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Now that the warm weather finally has inspired us to get off our couches, Greater Cincinnati has a ton of fun ways to enjoy a day (or night) out on the town. Whether you’re looking to cheer on some marathon runners, down a few margaritas in honor of Cinco de Mayo or check out some local art, this roster of events has something for every sort of weekend warrior.
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.
Flying Pig Marathon
When: May 3-5
Where: Downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
What: The city will nearly shut down for multiple races, including the famed marathon, that will be taking place this weekend throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Who: Flying Pig Marathon
Why: Even if you’re not a runner, there’s still plenty of heart-stopping fun to be had as you cheer from the sidelines. Photo: Kellie Coleman2024 Evendale Fine Art Exhibit
When: May 3-6 at 6 p.m.
Where: Evendale Cultural Arts Center, Evendale
What: Now in its 22nd year, the Evendale Fine Art Exhibit will showcase the works of 90 local artists.
Who: Evendale Cultural Arts Center
Why: The opening celebration on May 3 will include complimentary light bites and drinks. Photo: Provided by Evendale Cultural Arts CenterBeethoven Symphony No. 7 & Dessner Premieres
When: May 3 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and May 4 from 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
What: The National’s Bryce Dessner shares a few of his works with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Who: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Why: Members of The National continue to make an impact in the local music scene. Photo: Shervin LainezEssex 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/essxstudioscincinnatiGrowFest 2024
When: May 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Civic Garden Center, Clifton
What: You’ll find a variety of vegetables, herbs and pollinator-friendly and native plants at this event hosted by the Civic Garden Center.
Who: Civic Garden Center
Why: There will also be information sessions for novice and amateur gardeners alike. Holden MathisCincinnati Dog Treat Festival
When: May 4 from 8-11 a.m.
Where: Sonder Brewing, Mason
What: This free event features vendors selling a variety of treats for your pup, from bones to calming chews.
Who: Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa
Why: Find your doggo’s new favorite iced cookie treat. Photo: Provided by Red Dog Pet Resort & SpaColumbia Tusculum
If we’re talking about traditions, we can’t leave out Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhood. Columbia Tusculum was founded in 1788 and is home to Cincinnati’s own Painted Ladies. These stunning Victorian homes feature bright colors and intricate architectural details, making them fun, but still stately. This hat is similar: the bubblegum pink makes it bright and colorful, but it still has the regalness of a traditional Derby hat. Photo: Diane Bondareff/ShutterstockOpening Reception – Hearts of Liberation: A Celebration of Radical Black Love as Collective Care
When: May 4 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Pleasant Ridge
What: This group art exhibit, curated by Asha the Artist, features work by artists that “emphasizes hope, resilience, and solidarity, and explores the richness of Black love as a communal force for transformation,” according to an event description.
Who: Kennedy Gallery
Why: Michael Coppage is among the group of artists who contributed to this exhibit. Photo: Ron BlassingameCinco de Mayo Margarita Bar Crawl at Newport on the Levee
When: May 5 from 2-6 p.m.
Where: Newport on the Levee
What: Beeline, Brothers, Shiners, The Buzz, Amador, 16 Lots, and The Galley are participating in a Cinco de Mayo-themed bar crawl, each location contributing their own twist on the margarita.
Who: Newport on the Levee
Why: Vote for your favorite margarita and you’ll be entered to win Newport on the Levee gift cards, swag and more. Photo: Brian Jones, UnsplashCinco de Mayo at The Banks
When: May 5 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: The Banks
What: This Cinco de Mayo party stretches across multiple establishments at the Banks, including Holy Grail, The Stretch, Killer Queen, Tin Roof, Fishbowl and Jefferson Social.
Who: The Banks
Why: A live mariachi band will also be performing at the Banks to really enhance the ambiance. Photo: facebook.com/thestretchcincyTri-State Antique Market
6 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 3
Indiana’s largest antique and vintage market is back for its monthly event. The open-air market features more than 200 vendors selling a variety of vintage, antique and retro goods. The event includes free parking and concessions. Tickets are $5.
6 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 3. Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, 351 E. Eads Parkway, Lawrenceburg, lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com. Photo: Provided by Amos PickensPurrfect Day Cat Cafe’s Kitten Shower
When: May 5 from 1-5 p.m.
Where: Purrfect Day Cat Cafe, Covington
What: In exchange for a $30 donation, guests at the cafe’s annual Kitten Shower will receive 25 minutes of cuddle time with adoptable kittens.
Who: Purrfect Day Cat Cafe
Why: The proceeds will go towards preparing the cafe for kitten season. Photo: Ashley Moor
Ashley Moor is the editor-in-chief of CityBeat. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Ashley previously worked as a reporter for the Dayton Daily News and as the editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Dayton City...
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