Tea Dance at Fountain Square When: Sunday, June 8 from 4-7 p.m. Where: Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown What: Enjoy dancing, refreshments and socializing at Fountain Square. Who: Tea Dance Cincinnati, Fountain Square and Cincinnati Pride Why: Tea dances were originally organized on Sunday afternoons so the LGBTQ+ community could socialize without discrimination. Organizers say they’re continuing that legacy in the company of friends and allies to celebrate and continue to strive for equality. Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The area around Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati has a new name and image, and the public is invited to come celebrate those with a special launch party Labor Day weekend.

In July, 3CDC unveiled new branding for the heart of downtown Cincinnati. “The Fountain District” helps identify the area around Fountain Square that features a collection of uniquely Cincinnati restaurants, bars, arts and entertainment institutions and civic spaces. 3CDC says the district was created to help support and promote the businesses within the district’s footprint and establish the area as a downtown destination.

To celebrate the new identity, 3CDC will host the Launch Party from Thursday-Monday, Aug.29-Sept. 2. Fountain District businesses will be offering special discounts and promotions, including extended happy hour pricing, specialty cocktails and menus and temporary specialty-priced menu items, to celebrate the district’s debut during that time.

“We want people to know about everything the Fountain District has to offer, and we want to make them aware in a way that encourages them to visit the bars, restaurants and entertainment venues in person,” Emily Stowe, senior event marketing manager for 3CDC, said in a press release. “The Launch Party will be a great opportunity to come explore the district and experience everything it has to offer, all while enjoying discounts and specials from some of the most exciting establishments in the area.”

Current participating businesses and their specials include:

  • Baru: You can get a $10 bonus gift card when you purchase a $50 gift card. (Offer lasts from Aug. 26-Sept. 3, and you can buy gift cards here.)
  • Bru Burger Bar: $2 off Bru Margaritas and Pear Cosmos
  • Butcher & Barrel: Get a Ché Empanada, Chorizo Meatballs or Bruschetta free when you buy an entrée.
  • Down to Mars Vintage: 20% off purchase
  • Fountain Bar: Try the Fountain District cocktail, “Uniquely Sipcinnati,” which is served in a color-changing souvenir cup. You also get $1 off all alcoholic beverages.
  • Igby’s: $2 off a Tito’s Austin Blossom cocktail
  • Kinley Hotel Cincinnati: Up to 20% off your Launch Party weekend stay
  • Mazunte Centro: $2 off margaritas when you dine in
  • Richter & Phillips Jewelers: 25% off Vintage & Estate jewelry case
  • The Righteous Room: $2 off the Paris to Moscow cocktail
  • Via Vite: Lasagne available all weekend long, as well as a cocktail special

Additional specials and offers will be added over the next week. You can get the most up-to-date information at thefountaindistrict.com.

Related

All 3CDC-managed garages in the Fountain District (Fountain Square, the Foundry, 84.51 and 4th & Race) will have a $6 flat parking rate during the Launch Party. Fountain Square will also have a full schedule of free entertainment all weekend, including Salsa on the Square and live music.

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This article appears in Aug 21 – Sep 3, 2024.

Katherine Barrier is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s journalism program and has nearly 10 years of experience reporting local and national news as a digital journalist. At CityBeat, she...