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Looking for something fun to do this weekend? We’ve rounded up the best events happening in Greater Cincinnati to help you make the most of it — from a night market to art exhibitions and concerts.
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: Provided by Game Day PRCrosstown Comedy Festival
When: July 12 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Comet, Northside
What: The Crosstown Comedy Festival kicks off this week — catch a show from comedian Sam Rager in the first round of the festival.
Who: Crosstown Comedy Festival
Why: Even if you can’t make it to Rager’s set on Saturday, there are still numerous ways to soak in the local comedy scene — courtesy of the Crosstown Comedy Festival — over the next two months. Photo: Elliot Sloman, UnsplashBacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival
When: July 18-20
Where: Newport Festival Park, Newport
What: The Bacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival returns to Newport Festival Park this weekend. Food vendors are required to incorporate bacon, bourbon or beer into every dish, so you know the menus will be mouthwatering.
Who: The Bacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival
Why: Cincinnati’s most beloved mixologist, Molly Wellmann, will be at the festival to present exclusive bourbon tastings and signature cocktails. Photo: Ty WesselkamperChristmas in July Party and Sale at House of M Comics and Arcade
When: July 19 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m
Where: House of M Comics and Arcade, Amelia
What: Get a super early jumpstart on your holiday shopping (or just an excuse to treat yourself) at this massive sale taking place at House of M Comics and Arcade.
Who: House of M Comics and Arcade
Why: Come for the 99-cent comics sale and stay for the Sno Worries Shave Ice. Photo: Erin McKenna, UnsplahPhoto: ProvidedPhoto: Zach MoningMarket Bleu 2025 Summer Quarter Event
When: July 19 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Arts Center, Downtown
What: The Contemporary Arts Center, partnered with Market Bleu, is hosting a night for artists to sell and showcase their artwork.
Who: Market Bleu Artisan Handcrafts and Fine Arts
Why: Shop uniquely while supporting artisans? It’s a win-win. Photo: facebook.com/marketbleuRocky Horror Picture Show with Shadowcast at the Esquire Theatre
When: July 19 from midnight-2 a.m.
Where: Esquire Theatre, Clifton
What: The Denton Affair presents the Rocky Horror Picture Show with shadowcast and audience participation.
Who: The Denton Affair
Why: Name a better reason to stay up past your bedtime. Photo: Emerson SwogerCatch a Flick at Ziegler Park Pool’s “Dive-In” Movie Nights
216 Woodward St., Over-the-Rhine
Pool days are essential to any summer bucket list, but Ziegler Park Pool is extending those pool days into pool nights with its “Dive-In Movies.” Sure, drive-in movies are fun, but there’s something magical-sounding about floating in the water while enjoying a classic movie. Once a month, Ziegler will open late to screen a fan-favorite movie. In June, you can catch Barbie, Finding Nemo in July, Mama Mia! in August and Shark Tales in September. Photo: Hailey BollingerCincinnati Observatory’s SUN-day Sundae Sunday
When: July 20 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Cincinnati Observatory, Mount Lookout
What: Eat ice cream while you learn about the sun and how we can harness its power for our benefit.
Who: Cincinnati Observatory
Why: “It’s hard to ignore the incredible power of the Sun on a hot summer day,” said Dr. Wes Ryle, Astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory, in a press release. “This event helps to remind everyone that the big bright ball in the sky is really an incredible example of physics in action, with energy being produced at an unimaginable scale.” Photo: Keith AllenThe Head and the Heart at the Andrew J Brady Music Center
When: July 20 at 7 p.m.
Where: ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park
What: Listen to the folksy tunes of The Head and the Heart as the stars come out at Smale Park.
Who: The Head and the Heart, MEMI
Why: Wild Rivers and Marfa open for The Head and the Heart. Photo: Catie Viox