The Hot 100 Days of Summer: JULY

Learn to fly like circus performers at the Levee’s FLYING TRAPEZE SCHOOL. $35-$55. Newport on the Levee, Newport, 513-921-5454.

Friday, July 2
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by headliners Pomegranates. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.

Get your motor runnin’! It’s the seventh annual NEWPORT MOTORCYCLE RALLY, where awards are given to the best-looking bikes. Festival also includes food, fireworks, live music and games. Free. 5 p.m.-midnight July 2; noon-midnight July 3-4; noon-8 p.m. July 5. Newport Festival Park, Newport, 859-292-3686 or www.newportmotorcyclerally.com.

Dayton’s CITYFOLK FESTIVAL is a three-day multi-cultural celebration featuring the best in traditional and ethnic music, dance and arts from across the United States and around the world. Free. 5:30-11 p.m. July 2; 1-10 p.m. July 3; 1-11 p.m. July 4. RiverScape MetroPark, between Jefferson and Patterson streets, Dayton, www.cityfolk.org.

Saturday, July 3
Fireworks aren’t the only things that can light up the sky. Head to Coney Island for the 11th annual LaRosa’s BALLOON GLOW, where 20 hot air balloons of every color will be illuminated and “glow” for all to see. The event will also feature live music, family entertainment, Coney’s classic rides and a fireworks display by Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks. Free. 5-11 p.m. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.coneyislandpark.com.

Giddy on up to Krohn Conservatory for finger lickin’ food and boot stompin’ dancing during the BIG OL’ BAR-B-QUE AND LINE DANCING event. Bring your hats and boots and mosey on in for food, fun, friends and line dancing lessons. $50. 7-9 p.m. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park, 513-421-4086.

Fountain Square hosts a weekly movie night all summer with TOYOTA’S MOVIE NIGHT. This Saturday check out the double-header of Fly Me to the Moon and Apollo 13. Families, couples, and groups of friends bring their own blankets, chairs, and pillows. Adult beverages, soft drinks, and movie snacks are available for purchase. Previews start at 7 p.m. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/movies.

Sunday, July 4
Fountain Square hosts P&G’s FOURTH OF JULY BASH. Enjoy a free fireworks display in the heart of downtown. Free. 9 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsqure.com/fourth.

Nick Clooney and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra take a tuneful tour of America with RED, WHITE AND BOOM! The evening features the May Festival Summer Chorus and Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $20; $15 lawn. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.cincinnatipops.com.

Head down to Yeatman’s Cove for an ALL-AMERICAN BIRTHDAY PARTY. There will be live music, food, games, family fun and fireworks. Free. 4-11 p.m. 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-352-6180.

Cincinnati Equinox presents the PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL, relocated to be bigger and prouder and downtown. Celebrate individuality with the Greater Cincinnati LGBT community and allies. Parade begins at 11 a.m. and the festival follows. Parade starts at Fifth and Sentinel streets, Downtown. www.equinoxcincinnati.com.

Monday, July 5
Bean Haus presents FIREPLACE COMEDY, an open-mic night for local comedians. Free. 640 Main St., Covington, 859-431-2326.

Tuesday, July 6
UNDERBELLY, the area’s hottest group comedy show, is an unpredictable evening of improv, sketches, music and more featuring local comedians. $3-$6. 9:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport, www.underbellycomedy.com.

SANTANA AND STEVE WINWOOD will play hits from Santana’s four-decade-long career as well as songs from a brand new studio album. $25-$90. 7:30 p.m. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.riverbend.org.

Wednesday, July 7
The Cincinnati Opera continues its 2010 summer festival with Giuseppe Verdi’s penultimate opera OTELLO, sung in the original Italian. $35-$212. 7:30 p.m. July 7 and 10. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-241-2742 or www.cincinnatiopera.org.

The Showboat Majestic opens COTTONPATCH GOSPEL, a musical set in rural Georgia with Country songs. $17; $16 seniors/students. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Through July 25. 435 E. Mehring Way, Downtown, 513-241-6550.

PARTY IN THE PARK presents a mix of live music, new friends and sweet happy hour deals. This week, 3 Day Rule gets the party started. Free. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Yeatman’s Cove at Sawyer Point, Downtown Riverfront, 513-579-3191 or www.party-in-the-park.com

Thursday, July 8
The COLLEGE HILL FARMERS’ MARKET features locally grown and regionally grown vegetables and fruits in season, baked goods, Shadeau Bread, iced herbal tea from the College Hill Coffee Company, local honey and eggs. 3-7 p.m. Free. 5742 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, www.cincinnatifarmersmarkets.org.

