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Now that the runners are out of town and the storms have passed, it’s time to have a bit of fun, Cincinnati. Whether you want to take your mom on a flower-picking adventure or celebrate the icons in Cincinnati’s arts scene, there’s an event for everyone this weekend. Keep scrolling for our weekend picks.
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.
The Sixth Annual Cincinnati Tattoo Arts Festival
When: May 10 from 2-11 p.m., May 11 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and May 12 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Duke Energy Convention Center, Downtown
What: Some of the world’s best tattoo artists will be stopping by downtown Cincinnati to tattoo and lead seminars and competitions.
Who: Villain Arts
Why: Get tattooed, attend seminars, see live entertainment, participate in competitions and shop numerous vendors. Photo: Ayberk Merza, PexelsLouis Langrée conducting Ravel’s Boléro at Lumenocity in 2013 Photo: Mark LyonsJimmy Buffett Photo: Michael W. PendergrassColette
1400 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
A new restaurant from chef Danny Combs, Colette is a French-ish restaurant that opened just steps away from Washington Park last November. The restaurant embodies Old World style, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that doesn’t lose that neighborhood feel. Salazar says the place has “some of the most talented pros in the city under one roof. Pretty much everything is going to be well executed.” On that well-executed menu, you’ll find French and French-inspired cuisine like Raviole du Dauphiné (served with Comté cheese, ricotta and brown butter) and Steak Frites (an 8-ounce Creekstone New York strip steak with peppercorn sauce and served with fries). To drink, guests can choose from an extensive list of sparkling, white and red wines, craft cocktails and beer. And for dessert, don’t miss out on the Mille-Feuille (caramelized puff pastry with crème diplomate). Photo: instagram.com/@colettecincyPreservation Month Bike Ride
When: May 11 from 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Bad Tom Smith Brewing, Madisonville
What: A seven-mile bike route at a conversational pace with stops at historical sites along the way.
Who: Cincinnati Preservation Association and Queen City Bike
Why: Celebrate History Month and Bike Month with a relaxed bike ride accompanied by experienced cyclists. After the ride will be an optional meal and drink at the brewery. Families and additional guests are welcome. Photo: Pixabay, PexelsBob Marley 23rd Annual Reggae Music & Food Festival
When: May 11 from 6 p.m.-midnight
Where: Oakley Kitchen Food Hall, Oakley
What: A music event paying tribute to Bob Marley and Cincinnati’s Reggae DJs.
Who: Enlightment Entertainment
Why: Honor Bob Marley and the Reggae DJs of Cincinnati with performances by local artists and enjoy Caribbean cuisine from local restaurants. Photo: Island Records, Wikimedia CommonsTom Postell, Unsung Cincinnati Poet: A Book Launch & Community Celebration
When: May 11 from 7 p.m.-noon
Where: The Lounge at Liberty Exhibition Hall, Northside
What: A celebration of the release of Cincinnati poet Tom Postell’s first edition of poems.
Who: Michael C. Peterson
Why: Celebrate the work of Tom Postell, whose poetry was thought to be lost after his death in 1980. Postell’s poems highlight how race, art and urban development intersect in Cincinnati. The poems will be read by award-winning poets and the reading will be accompanied by a performance from the Justin Dawson Quartet. Photo: UC's George Elliston Poetry Collection + Reading RoomBlooms + Bagels Mother’s Day U-Pick Flowers
When: May 11 from 9 a.m.-noon
Where: The Marmalade Lily, Loveland
What: Mother’s Day flower picking and bagel breakfast.
Who: The Marmalade Lily
Why: The purchase of a bagel box featuring two bagels, cream cheese, jam, fresh fruit and two coffee tickets comes with complimentary admission to the u-pick flower farm. Photo: Ioann Mark Kuznietsov, UnsplashThe Tyler Davidson Fountain at Fountain Square
Wear something bronze-ish, hold blue streamers and call it a day. Photo: Hailey BollingerAppalachian 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/appalachianfestivalPhoto: Aidan MahoneyArt 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/artonvinecincy