The Ohio State Humanities Institute has launched Humanities on Tap, a monthly series of community events that bring the humanities to life across Columbus. Each gathering offers an easygoing space to explore big ideas, hear fresh perspectives and connect with friends. Led by local experts and storytellers, these talks are engaging, approachable and social—perfect for curious minds throughout our community.

The first three events of the series are at Budd Dairy Food Hall, a culinary and event space in Italian Village that houses a food court and communal seating on all levels, including a rooftop patio. All events start at 7 pm.

Spring 2026 Humanities on Tap Events:

Digging in the Crates: Listening to Music like a Hip Hop Producer 

Friday, January 23

J. Rawls, hip hop musician, producer, DJ and assistant professor of hip hop at the OSU School of Music will explore the act of "crate digging," or the practice of searching through crates of records to find rare vinyl for sampling. Centering the “hip hop producer’s ear,” it reveals how producers listen emotionally, intuitively and critically to uncover sounds that hold cultural memory. 

The History of Beer 

Friday, February 27

Emma Todd, PhD student in the Department of History, will present a talk on the history of beer. She'll reveal how beer and brewing were important for shaping the German American immigrant identity for both insiders and outsiders.

Pub Songs & Trivia: British and Irish Folk

Friday, March 27

Nicholas Booker, PhD student in musicology and ethnomusicology, will present "Pub Songs & Trivia: British and Irish Folk." Grab a pint, learn songs, answer some trivia and immerse yourself in the singing traditions of Cornwall, Wales, the Isle of Man, Scotland and Ireland.

Immersive Sound in Video Games

Friday, April 17

Alex Sallade, associated faculty in the School of Music, will present "Immersive Sound in Video Games" at the LevelOne Barcade near Worthington. How does video game music make you feel immersed, despite it being a virtual world? He'll explore the audio techniques used by game designers to bring fantastical realms to life. 

The Budd Dairy events will be held in tandem with "Fourth Street Fridays," monthly open-air evenings featuring creative entertainment and special gatherings hosted by small businesses along North Fourth Street.

For more information, follow each link to the specific event page.

For more information about the "Humanities on Tap" community event series, please contact Ryan Skinner, Director of the Humanities Institute and Professor and Area Head for Musicology and Music Theory.