Cincinnati is buzzing with events this weekend. Join in on the excitement on both sides of the river with Mardi Gras parties, Drake and Love Island comedy shows, Mittenfest and more.

Whether you are trying to party or have a wholesome weekend, keep scrolling to see a few events taking place 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.

A 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/cincinnatiartmuseum
Bridging Back Business When: Feb. 28 and March 1 Where: Dayton, Bellevue, Newport, Covington and Ft. Thomas What: Bridging Back Business is a multi-city effort to encourage the community to bring back business to Northern Kentucky through drink specials and events. This initiative was created to try to reverse the negative impact the bridge closure had on businesses in Northern Kentucky. Events with comedy, music, cocktail competitions and more will be hosted throughout the participating cities. Who: Dayton, Bellevue, Newport, Covington and Ft. Thomas Why: Supporting local businesses and trying new places sounds like a win-win. Photo: Provided by Scooter Media Company
Frogman Festival at the Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center in Mason | March 4, 2023 Photo: Katie Griffith
2025 Black Balloon Project Premier Event When: March 1 from 1-5 p.m. Where: Receptions Banquet & Conference Center, Erlanger What: The Black Balloon Project, a nonprofit working to end stigma and raise awareness about addiction, is putting on an art exhibit featuring artists, including Gabi Deaton and others, who have been affected by substance abuse, recovery, the loss of loved ones due to overdose and grief. Start Today Harm Reduction will also be distributing free Narcan at the event. Who: The Black Balloon Project Why: It’s time to break the stigma of addiction. Photo: David Underland, Pexels
Smut at Know Theatre When: March 8 from 7-10:30 p.m. Where: Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine What: A celebration of smut literature featuring drinks made by female distillers, a small Smut Market, a panel session led by Allie Martin about sexuality and empowerment and a performance from the Dirty Words Burlesque Troupe Who: Know Theatre Why: Learn how to embrace your love of all things smut. Photo: Provided by Know Theatre
Cozy up at Roebling Point Books & Coffee 306 Greenup St., Covington Quick, name a better duo than a good book and a cup of coffee. Local, independent bookstore and coffee shop Roebling Point Books & Coffee can’t. Their coffee is organic and fair-trade, as well as locally sourced. If you don’t see the book you’re looking for, you can call and they’ll order it for you. Photo via facebook.com/roeblingpointbooksandcoffee Photo: facebook.com/Roebling Point Books & Coffee
Mardi Pardi at The Banks When: March 1 from 4-9 p.m. Where: The Banks What: The Banks is bringing the spirit of Bourbon Street to Cincinnati. The Queen City Krewe Brass Band will be performing New Orleans-style jazz while you visit 12 participating bars, such as Killer Queen and The Park, offering specials on food and drinks. Who: The Banks Why: There are going to be $8 king cake martinis at The Park? Sign me up. Photo: Polina Kovaleva/Pexels
Summer Salon: Words of Resistance and Resilience 2-4 p.m. Aug. 6 Calling all storytellers — The Well is partnering with 2023 Wellspring Fellow & poet Elena Estella Green to host an open mic-style salon this weekend. Whether it’s poetry, dance, music or storytelling, all are welcome to present their stories in the theme of resistance and resilience. This event will be held both in person at Camp Washington and online. If you plan to perform, please register beforehand. 2-4 p.m. Aug. 6. The Well, 2868 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington, thewell.world. Photo: Elliot Sloman, Unsplash
Mittenfest Beer Festival When: March 1 and 2 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine What: Bundle up and head to Mittenfest to try all sorts of local beers on tap at Washington Park. You will receive 10 drink tickets to try 4 oz beers from Rhinegeist, Voodoo, Great Lake and more with the cost of admission. Who: Washington Park Why: What better way to make it through winter than by trying local beers with friends? Photo: Stephanie Scarbrough
First Sunday Hike With a Shelter Dog When: March 2 from 9-11 a.m. Where: Sharon Woods, Sharonville What: Spend two hours of your day giving a shelter dog a day to remember with a hike through Sharon Woods. Who: League for Animal Welfare Why: The League for Animal Welfare will even let you take the pup home for the night if you are feeling extra giving. Photo: myfurryvalentine.com
Union Night at the Dropkick Murphys Concert at Andrew J Brady Music Center When: March 2 with check-in at 3:30 p.m. Where: Check-in at The Holy Grail Bar and Grill at The Banks and the concert will be at the Andrew J Brady Music Center What: Union workers are invited to a special pre-party hosted by the AFL-CIO Labor Council at Holy Grail. Attendees will receive wristbands granting access to an exclusive pre-show event featuring Celtic band Dropkick Murphys, where they’ll have the chance to meet the band. The celebration will continue at the concert. Who: Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council and the Dropkick Murphys Why: Union workers are courageous in their fight for better working conditions. Photo: Epitaph Records
Sip, Bite and Stroll at Findlay Market 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine At more than 150 years old, Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continually operated public market. Go for the farmers market, butcher shops, flower stalls, OTR Biergarten and eclectic eats. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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. Photo: facebook.com/cincycac