KINGS ISLAND is the amusement park with everything from terrifying roller coasters to water rides and funnel cakes to giant stuffed toys. They have more than 50 state-of-the-art rides, 14 world-class roller coasters including the new Diamondback, a 15-acre water park, an award-winning kids’ area, fun-filled musical productions, games of skill and an assortment of dining and shopping facilities. $32.99. Open at 10 a.m. daily. Kings Island Drive, Mason, www.visitkingsisland.com.

Friday, July 9
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, Why? headlines. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.

The 94th annual ST. RITA FEST, one of the Tristate’s largest summer festivals, kicks off with more than 100 booths and games for people of all ages. Try the famous turtle soup-a secret recipe only the family knows, join the Texas Hold ’Em tournament on Sunday, or ride all you can ride on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. for $12. 7 p.m.-midnight July 9; 4 p.m.-midnight July 10; 1-10 p.m. July 11. St. Rita School for the Deaf, 1720 Glendale Milford Road, Evendale, 513-772-7005.

Every Friday through Sept. 3, Lake Isabella is the place to be for FRIDAY NIGHT GRILL OUTS. Pick out a specialty dinner or a grill out dinner featuring your choice of a steak, BBQ chicken breast or a shrimp kabob. There will also be a la carte choices like burgers and dogs. Every night will feature live music starting at 6 p.m.

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Saturday, July 10
Today is the second day of Louisville’s FORECASTLE FESTIVAL, where the Midwest connects. This gathering is equal parts music, art and activism. Musical acts include The Flaming Lips, Widespread Panic, Spoon, DEVO, She & Him and more. $60 for a single-day pass; $150-$300 for three days. July 9-11. Riverfront Belvedere, Louisville, www.forecastlefest.com.

Stay cool this summer while watching DIVE IN MOVIES at the Beach Waterpark. Hang out in the Kahuna Beach Wavepool and watch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. $15.50 park admission after 4 p.m. 9 p.m. showtime. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, www.thebeachwaterpark.com.

Fountain Square hosts a weekly movie night all summer with TOYOTA’S MOVIE NIGHT. This Saturday check out the double-header of Fantastic Mr. Fox and Bend It Like Beckham. Families, couples, and groups of friends bring their own blankets, chairs, and pillows. Adult beverages, soft drinks, and movie snacks are available for purchase. Previews start at 7 p.m. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/movies.

Sunday, July 11
SECOND SUNDAY IN OTR (formerly Second Sunday on Main) is an open-air festival with musicians, craftspeople, food and drink celebrating the health of Over-the-Rhine and the Gateway Quarter. This month’s theme is “Global Groove” featuring plenty of World music. Free. Noon-5 p.m. Main and Vine streets, Over-the-Rhine, secondsundayonmain.org.

HYDE PARK FARMERS’ MARKET offers both organic and conventionally grown produce, with an emphasis on organic. Support small and family run farms in the area. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. US Bank parking lot, 3424 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, www.hydeparkfarmersmarket.com.

Monday, July 12
Wham! Visit ARCADE LEGENDS arcade, the Tristate’s only all-you-can-play arcade. With over 50 arcade and pinball machines, a console gaming area with an HDTV and PCs for all your online gaming needs, you’ll never need to leave the air conditioning again. $8-$12. Opens at 10 a.m. daily. 5951-3 Boymel Drive, Fairfield, 513-874-TRON.

Tuesday, July 13
More than 250 pianists from around the world have been selected to show in the 53rd anniversary of the WORLD PIANO COMPETITION, one of the most prestigious in the world. Performances open to the public. July 13-18. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-421-5342 or www.cincinnatiwpc.org.

Nothing says “remember how good music used to be” like a pavilion full of your parents’ tipsy friends. CHICAGO AND THE DOOBIE BROTHERS take over PNC Pavilion playing classics like “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and “Listen to the Music.” $36-$76. 8 p.m. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.pncpavilion.com.

Wednesday, July 14
Enjoy beautiful weather, flowing drinks and a wild party at Q102-FM & BUD SELECT PARTY ON THE RIVER. Tonight, Lions Rampant plays. 5:30-10 p.m. Free. Yeatman’s Cove, 805 Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-699-5102.

Thursday, July 15
“Live at the Levee” present SOUL POCKET as part of the summer concert series. Newport on the Levee, Newport, 859-291-0550.

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS play Riverbend with the Drive-By Truckers. 7:30 p.m. $53-$150.35. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.riverbend.org.

Friday, July 16
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by headliners You You’re Awesome. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.

