As fish frys are synonymous with the Lenten season in Cincinnati, so too are church fairs with summer. These Cincinnati-area fests are full of carnival rides, games, live music, funnel cake, beer and even light gambling, all to benefit each religious institution.
Here are some of our favorites. The Catholic Telegraph also has a list of Cincinnati festivals at thecatholictelegraph.com.
All Saints Catholic Church Festival — One of the first fests of the season, All Saints promises bourbon tastings, local beer (from Fretboard, March First and Rhinegeist), indoor card games, outdoor carnival rides and live music from the likes of The Remains, The Menus and 3 Piece Revival. There will also be food trucks and bites from Dewey's Pizza, Midwest BBQ, Kona Ice and more. June 3-5. 8939 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, allsaintsfestival.com.
Taste of Lebanon Mediterranean Food Festival — St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Catholic Church hosts this event featuring a wealth of authentic Middle Eastern fare, cooked by parishioners. Sample everything from fried kibbee and tabouli to spinach pies and mamoul cookies. June 5. St. Anthony of Padua, 2530 Victory Parkway, Walnut Hills, thetasteoflebanon.com.
St. Antoninus Music Festival — There will be live music all weekend from local bands including 90 Proof Twang, Model Behavior and Marsha Brady, plus a chicken dinner on Sunday. A biergarten will be serving craft and domestic brews, and there will be plenty of games, rides, food and family-friendly fun, including a kids movie night. June 10-12. 5425 Julmar Drive, Covedale stamusicfest.com.
Panegyri — Dance, drink and dine like you’re in Santorini. The Panegyri festival is back in person with the same Greek pizza, baklava sundaes and Greek wines it is famous for, plus midway rides, cultural displays and tons of live music. June 24-26. $3; free for 12 and under. Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Finneytown, panegyri.com.
St. Cecilia Festival — This year's fest will feature a kids zone, flea market, live music, fest food, beer, a $10,000 grand-prize raffle and live music from Gee Your Band Smells Terrific, The Dan Varner Band and Saffire Express. July 15-17. 3105 Madison Road, Oakley, stceciliacincinnati.org.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival — The IHM fest features live music, carnival rides (buy an all-you-can-ride wristband), a $15,000 grand-prize raffle and tons of food. Each day there will be a different Hispanic food experience, plus options like Oreo sliders, hot dogs, grilled corn, creamy whip, LaRosa's pizza and onion rings, as well as beer and hard seltzer. July 15-17. 7820 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Township, church.ihom.org.
St. Margaret of York SMOY Fest — Last year's fest featured rides, entertainment, a wing- and ice-cream-eating contest, games and beer, wine and spirits. Final details for this year's fest are still in the works. July 29-31. 9483 Columbia Road, Loveland, smoyfest.org.
Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish Festival — Full details about this favorite Mount Adams fest have yet to be announced for 2022, but it typically features live music, a casino, silent auction, games, classic fest food, craft beer, wine and cocktails. Aug. 5-6. 30 Guido St., Mount Adams, hciparish.org/festival.
St. John the Baptist Parish Festival — This fest will include live music from Gen X and Naked Karate Girls, plus a special chicken dinner starting at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Aug. 5-7. 5361 Dry Ridge Road, Colerain Township, stjohnsdr.org.
Sacred Heart Festival — There will be a fish fry on Friday, Chick-fil-A on Saturday and pork sandwiches from Rib City on Sunday, plus fest favorites like LaRosa's pizza all weekend. Favorite local band Naked Karate Girls play Friday with DV8 on Saturday. Aug. 12-14. 400 Nilles Road, Fairfield, sacredheart-fairfield.org.
St. Mary FunFest — FunFest weekend events include live music, rides, games, gambling, food trucks, beer and a grand prize raffle. Aug. 19-21. 2853 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, smchp.com.
St. Ignatius of Loyola IGGY Fest — Local cover bands DV8, The Grace Scott Band and Dreamboat Annie play throughout the weekend. There will be food from Skyline Chili and LaRosa's, plus baked potatoes, pulled pork, metts and brats, fried Oreos and pickle chips, plus beer from West Side Brewing and cocktails. Games range Black Jack and Hi Lo to kid-friendly options like duck pond, football toss and Plinko. There will also be rides and face painting. Aug. 26-28. 5222 North Bend Road, Monfort Heights, sainti.org.
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