Your Weekend To Do List: 8/17-8/19

A downtown nightclub might not be the most likely spot to find a pop-up gallery, local visual artists, independent filmmakers and other creatives, but that’s exactly what’s happening Friday at Luxe. RAWartists Cincinnati is a local chapter of RAW:natural born artists which describes itself as an “international independent arts organization that hand-selects and spotlights independent creatives in visual art, film, fashion, music, hair and makeup artistry, photography, models and performing art.” The organization gives artists in various cities the tools to produce and showcase their work to the public. RAW hosts RADIATE, an event featuring a fashion show, short film screening, art gallery and music from Sweet Ray Laurel and Honey Combs. The artravaganza begins at 8 p.m., followed by an after-party of drinks and dancing at midnight. Tickets are $15 at the door. A belly dancing convention in Cincinnati? Yup, that’s happening this weekend. Sharonville Convention Center fills with dancers, music, Middle Eastern culture and lots of exposed tummies Friday-Sunday. Visitors can attend for belly dancing performances as well as workshops. Work those hips! This weekend brings the Midwest Black Family Reunion to town for the 24th year. Celebrate African-American culture with Gospel and R&B music, lots of food, guest speakers, a parade and more, Friday-Saturday at Sawyer Point. The City Flea takes over Washington Park Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. You never know what kinds of treasures you’ll find at this urban flea market: from vintage boots and handmade rings to terrariums and refurbished furniture. Re-fuel with noms from Fireside Pizza, Queen City Cookies, Taste of Belgium and more tasty local vendors. Pull your rainbow spandex bodysuit out of storage, because it’s time for another local LGBTQ celebration! Northside Pride Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. Saturday and continues ‘til closing time for the neighborhood’s bars and businesses. Start off with a party at Hoffner Park where there will be free grill-out grub, Vitamin Water, HIV testing, music and more, then make your way through Northside hot spots for more fun and specials all night long. Participating businesses include The Serpent, Junkers Tavern, Chameleon and Northside Tavern, which hosts a Chicken Lays An Egg fashion show 5-7 p.m. DJs and drag queens for days! The Taft Museum highlights animals in art this weekend with the Third Sunday Funday series for families. Kids can look for animals in works throughout the museum, make animal puppets, get some wildlife face painting and even meet some critters from the Cincinnati Zoo. The free event runs 1-4 p.m. Sunday.