8 Things to Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (Jan. 6-8)

Despite the holiday season being over, Greater Cincinnati still boasts several ways to indulge in a bit of innocent (and, well, not-so-innocent) fun this weekend. Whether you're looking for a way to support Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin during his recovery or still want to revel in the last bit of holiday spirit at Cincinnati Zoo's final weekend of the PNC Festival of Lights, these events have a bit of something for everyone.

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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Photo: Courtesy of Epitaph Records

The Menzingers at Bogart's

7 p.m. Jan. 6
The Menzingers' breakthrough third album, 2012’s On the Impossible Past, is a stellar collection of melodic punk songs driven by intertwining guitars, keening vocals and a wistful worldview. In what is becoming a trend across the musical landscape, the guys are celebrating On the Impossible Past’s 10th anniversary with a reissue of the album (that includes an EP of demos) and a tour in which they play a good chunk of its songs. 7 p.m. Jan. 6. Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, livenation.com.

Photo: Cincinnati Arts Association

Anastasia at Aronoff Center for the Arts

8 p.m. Jan. 6; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 7; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8
Anastasia is a story from the twilight of the Russian Empire and Paris of the 1920s. It features a score by composer Stephen Flaherty, an alum of UC’s College-Conservatory of Music; his other shows include Ragtime and Once on This Island. This production was originally planned to debut during Broadway in Cincinnati's 2020-2021 season.8 p.m. Jan. 6; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 7; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.

Photo: Vincent DiFrancesco

Final weekend for the PNC Festival of Lights

10 a.m.-10 p.m. Jan. 6 and 7, and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 8
It's the last weekend to wander the immersive lights displays at the Cincinnati Zoo. Voted the No. 1 zoo light display in America by readers of USA Today, the 40th-annual PNC Festival of Lights takes over the zoo with more than 4 million LED bulbs. Wander in the “Wild Wonderland” to take in twinkling displays, watch a synchronized musical light show on Swan Lake or walk under giant glowing jellyfish. There will be wintry treats available, plus hidden Fiona fairies and a 24-foot-tall Fiona nutcracker will greet visitors.10 a.m.-10 p.m. Jan. 6 and 7, and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 8. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.

Photo: Kristina Petrick, Unsplash

Cincinnati Leather Onesies & Undies Pajama Party at MixWells

8 p.m.-2 a.m. Jan. 6
Now is the perfect time to dust off those nice skivvies that you keep tucked away at the bottom of your drawer. MixWells in Northside is getting a bit kinky for its belated New Year's Eve celebration this weekend, encouraging patrons to "get those skivvies on and dance around on stage," according to the bar's event description. DJ Boywife and other special guest DJs will be hosting the event, which promises plenty of dancing and fire-side fun on the outdoor patio. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Jan. 6. MixWells, 3935 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, mixwellsnorthside.com.

Photo: Provided by The Harlequins

The Harlequins and Moon Goons at MOTR Pub

10 p.m. Jan. 6
Local psych garage favorites The Harlequins will start the year off right with what will likely be an explosive, reverb-drenched howl during the first Friday night of 2023. Indianapolis neighbors, the psychedelic, prog-rock band Moon Goons join them. The night will be topped off with a colorful splash of visuals by artist Charlie Stults, who will be projecting swirls of colorful light on the stage during the performances. 10 p.m. Jan. 6. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com.

Photo: Allison Babka

Cincinnati Cyclones Throwback Night

7:30 p.m. Jan. 7
The Cyclones’ most popular promotion is back, complete with warm fuzzies and cheap snacks. On Jan. 7, the ‘Clones will welcome the Wheeling Nailers to Heritage Bank Center for throwback night. The best thing to throw back? Those $2 beers, alongside hotdogs and soda. And if you have gentle hockey rage, bring along a teddy bear or other small plush toy – you can throw it onto the ice after the Cyclones score their first goal of the night. The Cincinnati Police Department will collect the toys and distribute them to those in need. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, cycloneshockey.com.

Photo: Provided by Fifty West Brewing Co.

Fifty West Brewing Co.'s 10th Anniversary Celebration

Jan. 7
To mark the 10th anniversary of Fifty West Brewing, the brewery is hosting two special events this weekend. The brewery will be unveiling five new bourbon barrel releases — additions to their Remus' Revenge series, inspired by infamous local bootlegger George Remus. Fifty West will also be bringing back its popular Brewer's Brunch at the newly renovated Brewpub that reopened to the public for the first time since 2020 on Jan. 4. The brunch takes place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and tickets must be purchased on Fifty West Brewing's site. Jan. 7. Fifty West Brewing, 7605 Route 50, Mariemont, and Fifty West Brewpub, 7668 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township, fiftywestbrew.com.

Photo: Madeline Fening

The Stretch's fundraiser for Damar Hamlin

11 a.m.-midnight Jan. 8
This weekend, The Stretch is giving Cincinnatians' a chance to drink for a good cause. On Jan 2, the Buffalo Bills safety suffered cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. As of press time, Hamlin is still in critical condition at University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Since Hamlin's on-field collapse, a toy drive sponsored by his charitable foundation, Chasing M’s Foundation, has received over $7 million in donations. The Stretch, a popular bar at The Banks, is hosting a fundraising event for the Chasing M's Foundation. According to a press release, $1 from every drink sold at The Stretch on Sunday will go toward the foundation's toy drive. 11 a.m.-midnight Jan. 8. The Stretch, 191 E. Freedom Way, Downtown, thebankscincy.com.