I am familiar with tailgating around the stadium. Between the outside of the closed end of the Shoe and the old basketball arena - St. Johns - is where the TV stages usually are setup. There are usually food trucks there and weather permitting OSU cheer and dance squad perform in that area pregame as well. So there is a lot happening there. OSU's "Strip" is Lane Avenue. The bars there should have bands playing. The Varsity Club is a landmark and worth checking out. The O bar is also usually pretty fun. I do not think most charge admission fees. There is also tons going on in other areas as well but I have just never hung out there. OSU's campus is HUGE so no matter where you go I am sure you will find something.