Looks like this weekend’s weather will be less punishing than the last few, which means it’s a great time to get outdoors and do something!
If you’re looking for even more to do on every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar.
Thursday – Sunday, Riverboat Row at Newport on the Levee, Newport
The annual celebration of Cincinnati’s favorite German-inspired sausage is back. What began as a small gathering has grown into an eight-day, riverfront tradition, drawing tens of thousands of fans for food, music, games and community fun. Visitors can try over 50 different goetta creations, including everything from goetta empanadas and goetta mac & cheese to deep-fried goetta balls and even goetta-inspired sweet treats. If it can be made with goetta, chances are you’ll find it here.
Thursday – Saturday, 7 p.m., Paycor Stadium, downtown
Cincinnati’s biggest music festival is back, featuring some of the most legendary names in hip-hop and R&B. Major names like Nelly, Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige, Slick Rick and Trey Songz will take the stage as part of the festival.
Yayoi Kusama: All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins
Thursday – Sunday, Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mt. Adams
The Cincinnati Art Museum has presented one of Yayoi Kusama’s world-renowned Infinity Mirror Rooms here in the Queen City for the first time. Kusama, often hailed as the world’s most successful living artist and the current record-holder for the most expensive piece sold at auction by a female artist, began her career in Japan over seven decades ago. Her immersive 2016 installation “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins,” is a room of mirrors full of glowing pumpkins as far as the eye can see. Read our deep dive into the exhibition here.
Friday, 8 p.m., Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, 1000 Broadway St, Pendleton
Yeah, dude! Iconic comedian Steve-O is headed to Cincinnati as part of his latest tour. Steve-O, real name Stephen Glover, rose to fame for his prominent role in MTV’s beloved reality-comedy series “Jackass.” As one of the breakout stars of the franchise, he went on to host several other TV shows like “Wildboyz” and “Dr. Steve-O.” His tours often mix stunt work with stand-up comedy.
Friday-Saturday, Paycor Stadium, downtown
Cincinnati’s premiere merchant festival returns for its 20th year on Friday and Saturday to coincide with the Cincinnati Music Festival. The event, located just across from Paycor Stadium, features nearly 100 merchandise and food booths.
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew
Saturday, 7:15 p.m.., TQL Stadium, West End
Technically, this match isn’t at home, but a rivalry matchup this prominent feels worth including. It hasn’t been the best season for the Orange and Blue, who are just barely holding onto a playoff spot, but it’s been an even worse season for our Ohio-based rivals who currently sit just outside of post-season contention in 10th place. Time to put it all on the line. There will be watch parties at TQL Stadium and around it (like at the sports bar The Pitch just across the street), or you can watch the game on Apple TV — which is currently offering a free seven-day trial now that the World Cup is over and MLS play has returned.
Saturday-Sunday, Oscar Event Center, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, $12
Hot sauce enthusiasts, this event is for you. Alongside actual hot sauce, there are several hot sauces and snacks to try — like salsas, mustards, rubs, marinades and beef jerky. Seriously, we’re talking over 400 different items to try that will leave your taste buds tingling.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
Georges Bizet’s classic opera hits the stage at Music Hall thanks to the Cincinnati Opera’s Summer Festival. In “Carmen,” the fiercely independent Carmen lives — and loves — on her own terms. When she sets her sights on Don José, a straitlaced soldier with a sweetheart back home, he quickly unravels, abandoning everything for her. But Carmen’s heart doesn’t stay in one place for long, and when the charismatic toreador Escamillo enters the ring, jealousy turns deadly.
Erica Rhodes at Commonwealth Comedy Club
Friday-Saturday, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m., Commonwealth Community Club, 522 5th Ave, Dayton, KY
Popular comedian Erica Rhodes — known for her appearances on ABC’s “Modern Family,” HBO’s “Veep” and Fox’s “New Girl,” among others — is taking her stand-up comedy act to Northern Kentucky’s favorite comedy club.
Saturday, 8 a.m., Paycor Stadium, downtown
Paycor Stadium is very busy this weekend. This 5K event is designed for both seasoned runners and novices alike, and helps provide support for kids here in the Greater Cincinnati area.
