We’re willing to bet you’ve got a shiny new calendar from that awkward office gift exchange or the aunt who famously spends Christmas Eve in Staples (and you don’t ask questions.) Thankfully for you, CityBeat is here to help find events that are new and “you” in 2025.

Before another Brat Summer, we must plow through “Why Do I Live Here?” Winter. The key to curing cabin fever in our temporary Hoth-like home is getting creative and trying new things with those we love — or at the very least, making plans for later in the year — because, as little orphan Annie sang, the sun’ll come out tomorrow.

The following is a chronological list of fun Cincinnati-area events to have on your calendar this year.

January: Ice Rink at Fountain Square When: Rink is open daily through Feb. 19; see website for details. Where: Fountain Square, Downtown What: Sometimes, we just need to embrace the season — and this is something you can do without really any planning (my favorite)! No reservations are required; you just walk up and fight for your life on the ice. It’s perfect for a date night or you can pretend you’re Michelle Kwan or Adam Rippon all by yourself. Cost: $10 (including admission and skate rental). Children ages 3 and under are free with paid adult admission and must be accompanied on the ice at all times. Photo: Provided by 3CDC
February: The Cincinnati Ballet’s The Wizard of Oz When: Performances from Feb. 21 through March 2 Where: Cincinnati Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine What: Who knew the yellow brick road traveled along Central Parkway? While we wait for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to bring Wicked: For Good to the big screen, let’s get reacclimated with the original classic — The Wizard of Oz — at Music Hall. This is a phenomenal opportunity to enjoy fantastic special effects, gorgeous sets and incredible costumes — all while clicking our heels with the Cincinnati Ballet and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Cost: Remaining ticket prices on the official website start at $39 (as of publishing date). Photo: Hiromi Platt
Photo: Casey Roberts
April: Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week When: April 7-13 Where: Restaurants all over Greater Cincinnati What: Hungry? During the Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer special menus at discounted prices, giving you the chance to sample a variety of cuisines at a great value. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try new spots, revisit local favorites or enjoy a high-end dining experience for less. The event often includes more than 100 restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, and may feature exclusive dishes and promotions. Cost: Menus vary; see website for details. Photo: Provided by Alcove
Taste of Cincinnati Photo: Facebook.com/TasteofCincinnati
June: Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival When: June 28 Where: Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove What: Every color of the rainbow will paint the Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival, featuring floats, performances, resources and overall positive vibes. The event draws thousands of participants and supporters each year, creating a space for people to come together in support of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. There’s music, food, drinks, local artisans and activities for all ages, making it a cornerstone event for our city’s LGBTQ+ community and allies. Cost: Free Photo: Lydia Schembre
July: Cincinnati Music Festival When: July 24-26 Where: Paycor Stadium, Downtown What: Music lovers from all over the country will be in town for the Cincinnati Music Festival, celebrating R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul. The event features a stellar lineup of iconic and contemporary artists — like Earth, Wind & Fire and Janet Jackson — delivering unforgettable live performances. With a storied history dating back to 1962, the festival has become one of the largest and most anticipated music events in the Midwest. Cost: Ticket prices range from $60 to $600. Photo: Rich Esteban (CC by 4.0)
Watch a Dazzling Display of Fireworks on the Fourth of July or Camp Out for the WEBN / Western & Southern’s Fireworks It wouldn’t be summer if you didn’t take the time to watch at least one fireworks show. Cincinnati’s skies will be decked out in all kinds of colors as Fourth of July celebrations take place. Some of the most popular include Red, White & Blue Ash (also featuring concert headliner Collective Soul); Coney Island’s Balloon Glow; Fourth of July at Kings Island; Red, White and BOOM with Cincinnati Pops at Riverbend and numerous community events. And if you just can’t get enough fireworks, don’t forget about Cincinnati’s big end-of-summer bash Riverfest and the WEBN / Western & Southern Fireworks. Just make sure you grab your spot early and respect the blanket-claiming process. Photo: purplepeoplebridge.com/boomregistration
September: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati When: Sept. 18-21 Where: Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove What: Prost! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is Cincinnati’s huge tribute to German culture, tradition and beer, earning its distinction as the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the nation. The festival transforms downtown into a hub of dancing and delicious Bavarian-inspired food. You can take part in traditions like the iconic “Running of the Wieners” dachshund race and the world’s largest chicken dance. Cost: Free Photo: Joaquin Romero
NYE Cruises at BB Riverboats Times vary For the adults, take a cruise along the Ohio River as the new year begins, with features such as a three-entree buffet, champagne, late-night snacks and party favors. For a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve activity, BB Riverboats is also hosting a Kids Cruise, with a midday countdown at noon. The cruise will include a DJ, a lunch buffet and party favors for the kids to enjoy. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, bbriverboats.com. Photo: Facebook.com/bbriverboats.com
18th Annual Pumpkin Chuck Festival When: Nov. 2 from noon-5 p.m. Where: Stanbery Park, Mt. Washington What: Enjoy live music, food and drinks from local favorites, and, of course, flying pumpkins at Stanbery Park’s annual Pumpkin Chuck Festival. Who: Mt. Washington Community Council Why: Celebrate the local community and take out some aggression by launching a giant pumpkin — what more could you ask for? Photo: Provided
PNC Festival of Lights Preview Night at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden on Nov. 16, 2023 Photo: Aidan Mahoney

Do you have a news tip?

SEND A NEWS TIP

Subscribe to our Mailing List!

Sign up. We hope you like us, but if you don't, you can unsubscribe by following the links in the email, or by dropping us a note at policy@citybeat.com.

By clicking “Sign up” above, you consent to allow us to contact you via email, and store your information using our third-party service provider. To see more information about how your information is stored and privacy protected, visit our policies page.