America is a nation of change. Sometimes, we must be reminded of our heritage, especially when that heritage is still being formed. Appalachian coal mining is one of America's energy mainstays, but many Americans are blissfully unaware of its intricacies. This is exactly what the Beehive Design Collective is trying to reverse with their "True Cost of Coal" design campaign.  

Mardi Gras and booze go together like beads and … you know. But Mardi Gras and food don't always have the same visceral connection in one's mind. Findlay Market is trying to change all that with their seventh annual Findlay Market Mardi Gras challenges this Sunday. Market merchants will be competing in several categories: best decorations, costumes, food and spirit.  

Have you ever dreamt of being a part of "the family"? You know, a "family" that holds "functions" to "raise money" for certain, deserving "causes." OK, that's actually quite noble and maybe all the quotation marks weren't necessary — the mob mystique definitely sets the mood for the 216 Foundation's Sixth Annual Gangster Gala. The "event" will feature Blackjack tables, Roulette (probably not of the Russian variety), craps and Texas Hold 'em, all run by professional dealers.  

Some things in life must be seen to be believed. If you ask me, a midget burlesque dancer would be near the top of that list. Fortunately for those with overactive imaginations, the Pretty Things Peepshow is back in town to help satisfy your curiosity. In addition to the aforementioned Lil' Miss Firefly, the Peepshow performers include Miss Heather Holiday, Go-go Amy and Donny Vomit, with local guest stars Drag Diva Shafreaka Jane and Cin City Burlesque.  

Freaks, chic and some sweet beats — that's what The Voodoo Carnival: A Mardi Gras Masquerade is in a nutshell. Held on Saturday at the Southgate House, the Carnival will be host to all kinds of devious events. The Queen City Cabaret will perform along with the Pickled Bros. Sideshow, Robin Marks Magic and belly dancing presented by Zahara's Tangled Web. Local Voodoo Rockabilly rebels Switchblade Syndicate will round out the night with an appropriately hedonistic performance.  

As the phrase goes, if you love something, let it go. But if Park and Vine had anything to say about it, they'd amend the phrase to: if you don't want it, trade it for something else. Every Saturday, the local, eco-friendly, store sets up the Pop-Up Swap Shop and Last Bites Bakery, at 1200 Main St., Over-the-Rhine (next to their main store) from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  

Saturday at Findlay Market, Cincinnati's Chili Meister will be crowned. Allow the gravitas of this situation to settle in for a second… Now that your shattered world has been crafted anew, we can talk about the seventh annual Gold Star Chili Cook-Off. Thirty of the city's top chili cooks will square off; only three will win a title and prize. The tasting is open to the public at 1:30 p.m., so we all win, really.  

With the "Drunk, High and Unemployed Tour" coming to the Madison Theater, only two options are possible: either Coolio is coming to town or Canada's own Trailer Park Boys are hitting the road. And since Coolio is now a Juggalo (really, look it up … I'll wait) it's safe to bet it's those crazy Canadians. Based off of two movies and a mockumentary series, this live tour features Ricky, Julian and Bubbles at their very best … or worst, depending on how you interpret their shenanigans.  

People say Punk Rock is dead. Some say it died with Sid Vicious, others say Joey Ramone. But no matter which trailblazer took Punk Rock to his grave, the in-your-face, D.I.Y., fuck-the-world attitude is, indeed, dead. But it isn’t exactly resting in peace.  

Hot cars, hot women and hot food. There isn't much more that a man needs in life. Add in cold beer and you've completed many a man's list of every earthly desire. Luckily for the men of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, the KOI Auto Parts Cavalcade of Customs has all four. It also has Henry "The Fonz" Winkler. So, essentially, the Duke Energy Center will be transformed into masculine nirvana Friday-Sunday.