New Year's resolution gathering dust, finish it here. Just BYOC (Bring Your Own Craft) and yourself.

Not a crafter? No problem—we’ve got you covered too! Simple supplies and good vibes will be provided for non-crafters (or feel free to kick back with a book or do some writing).

This is a 100% judgment-free, fun-first zone, complete with plenty of snacks and a community of cozy company.

Cabin Fever Crafternoon is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $10. You must RSVP.

Adults and teens are welcome!

Join us at Cure Coffee & Cocktails for an offbeat event with one of our favorites, Annabelle Gurwitch! Prior to the main event, there is optional Author’s Table Dinner with a full catered meal and drinks.

Annabelle Gurwitch is an actress, activist, and New York Times bestselling author of six books and a two-time Thurber Prize finalist. Her essays and satire have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post amongst other publications. Her books include The New York Times bestseller I See You Made an Effort and You're Leaving When?, a New York Times “Favorite Book for Healthy Living.” Annabelle co-hosted the fan favorite Dinner & a Movie on TBS and was a regular commentator on NPR.

In The End of My Life Is Killing Me, Annabelle Gurwitch faces life’s biggest curveball—a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis—with her signature wit, warmth, and gimlet eye. Rather than becoming a conventional “cancer warrior,” she embraces her own rules: no runs, no ribbons, no religion. Through hilarious and deeply affecting essays, Gurwitch draws inspiration from Greek mythology, TV comedies, Kermit the Frog, and Samuel Beckett, accidentally acquires an angel, goes on a European van tour selling merch for a heavy metal band, and discovers the joys of tiny victories, imperfect hobbies, and the unshakable bond of female friendship.

This deeply contemplative yet comic memoir illuminates life with chronic disease, inequities in care, and the extraordinariness of the ordinary—reminding us that you don’t have to live every day as if it’s your last to truly embrace life.

After the event, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet the author, and get your book signed.

Join us for a spectacular evening of laughter, surprises, fun, and frivolity!

Awarded annually, the Thurber Prize for American Humor is one of the highest recognitions of humor writing and cartooning in the United States.

The Thurber Prize is presented each year in James Thurber’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio. During this spectacular evening of humor, attendees are entertained with a host of hilarious surprises, including appearances from the finalists/winners.

The award show culminates with the announcement of the winners of the Thurber Prize for American Humor in Writing and Cartoon Art, followed by a celebratory after-party.

Past winners and finalists include Roz Chast, Paul Noth, Alexandra Petri, S.E. Boyd, Steven Rowley, James McBride, Damon Young, Simon Rich, Patricia Lockwood, Trevor Noah, Mike Birbiglia, Dave Barry, Alan Zweibel, David Sedaris, Jon Stewart and The Daily Show, Ian Frazier, and The Onion.

Tickets for the 2026 Thurber Prize will go on sale in early 2026.

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The Thurber Prize celebrates humor, writing, and cartoon art on a national scale. It is also a vital fundraiser for Thurber House. For over 41 years, Thurber House has been an inclusive, empowering, and joyful place for people to come together, learn from each other, express themselves, and return that positive impact to the world—this is our mission.