It might not seem like it given how heavy the rain is right now, but Cincinnati is due for one of its hottest weekends of the summer in just a few days. Here’s a few ways to enjoy the sun or beat the heat.
If you’re looking for even more to do on every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Miami Marlins
Friday – Sunday, Great American Ballpark, downtown
The Reds take on the Marlins this weekend, as they somehow sit 5 games back from a Wild Card spot despite being generally pretty mediocre. (Yell at me all you want, but a .483 team should not be in playoff contention, and I’m a Reds fan.) For an added bonus, one of Miami’s own will be performing a concert on Friday after the game, free with your ticket. You might know him as the Teflon Don, the biggest boss, the B.O.A.T., or Big Renzel. I’m talking, of course, about Rick Ross, who just released a twelfth album earlier this year. Everyday he’s hustlin’, indeed.
Thursday – Sunday, Riverboat Row at Newport on the Levee, Newport
Crab, lobster, shrimp and whatever else your heart desires can be found at the Levee this weekend. If it’s a seafood dish, it’s at this festival.
38th Midwest Black Family Reunion
Thursday – Sunday, various venues across downtown Cincinnati and elsewhere
The last standing Black Family Reunion event in the nation that is part of the original national network started by the National Council of Negro Women and Dorothy Height in 1988, this annual event celebrates all things Black culture across a four-day period.
Thursday – Sunday, Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason
Weather permitting, one of the biggest tennis tournaments on the planet continues this weekend just north of the city. In addition to watching some of the sport’s biggest stars, the tournament features plenty of great food and fun activities for all ages.
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm Street, Over-the-Rhine
This Saturday, Rhinegeist is celebrating Cincinnati’s DIY scene with 19 live bands scattered across the building for a night of great performances from local artists.
“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.
Saturday-Sunday, multiple times, 21c Museum and Hotel, downtown
This popular nationwide touring event reimagines your favorite Taylor Swift songs through the art of drag.
Sunday, 10 a.m. Paycor Stadium, downtown
It’s your last chance to see Joe Shiesty, Uno, Sexy Dexy and more take the field at Paycor for a public practice before the season starts. Attendees can enjoy concessions at Paycor, browse team shops and even potentially get an autograph from a Bengals star.
Sunday, 7 p.m., Bogart’s, Corryville
Six-time Grammy-winning R&B star PJ Morton touches down in the Queen City as part of his latest tour.
Saturday, 10 a.m., Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine
You know the drill. City Flea is back, with vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to antiques to rare books all over Washington Park. Spend enough time wandering around and you’re sure to find something you like.
