Spring is almost here, Cincinnati. With it comes Women’s History Month events, Cincinnati’s Bockfest, the opening of soft-serve ice cream spots and plenty of other fun activities for everyone. This weekend is starting off strong with Frogman Festival and a unique Let’s Talk Womxn event.

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.

Queer Climbing Cincinnati event at Climb Time Oakley 6-9 p.m. March 3 The sport of climbing is more approachable than it looks. It’s an individual practice, but it’s backed by a tight-knit community that’s welcoming and supportive. A group that aims to increase accessibility, visibility and education surrounding indoor and outdoor climbing within LGBTQ+ communities is hosting an event at Climb Time Oakley on Friday. Queer Climbing Cincinnati is welcoming new and old climbers to the gym at half price. Admission includes gear (shoes and a harness). “Be gay. Do climbs,” is Queer Climbing Cincinnati’s motto. The group will cover costs for anyone experiencing financial difficulties. Both Queer Climbing Cincinnati and Climb Time Oakley are committed to supporting anyone who needs extra help or guidance, they encourage direct messages on social media for inquiries. Entry is $15. 6-9 p.m. March 3. Climb Time Oakley, 4460 Orkney Ave., Oakley, oakley.ctoba.com/events. Photo: Katie Griffith
Frogman Festival 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. March 4 Dissect the Loveland legend of the four-foot-tall Frogman at the first-ever Frogman Festival. Cincinnati’s cryptid finally has its very own festival where visitors can indulge in the legend, play games, shop with vendors and learn about the fabled Frogman. Tickets are $10, $40 for VIP perks. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 4, Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center, 2501 Great Wolf Dr., Mason, frogmanfestival.com. Artist Rendoring: Tim Bertlink
Final Friday at the Contemporary Arts Center 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 25 During regular operating hours you can take in the Contemporary Arts Center’s full gallery, but starting at 4 p.m., resident artist Cierra Fogle will participate in collaborative art-making, followed by dinner from the center’s own Fausto restaurant (reservations required). A half-hour docent tour of the CAC and 21C will then lead to an open-mic night hosted in the Creativity Center, where musicians, poets, comedians and other performers are invited to share their craft. The evening includes “an upscale cash bar and ambient art-making activities,” according to the event’s page. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 25. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. 6th St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.
Woodland Mound 8250 Old Kellogg Road, Withamsville Woodland Mound Overlook trails include a 1-mile fitness trail through the woods, a half-mile trail called the Hedgeapple (past two ponds home to frogs, salamanders, snakes and more), another nature hike with a view of the Ohio River and a shared-use trail that leads to almost 2 miles of woods and prairie. Photo provided by Hamilton County Parks Photo: Provided by Hamilton County Parks
Zip Dip 4050 Drew Ave., Westwood Zip Dip literally shines like a beacon of light through the dark — the iconic neon lightning bolt adorning the roof is unmistakable. It was added to the building in 1951 and has been guiding customers through summer heat waves to ice cream salvation ever since. What to order: Everyone loves a classic. The top-seller here is a basic small cone with a twist, but scrap the whole chocolate and vanilla idea. Zip Dip serves an orange and vanilla twist that will make you forget you ever wanted anything else. If you’re looking for more, Zip Dip has a whole heap of ice cream selections from chipwiches to sugar-free yogurt to banana boat parfaits. Those who prefer to drink their ice cream should skip the shakes and opt for a malt instead. Photo: Jesse Fox Photo: Jesse Fox
Let’s Talk Womxn celebrates Women’s History Month at 21c Museum Hotel 5-8 p.m. March 5 Let’s Talk Womxn, a national organization with a growing Cincinnati chapter, brings together women restaurateurs in the name of collaboration, support and action. A “foodie celebration,” hosted by 16 of the 25 Cincinnati members is bringing food and beverage tasting stations and entertainment to 21c Museum Hotel. Everyone is invited to experience the event, which will also feature DJ Monet, henna tattoos and a discussion panel featuring local, women-owned restaurants. Come dressed in or accented with gold for this year’s annual celebration. In-person guests must be 21 or older. Carryout and delivery options available. In-person tickets are $100. 5-8 p.m. March 5. 21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, letstalkwomxn.com/city-page/cincinnati. Photo: Provided by 21c Museum Hotel
Cincinnati’s 31st Annual Bockfest March 3, 4 & 5 Bockfest means spring is near. What’s even closer are the countless events celebrating Cincinnati’s beloved Bockfest. The weekend-long party is in honor of Cincinnati’s rich brewing heritage and bock beer, featuring live music, beer competitions, DJs and food throughout 15 participating bars and restaurants. What makes a beer bock? Typically it’s a dark, German-style lager that includes different substyles. Indulge in any version of this smooth, toasty, lightly hopped beer to celebrate this event, which has become essential to Cincinnati culture. Bockfest Hall is located at Findlay Playground, 1811 Vine St, Over-the-Rhine, bockfest.com. Photo: Provided by Steven Hampton of the OTR Brewery District
Artologe Studio’s Vibes & Vino Wine and Jazz Networking Social 8 p.m. March 4 Hosted by Edward the Grey, marketing agency and curator of social entertainment experiences, the Artologe (pronounced art–ol-o-gee) wine and jazz social is all about speed networking paired with food, wine, vendors, door prizes and music. Artologe Studio is an art gallery and creative event space that blends social entertainment and creative and performing arts. Tickets are $45. Must be at least 21 years old. 8 p.m. March 4 at Artologe Studios, 1010 Race St., Downtown, artologe.com. Photo: Kelsey Knight via Unsplash
The Cincinnati Cyclones will wear a special hippo jersey during a game on March 4, 2023. Photo: Provided by the Cincinnati Cyclones
Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting presented by Cincinnati Black Theatre Company 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 6 p.m. Feb. 19 The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is hosting the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company’s performance of Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting all weekend. The play imagines a meeting between Joe Louis, Paul Robeson, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Jackie Robinson and Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey in 1947 in which they discuss a strategy for promoting a black baseball player to the major leagues. Tickets are $20 and include a free ticket to a Reds Baseball game (except opening day) and a ticket to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18; 6 p.m. Feb. 19. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way, The Banks, cincinnatiblacktheatre.org. Photo: Freedom Center Facebook
The Cincinnati Observatory Photo: Brittany Thornton