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This weekend’s events offer Cincinnatians a number of opportunities to dance, shop, sip and learn new skills — what more could we ask for? From rocking out to country music queens at Bogart’s to learning all about fashion storytelling from a local Next in Fashion contestant, this weekend truly has it all.
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.
FANCY: Queens of Country at Bogart’s
9 p.m. May 12
Workin’ 9 to 5 can be a drag; luckily, at the end of your work week, you can giddy up to Bogart’s FANCY: Queens of Country party. Grab your cowboy hats, boots and fringe and boogie down to Reba, Shania, Dolly – all the legendary queens of country music. You’ll also get the chance to try MadTree’s limited-edition peach and blueberry, Dolly-inspired Sway vodka soda.
9 p.m. May 12. Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, livenation.com. Photo: Pawel Szvmanski, UnsplashCincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs Beethoven’s Fifth at Music Hall
11 a.m. March 24
7:30 p.m. March 25
2 p.m. March 26
Russian conductor Anna Rakitina leads works by two composers who have lived with hearing loss: Beethoven, whose hearing struggle began years before the premiere of his Fifth Symphony and British composer Richard Ayres. Cellist Sterling Elliott will lead the CSO in a night of classics. Tickets start at $15.
11 a.m. March 24; 7:30 p.m. March 25 and 2 p.m. March 26. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org. Photo: Cincinnati Symphony OrchestraSmoke on the River BBQ Fest
5-11 p.m. May 12; Noon-11 p.m. May 13; Noon-9 p.m. May 14
Pitmasters are taking over the riverfront in Covington to smoke and slow-roast all weekend long. Food trucks, festival vendors and local favorites like Sweets & Meats, Glier’s Goetta and House of Brisket will be on hand with their mouthwatering menus and unique dishes like the Grippos BBQ Sundae and Cherrywood Smoked Sandwiches. Drink options include various craft brews – as well as Miller and Coors – frozen margaritas and Ole Smoky frozen bourbon slushies. The event is family-friendly and will also have inflatables that offer unlimited play with the purchase of a wristband and live music.
5-11 p.m. May 12; Noon-11 p.m. May 13; Noon-9 p.m. May 14. 144 Madison Ave., Covington, cincyfests.com Photo: facebook.com/SmokeontheRiverBBQO.F.F. Market
10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 13
Each month, the O.F.F. Market brings together local small businesses, artisans, farmers and more to provide a different kind of shopping experience that puts community first. You’ll also find fun for the whole family beyond shopping thanks to Summit Park’s playgrounds, trails, restaurants, nature and splash scapes and more.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 13. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, www.facebook.com/theoffmarket. Photo: Provided by O.F.F. MarketEssex Studios Spring Artwalk
6-10 p.m. May 12 and May 13
Essex Studios’ Spring Artwalk event will give patrons a chance to shop art from local artists, try some local honey, listen to live music and speakers and much more. The theme for this Artwalk is “What’s Buzzing at the Essex,” and Essex Studios is bringing this theme to life with presentations about pollinators and preparing your garden soil for nourishing native plants. Over 50 artists will also be giving behind-the-scenes tours of their workspaces during the Spring Artwalk.
6-10 p.m. May 12 and May 13. Essex Studios, 2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills, facebook.com/essxstudioscincinnati. Photo: facebook.com/essxstudioscincinnatiLoveland Food Truck Rally
3-10 p.m. May 13
Eat until you drop at the 10th annual Loveland Food Truck Rally. You can taste a variety of dishes from their assortment of food trucks and watch and listen to live entertainment and music. Beer, wine and soda will also be for sale, and it’s family-friendly so feel free to bring the kids along.
3-10 p.m. May 13. 597 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland, www.business.lovelandchamber.org. Photo: facebook.com/people/Best-thing-smokinFierce Ladies Monthly Meetup – 10 Vibrant Plants For Your Herbal Pantry
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 13
Channel your inner Claire Fraser (IYKYK) as you learn about the identification, preparation and medicinal uses of 10 herbs that grow in the Ohio River Valley. The class, held at the Dohn School Garden in Walnut Hills, will be led by local herbalist Meghan Henshaw of Ocotillo Herbals. After the class, Henshaw will stick around for questions while participants can sip on tea made with herbs from the garden. Tickets are $20 per person.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 13. Dohn School Garden, 2647 Melrose Ave., Walnut Hills, facebook.com/events. Photo: Markus Spiske, UnsplashNorthwood Cider Company Photo: Brian CrossAppalachian Festival
10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 13; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 14
Coney Island will transform into an authentic mountain-life village for this celebration of Appalachia’s rich heritage. Shop and eat as you stroll past the Appalachian Market, Mountain Food and Pickin’ porches. There will be live mountain music across three stages, local dance troupes, storytellers and artisans. The Saturday night Fun Dance is also back by popular demand.
10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 13; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 14. 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township, www.appalachianfestival.org. Photo: facebook.com/appalachianfestivalArt on Vine
Noon-6 p.m. May 14
The monthly Art on Vine moves to Washington Park for Mother’s Day. Take your mom or mom-figure out for a special shopping trip after brunch at this local art show featuring everything from fine art to handcrafted goods from over 80 artists across the Ohio region.
Noon-6 p.m. May 14. 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, www.artonvinecincy.com. Photo: facebook.com/artonvinecincyStorytelling through Garment with Eliana Batsakis
2-5 p.m. May 14
Cincinnati native Eliana Batsakis, who recently appeared on the second season of Netflix’s Next in Fashion, will be hosting a free educational workshop at Ghostlight Stage Company on the art of storytelling through costume and fashion design. The workshop will feature a lesson from Batsakis that includes a sketching session and a Q&A. Participants will also be able to take home sample materials for “future inspiration,” according to Ghostlight Stage Company’s event listing.
2-5 p.m. May 14. ARCO Cincy, 3301 Price Ave., Price Hill, theghostlightstageco.com. Photo: Instagram.com/elianabatsakis