While the annual — and gigantic — Findlay Market Opening Day Parade is once again on hold this year due to COVID safety concerns, baseball season is plunging ahead with Reds Opening Day on April 1. The team takes on the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park at 4:10 p.m.
And if you don't feel like watching from home, here are 10 different ways to celebrate Opening Day 2021 in Cincinnati.
Opening Day Extravaganza at Arnold’s Bar & Grill — In what has become “Arnold’s tradition,” Arnold’s Bar & Grill will have live music, signed memorabilia, hot dogs from Avril-Bleh and a rare/baseball-inspired beer list for its Opening Day celebration. In total, attendees will have the chance to win over 150 prizes, including autographed baseball cards from players such as Joey Votto and Ken Griffey Jr., Maker’s-Mark-wax-dipped baseballs, vintage unopened 1980s baseball card packs and more. Jim Tarbell will also make an appearance as Peanut Jim Shelton, playing the mouth-harp. The beer list will feature brews such as Rhinegeist Sabertooth, 16 Lots Raspberry Major League Red Pilsner and MadTree Rounding Third Red. Reservations are highly recommended, and Arnold’s cannot accept more people when it has reached capacity. There's a two-hour time limit on guests during big events so more people can have a chance to experience the fun. Noon-9 p.m. April 1. Arnold’s Bar & Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown.
Reds Opening Day on the Levee — Watch the game go down on the big screen when you head to Newport on the Levee. To satisfy your stomach there will be baseball-themed drinks and snacks. Bask in the sun and views of the Ohio River while cheering on the Reds. 4-9 p.m. April 1. Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport.
Opening Day Watch Party at Fountain Square — Nothing screams "city living" more than watching Opening Day from the heart of downtown. Grab some of your favorite carryout from a nearby establishment and head over to Fountain Square, where the Reds will be broadcasted on the new Fifth Third LED board. The Fountain Square bar will be offering beer, wine and seltzer. First pitch isn’t until 4:10 p.m. which means you’ll have plenty of time to imbibe and vibe beforehand. 2 p.m. April 1. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown.
Opening Day Watch Party at Washington Park — Taft's Brewing Co. is teaming up with Washington Park to present a day of baseball fun. Head to the park for beer, wine, seltzer and cocktails starting at The Porch at noon. They'll be screening the first pitch at 4:10 p.m. — and the rest of the game — on the big LED board. Taft's will be offering a special new brew, as well as Opening Day T-shirts. Throughout the rest of the weekend, you can catch Reds games (Friday and Saturday) as well as baseball-themed movies (Saturday and Sunday night). Make sure you stay within your socially distant circle while on the lawn. Noon-9 p.m. April 1. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Opening Day at Overlook Kitchen + Bar — Overlook Kitchen + Bar is hosting a "Tailgate on the Terrace" for their Opening Day celebration. While waiting for first pitch, munch on any of the food specials being offered, including $5 BBQ Ranch Spiced Pork Rinds, $3 housemade Cracker Jacks or an $8 sausage — either a Cincinnati chili dog, Eckerlin Meats Who Dey brat or Asian BBQ. Wash it all down with $20 buckets of Miller Lite or Bud Light. 11 a.m. April 1. Overlook Kitchen + Bar, 5345 Medpace Way, Madisonville.
Opening Day at Rosedale OTR — Rosedale OTR is celebrating the return of baseball with $5 White Claws and $3 Miller Lites. While waiting for first pitch (or during some of the slower moments of the game), partake in your own ball game and try your hand at bocce ball. 3 p.m. April 1. Rosedale OTR, 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine.
Red's Opening Day-Party at FB's Kitchen & Lounge — Stop by the patio at FB’s Kitchen & Lounge for some Opening Day curated tunes, $5 Red Bombs and $8 burger and coney combos! The pre-gaming starts at 11 a.m., and the energy turns up at 4, right before first pitch. Reserve your table before they fill up. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. April 1. FB’s Kitchen & Patio, 126 W. Sixth St., Downtown.
Opening Day at the Rhinegeist — Cheer on the Reds from a Cincinnati staple. Rhinegeist is hosting Opening Day festivities with themed decor, food by OTR Chili and drink specials. Watch the Reds take on the St. Louis Cardinals from the taproom, or rent out the semi-private VIP lounge in the Dugout by emailing [email protected]. Noon April 1. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Opening Day at Braxton Brewing Co. — Celebrate Opening Day at either Braxton's Covington or Pendleton taproom. Munch on a pretzel dog, practice catching peanuts in your mouth, and wash it all down with your favorite Braxton beers. Drake’s Food Truck will be offering mini burger and fry samples while supplies last at the Covington taproom from noon-7 p.m. 11 a.m. April 1. Braxton Brewing Company, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington.; 331 E. 13th St., Pendleton.
Viewing Party at Redwine & Co. — In celebration of Opening Day, Redwine & Co. is offering a variety of deals sure to please any baseball fanatic. Food specials include: $1 wings all day long and $2 hot dogs. To quench your thirst: $1 off whiskey, $2 domestics until 6 p.m. and $3 wells until 6 p.m. 4 p.m. April 1. Redwine & Co. 20 W Benson St., Reading.
