The holidays are over, but you can still fit two more wintry attractions in this weekend. If you're all burned out on tiny trains and twinkling lights, however, there are plenty of other absolutely-not-Christmasy things to do from a throwback Cyclones game to a custom car show to a Bengals watch party.
Please note, COVID cases are once again spiking so be smart and be safe while socializing (and be aware that some events may be subject to cancellation).
Friday, Jan. 7
Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati ZooOnce again taking home top honors at the USA Today-ranked No. 1 zoo light show in America, the Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights features 4 million LED lights spread throughout the park, as well as 27 glowing animal lanterns and the fan-favorite synchronized Wild Lights show at Swan Lake. A new "Under the Sea" area at Cat Canyon will offer some immersive fun with giant, glowing jellyfish. Other glowing selfie stops include Candy Cane Lane near Gorilla World and the Polar Chair at Wings of the World. 4-9 p.m. daily; the zoo opens at 10 a.m. Through Jan. 9. Included with zoo admission. 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
Cavalcade of Customs
Bring out your inner Vin Diesel at the 62nd-annual Cavalcade of Customs car show. The description promises "hundreds of classic and hot rod show vehicles on display," including sprint cars, drag racers, trucks and motorcycles. Celebrity guests Danny Koker (Counting Cars), Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch) and professional wrestler Bryan Danielson. There will be a pin-up girl contest on Saturday. 3-9 p.m. Jan. 7; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 8; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 9. $20; $8 kids 6-12; free for ages 5 and under. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown, autorama.com.
Cincinnati Cyclones Throwback Weekend
The Cincinnati Cyclones take on the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday — and you're the winner. During Throwback Weekend, all hot dogs, soda and cans of High Life and PBR are $1. Make your own beer-can pyramid; impress your friends. There's also a teddy bear toss after the Cyclones score their first goal. Bring a new or gently-used stuffed animal to throw onto the ice. They will be donated to the Cincinnati Police Department. The fun and deals happen again on Saturday, Jan. 8, when the team battles the Kalamazoo Wings on the ice at 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. doors and 7:30 p.m. puck drop Jan. 7. Tickets start at $12. Heritage Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown, cycloneshockey.com.
Photo: Provided by the Cincinnati Museum Center
Come face-to-face with Pixar characters in The Science Behind Pixar.
Saturday, Jan. 8
The Science Behind Pixar at the Cincinnati Museum CenterThe exhibit is an interactive experience that showcases the uses of STEM (science, technology engineering and mathematics), imagination and curiosity, the museum says in a release. Guests can come face-to-face with Pixar characters like Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode and WALL•E. With over 50 interactive elements, visitors will get to see the eight steps of the filmmaking process — modeling, rigging, surfaces, sets and cameras, animation, simulation, lighting and rendering. Through April 24. $19.50 adults; $15.50 for children and seniors. 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.
Dillon Francis x Yung Gravy
Moombahton musician Dillon Francis and rapper pal Yung Gravy are bringing their Sugar, Spice and Everything Ice tour to the Andrew J Brady Music Center. DJ KITTENS is the opener. Attendees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of a negative COVID test from the past 72 hours. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with an 8 p.m. showtime Jan. 8. Tickets start at $39.50. 25 Race St., Downtown, bradymusiccenter.com.
Physco with Coastal Club and Christian Nicholas Gough at the Woodward Theater UPDATE: This show has been postponed. Per a statement from Physco, "Sad (but probably unsurprising) news: Our show this Saturday, January 8th at The Woodward Theater has been postponed. Due to an abundance of caution and our band being directly affected by Covid, we have made the decision to postpone. In conjunction with the venue and promoter, we are working on getting a new date set and will announce as soon as we are confident that it will be safe for everyone. More information on a new date will be released ASAP along with information for anyone who is unable to attend the new date. All previously purchased tickets will be valid for the new show date. We are extremely sorry for the late notice but unfortunately this decision is out of our hands."
Local indie radio station Inhailer presents this local music trio at the Woodward. Physco is described as a "energetic hard-hitting six-piece indie pop-rock band;" Coastal Club is a "Queen City quartet of indie surf rockers;" and Christian Nicholas Gogh, of Moonbeau and The Yugos, is embarking on a solo career. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test from the past 72 hours is required. Patrons need to wear a mask when they aren't seated. 8 p.m. doors with a 9 p.m. show Jan. 8. $12 advance; $15 day-of. 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, woodwardtheater.com.
Photo: Brittany Thornton
A Tea Dance at Rosedale OTR
Sunday, Jan. 9
Tea Dance at Ghost BabyGet ready for a Sunday Funday with the first Tea Dance of 2022. This daytime dance party for the LGBTQ+ community and allies will feature tunes from DJs Jay Downs and Thaddeus. Space will be limited. 4-7 p.m. Jan. 9. 1314 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com.
Bengals Watch Party at Rhinegeist
Happy Who Dey to all who celebrate. Head to the Rhinegeist taproom to watch the AFC North champs, the Cincinnati Bengals, take on the Cleveland Browns. Festivities begin an hour before kick-off. Expect cold beer, cocktails and food from OTR Chili, plus gameday on the brewery's giant TV. 1 p.m. kick-off Jan. 9. Free admission. 1910. Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, rhinegeist.com.
Trains and Traditions, a Cincinnati Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
This is the final day to catch the holiday floral show at Krohn. The exhibit features "a tapestry of colorful poinsettias, charming garden railways and beautiful replicas of Cincinnati landmarks created out of 'botanical architecture' by local artisans Applied Imagination," according to a release. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Through Jan. 9. $10 adults; $7 ages 5-17; free kids 4 and under. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park, cincinnatiparks.com.
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