The 38th Arnold Sports Festival returns to Columbus with four days of competitions, including the Arnold Classic, Strongman events, and the debut of pickleball.
Arnold Sports Festival 2026 Returns to Columbus
A longtime Columbus tradition and the largest event of its kind in the country is back this week.
The 38th annual Arnold Sports Festival begins Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Ohio Expo Center, and several other central Ohio locations.
The four-day festival features elite bodybuilding, strongman competitions, fitness expos, and a new addition in 2026 competitive pickleball.
Tickets and Key Events
Most competitions inside the convention center are included with a Daily Expo Ticket. Three-day passes and Fast Pass options are also available online.
Separate tickets are required for select headline events, including:
- Arnold Strongman Classic and Arnold Strongwoman Classic
- Friday and Saturday Night Finals
- NPC Worldwide Arnold Amateur Championships
- IFBB Pro League Meet & Greet
- Arnold Sunday Showcase featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger
Parking is available at the Ohio Expo Center for $12, with free shuttle service running between venues throughout the weekend.
What to See at the Arnold Expo
The Arnold Expo will host more than 800 booths representing roughly 300 companies. Attendees can explore the latest in sports gear, apparel, supplements, and nutrition trends, while meeting athletes and industry experts.
Fan-favorite attractions such as the Animal Cage and the Stack3d Pavilion will return, showcasing strength demonstrations and emerging brands in fitness and nutrition.
Headlining Competitions
The Arnold Classic will headline Saturday night’s finals. Defending champion Hadi Choopan leads the field, alongside former winners Brandon Curry and Nick Walker.
In the strongman division, Mitchell Hooper aims for a fourth consecutive title at the Arnold Strongman Classic. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, widely known for his role in Game of Thrones, is also set to compete.
The Arnold Strongwoman Classic will feature 11 top athletes, including reigning champion Angelica Jardine and former titleholder Olga Liaschuck.
What’s New in 2026
Pickleball will debut at the festival this year with the Arnold Pickleball Invitational, held at Match Point in Columbus. The event will feature round-robin competition followed by playoff rounds across age divisions.
A Look Back
The Arnold Classic was co-founded in 1989 by Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer as a one-day bodybuilding competition. It has since grown into the nation’s largest multi-sport fitness festival, drawing athletes and fans from around the world.
Lorimer, who played a key role in expanding the event, died in 2022 at age 96. Today, the festival continues to generate significant economic impact for Columbus while showcasing elite strength and physique sports.
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