The 17th FESTIVAL IN SYCAMORE celebrates summer with two days of fun, food and music. Check out national acts like Starship with Mickey Thomas and Survivor. Free. 6 p.m.-midnight July 16-17. Bechtold Park, 4312 Sycamore Road, Sycamore Twp., 513-791-8447.

The eighth annual MIDFIRST OHIO CHALLENGE is a full festival featuring sanctioned hot air balloon competition events. Enjoy Team Fastrax professional skydiving team, the best of regional musical entertainment, classic car show, arts and crafts vendors, a wide variety of festival foods, tethered hot air balloon rides, airplane and helicopter rides and much more. $3. 4-10:30 p.m. July 16; 6:45 a.m.-11 p.m. July 17; 1-10:30 p.m. July 18. Smith Park, Middletown Regional Airport, Middletown, ohiochallenge.com.

Saturday, July 17
Explore ARTWORLD at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Families participate in hands-on activities for all ages, interests, and learning styles. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, 513-721-2787.

Take part in the ultimate live radio experience with Michael Feldman’s WHAD’YA KNOW? Join Michael and Jim Packard for a live nationwide broadcast featuring two hours of fun questions, special guests, great music and unique prizes. $27.50-$62.50. 10:30 a.m. Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, www.cincinnatiarts.org.

Fountain Square hosts a weekly movie night all summer with TOYOTA’S MOVIE NIGHT. This Saturday check out the double-header of Monsters vs. Aliens and Star Trek. Families, couples, and groups of friends bring their own blankets, chairs, and pillows. Adult beverages, soft drinks, and movie snacks are available for purchase. Previews start at 7 p.m. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/movies.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra plays some Beach Boys classics during ENDLESS SUMMER. 8 p.m. $18-$47. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., 513-381-3300 or www.cincinnatipops.com.

Sunday, July 18
Honey, this ain’t your grandma’s bingo because it’s GAY BINGO! Play the elderly’s favorite game of chance to benefit Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati and STOP AIDS. Each Gay BINGO has its own theme, set of special games and rules just for Gay BINGO participants. The theme this time is “BIG Hair Bingo.” $20. 6 p.m. ETC, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, www.gaybingocincinnati.com.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK. Watch them perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream. How romantic. Free. 7 p.m. Lytle Park, 501 E. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-381-2288.

Monday, July 19
The 161st annual WARREN COUNTY FAIR includes talent shows, magic shows, wood carvers, a jungle island zoo, camel rides, a cornhole tournament, karaoke and demolition derbies, as well as farm animals, food vendors and more. July 19-24. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway, Lebanon, 513-695-1311 or www.warrencountyfair.org.

Walk the labyrinth at GRAILVILLE RETREAT CENTER in Loveland. No, it’s not a maze — it’s a circular path used for reflection and meditation. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Grailville, 932 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, 513-683-2340.

Tuesday, July 20
Spend AN EVENING WITH STING at Riverbend Music Center. The tour includes songs re-imagined for symphonic arrangement, conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio. $94-$159. 8 p.m. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.riverbend.org.

Wednesday, July 21
The Cincinnati Opera concludes its 2010 summer festival with LA BOHEME. 7:30 p.m. July 21; 7:30 p.m. July 23; 3 p.m. July 25. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, www.cincinnatiopera.org.

PARTY IN THE PARK presents a mix of live music, new friends and sweet happy hour deals. This week, 4th Day Echo gets the party started. Free. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Yeatman’s Cove at Sawyer Point, Downtown on the riverfront, www.party-in-the-park.com.

Thursday, July 22
Get out of the city with a quick trip to IMAGO, the earth center and nature preserve in Price Hill. Their goal is to “foster a deeper harmony with Earth by providing educational experiences, creating opportunities for discussion and community building, and conserving natural areas.” Foster your connection with the Earth by wandering around the 23 acres of urban forest. Free. 700 Enright Ave., Price Hill, www.imagoearth.org.

Friday, July 23
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by headliners Wussy. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.

The 12th annual GREATER ANDERSON DAYS has thrill rides, games, food vendors and gambling tents for the grown-ups with casino-style games such as blackjack. Free. 5-11 p.m. July 23-24; 5-10 p.m. July 25. Beech Acres Park, 6910 Salem Ave., Anderson, www.andersonparks.com.

B&B Aero will host the HAWKS (Hamilton Area Wireless Kontrol Society) RC Model Jet Club THUNDER IN THE SKY. Watch as realistic model jets fly through Smith Park. $4. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. July 25-26; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 27. www.hawksrc.org.

