While this weekend is going to be almost entirely consumed by Fourth of July celebrations, there’s still a lot more to do all over Cincinnati.
If you’re looking for even more to do on every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar.
Seriously, literally everywhere
What’s a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks? There are plenty of places all over the city doing fireworks on Friday and Saturday. We rounded up five of them here.
Northside Fourth of July Parade
Saturday, 12 p.m., Hamilton Avenue and throughout, Northside
The annual tradition returns. Northside’s Fourth of July parade is always a bit different than you’d expect from your typical parade—and better for it. Plenty of live music and entertainment will follow.
Kings Island Star-Spangled Nights
Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
One of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the suburbs is at Kings Island, with all-day programming and a gargantuan fireworks show at night. If you’ve never been on The Racer as the park’s Fourth of July fireworks are going off, you haven’t lived.
Sunday, 12 p.m., Elm Street Plaza, downtown
Art on Vine is back, and in a new location. The popular vendor’s market has relocated to Elm Street Plaza (which really makes you wonder why they don’t change the name) and will be chock-full of all your favorite independent vendors, craftsman, vintage sellers and more.
Sunday, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, 351 E Eads Parkway, Lawrenceburg
Lawrenceburg is a bit of a drive, but for antique hunters, there’s no better place to check out. This Sunday’s iteration of the Antique Show’s July Market—which, as the name implies, happens every July—will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in vintage style with all sorts of antique wares and vintage clothing stretched out across the 5-acre fairgrounds.
The Lion King at the Aronoff Center
Friday-Sunday, Aronoff Center, downtown
This weekend is your last chance to see the classic Disney film come to life on the stage at the Aronoff.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Baltimore Orioles
Friday – Sunday, Great American Ballpark, downtown
Let’s face it: the Reds just aren’t very good. Despite their strongest ever start to the season, the Reds were the worst team in all of baseball last month and don’t seem to show any signs of making a surprise playoff run like they did in the previous season. Better news: the Orioles are also bad, which gives the Reds a fighting chance, and there’s almost nothing better to do on a weekend than grabbing a couple coneys or a LaRosa’s slice and taking in the sights and sounds of GABP.
Friday – Sunday, Fountain Square and The Banks, downtown
Both Fountain Square and The Banks will be holding watch parties for the World Cup all weekend, like for the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde match on Friday. Fountain Square has giveaways from FC Cincinnati’s “Summer of Soccer,” while The Banks has set up a “viewing village” with a giant screen and plenty of drinks to go around. Take your pick.
All American Birthday Bash & Operation Thank You
Friday, 2 – 10 p.m., Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E Pete Rose Way, Downtown
This annual downtown event combines classic American muscle cars, live music, family fun and fireworks. “Operation Thank You” will also be happening at the park simultaneously to celebrate veterans, with special exhibits like a “Veteran Village.”
Red, White and Boom at Riverbend with CSO
Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave, Anderson Township
Cincinnati Pops are joined by Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez—of “Hamilton,” “In the Heights” and “Wicked” fame—for a special July 4 musical celebration at Riverbend, which will conclude with a fireworks show. Tickets are $10.
