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We really needed this long weekend, Cincinnati. There is plenty of revelry to be had in Greater Cincinnati this Memorial Day weekend, from Cincinnati food festival Taste of Cincinnati to the inaugural OMNIAFRICA event celebrating Africa Day. Keep scrolling to see our favorite events happening this weekend.
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.
Big Bubble Rave
When: May 24 at 9 p.m.
Where: Bogart’s, Corryville
What: A Spongebob-themed rave with live performances.
Who: Big Bubble Rave
Why: An evening of fun in Bikini Bottom at Bogart’s. Photo: Artem Bryzgalov, UnsplashBest Food Festival or Event
Winner: Taste of Cincinnati
Runners-up: Oktoberfest, Cincinnati Food Truck Association Festival Photo: Facebook.com/TasteofCincinnatiThe Play That Goes Wrong at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
When: May 24-25 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Otto M. Budig Theater, Over-the-Rhine
What: The show must go on at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s rendition of The Play That Goes Wrong.
Who: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Why: Enjoy an evening full of laughter for the “fantastic, farcical, fiasco of a show and Off-Broadway and West End comedic hit.” Photo: Hailey BollingerOMNIAFRICA: Cincinnati’s Africa Day Celebration
When: May 25 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Fountain Square, Downtown
What: Celebrate Africa Day with music, dance, food and networking.
Who: Soulful Change
Why: Learn more about the contributions of the African diaspora in Greater Cincinnati. Photo: Provided by Soulful ChangeAfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show
When: May 25 from 6-11 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Arts Center, Downtown
What: A showcase of over 40 Black art, fashion and hair artists.
Who: Sweet Sistah Splash
Why: It’s the largest natural hair and fashion experience in the Midwest. Photo: Provided by Sweet Sistah SplashMay Festival: Her Story
When: May 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
What: An immersive presentation on women’s struggle for equality in America.
Who: May Festival
Why: A presentation by Julia Wolfe in collaboration with Anne Kauffman, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Lorelei Ensemble. This visual experience invokes words of historical figures and pivotal moments in women’s history to capture the passion of the women who challenged prejudice. Photo: Peter SerlingCin City Burlesque Photo: Jesse FoxCincy Silent Disco Pajama Party
When: May 25 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Madison Theater, Covington
What: Three live DJs will be broadcasting three different genres into your headset all night long.
Who: Cincy Silent Disco
Why: A fun evening with EDM music by KimL, ’70s, ‘80s and ‘90s classics by Sexbox and modern hits by John Chapel. Photo: DJVibe/StudioX, UnsplashPaint and Sip
When: Nov. 3 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: The Pitch, Over-the-Rhine
What: A paint-by-numbers style event with refreshments.
Who: The Paint Sesh
Why: Learn to paint “The Vibrant Tiger.” Photo: Anna Kolosyuk via UnsplashKristina Kuzmic: Lies I Told Myself Tour
When: May 25 at 3 p.m.
Where: Funny Bone Comedy Club, Liberty Township
What: Comedian and bestselling author Kristina Kuzmic performs at the Liberty Funny Bone.
Who: Funny Bone Comedy Club
Why: Experience an evening of laughter and inspiration from Kuzmic’s message of resilience and hope surrounding mental health issues. Photo: instagram.com/kristinakuzmicDave Ross Comedy
When: Friday, May 17 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: The Comet, Northside
What: Comedy performances by headliner Dave Ross accompanied by Karl Spaeth and Carly Ballerini.
Who: Bombs Away! Comedy
Why: Enjoy good food from The Comet and easy laughs from comedians Dave Ross, Karl Spaeth and Carly Ballerini. Photo: facebook.com/TheCometCincinnatiBird Walk with Kathi Hutton
When: May 26 from 8-11 a.m.
Where: Kirby Nature Center, Addyston
What: Enjoy a beginner-friendly, songbird-focused walk with an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist.
Who: Western Wildlife Corridor
Why: Celebrate a beautiful spring day with birdsong. Photo: Boris Smokrovic, UnsplashLaura Jane Grace at Madison Theater
When: May 26 at 8 p.m.
Where: Madison Theater, Covington
What: See Laura Jane Grace with Worriers and Sam Russo at an all-ages show.
Who: Madison Theater
Why: Also perfect for those fans waiting for Against Me! to end their hiatus. Photo: Bella Peterson