Make the most of this weekend’s break from the sweltering heat by stepping out of your air-conditioned cocoon and into the heart of Cincinnati. From Paddlefest on the Ohio River to music festivals and foodie gatherings, the Queen City is packed with can’t-miss events.

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.

Photo: Sean M. Peters
Free Little Debbie Ice Cream and Hudsonville Ice Cream pop-ups When: Aug. 1 at 11 a.m.-2 p.m. while supplies last Where: Throughout downtown, including near Smale Riverfront Park and Great American Ballpark What: The “ice cream street team” will be handing out free samples of Little Debbie Ice Cream Bars and Hudsonville Ice Cream bars. Who: Hudsonville Ice Cream Why: No one could ever be foolish enough to say no to free ice cream…right? Photo: Hudsonville Ice Cream
Photo: Brittany Thornton
Hanover Winery Fest When: Aug. 1 and 2 from 1-10 p.m. Where: Hanover Winery, Hamilton What: Guests will have a chance to choose between 30 different wines (ranging from sweet to dry) offered by Hanover Winery. Not into wine? The winery also offers bourbon, beer, house sangria and wine and bourbon slushies, along with food. Who: Hanover Winery Why: Sip on a glass of wine while you enjoy the idyllic surroundings. Photo: Google Maps
Ohio River Paddlefest When: Aug. 2 at 7 a.m. Where: Nine miles through downtown Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky What: Watch as people race through the waters of the Ohio River on canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft. Who: Adventure Crew Why: It’s our own mini Olympics. Photo: Provided by Paddlefest
Jazz in the Park When: Aug. 2 from 4-10 p.m. Where: Central Park, Forest Park What: Listen to free performances from jazz musicians Rebecca Jade, Ellis Hamilton, The Vault and Take Four from your comfortable lawn chair. Food and drink will also be available for purchase at the event. Who: City of Forest Park Why: Let the soothing sounds of jazz transform your summertime weekend. Photo: Provided
Around the World Bar Crawl at The Banks When: Aug. 2 from noon-5 p.m. Where: Check-in for the bar crawl begins at 11 a.m. at The Stretch (191 E. Freedom Way) What: The Around the World Bar Crawl will take place across 10 bars and restaurants at The Banks. Each restaurant will transform into a different country, including themed cocktails and decor. Participants can visit each “country” solo or with a partner and can travel from bar to bar trying drinks and taking on minute-to-win-it games at each stop. Who: The Banks Why: You’ll also get a passport that can be stamped at each location to enter to win grand prizes. The more stamps you get, the more chances you have to win. Photo: facebook.com/RedLeprechaun
2nd Annual Norwood Comedy Festival When: Aug. 2 from 2-11 p.m. Where: On Mills Avenue, next to Victory Park in Norwood What: The 2nd Annual Norwood Comedy Festival is happening Saturday, Aug. 2 on Mills Avenue, next to Victory Park. Produced by Bombs Away! Comedy, the festival will feature over 20 of the best comedians in the region and touring acts, including Geoff Tate, Mark Chalifoux, Elijah Nevels and more. Who: Bombs Away! Comedy Why: It’s free to attend. Photo: Provided
CatVideoFest 2025 When: Aug. 2 at 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. Where: Esquire Theatre, Clifton What: CatVideoFest is an international festival that screens a compilation of some of the best, funniest and most adorable feline videos on the World Wide Web. The event is family-friendly and also helps raise money for local cat shelters. Who: CatVideoFest Why: A portion of the ticket sales in Cincinnati will go toward The Scratching Post, a no-kill cat shelter in Silverton that’s been rescuing and rehoming cats for over 30 years. Photo: Essentialupdater/Wikimedia Commons
Tri-State Antique Market When: July 6 from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, Lawrenceburg What: Huge antique and vintage-only market Who: The Lawrenceburg Antique Show Why: An outdoor antique market is the epitome of indulging in a summer season event. Photo: Provided by Amos Pickens