11 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (Nov. 11-13)

CityBeat's Mac & Cheese Throwdown at The Phoenix

6-9 p.m. Nov. 11
Do you want to hear a macaroni joke? Nevermind, it’s too cheesy. What’s no joke is the competition to see who can make the best mac and cheese in the city at CityBeat’s Mac & Cheese Throwdown at The Phoenix. This year, you can expect to sample a dozen different participants’ contribution to what’s probably the most important contest of the year: Who makes the best cheesy mac? Let’s find out together at this big party with music, drinks and more noodles than anyone should eat in one day. Nov. 11. 6-9 p.m. The Phoenix, 812 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

'Little Women' at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

7:30 p.m. Nov. 11
From the theater’s website: “Louisa May Alcott’s treasured classic, 'Little Women' tells the enduring story of the March family and their four daughters: romantic Meg, shy Beth, willful Amy and, of course, fiery and independent Jo. Through the intertwining lives of the sisters, we see the familiar hardships, heartbreak, humor and humility of these passionate and unique young women. Little Women enchants new generations with the regional premiere of this new adaptation.” Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women (Nov. 11-Dec. 3) was planned for Cincy Shakes’ canceled 2020-2021 season, so it’s good to see it finally being staged. Hamill is the go-to playwright for theatrical adaptations of classic works. Her rendition for Pride and Prejudice had just opened in March 2020 when the shutdown cut it short. Read theater critic Rick Pender’s breakdown of Cincy Shakes’ 2022/23 season. Nov. 11. 7:30 p.m. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

Iron Fest at the Southgate House

Nov. 11-12. Shows start at 6:30 p.m.
Hell yeah, brother, it’s time to shred. Buckle up your boots and get ready for some weapons-grade, head-banging mayhem thanks to Iron Fest at the Southgate House. Spread over Friday and Saturday nights, there’s too much hardcore, thrash, punk and sludge to list without naming a few bands that would make your granny blush. If you’re ready to mosh, this is your weekend. Nov. 11-12. Shows start at 6:30 p.m. The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. 6th St., Newport.

Judy Garland Centennial with Cincinnati Pops

7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 and 2 p.m. Nov. 13
From the event’s website: “Join JMR, the Pops and audience favorite Michael Feinstein for a tour through the life and songs of Judy Garland, in honor of her 100th birthday. Enjoy big screen film clips, never-before-seen photos, rare audio recordings, good humor and, of course, great music. We’ll explore Judy’s early career through her trip over the rainbow, her time on TV and the unforgettable concert years—with songs you know and love like 'Get Happy,' 'Over the Rainbow,' and more.”7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 and 2 p.m. Nov. 13. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

Cincinnati Pizza Week

Nov. 7-13
Do you want to know the secret to happiness? Simply live your life like every day is a pizza party. Melted cheese atop crisp, fluffy crust? That’s always going to be a “Yes, please.” During Cincinnati Pizza Week, you can visit local participating pizzerias for a $9 specialty pie. There are so many slices to devour, they even made an app to help you keep track. We dare you to eat them all (CityBeat is not responsible for any upset tummies earned from “too much” pizza).Nov. 7-13. Multiple locations.

John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band at Ludlow Garage

Nov. 12. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m.
This six-piece outfit started back in the early 1970s in Rhode Island as a Northeast bar band, but Cafferty and company achieved mainstream success in the ‘80s with their best-selling soundtrack for the cult movie Eddie and the Cruisers about a fictional band. “On the Dark Side,” their first single from the release, hit the top 10 on the Billboard charts, and the soundtrack eventually turned triple-platinum. Read music writer Greg Gaston’s full writeup for CityBeat.Nov. 12. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton.

Summit Park Ice Rink Opening

Opens Nov. 12. Saturday sessions are between noon-2 p.m., 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
It’s time to bundle up the family and head to Summit Park for a little ice skating when the Warm 98.5 Ice Rink opens for the season this Saturday. Located beneath the park’s glass canopy, you can register for one of three skating sessions throughout the day. The Chuck-A-Duck game will be back with prizes to win, along with on-ice games to enjoy. Hot cocoa and stronger drinks to drive off the cold will be available, along with food. If it’s snowy, bring a sled. Visit the ice rink’s website for seasonal hours.Opens Nov. 12. Saturday sessions are between noon-2 p.m., 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Rd., Blue Ash.

Book Bus Depot Grand Opening

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 12
Sharonville is getting a new bookstore, but not just any run-of-the-mill-kind. This one's ready to roll, being a 1962 VW pickup truck. The grand opening of the Book Bus' first brick-and-mortar location will include a ribbon-cutting celebration at 10 a.m. followed by a reading from author Julie Whitney of Astra the Lonely Airplane. The depot is "a 5,000 SF facility with garage doors in front, will be home to the book bus, and will offer all genres, in both new and used books," according to a release.Nov. 12. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Book Bus Depot, 10936 Reading Rd., Sharonville.

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market at Duke Energy Convention Center

11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 11; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 13
If you’re feeling a bit “bah, humbug” this year, that’s understandable. But, according to the bazillion Lifetime Christmas movies that have been made, maybe you just need to find the holiday spirit inside yourself by diving into the season with yuletide fanaticism the second Halloween is over – so, don you now that stupid sweater and go shopping at the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market at Duke Energy Convention Center. There you can find artisanal gifts of all kinds and even a chance to win cash prizes. Santa will be there, so, if you haven’t been too naughty this year, stop by.11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 11; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 13. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown.

Art on Vine at Rhinegeist Brewery

Noon-7 p.m. Nov. 13
This month’s market will be at Rhinegeist Brewery, so support local creatives and check a few names off your shopping list at Art on Vine at Rhinegeist Brewery. There, you can buy handmade crafts from your neighbors and, being at a brewery, there’s a pretty good chance a beer or two is in your future as well. There’s no shame in getting tipsy to support the arts.Nov. 13. Noon-7 p.m. Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

Red Dog's Treatsgiving at Fifty West Brewing

1-3 p.m. Nov. 13
Who doesn't want to give treats to every dog and cat they come across? From the event's Facebook page: "Bring a pack of dog or cat treats for the shelter pets at the SPCA to make their tummies extra happy for Thanksgiving! Decorate a festive snack for your pup at our Doggy Cookie Decorating Station! (While supplies last) Meet adoptable dogs and enter to win cool raffle prizes with the SPCA! Event is FREE to attend and open to the public!" 1-3 p.m. Nov. 13. Fifty West Brewing Co., 7668 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township.