We are long overdue for a long summer weekend, and Greater Cincinnati knows how to celebrate the special occasion. Ahead, we’ve outlined a dozen events taking place throughout Greater Cincinnati this Memorial Day weekend, including Taste of Cincinnati, the Midwest Record Store Crawl, North by Northside and more.

Keep scrolling for the best events taking place in the Tri-State 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.

The Neighborhood: Pendleton The vibe: Similar to OTR in the accessibility of restaurants, bars and nightlife, but a little bit quieter, plus the Pendleton Arts Center makes this little corner of the downtown area an ideal place for artists to live and work. Ideal for: Those who want to be close to the action, but not directly in it. Young professionals. Artists. Not ideal for: Suburbanites. Broke 20-somethings. Extra perk: Pair Ziegler Park’s pool with tacos from Yoli’s and ice cream from Pendleton Parlor for a kick-ass summer day. Where to meet locals: Ziegler Park. Braxton Brewing. Bar Saeso. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Spark in the Dark at Miami Whitewater Forest When: May 23 and 24 from 8-11 p.m. Where: Miami Whitewater Forest, Crosby Township What: Miami Whitewater Forest in Crosby and Whitewater townships will transform into a dazzling showcase of glowing boats; campfires; nighttime nature adventures and more with the new Spark in the Dark event series. Who: Great Parks Why: There will also be family-friendly nighttime hikes, animal ambassadors and educational stations about life at night in the park, with moons and night creatures like moths and bats taking center stage. Photo: Great Parks
Life’s a Beach in Cincinnati: Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show When: May 23 at 7 p.m. Where: The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout What: The Redmoor is hosting a celebration of Jimmy Buffett and his music with performances by a seven-piece party band playing Buffett favorites. Who: The Redmoor Why: “You’ll feel like your sailing the Keys, dancing on the lawn at Riverbend, and swimming in the Caribbean all in one night!” according to an event description. Photo: Mark Byron
The Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs When: May 23-25 Where: Great American Ball Park, The Banks What: Celebrate the long weekend with a game (or two) at Great American Ball Park. The Cincinnati Reds face off against the Chicago Cubs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Who: The Cincinnati Reds Why: Despite a shaky start to the season, we’re still rooting for the home team. Photo: Anders Saling
Taste of Cincinnati When: May 24 and 25 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and May 26 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: Fifth Street in Downtown Cincinnati What: Now in its 46th year, Taste of Cincinnati is the country’s longest-running outdoor culinary festival and showcases the diverse food landscape across Greater Cincinnati. Over Memorial Day Weekend, foodies can try sample dishes from 76 vendors, represented by some of Cincinnati’s most innovative kitchens and classic staples. Who: Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Why: With nearly 300 dishes representing the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, Taste of Cincinnati attendees will embark on a global culinary journey without having to leave downtown Cincinnati. Photo: facebook.com/TasteofCincinnati
U-Pick Flowers at The Marmalade Lily When: May 24 from 9-11 a.m. Where: The Marmalade Lily, Loveland What: Make your own beautiful spring bouquet during The Marmalade Lily’s u-pick flower session on Saturday. Staff will be on hand to show you what’s in bloom and help you wrap your bouquets so they are perfect for a dining room centerpiece. Who: The Marmalade Lily Why: Get a behind-the-scenes look at The Marmalade Lily here. Photo: Lydia Schembre
Carriers Album Release Show at Woodward Theater When: May 24 at 8 p.m. Where: Woodward Theater, Over-the-Rhine What: Cincinnati musician Curt Kiser celebrates the release of his Carriers album, Every Time I Feel Afraid, with an album release party at Woodward Theater. Gardener and Dyan will also be performing at the album release party. Who: Carriers and Woodward Theater Why: Read CityBeat’s in-depth cover feature about Carriers and the new album here. Photo: Egan Parks
Renee Fleming Sings the Voice of Nature When: May 24 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine What: The season finale of the May Festival on Saturday, May 24 presents Fleming’s “incredible stylistic diversity” in a program featuring selections from her Grammy-winning album Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, along with stunning visuals. Who: May Festival and Renee Fleming Why: You don’t want to miss the May Festival’s finale this weekend. Photo: Andrew Eccles/Decca
Y2K Jewelry Making Party Benefitting Abortion Fund of Ohio When: May 24 from 1-4 p.m. Where: Homemakers Bar, Over-the-Rhine What: Make early 2000s-inspired jewelry at Homemakers Bar on Saturday to benefit the Abortion Fund of Ohio. Who: Homemakers Bar and Abortion Fund of Ohio Why: You can also shop a local selection of ceramics as part of the fundraiser. Photo: RDNE Stock project, Pexels
No. 8 Best Bookstore: Shake It Records 4156 Hamilton Ave., Northside Photo: Mike Spitz
North by Northside When: May 24 and 25 Where: Various venues in Northside What: North by Northside, a precursor to one of the most celebrated music outings in the city, the summertime staple Rock and Roll Carnival, has become a near rival to the carnival with every venue and even non-venue in Northside being utilized for performances from some of Cincinnati’s biggest artists, along with up-and-comers, from the city’s various music communities. Who: North by Northside Why: A few highlights include: Tweens’ Bridget Battle (pictured) performing a special solo set at Blue Jay Restaurant, following harpist Victoria Lekson; the driving, precision-perfect local pop-rock band Madqueen playing at Chameleon alongside two touring acts; local hip-hop favorite Jay Hill and industrial punk band Decide Today sharing a bill at Box Elder; a super-catchy synth-pop and garage-rock lineup with Quotah and Columbus’ Garbage Greek; and back-to-back drum and bass and techno nights at Mixwells. Photo: Provided
Loveland Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony When: May 26 at 9 a.m. Where: The parade departs from Loveland Elementary School and travels through downtown Loveland, ending at the Loveland Veterans Memorial What: The city of Loveland will be honoring veterans on Memorial Day with a parade, ceremony and community picnic. Who: The city of Loveland Why: “Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the cost of our freedoms,” said Chris Wojnicz, Loveland Assistant City Manager. “It is a time for our community to come together in remembrance and gratitude for the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.” Photo: lovinlifeloveland.com