12 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (May 3-5)

Now that the warm weather finally has inspired us to get off our couches, Greater Cincinnati has a ton of fun ways to enjoy a day (or night) out on the town. Whether you're looking to cheer on some marathon runners, down a few margaritas in honor of Cinco de Mayo or check out some local art, this roster of events has something for every sort of weekend warrior.

If you're looking for even more to do every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to CityBeat readers.
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Essex Studios Spring Artwalk "Cat-A-Paw-Loosa" a Celebration of Cats and Cat Themed Art
When: May 3 and 4 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Essex Studios, Walnut Hills
What: Five cat rescue groups with cats up for adoption will be in the Essex Studios space for this installment of the Artwalk. 
Who: Essex Studios
Why: Pet cute kitties while you admire the work of local artists.
Photo: facebook.com/essxstudioscincinnati

Essex Studios Spring Artwalk "Cat-A-Paw-Loosa" a Celebration of Cats and Cat Themed Art


When: May 3 and 4 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Essex Studios, Walnut Hills
What: Five cat rescue groups with cats up for adoption will be in the Essex Studios space for this installment of the Artwalk.
Who: Essex Studios
Why: Pet cute kitties while you admire the work of local artists.
Flying Pig Marathon
When: May 3-5
Where: Downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
What: The city will nearly shut down for multiple races, including the famed marathon, that will be taking place this weekend throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Who: Flying Pig Marathon
Why: Even if you're not a runner, there's still plenty of heart-stopping fun to be had as you cheer from the sidelines.
Photo: Kellie Coleman

Flying Pig Marathon


When: May 3-5
Where: Downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
What: The city will nearly shut down for multiple races, including the famed marathon, that will be taking place this weekend throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Who: Flying Pig Marathon
Why: Even if you're not a runner, there's still plenty of heart-stopping fun to be had as you cheer from the sidelines.
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2024 Evendale Fine Art Exhibit 
When: May 3-6 at 6 p.m.
Where: Evendale Cultural Arts Center, Evendale
What: Now in its 22nd year, the Evendale Fine Art Exhibit will showcase the works of 90 local artists.
Who: Evendale Cultural Arts Center
Why: The opening celebration on May 3 will include complimentary light bites and drinks.
Photo: Provided by Evendale Cultural Arts Center

2024 Evendale Fine Art Exhibit


When: May 3-6 at 6 p.m.
Where: Evendale Cultural Arts Center, Evendale
What: Now in its 22nd year, the Evendale Fine Art Exhibit will showcase the works of 90 local artists.
Who: Evendale Cultural Arts Center
Why: The opening celebration on May 3 will include complimentary light bites and drinks.
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Beethoven Symphony No. 7 & Dessner Premieres
When: May 3 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and May 4 from 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
What: The National's Bryce Dessner shares a few of his works with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Who: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Why: Members of The National continue to make an impact in the local music scene.
Photo: Shervin Lainez

Beethoven Symphony No. 7 & Dessner Premieres


When: May 3 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and May 4 from 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
What: The National's Bryce Dessner shares a few of his works with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Who: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Why: Members of The National continue to make an impact in the local music scene.
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GrowFest 2024
When: May 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Civic Garden Center, Clifton
What: You'll find a variety of vegetables, herbs and pollinator-friendly and native plants at this event hosted by the Civic Garden Center.
Who: Civic Garden Center
Why: There will also be information sessions for novice and amateur gardeners alike.
Holden Mathis

GrowFest 2024


When: May 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Civic Garden Center, Clifton
What: You'll find a variety of vegetables, herbs and pollinator-friendly and native plants at this event hosted by the Civic Garden Center.
Who: Civic Garden Center
Why: There will also be information sessions for novice and amateur gardeners alike.
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Cincinnati Dog Treat Festival
When: May 4 from 8-11 a.m.
Where: Sonder Brewing, Mason
What: This free event features vendors selling a variety of treats for your pup, from bones to calming chews.
Who: Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa
Why: Find your doggo's new favorite iced cookie treat.
Photo: Provided by Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa

Cincinnati Dog Treat Festival


When: May 4 from 8-11 a.m.
Where: Sonder Brewing, Mason
What: This free event features vendors selling a variety of treats for your pup, from bones to calming chews.
Who: Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa
Why: Find your doggo's new favorite iced cookie treat.
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The Derby At Fueled Collective
When: May 4 from 3-8 p.m.
Where: Fueled Collective Cincinnati, Norwood
What: Watch the 150th Kentucky Derby at the Fueled Collective.
Who: Fueled Collective Cincinnati
Why: Drink, dine and wear your wildest fascinator while you cheer on the horsies.

