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Get your party pants on, Cincinnati, because this weekend’s roster of events boasts endless fun. Whether you’re looking to eat your weight in Italian food at the Newport Italianfest, or dance the night away to hits from LGBTQ+ artists at Sapphic Sips, this weekend offers a chance at fun for everyone. Keep scrolling to see our favorite events happening in Greater Cincinnati 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.
Newport Italianfest
When: June 14 from 5-11 p.m., June 15 from noon-11 p.m. and June 16 from noon-9 p.m.
Where: Riverboat Row, Newport
What: Experience Italian food, music and entertainment while learning about Newport’s Italian history.
Who: Newport Italianfest
Why: Chow down on Italian fare from local restaurants like Pompilios, Alfio’s, Pagano’s Italian Grill and more. Photo: Patty SalasBooks 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 UnsplashBloomsday Presentation
When: June 14 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati, Columbia-Tusculum
What: This Irish holiday celebrates the anniversary of the release of Irish author James Joyce’s novel Ulysses.
Who: Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati
Why: Pay homage to Ireland’s Shakespeare. Photo: facebook.com/IrishCincinnatiDJ Boywife at Bogart’s
Resident Cincinnati celebrity DJ, DJ Boywife, facilitates more dancing, parties and fun than anyone in the city right now. Celebrate Friday night at Bogart’s or, really, almost any night of the week (sometimes two places in one night) with DJ Boywife who will be hosting one of his biggest crowds yet at Bogart’s on June 14 with Sapphic Factory, “a modern queer joy dance party,” that moves from city to city. One dollar of each ticket sold goes to the LGBT National Help Center. A summer night out under lights and sound. 8:30 p.m. June 14. $25.50 or 4 tickets for $16.50 each. Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Clifton, bogarts.com. Photo: Caitlin Chrisenee Photo + VideoSummer Love on Planet Love! with Pam Kravetz
When: June 15 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: The Well, Camp Washington
What: The Well has invited artist Pam Kravetz to officiate weddings (only valid on Planet Love, not IRL), whether “you wish to marry yourself, kindness, creativity or another human, alien, pet or plant.”
Who: The Well
Why: Take your self-love to the next level. Photo: Provided by The WellA Happening with Pablo at the Cincinnati Art Museum
6-11p.m. June 23
Be one of the first to experience the brand new exhibit Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds. Take in this exciting new piece while enjoying an immersive experience that includes music from the Bluewater Kings Band, cocktails and rare menu items, both inside and outside in the Alice Bimel Courtyard. Proceeds will go to youth and family programs and thousands of free public programs both in the museum and the Greater Cincinnati area.
6-11p.m. June 23. 953 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills. cincinnatiartmuseum.org. Photo: facebook.com/cincinnatiartmuseumCovington Metal Fest III
When: June 15 at 5 p.m.
Where: Madison Theater, Covington
What: Live music performed by metal artists Obsidian Mind, The Earth Laid Bare, Cold Harbor and more.
Who: Madison Theater
Why: A show perfect for the metalheads. Photo: Madison Theater FacebookCeltic Fest Ohio
When: June 15 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Renaissance Park, Waynesville
What: Enjoy Celtic music, food, vendors and special activities.
Who: Brimstone & Fire, LLC
Why: Channel your inner Celt as you do the Shamrock Shuffle relay race, Irish whiskey tasting and more events designed to celebrate Celtic culture. Photo: Provided by Brimstone and Fire LLCBend Your Imagination at the Highfield Discovery Garden
10397 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn
Highfield Discovery Garden is the kind of place that makes adults wish they were kids again, with its storybook gardens and magical Discovery Tree – it’s really somewhere you can let your imagination run wild, no matter your age. Located in Great Parks’ Glenwood Gardens, Highfield is playground-meets-secret-garden, offering eight different garden areas, including a butterfly garden and the brand new, interactive music garden featuring a treble clef-shaped path and playable percussive instruments. Photo: greatparks.orgBricks & Beer: Cincinnati Music Hall History and Hops
5 p.m. July 28
Cincinnati Music Hall is partnering with Rhinegeist Brewery as they host an adventure that uncovers interesting parts of Cincinnati’s history in the late 19th century. Guests will explore the interesting connection between the Cincinnati beer industry and the development of Music Hall. Tour parts of the building while pleasing your palette with delicious selections from Rhinegeist. Tickets are $40.
5 p.m. July 28. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, visitcincy.com. Photo: Aidan MahoneyEve Kennedy’s The Midwest Menace: Alternative Drag Revue
When: June 16 from 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Where: Good Judy’s, Northside
What: A show highlighting alternative drag talent from across the Tri-State.
Who: Eve Kennedy and Good Judy’s
Why: Performers include Eve Kennedy, Modi & Amiya D. Rose Onassis, Skarlette C. Poison and Juniper Latte. Photo: Provided by Good Judy's