If there was ever a weekend to fight the bed-rot urge, it’s this one. The Queen City is buzzing with fun events and festivals this weekend that perfectly sum up our weird, talented, spirited city: Bockfest, the International Wine Festival, Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival and so much more.

Keep scrolling to see all the exciting events going on across Greater Cincinnati this weekend, and which one will feature an appearance from a Wicked star.

If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to CityBeat readers.

Mardi Gras Ball When: March 7 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Where: ARCO, East Price Hill What: Price Hill Will will host their eighth-annual fundraising campaign, the Mardi Gras Ball, this weekend. There will be three floors of entertainment such as a Boozy Ring Toss, a Cajun-style buffet, drinks, spirit contests and more. Price Hill Will, a nonprofit in Cincinnati, has been serving the neighborhoods of Lower, East, and West Price Hill for 20 years. At the event they will honor dedicated leaders in Price Hill. Who: Price Hill Will Why: Let’s continue the Mardi Gras parties and support Price Hill Will in their mission of “improving the quality of life of residents in Price Hill.” Photo: Polina Kovaleva/Pexels
Loveland’s Movie in the Park 7 p.m. Aug. 12 Don’t miss Loveland’s next movie in the park. This weekend they’re showing Disney’s Encanto. While the movie starts at 8:45 p.m., the fun begins at 7 p.m., with a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with actors dressed as Encanto characters, a bird demonstration by Raptors Inc., a door prize drawing and ice cream trucks and popcorn. 7 p.m. Aug. 12. Phillips Park, 11667 Rich Road, Loveland, lovinlifeloveland.com. Photo: Alex Litvin, Unsplash
Bockfest When: March 7-9 Where: Over-the-Rhine and surrounding neighborhoods What: The 33rd-annual Servatii Bockfest is prepped and ready for this weekend. With a keg tapping, .05k, parade, cry baby goat calling contest and more planned, Bockfest is celebrating the history of Over-the-Rhine brewing, spring and Bock beer. The official Bockfest Hall will include Moerlein Lager House, Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, Rhinegeist Brewery and Rosedale OTR, but other surrounding bars like Sam Adams Taproom and Voodoo Brewing will also be participating. Who: Servatii and Bockfest Why: Bockfest will be filling the streets of Cincinnati with beer and festivities. You don’t want to miss out on this fun. Photo: Provided by Steven Hampton of the OTR Brewery District
CORA Bike Trail & Expo When: March 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: MadTree Brewing, Oakley What: Sixty-five biking, hiking and outdoor vendors will be set up and ready to meet Greater Cincinnati outdoor enthusiasts. This is a chance for anyone looking for hiking boots, cycling gear and more to prepare for the 2025 outdoor season. Who: Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance Why: What better way to plan for spring than by surrounding yourself with the community that’s most ready for it? Photo: instagram.com/coramtb
Books by The Banks Festival When: Nov. 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Duke Energy Convention Center, Downtown What: Book signing and promotion event featuring local, national and regional authors. Who: Books by the Banks Why: Writing panels, contests and opportunities to meet writers. Photo: Tom Hermans via Unsplash
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight When: March 8 at 7 p.m. Where: Taft Theatre, Downtown What: Over the past four years, the Rock Orchestra has performed over 400 shows of famous rock music with an orchestra and gothic theme. Who: The Rock Orchestra and Taft Theatre Why: This is The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight’s first time show in Cincinnati, and you won’t want to miss it. Photo: Unsplash
Time to Paddy Races When: March 9 Where: Rentschler Forest MetroPark, Hamilton What: Gather the whole family and join in on the “Time to Paddy” fun. You can participate in the 5k, 10k or Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon. Join in on the race and the post-race food in support of Bodies, a foundation that hosts active and family-friendly events across the country looking to “keep our communities healthy, active, and united year-round.” Who: Bodies Why: What an exciting way to combine St. Patrick’s Day, community and fitness. Photo: facebook.com/artcentralfoundation
First Ever Cincy Closet Swap When: March 9 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Tupelo’s Social Club at HighGrain Brewing, Brentwood What: Follow a quick five steps to enjoy the Cincy Closet Swap. First, check your closet and pick out any clothes that don’t serve you anymore. Second, wash the clothes and pack them up for donation. Third, gather any donations, like dog/cat food, toys, peanut butter and more you have for Cincinnati Animal Care. Fourth, drop off the clothes and donations to an early donation spot or bring them with you to the event. Lastly, come shop, eat and drink at the event, where every item of clothing is only $1. Who: Cincy Closet Swap Why: All proceeds will go to Cincinnati Animal Care and the Triiibe Foundation. This event is a great way to get some new outfits and do good in the community. Photo: Cottonbro Studio, Pexels
Cincinnati International Wine Festival When: March 7 and 8 Where: Freestore Foodbank Distribution Center, Riverside What: In support of 30 Greater Cincinnati nonprofits working in education, the arts, health, and human services, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival will allow you to talk to wine professionals, take home a Riedel wine glass and indulge in food and hundreds of wine selections from around the world. Who: Cincinnati International Wine Festival Why: This is a perfect event for wine lovers. Photo: Paige Deglow
Darren Goodman’s Glass Through the Lens of an Artist Opening Reception When: March 7 from 6-8 p.m. Where: Middletown Arts Center, Middletown What: Explore glasswork by Darren Goodman that expresses his personal growth and historical narratives. Every piece tells a unique story with an intersecting theme of history, science, discovery and more. Who: Middletown Arts Center Why: It’s beautiful to learn the way others see the world around you. Photo: Provided by Middletown Arts Center