For most of you, Fourth of July weekend will be spent enjoying barbecues, Americana-themed bashes and dazzling fireworks displays. Not feeling the fireworks this year? Whether you’re taking a break from the stars and stripes or just craving something different, we’ve rounded up a few non-Fourth of July events happening around Greater Cincinnati — from art exhibits to antique markets.

Click here for a roundup of fireworks and other Fourth of July events in Greater Cincinnati.

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 CityBeatreaders.

Northside Parade and Rock N’ Roll Carnival When: July 3-5 Where: Jacob Hoffner Park, 4109 Hamilton Ave., Northside What: Enjoy three days of celebrations with the Northside Parade and Rock N’ Roll Carnival. The carnival, at Jacob Hoffner Park, will feature headliners Ernie Johnson from Detroit and Beef. The Northside Parade will be a major event on July 4 and will travel down Hamilton Avenue from Ashtree to Blue Rock. Who: Northside Community Council Why: Discover your new favorite band at the Northside Rock N’ Roll Carnival. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Farm to Table: Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism Exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum When: July 4-6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Cincinnati Art Museum, Eden Park What: This exhibit explores the intersection of food, national identity and art through the work of artists like Claude Monet, Eva Gonzalès, Victor Gilbert, Paul Gauguin, Jules Dalou and Vincent van Gogh. Who: Cincinnati Art Museum Why: For the price of one exhibit, you’ll also be able to see another CAM exhibit, Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike. Photo: Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, active in France, 1853 – 1890), Vineyards at Auvers, 1890, oil on canvas, 25 5/8 x 31 5/8 in. (65.1 x 80.3 cm), Saint Louis Art Museum; Funds given by Mrs. Mark C. Steinberg, 8:1953
This is Not a Banana Republic Exhibit at Weston Art Gallery When: July 4 and 5 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and July 6 from noon-5 p.m. Where: Weston Art Gallery, Downtown What: “This is Not a Banana Republic unfolds as a symbolic battleground depicted through clay sculptures, and evocative photography,” reads an exhibition description. “Here, the resilience of the human body stands as a defiant gesture against oppressive systems. The banana, once a simple fruit, emerges as a potent metaphor for the artist’s struggle and the enduring war against the immigrant experience.” Who: Erika NJ Allen and Weston Art Gallery Why: Take some time out of your weekend to widen your own worldview. Photo: cincinnatiarts.org
Best Bar to Listen to Live Music No. 9: Urban Artifact 1660 Blue Rock St., Northside This unique brewery, best known for its sour beers, is sure to make for a great conversation starter. Located in an old church, Urban Artifact has pioneered the brewing of fruited sour beers since its inception in 2015, with a repertoire of live performances while you drink. Photo: Brittany Thornton
FC Cincinnati vs. Chicago Fire FC When: July 5 at 7:30 p.m. Where: TQL Stadium, West End What: Watch the home team take on Chicago Fire FC at TQL Stadium. Who: FC Cincinnati Why: Take a break from the Fourth of July festivities by screaming for your favorite soccer team. Photo: Bryan Houston
Cincinnati Animal CARE Free Adoption Event When: July 5 and 6 from 1-6 p.m. Where: Dogs can be found at the 3949 Colerain Ave. location while both cats and dogs can be found at the 4210 Dane Ave. location What: Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC) will hold their first-ever completely free adoption event this weekend to combat shelter overcrowding. Who: Cincinnati Animal CARE Why: According to CAC, the week of Fourth of July is one of the busiest stray intake weeks of the entire year, and June already saw the highest monthly intake so far in 2025 at 460 dogs. Photo: Cincinnati Animal Care
Tri-State Antique Market When: July 6 from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, Lawrenceburg What: Huge antique and vintage-only market Who: The Lawrenceburg Antique Show Why: An outdoor antique market is the epitome of indulging in a summer season event. Photo: Provided by Amos Pickens