The nation's largest multi-sport festival with over 10,000 athletes from 80+ nations competing in 50+ sports, alongside a global trade show for fitness and wellness.
The Arnold Sports Festival returns to the Greater Columbus Convention Center from Thursday, March 4, to Sunday, March 7, 2027. It's the nation's largest multi-sport festival, bringing together more than 10,000 athletes from over 80 countries competing in more than 50 sports. The range is wide—bodybuilding and strongman are the big draws, but it goes all the way to equestrian.
Beyond the competitions, it works as a global trade show. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, sports brands, wellness experts, and industry leaders gather to showcase new fitness equipment, sports nutrition, training techniques, and health and wellness solutions. The program also includes martial arts festivals, strength-training sessions led by elite coaches, and workshops and seminars on fitness, with more than 100,000 fans, gym-equipment manufacturers, and top-class athletes in attendance.
Two specific highlights stand out. The Arnold Sunday Showcase is the best chance to hear from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other bodybuilding and IFBB Pro League stars. The IFBB Pro League Meet & Greet gives you a picture and an autograph with the league's biggest names. If you're bringing kids, anyone 14 and under enters the Arnold Expo for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
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Tickets for the 4-Day Expo start at $169.99 for general entry, with a $279.99 FAST PASS. Bodybuilding VIP packages run from $649 for Silver up to $1,049–$1,489 for Platinum, with Gold in between at $799–$949.99. Strongman VIP packages are a bit lower: $399 for Silver, $499 for Gold, and $699 for Platinum.
Date
4 March – 7 March
Location
Greater Columbus Convention Center and Ohio Expo Center
Price
Paid
Recommended Age
+14 years
