Best bets for this weekend in Columbus include 'Lebowski' event, cavalcade of comedy and MLK activities

It is finally starting to feel like winter in Greater Columbus, but that doesn't mean there aren't fun things to do.

If you're more inclined to stay inside, then what could be cooler than enjoying a showing of "The Big Lebowski," complete with beer tastings and a costume contest?

And if you are in need of a laugh, and let's face it, who isn't? Consider attending one of several standup comedians who will be visiting our fine city.

Or remember Vince Neil, longtime Motley Crue lead singer? If so, you can take in a show by the heavy metal legend when he performs at Hollywood Casino.

Things to do for MLK Day: Columbus' annual march returns, along with other events

And that's just a few of the ways to cool your heels this weekend. Read on for more ideas.

The ‘Dude-a-Thon’ movie screening abides

The perennially popular “Dude-a-Thon” — named for the title character in the Coen Brothers’ classic comedy “The Big Lebowski” — will return this weekend at Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse, 3055 Indianola Ave. Screenings of the film, starring Jeff Bridges as “The Dude,” will be accompanied by beer tastings and a costume contest. Showings on Jan. 14 and 15 are sold out; tickets remain at press time for the shows at 1 and 7 p.m. Jan. 16. Masks are required. Tickets cost $45. (www.studio35.com)

Movies, concerts and comedy this weekend: 'Scream' film release and more

Kathleen Madigan to make mirth at the mic

Kathleen Madigan, winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Female Comedian, performs 250 nights a year and has appeared more than 40 times on late-night talk shows, as well as taken several USO trips to entertain troops around the world.. Her standup specials have aired on Comedy Central, HBO and Netflix, and her “Madigan’s Pubcast” was launched during the pandemic. She will perform as part of her “Do You Have Any Ranch?” tour at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required. Tickets cost $34.75 to $140 at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com)

‘Soundtrack by Herbie Hancock’ flicks on tap

Come for the movies, but stay for the soundtracks: Concurrent with his career as a Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, Herbie Hancock has long been a prolific composer of scores for major motion pictures. This month, the Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., will screen eight movies scored by the jazz legend. The series will begin this weekend with screenings of French director Bertrand Tavernier’s portrait of the 1950s jazz scene, “’Round Midnight” (7 p.m. Jan. 14) and a double bill of the murder mystery “A Soldier’s Story” (4 p.m. Jan. 15) and the vigilante thriller “Death Wish,” starring Charles Bronson (7 p.m. Jan. 15). Additional movies will be shown through the end of the month. Masks are required. Tickets cost $9, or $7 for Wexner Center members, $5 for students. (www.wexarts.org)

Jokes, jests and jocularity with Jim Jeffries

Jim Jefferies, an Australian American standup comedian, actor and writer who comments on current events, relationships, sex, politics, religion, drug use and alcoholism, created and starred in the FX sitcom “Legit” and the Comedy Central late-night show “The Jim Jefferies Show” (2017-2019) and made his HBO debut with the special “I Swear to God.” His Netflix specials include “Intolerant” and “This is Me Now.” Jefferies will perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required. Tickets cost $39.75 to $179.75. (614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com)

The trains will be running on time!

Dozens of trains will be rolling down the tracks in the Lausche Building at the Ohio Expo Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 15-16 during the Great Train Show. More than 30 exhibitors will be operating their model trains, and more than 200 vendors will be selling train cars and other paraphernalia. A free test track will be available for those who want to check out the wares, and free workshops and demonstrations will be going on all weekend. Kids who come along can also take a ride on a child-sized train. Admission is $11 on Jan.15 and $10 on Jan. 16. Admission is free for kids. Tickets are available online or at the door. Tickets at the door are cash only. (trainshow.com)

Take a wild ride with Steve-O

Steve-O (aka Stephen Glover), the wild-and-crazy comedian best-known for working with Johnny Knoxville on the stunt-based reality show “Jackass,” has attracted more than 24 million followers on his social-media platforms and weekly podcast “Steve-O’s Wild Ride!” He also wrote the New York Times-bestselling memoir “Professional Idiot.” Steve-O, who has achieved 12 years of sobriety, will perform his multimedia stand-up act (including video of insane new stunts) for audiences over 18 years old, at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required. Tickets cost $40 to $60. (614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com)

Feeling catty? This Franklinton show's for you

Franklinton Fridays will go feline-friendly from 6 to 10 p.m. on Jan. 14 at 400 Square, 401 W. Town St. The Amazing Cat Show will exhibit feline art works of all sorts — paintings, drawings, collages, photography, sculpture and more — at 400 W. Rich and Chromedge, 289 W. Walnut St. Portions of the proceeds from the sales will go to Cat Welfare and Sanctuary House. Galleries around Franklinton will open to viewers and a mini Friendship Flea Market will be operating. Masks are required indoors. Admission is free. (www.facebook.com/franklintonfridays)

Columbus arts events and activities honor MLK

Celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Ohio History Center Museum, Interstate 71 and East 17th Avenue. From noon to 4 p.m., the King Arts Complex will hold an open house at the museum with dance, music, spoken-word performances and art activities for kids. At 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., visitors can watch the documentary “The Green Book: Guide to Freedom,” about the guidebook used by African Americans for safe travel across the country from the 1930s through the 1960s. Masks are required. Admission is free to all on Jan. 17. (614-297-2300, www.ohiohistory.org)

Vince Neil to rock Hollywood Casino

Longtime Motley Crue lead vocalist Vince Neil will be strutting his stuff during a solo performance at 9 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Event Center at Hollywood Casino, 200 Georgesville Road. Neil, who started performing with Motley Crue in 1981, will be present songs from his three solo albums as well as Motley Crue hits such as “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Dr. Feelgood.” The event is limited to those 21 and older, and masks are required. Tickets: $45 to $55. (614-308-3333, www.hollywoodcolumbus.com)

'Most Reluctant Convert' to be performed in Circleville

British children's book writer and Christian author C.S. Lewis is the subject of “The Most Reluctant Convert,” a one-actor play that will be performed at 1 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Ministry and Performing Arts Center at Ohio Christian University, 1476 Lancaster Pike, Circleville. Max McLean plays Lewis, author of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Screwtape Letters,” among many other books. Performed without an intermission, the 80-minute show will be followed by a conversation with McLean. It is recommended for those 13 and older, and those 4 and younger will not be admitted. Tickets: $39 to $49 (740-474-8896, www.ohiochristian.edu)

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Things to do in Columbus this weekend: 'Lebowski' showing, train show