As summer nears its end, here’s ten great ways to enjoy your weekend right here in the Queen City.
If you’re looking for even more to do on every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar.
Friday, 8 p.m., TQL Stadium, West End
The Orange and Blue take on Pumas UNAM in the Group Stage of the Leagues Cup this Friday. In the Leagues Cup, all 18 Liga MX teams take on 18 of MLS’ best teams in a month-long tournament. It kicked off Wednesday, where FCC easily trounced Pachuca after responding to the team’s opening salvo with three unanswered goals. Can the team keep their momentum going?
Saturday-Sunday, Washington and Pike Street, Covington
After a successful inaugural year, the multi-genre, multi-venue Arcade Music Fest (named for Covington’s Arcade Tunnel) is expanding. This year features a brand-new outdoor Main Stage at Washington and Pike Street, an interactive indie video game showcase inside the historic Arcade Tunnel, and a genre-spanning lineup of regional artists.
Saturday, 7 p.m. Sawyer Point’s Riverfront Rink, downtown
Here’s the kind of concert you don’t see every day. Local indie-disco act JJ & The Mood is playing their first show back in Cincinnati since their national breakout in a… rather unorthodox venue. The group will perform live at the Riverfront Skating Rink during Sunset Skate at Sawyer Point, before taking over the turntables for a special DJ set as part of On Point Music Festival. Audiences, of course, can be dancing and skating the entire time. Admission (and skates!) are free.
Friday, 6 p.m. Paycor Stadium, downtown
Wanna see Joe Shiesty, Uno, Sexy Dexy and more take the field at Paycor before the season starts? You’re in luck. Attendees can enjoy concessions at Paycor, browse team shops and even potentially get an autograph from a Bengals star.
Destination Monarch Butterfly Show
Friday – Sunday, Krohn Conservatory, Mt. Adams
It’s the final weekend for this show at Krohn Conservatory. Head to the Conservatory as staff members follow the incredible journey of one of nature’s most iconic pollinators: the monarch butterfly. Trace their epic migration across the United States and into Mexico, where they find refuge in the Oyamel Fir Forests for the winter.
“Much Ado About Nothing” with Cincy Shakes
Friday – Sunday, various venues
The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is coming to a venue near you thanks to their Shakespeare in the Park initiative, and they’re performing one of the Bard’s most famous works. In this version of “Much Ado About Nothing,” set in 1776 and themed after America’s 250th anniversary, the war for America’s independence has just been declared but the battle of the sexes has just begun. It follows two sparring skeptics, Beatrice and Benedick, whose witty war of words masks something far more tender.
Voices of America Country Music Fest
Thursday – Sunday, VOA MetroPark, West Chester
It’s your last chance to see the VOA Country Music Fest in the West Chester area, which is leaving VOA MetroPark and moving to a new location for next year’s fest. At this year’s festival, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton and Jordan Davis headline each day. Other big names making an appearance at the festival include LeAnn Rimes, Scotty McCreery, Tyler Hubbard, Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Rodney Atkins, Ashley Cooke and Easton Corbin.
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. East Freedom Way between Marian Spencer Way and Race Street, downtown
Ready to play some basketball? Gather up a squad for this 3v3 hoops tournament downtown. Adult teams are $100, youth teams based in Cincinnati are free.
Sunday, 8 a.m., Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason
The inaugural Cincinnati Open 5K is a run for runners of all levels to traverse the transformed 40-acre tournament venue. The 5K is open to all ages and running paces; it will end with a post-race concert and party, coffee and a drink ticket. A 5K registration also grants access to the Cincinnati Open grounds all day Sunday, and registrants receive a medal after completing the race.
Rod Stewart: One Last Time Tour
Sunday, 7:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave, Anderson Township
Here’s your chance to see Rod Stewart live, well… one last time.