The Derby At Fueled Collective


When: May 4 from 3-8 p.m.
Where: Fueled Collective Cincinnati, Norwood
What: Watch the 150th Kentucky Derby at the Fueled Collective.
Who: Fueled Collective Cincinnati
Why: Drink, dine and wear your wildest fascinator while you cheer on the horsies.
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Opening Reception - Hearts of Liberation: A Celebration of Radical Black Love as Collective Care
When: May 4 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Pleasant Ridge
What: This group art exhibit, curated by Asha the Artist, features work by artists that "emphasizes hope, resilience, and solidarity, and explores the richness of Black love as a communal force for transformation," according to an event description.
Who: Kennedy Gallery
Why: Michael Coppage is among the group of artists who contributed to this exhibit.
Photo: Ron Blassingame

Opening Reception - Hearts of Liberation: A Celebration of Radical Black Love as Collective Care


When: May 4 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Pleasant Ridge
What: This group art exhibit, curated by Asha the Artist, features work by artists that "emphasizes hope, resilience, and solidarity, and explores the richness of Black love as a communal force for transformation," according to an event description.
Who: Kennedy Gallery
Why: Michael Coppage is among the group of artists who contributed to this exhibit.
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Cinco de Mayo Margarita Bar Crawl at Newport on the Levee
When: May 5 from 2-6 p.m.
Where: Newport on the Levee
What: Beeline, Brothers, Shiners, The Buzz, Amador, 16 Lots, and The Galley are participating in a Cinco de Mayo-themed bar crawl, each location contributing their own twist on the margarita.
Who: Newport on the Levee
Why: Vote for your favorite margarita and you'll be entered to win Newport on the Levee gift cards, swag and more.
Photo: Brian Jones, Unsplash

Cinco de Mayo Margarita Bar Crawl at Newport on the Levee


When: May 5 from 2-6 p.m.
Where: Newport on the Levee
What: Beeline, Brothers, Shiners, The Buzz, Amador, 16 Lots, and The Galley are participating in a Cinco de Mayo-themed bar crawl, each location contributing their own twist on the margarita.
Who: Newport on the Levee
Why: Vote for your favorite margarita and you'll be entered to win Newport on the Levee gift cards, swag and more.
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Cinco de Mayo at The Banks 
When: May 5 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: The Banks
What: This Cinco de Mayo party stretches across multiple establishments at the Banks, including Holy Grail, The Stretch, Killer Queen, Tin Roof, Fishbowl and Jefferson Social.
Who: The Banks
Why: A live mariachi band will also be performing at the Banks to really enhance the ambiance.

Cinco de Mayo at The Banks


When: May 5 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: The Banks
What: This Cinco de Mayo party stretches across multiple establishments at the Banks, including Holy Grail, The Stretch, Killer Queen, Tin Roof, Fishbowl and Jefferson Social.
Who: The Banks
Why: A live mariachi band will also be performing at the Banks to really enhance the ambiance.
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Tri-State Antique Market
When: May 5 from 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, Lawrenceburg
What: Huge antique and vintage-only market
Who: The Lawrenceburg Antique Show
Why: An outdoor antique market is the epitome of indulging in a summer season event.
Photo: Provided by Amos Pickens

Tri-State Antique Market


When: May 5 from 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, Lawrenceburg
What: Huge antique and vintage-only market
Who: The Lawrenceburg Antique Show
Why: An outdoor antique market is the epitome of indulging in a summer season event.
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Purrfect Day Cat Cafe's Kitten Shower
When: May 5 from 1-5 p.m.
Where: Purrfect Day Cat Cafe, Covington
What: In exchange for a $30 donation, guests at the cafe's annual Kitten Shower will receive 25 minutes of cuddle time with adoptable kittens.
Who: Purrfect Day Cat Cafe
Why: The proceeds will go towards preparing the cafe for kitten season.
Photo: Ashley Moor

Purrfect Day Cat Cafe's Kitten Shower


When: May 5 from 1-5 p.m.
Where: Purrfect Day Cat Cafe, Covington
What: In exchange for a $30 donation, guests at the cafe's annual Kitten Shower will receive 25 minutes of cuddle time with adoptable kittens.
Who: Purrfect Day Cat Cafe
Why: The proceeds will go towards preparing the cafe for kitten season.
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