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Summer is heating up in Cincinnati with another weekend packed with fun events for everyone. Foodies will delight in the array of food festivals happening this weekend from Blue Ash to Covington; you can celebrate freedom, resilience and Black culture at the annual Juneteenth Block Party at The Banks; lace up your skates for a fun, inclusive night on the rink; watch two powerhouse international soccer teams face off in the FIFA World Cup; and much, much more.
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.
Cheviot West Fest
When: Friday, June 20 from 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 from 1-11 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 from 1-8 p.m.
Where: Along Harrison Avenue in Cheviot
What: This beloved West Side tradition will take over downtown Cheviot with food, fun and games all weekend. Enjoy food from Christine’s, Nacho Average Taco Cart, N.Y.P.D. Pizza and more, plus drinks and live music from local bands like The Whammies, Mill Creek Band and Dangerous Jim and the Slims. You’ll also want to catch (or take part in) the Pickle Eating Contest at Maury’s Tiny Cove on Sunday.
Who: Cheviot
Why: The West Side knows how to throw the best summer parties. Photo: facebook.com/CheviotBusinessAllianceCovington Taco & Margarita Festival
When: Friday, June 20 from 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 from 12-11 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 from 12-9 p.m.
Where: Goebel Park, Covington
What: This weekend, Goebel Park is transforming into a vibrant fiesta, with an endless supply of mouthwatering tacos, icy margaritas and fun. Admission is free and there will be live entertainment all day.
Who: Tanteo
Why: Spice up your summer. Photo: Chitokan, PexelsGettin’ to the Point
When: Friday, June 20 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Sawyer Point, Downtown Cincinnati
What: Cincinnati Parks and Inhailer Radio are bringing back their On Point Music Festival this August, but if you can’t wait until then, you can catch some amazing local bands at their lead-up event this weekend. Get a front-row seat, vibe to the music and rhythms and soak up the summertime atmosphere.
Who: Cincinnati Parks and Inhailer Radio
Why: Supporting local music is always a good time. Photo: Hayden Schiff/Wikimedia CommonsPride Rollout
When: Friday, June 20 from 7-11 p.m.
Where: The Apex, 1641 Blue Rock St., Northside
What: Don your best outfit, bring your skates and your best dance moves and enjoy a night of rollingskating and DJ music in honor of Pride Month.
Who: Cincinnati Skate Collective
Why: Let the good times roll. Photo: facebook.com/Gabrielle LarkinCincinnati Nature Center
4949 Tealtown Road, Milford
The Cincinnati Nature Preserve has 15 trails with assorted degrees of length and difficulty. This park also offers the “Hike for Your Health” program. Grab a Hike for Your Health passport and get a stamp at the front desk after every hike. Complete all 15 trails and win a special prize. Photo: facebook.com/CincyNatureBend Your Imagination at the Highfield Discovery Garden
10397 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn
Highfield Discovery Garden is the kind of place that makes adults wish they were kids again, with its storybook gardens and magical Discovery Tree – it’s really somewhere you can let your imagination run wild, no matter your age. Located in Great Parks’ Glenwood Gardens, Highfield is playground-meets-secret-garden, offering eight different garden areas, including a butterfly garden and the brand new, interactive music garden featuring a treble clef-shaped path and playable percussive instruments. Photo: greatparks.orgCFTA Food Fest
When: Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Summit Park, Blue Ash
What: Eat your way through Summit Park at the biggest food truck event in Greater Cincinnati. There will be 50 food trucks slinging up everything from barbecue and tacos to soul food and pizza, along with live entertainment all day.
Who: Cincy Food Truck Association
Why: Enjoy an eclectic array of delicious dishes and desserts. Photo: facebook.com/SummitParkBlueAshOasis Pet Picnic
When: Saturday, June 21 from 12-3 p.m.
Where: Oasis Turf and Tree, Loveland
What: Are you looking to add a furry friend to your family? The League of Animal Welfare will have adoptable dogs at this summer picnic event, along with FC Cincinnati’s Gary the Lion, the Dine In Hawaiian Food Truck and Kona Ice. Whether you’re looking to adopt, donate or just enjoy the festivities, all are welcome.
Who: League for Animal Welfare
Why: Oasis Turf & Tree will match all adoption fees as donations toward League of Animal Welfare. Photo: facebook.com/leagueforanimalwelfareFIFA Club World Cup 2025: Borussia Dortmund vs. Mamelodi Sundowns FC
When: Saturday, June 21 at 12 p.m.
Where: TQL Stadium, West End
What: Watch Germany’s Borussia Dortmund take on South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns FC right here in Cincinnati.
Who: FIFA
Why: With Borussia Dortmund’s status as a powerhouse and Mamelodi Sundowns FC’s 17-time South African Premier Soccer League winner record, this FIFA World Cup matchup promises an exciting game. Photo: Justin SheldonTillie’s Lounge
4042 Hamilton Ave., Northside
Time: 8 p.m.
You can watch democracy in action at this watch party hosted by the Hamilton County Dems. Enjoy some camaraderie and the Red, White and Blue drink special all night. Photo: The Buckeye FlameJuneteenth Block Party
When: Saturday, June 21 from 4-11 p.m.
Where: The Banks, Downtown Cincinnati
What: Juneteenth, held each year on June 19, is a celebration in African American communities of the end of slavery in the United States. It’s also a celebration of Black culture and resilience. The Sixth Annual Juneteenth Block Party will take over The Banks in honor of the holiday this weekend. Attendees can expect an epic lineup of DJs, a powerful Homecoming Experience honoring the “Divine 9” fraternities and sororities, a reimagined Family Zone, live performances and visits from the Cincinnati Reds’ mascots. You can also enjoy food from minority-owned food trucks, or visit the many restaurants and bars along The Banks.
Who: Paloozanoire
Why: “This is more than a party; it’s a citywide celebration of freedom and unity,” says the event description. Photo: facebook.com/paloozanoireFinal 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/cincycacColor The Night: A Glow Dance for Kindness & Community
When: Saturday, June 21 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Morrow Arts Center, Morrow
What: Enjoy an all-ages glow dance party that celebrates kindness, connection and community while also raising money for a good cause. Don your brightest, most colorful attire and dance under blacklights while a DJ spins tunes. There will also be glow face-painting, fog machines, glow sticks, food, drinks and late-night shopping from the Morrow Arts Center studios.
Who: Morrow Arts Center and Homegrown Alliance
Why: Admission is pay-what-you-can, and proceeds will go toward Homegrown Alliance, a nonprofit that helps Little Miami students and families in need. Photo: Holly Keable/UnsplashThe Cincinnati Festival of Faiths
12-5 p.m. Aug. 27
Over 30 faith-based organizations that represent 13 world religions are participating in “entertaining and meaningful” programming at Xavier University’s Cintas Center. This years’ theme is Compassion Thought Action: Dwelling Together in Peace and Justice. Admission is free.
The Cincinnati Festival of Faiths 12-5 p.m. Aug. 27 at Xavier University’s Cintas Center 1624 Herald Ave., Oakley. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Festival of FaithsOutlaw Music Festival
When: Sunday, June 22; Show starts at 3:45 p.m.
Where: Riverbend Music Center, Anderson Township
What: Music greats Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles and Myron Elkins take the stage for an unforgettable night of country, rock and folk music.
Who: Outlaw Music Festival
Why: Where else are you going to see some of the most legendary musicians in one place? Photo: Pamela Springsteen