Arnold Sports Festival 2026 dates, tickets, new events

February 27, 2026

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Feb. 27, 2026, 6:00 a.m. ET

The Arnold Sports Festival will take place March 5-8. The fest is primarily held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, with a few events at other sites.
The event was co-founded in 1989 by actor and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger and Worthington mayor Jim Lorimer.
Events range from bodybuilding and arm wrestling to the new Arnold Pickleball Invitational.

It’s been 50 years since a handshake set off a chain of events that made the Arnold Sports Festival possible.

The story actually dates back to 1970, when a then-unknown Austrian bodybuilder won a competition in Columbus that was organized by Worthington mayor Jim Lorimer.

Before leaving town, the young man told Lorimer that when he retired from bodybuilding, he’d be back to start an annual competition. Though doubtful, the mayor shook on it.

Arnold Schwarzenegger kept his word.

The pair began working together in 1976, running the Mr. Olympia contest, followed by Mr. World and Mr. Universe before founding the Arnold Classic in 1989.

Schwarzenegger and Lorimer’s longtime friendship will be recognized during the upcoming Arnold Sports Festival, which underwent a name change in 2006.

“It’s the 50th anniversary of (Schwarzenegger) promoting bodybuilding events in Columbus, so we’ll be doing some special things to celebrate,” said Brent LaLonde, events director for the Arnold.

In addition to bodybuilding and lifting events, the multisport fest runs a gamut from arm wrestling and boxing to dance and strongest firefighter competitions. It also boasts a massive expo with some 1,000 vendors.

The Arnold draws athletes from different nations and generations, which is part of the attraction for participants like Aaron Tucker, who regularly competes in the 5K Pump & Run.

“Seeing and meeting people from all over the world is fun, and the Pump & Run has people of all ages. It’s not just the hardcore, six-pack person; there’s every type of person – big, small, young, old,” Tucker said.

“Being part of the Arnold is a beautiful thing. I get to have my name in stone as being part of something global. I want to see more people get involved and have a great time.”

To help you have a great time at the Arnold – and maybe spot the Arnold himself – below are a few things to know if you plan to go.

When and where is the Arnold Sports Festival?

The event will open at 8 a.m. March 5 with the Arnold Amateur bodybuilding championships and the USA Weightlifting series.

The Arnold Fitness Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8.

VIP, Ultimate Expo and Fast Pass ticketholders will be admitted at 9 a.m. each day.

The fest will be headquartered at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., though some events will be held at the Hyatt Regency, Hilton Columbus Downtown and the Ohio Expo Center.

For more info, go to arnoldsports.com/schedule.

How much are tickets?

Since many events require a special ticket, there are various ticket types, with a wide range of prices.

VIP, Ultimate Expo and three-day passes are only available in advance through March 1. All other ticket types will be available at the door as supplies last.

For more details, see arnoldsports.com/tickets.

Are there any new events?

This year’s big addition is the Arnold Pickleball Invitational, which will run March 6-8 at Match Point, a 38-court pickleball center at 350 McCormick Blvd.

“We added pickleball because it’s a very popular and growing sport, and we’re always looking for ways to get more athletes involved,” LaLonde said.

Will Arnold attend the Arnold?

What would the Arnold be without its namesake? The 78-year-old actor and former California governor will be at the festival March 6-8, according to LaLonde.