Saturday, July 24
Stay cool this summer while watching DIVE IN MOVIES at the Beach Waterpark. Hang out in the Kahuna Beach Wavepool and watch The Blind Side. $15.50 park admission after 4 p.m. 9 p.m. showtime. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, www.thebeachwaterpark.com.

Fountain Square hosts a weekly movie night all summer with TOYOTA’S MOVIE NIGHT. This Saturday check out the double-header of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Where the Wild Things Are. Families, couples, and groups of friends bring their own blankets, chairs, and pillows. Adult beverages, soft drinks, and movie snacks are available for purchase. Previews start at 7 p.m. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/movies.

Sunday, July 25
MAINSTRASSE ANTIQUES, ETC. turns MainStrasse into a vintage street fair with over 50 antique dealers selling quality pieces and collectibles. Rain or shine. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 25. MainStrasse Village, Covington, 859-491-0458.

The CLERMONT COUNTY FAIR, a tradition since the days of the Gold Rush, includes monster truck shows, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, farm displays, auctions and horse races. $10 one-day admission; $30 weekly admission. July 25-31. Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville, www.clermontcountyfair.org.

The BUTLER COUNTY FAIR features Country music bands, livestock exhibitions, rides, concession sales and classes- including sheep decorating. $6, $1 children 6 to 12. July 25-31. Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton, www.butlercofair.com.

Monday, July 26
Take a walk on the mild side at CALIFORNIA WOODS NATURE PRESERVE along Kellogg Avenue. The totally pristine hiking trails accommodate different levels of ability, including the one-mile California Junction Trail, Trillium Valley Trail and Prairie Meadow Trail. A great place to spot flowers, birds and butterflies. Free. Dawn-dusk daily. 5400 Kellogg Ave., California, 513-231-8678.

Tuesday, July 27
JOHN MAYER plays Riverbend Music Center with TRAIN. 7 p.m. $45.80-$81.70. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.riverbend.org.

Wednesday, July 28
Put on your studded belt because it’s time for the annual VANS WARPED TOUR. This year acts include bands like Alexisonfire, Less Than Jake, Senses Fail, Underoath and more. $33.50 advance general admission, $40 day of show. Music starts at noon. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., 513-232-6220.

Enjoy beautiful weather, flowing drinks and a wild party at Q102 & BUD SELECT PARTY ON THE RIVER. Tonight is Ladies Night and Stray Mafia plays. 5:30-10 p.m. Free. Yeatman’s Cove, 805 Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-699-5102.

Thursday, July 29
Sporting the freshest food in town at a fraction of the cost of a grocery store trip, FINDLAY MARKET is history, an outing and value in one spot. Free to roam. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. 100 block of West Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, www.findlaymarket.org.

The Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre presents their annual summer musical: LES MISERABLES, an epic struggle against adversity in 19th century France. $10-$20. July 23-Aug. 1. Covedale Center for Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, 513-241-6550.

Friday, July 30
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by headliners Eat Sugar and Bob Log III. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.

The MACY’S MUSIC FESTIVAL returns with acts like Charlie Wilson, Jill Scott, En Vogue and Maze. $45-$85. 7:30 p.m. July 30-31. Paul Brown Stadium, Second and Elm Sts., Downtown, 513-455-4800 or www.macysmusicfestival.com.

Saturday, July 31
Ready for something hotter than summer? Head to Jungle Jim’s WEEKEND OF FIRE festival. Prepare your palate for up to 75 booths of hot sauces, barbecue sauces, salsas, marinades, mustards, jerky’s, peppers and more from the all across the U.S. There will also be cooking classes and contests. $5. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 31; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1. Oscar Event Center, 5440 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, www.junglejims.com.

Fountain Square hosts a weekly movie night all summer with TOYOTA’S MOVIE NIGHT. This Saturday check out the double-header of Over the Hedge and King Kong. Families, couples, and groups of friends bring their own blankets, chairs, and pillows. Adult beverages, soft drinks, and movie snacks are available for purchase. Previews start at 7 p.m. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/movies.

Cheer for the REDS as they battle the Atlanta Braves. 7:10 p.m. $7-$230. Great American Ballpark, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, 877-647-7337.

Riverbend transforms into Radio City Music Hall as the Cincinnati Pops showcase some of Broadway’s best and brightest stars in AND THE TONY GOES TO…BEST OF BROADWAY. Expect greatest hits from award-winning shows including Gypsy, Hairspray and Les Miserables. 8 p.m. $18-$47. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., 513-381-3300 or www.cincinnatipops.com.