COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Palace Theatre welcomed the public Saturday for a free open house marking 100 years as a Columbus performing arts venue, with a scavenger hunt and hands-on activities led by local arts organizations. About 75 people were waiting when doors opened at 1 p.m., said Peter Keiser, vice president of marketing and ticketing for the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, which operates the theater. Children could try instruments with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, while BalletMet offered dance lessons. The activities were intended to give people of different ages an accessible introduction to the performing arts, Keiser said. The celebration, called “Palace 100,” also invited visitors to explore the historic theater. Keiser credited community support with helping sustain the venue over the past century. Its program has ranged from Broadway productions and concerts to comedy and dance. The centennial events will continue Nov. 14 with “The Genius of Ray Charles,” a performance using Charles’ music to honor artists who have appeared on the Palace stage. Two other Columbus Association for the Performing Arts venues, the Ohio Theatre and Lincoln Theatre, are also set to reach their 100th anniversaries in 2028.