It’s almost time for the Queen City’s biggest unofficial holiday. “513 Day,” set on May 13 (5/13), celebrates all things Cincinnati.
If you’re not from the city, you might be reading this with a bit of confusion. Every phone number given to citizens in Hamilton County and parts of Butler, Clermont and Warren County begins with the area code 513. (Fun fact: despite ‘513’ being so crucial to our city’s identity, it’s actually difficult to get a 513 number anymore, as the Public Utilities Commission literally ran out of them in 2023. Many new phone numbers in the Cincinnati area now begin with 283.)
Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out our Events page!
Here are nine ways you can celebrate the Queen City, whether it’s by taking part in local traditions or special events from local businesses.
Grab a coney from Skyline, Gold Star, or elsewhere
What else would be first? When you think of Cincinnati, you think chili. Whether you’re going to a chain like Skyline or Gold Star, or headed to a more local joint like Camp Washington Chili or Price Hill Chili, there’s no better way to celebrate Cincinnati’s special day.
Hit up Rhinegeist’s 513 Day bar crawl
Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St, Over-the-Rhine
Rhinegeist, the biggest name in town when it comes to beer, is partnering with several bars across the city for a 513 Day bar crawl. Each Cincy Light sold during the event will give $1 to a local nonprofit, and participating bars are offering a free bag of Grippo’s BBQ chips with each beer while supplies last. Just make sure you open them at the bottom of the bag like a true Cincinnatian.
Enjoy a scoop of Black Raspberry Chip at Graeter’s
You know it. You love it. You can probably picture the taste in your head while reading this. Graeter’s french pot ice cream is almost just as much of a Cincinnati tradition as our chili, and Black Raspberry Chip is their calling card. Regardless of whatever flavor you choose, it’s never a bad idea to ring in the day with a sweet treat.
Attend the 513 Day Festival at Fountain Square
Fountain Square, 520 Vine St, downtown
Local radio station 101.1 The Wiz is partnering with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and Skyline Chili for their free 513 Day Festival, a special celebration of all things Cincinnati at Fountain Square. Promising your favorite foods alongside live DJ’s, local vendors and interactive experiences, the event takes place this Wednesday from 4-8 p.m.
Eat and drink for $5.13 at Northern Row
Northern Row, 111 McMicken Ave, Over-the-Rhine
A hot dog and any pint of your choice for $5.13? In this economy?? Northern Row, a brewery and distillery in Over-the-Rhine, is offering arguably the best deal of the entire holiday inside their taproom. It stands to reason that this is probably a “while supplies last” sort of thing, so make your way over as close to their opening time of 4 p.m. as you can.
Shop from local vendors at Findlay Market
Findlay Market, 1801 Race Street, downtown
Market
Skip the chains and grab your groceries at the region’s biggest farmer’s market on 513 Day. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect ribeye or just want something small to snack on, Findlay Market has you covered with vendors that can provide plenty of food for now or later. If you just wanna celebrate the holiday, there’s even a special 513 Day Tasting Tour happening at the market.
Grab a $5.13 cocktail at Flight Club
Flight Club, 125 W 5th Street, downtown
Any drink from Cincinnati mixologist and bar legend Molly Wellmann is worth whatever she’s charging. But on Wednesday, downtown bar and darts lounge Flight Club is bringing back their signature cocktail “513 Hat Trick,” created in partnership with Wellmann and her Cincinnati Gin, for just $5.13. Hard to imagine you’ll find a better deal on cocktails anywhere in the city on Cincinnati’s special day.
Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center
Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave, West End
One of the best museums in the country is just steps away from downtown. Home to five individual museums alongside special exhibitions and one of the only OMNIMAX theaters in the country, why not take some time to learn about the past, present and future of our city and the world?
Try the special 513 Day ale at Sam Adams
Sam Adams Taproom, 1727 Logan Street, Over-the-Rhine
While you might think given its heritage and its name that Samuel Adams is a Boston-centered beer brand, they actually make most of their products right here in Cincinnati. Sam Adams has been celebrating 513 Day with special events and brews for five years now, and this year is no different. This time, they’re re-releasing their Queen City Crown Ale, a cream ale brewed with local honey and aged with peaches for a light sweetness and rounded out with a crisp finish. Head to their taproom to give it a shot.
