You might not believe it given the current weather, but spring officially begins this Friday. There’s plenty to do in Cincinnati this weekend, regardless of what the temperature is.
If you’re looking for even more to do on every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar.
Saturday, The Banks, downtown, 9 a.m.
After being postponed from its usual January spot due to extreme winter weather, the Cincinnati Polar Plunge returns to The Banks once again this Saturday morning. The annual event sees bold souls dive into a pool of icy waters just outside Holy Grail Tavern & Grille while raising funds to support year-round sports training, competition and leadership opportunities for Special Olympics athletes across Ohio.
Sunday, TQL Stadium, West End, 7:00 p.m.
The Orange and Blue take on Montreal in another home matchup. FC Cincinnati is currently 1-3 on the season, and 11th in the Eastern Conference.
Thursday-Sunday, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Over-the-Rhine
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has begun a new production of the Bard’s legendary play at The Otto M. Budig Theater in Over-the-Rhine. Performances will run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and some Sundays until March 29.
Friday, Newport Aquarium, Newport, 7:45 p.m.
What happens at Newport Aquarium after the lights go out? Which animals sleep and which animals get active? Which animals use the cover of darkness to hunt or eat? Find out at this special family-friendly after-hours event. Guests will enjoy a pizza party, an after-dark scavenger hunt, and plenty of aquatic encounters.
Friday-Sunday, Sharonville Convention Center, Sharonville
The 20th annual HorrorHound Weekend returns to the Sharonville Convention Center for a celebration of all things horror. Purchase unique merch from items celebrating your favorite horror movies, and meet plenty of famous stars for photo ops—like Scream stars Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich and David Arquette.
Conveyor Belt’s 4-Year Anniversary
Friday – Sunday, Conveyor Belt Books, Covington
Covington’s favorite (and perhaps only) bookstore next to a gas station celebrates four years of business this weekend. To celebrate, the store is having a sale all weekend, complete with a special market event on Saturday featuring local vendors and coffee from Collective Espresso.
Sunday, Cincinnati Zoo, Avondale, 8 a.m.
This unique 5K has you dash past cheetahs, lions, giraffes, bears, otters, zebras and more as the race path winds right by their habitats—talk about the ultimate spectators! Race through the zoo and the surrounding neighborhood this Sunday with up-close views you won’t see anywhere else.
Saturday, Factory 52, Norwood, 1 p.m.
This weekend kicks off Holi, the South Asian Festival of Colors, which marks the arrival of spring and the spirit of renewal, joy and community. Holi is traditionally celebrated by throwing bright colored powders in the air, dancing, sharing food and welcoming a new season together. The event will feature live DJs, an open patio bar, lots of colorful art and plenty of great food.
The 3rd Annual Mx. Cincinnati Pride Pageant
Saturday, The Carnegie, Covington, 7 p.m.
This Saturday, the current Mx. Cincinnati Pride Chasity Marie will vacate her title. A whole new group of queens and kings will vie for the title in a celebration of all things drag, hosted by beloved local queen P.H. Dee. Tickets are $5 online, $7 at the door, and entry is free for drag performers.
CSO: Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven
Friday-Saturday, Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine, 7:30 p.m.
At the CSO’s latest concert, Haydn’s Symphony No. 103 opens with a dramatic flourish, as rolling timpani set the stage for a work that combines energetic precision with whimsical surprises. Next, violinist Blake Pouliot brings out the drama, grace and elegance of Mozart’s “Strassburg Concerto,” before Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 2” surges to a powerful conclusion, filled with the vibrant, youthful energy of his early years.
Saturday, Taft Theatre, downtown, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Following a wave of record-breaking, sold-out performances across the country, comedian and actor Gary Owen is bringing his “No Hard Feelings” tour to Taft Theatre in Cincinnati for two performances.