Well, it's clear that Winter Storm Landon is upon us and the National Weather Service outpost in Wilmington is predicting the Greater Cincinnati area is going to get about 4 inches of snow, with precipitation ending by Friday evening.
What's that mean for the weekend? Well, it means you should check with each venue or event before you leave to make sure it hasn't been canceled. But if you're interested in something other than sledding (or bundling up inside), here are eight different things to do.
Asian Food Week
Asian Food Week has returned to Greater Cincinnati through Feb. 6. And this time, it coincides with the Lunar New Year, ushering in of the Year of the Tiger. More than 50 participating Greater Cincinnati restaurants will be offering either a $20 or $30 three-course prix fixe meal, and/or a secret menu item. "The secret menu special is a nod to the unlisted menu often found at many Asian restaurants in America that include traditional dishes that may not conform to mainstream American tastes," reads a release from organizers, the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati. See a list of secret menu items at citybeat.com. Through Feb. 6. Prix fixe meals are $20 or $30. Get details and participating restaurants at asianati.com.
Cincinnati Auto Expo
From Feb. 3-6, the Duke Energy Convention Center is hosting the 34th Cincinnati Auto Expo, featuring the latest domestic and imported car models and electric vehicles, along with attractions for the whole family. Gear heads can drool over "Dream Machine Boulevard" — a row of high-value Alfa Romeos, Maseratis and Porsches — or test drive the "Ford Racing Simulator" on an immersive course. There will also be cars from locally filmed movies on display, a Subaru-sponsored pet adoption area, wandering circus performers and a chance to win a remote-controlled toy car. 5-9 p.m. Feb. 3; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb 4; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 5; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 6. Tickets start at $11; free for 12 and under are free. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown, cincinnatiautoexpo.com.
Olympic Skate Party on Fountain Square
UPDATE: This event has been canceled. Celebrate the start of the 2022 Winter Olympics on Fountain Square. The ice rink will be open (reservations are required for either 6 p.m. or 8 p.m.) and DJ Diamond will be playing tunes. The bar will be selling concessions — including wine, beer and spirits — and the Olympics opening ceremony will play on the Fifth Third Back LED screen. Skate times at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 4. $10 skate fee includes 90-minutes on the ice and skate rental. 520 Vine St., Downtown, facebook.com.
The Music of John Williams with the Cincinnati Pops
UPDATE: Friday's performance has been canceled. The Cincinnati Pops celebrates the music of composer John Williams. In honor of the icon's 90th birthday, the Pops — with guest conductor Damon Gupton — will be performing works from Star Wars, E.T., Witches of Eastwick, Jaws and more. The concert will be livestreamed for free on the CSO's website and the Pop's YouTube and Facebook page at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5. Live performances take place Friday through Sunday. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, and a mask, are required for attendance. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 and Feb. 5; 2 p.m. Feb. 6. $25-$115. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org.
Red Dog Doggie Bake Sale at MadTree
Bring your favorite pup to MadTree for this Valentine's Day-themed event. There will be baked goods for sale from the likes of Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones, MaiRo & Co. Dog Treat Bakery, Three Dog Bakery and more. Proceeds will benefit Queen City Bulldog Rescue. Christy Beaver Photography will be on hand from noon-3 p.m. to photograph you and your furry friend. And local vendors including Stitches & Sass, Pugalicious Pet Treats and DOGNATTi will be selling their wares. Noon-4 p.m. Feb. 5. Free admission. 3301 Madison Road, Oakley, facebook.com.
The War on Drugs at OVATION
The War on Drugs’ frontman Adam Granduciel must have a thing for 1980s-era Bruce Springsteen. The band’s fifth LP I Don’t Live Here Anymore, effectively melds the grandiose Heartland Rock of Born in the U.S.A. with the melancholic introspection of Tunnel of Love, yielding the Philly-bred sextet’s most accessible record yet. All concert attendees must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test from the past 72 hours. Doors 7 p.m. Feb. 6. $45-$99. PromoWest Pavilion at OVATION, 101 W. Fourth St., Newport, promowestlive.com.
Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s at the Cincinnati Art Museum
This is the final weekend to check out this modern jewelry exhibit that captures the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s and '70s. The 120-piece collection features work from Andrew Grima, Gilbert Albert, Barbara Anton and more. According to the museum, the artists featured in the exhibit "focused on organic forms, favored abstract shapes and concepts related to space-age trends. They used unconventional materials such as coral, shell, geodes and moldavite and were unrivaled in the texture they brought to jewelry. Theirs was a style that was appreciated by individuals who were looking for something different in an era when different was best." Through Feb. 6. Free. 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, is a powerful statement about challenges for musicians, a microcosm of the racism experienced by broader populations of color. The story begins with Cincy Shakes veterans Jim Hopkins as Sturdyvant, a blustering, prejudiced recording studio executive, and Jeremy Dubin as Irvin, Ma Rainey’s beleaguered agent. Preparing for a 1927 recording session for the larger-than-life Blues star, Sturdyvant is ranting about another difficult session with the temperamental performer. (The real Gertrude “Ma” Rainey lived from 1886 to 1939.) Irvin tries unsuccessfully to reassure the fuming executive that everything is under control, although it’s evident that’s not really the case. Read a full review at citybeat.com. Through Feb. 12. Tickets start at $14. 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshakes.com.
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