Sunday, Aug. 1
Take your baby out for a Sunday ride to check out some classic wheels at the MAINSTRASSE VILLAGE CLASSIC CAR SHOW. Over 250 cars will be showcased along the Sixth Street Promenade. MainStrasse Village, Covington, www.mainstrasse.org.
FINDLAY MARKET makes grocery shopping more fun with the addition of the Over-the-Rhine Biergarten. Featured beers on tap include Christian Moerlein Lager and OTR Ale. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays. 100 block of West Elder Street, Over-the-Rhine, www.findlaymarket.org
Monday, Aug. 2
Visit the 1990 EXHIBIT at the Reds Hall of Fame and learn or relive the excitement of the 1990 World Champion Reds. $15. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Great American Ballpark, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, 513-765-7576.
Tuesday, Aug. 3
The Southgate House hosts UNDERBELLY, an unpredictable evening of improv, sketches, music and more. 9:30 p.m. $3 for ages 21 and up; $6 for ages 18-20. 24 E. Third St., Newport, 859-431-2201 or www.underbellycomedy.com.
Wednesday, Aug. 4
PARTY IN THE PARK presents a mix of live music, new friends and sweet happy hour deals. The Rusty Griswolds play this week. Free. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Yeatman’s Cove at Sawyer Point, Downtown on the riverfront, 513-579-3191 or www.party-in-the-park.com.
The Showboat Majestic opens THE NERD, a musical comedy featuring Willum Cubbert and the debt he owes Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he’s never met but who saved his life in Vietnam. $17; $16 seniors/students. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Through Aug. 22. 435 E. Mehring Way, Downtown, 513-241-6550.
Thursday, Aug. 5
Pay a visit to THE GREATER CINCINNATI POLICE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM and browse artifacts and records from two centuries of law enforcement in 600 communities of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 959 W. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-300-3664.
Friday, Aug. 6
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by headliners Dawes. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.
The CINCY BLUES FEST celebrates its 18th year with two days of music loaded with acts ranging from Blues, Gospel and Spirituals all the way to Ragtime, Bluegrass and Jazz. $10 Friday; $15 Saturday; children 12 and under are free. 5 p.m.-midnight Aug. 6; 2:30 p.m.- midnight Aug. 7. Sawyer Point, Downtown Riverfront, www.cincyblues.org.
Saturday, Aug. 7
GLIER’S GOETTAFEST returns for the 10th year, featuring all things goetta plus live entertainment, a kids play area, games like the Goetta Toss and plenty more. This is the second day of the fest, so get your butt down there for some porky goodness. 5-11 p.m. Aug. 6; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 7; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 8. Newport on the Levee, Newport, www.goettafest.com.
Spend one enchanted evening with the Cincinnati Pops as JOHN WILLIAMS CONDUCTS A MOVIE MUSIC SPECTACULAR. Listen to one of America’s most celebrated composers conduct some of his Hollywood hits. $35-$60 adults, $18 children. 7:30 p.m. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.cincinnatisymphony.org.
Enjoy eight blues bands, your favorite foods and a deluxe beer garden at the 12th annual LEBANON BLUES FESTIVAL. Gaze at over 150 classic cars in the Blues, Bumpers and BBQ Car Show. Free. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Downtown Lebanon, 513-588-0321.
Stay cool this summer while watching DIVE IN MOVIES at the Beach Waterpark. Hang out in the Kahuna Beach Wavepool and watch Twilight: New Moon. $15.50 park admission after 4 p.m. 9 p.m. showtime. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, www.thebeachwaterpark.com.
Sunday, Aug. 8
SECOND SUNDAY IN OTR (formerly Second Sunday on Main) is an open-air festival with musicians, craftspeople, food and drink celebrating the health of Over-the-Rhine and the Gateway Quarter. This month’s theme is “Neighborhood Block Party.” Free. Noon-5 p.m. Main and Vine streets, Over-the-Rhine, secondsundayonmain.org.
Getting too steamy outside? Then consider a visit to the oft-overlooked (and free) WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE. Run by the National Park Service, the museum preserves President Taft’s birthplace. Free. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. 2038 Auburn Ave., Mount Auburn, 513-684-3262.
This is the last day to enjoy the 21st annual TASTE OF COLERAIN, a good excuse to sample way too many dishes from local eateries. Free. 5-11 p.m. Aug. 6; 4-11 p.m. Aug. 7; and 3-9 p.m. Aug. 8. Colerain Township Government Complex, 4200 Springdale Road, Colerain Twp., www.coleraintwp.org/taste-of-colerain.cfm.
Monday, Aug. 9
Learn about God, dinosaurs, Noah’s Ark and sin at the CREATION MUSEUM. $21.95; $16.95 seniors; $11.95 children. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, 888-582-4253.
Tuesday, Aug. 10
The HAMILTON COUNTY FAIR celebrates 155 years with more vendors, new rides, new entertainment and an entire area devoted to growing green and urban gardening. Aug. 10-15. Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 7801 Anthony Wayne Ave., Carthage, www.hamiltoncountyfair.com.
The 27th annual NATIONAL NIGHT OUT, a festival promoting neighborhood safety, features crime prevention and awareness, free food, drinks and a chance for residents and police officers to sit down and talk. Look for events in your neighborhood. www.nationaltownwatch.org.
Wednesday, Aug. 11
The FLORENCE FREEDOM play the Kalamazoo Kings in independent minor league baseball. It’s Chick-Fil-A family night. $10-$12. 7:05 p.m. Champion Window Field, Florence, www.florencefreedom.com.
Enjoy beautiful weather, flowing drinks and a wild party at Q102 & BUD SELECT PARTY ON THE RIVER. Tonight is Funk Night with music by Lt. Dan’s New Legs. 5:30-10 p.m. Free. Yeatman’s Cove, 805 Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-699-5102.
Thursday, Aug. 12
Have a fork full of lobster and a plate full of music at the 24th annual GREAT INLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL. Local restaurants will hawk sampler size seafood entrees at the fest. The festival will also feature over 100 boats, marine accessories, live entertainment, food and drink. Aug. 12-15. Riverboat Row, Newport, 513-477-3320.
Friday, Aug. 13
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by local headliners Buffalo Killers and The Lions Rampant. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.
Saturday, Aug. 14
The WESTERN & SOUTHERN FINANCIAL GROUP WOMEN’S OPEN serves up at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. $5-$450 (for a ticket package). All day and evening Aug. 8-16. 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason, 513-651-0303 or www.cincytennis.com.
Ballet tech cincinnati’s annual signature event, GALA OF INTERNATIONAL DANCE STARS, takes the Aronoff’s Procer & Gamble stage. Featuring the best dancers, the best companies and the best choreography from around the globe for one superlative show, this is the only dance event that brings an international focus to our city, state and region. $26-$62. 8 p.m. 650 Walnut St., Downtown, www.ballettechohiopaa.org.
It’s your last chance to check out the DIVE IN MOVIES at the Beach Waterpark. Hang out in the Kahuna Beach Wavepool and watch How to Train Your Dragon. $15.50 park admission after 4 p.m. 9 p.m. showtime. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, www.thebeachwaterpark.com.
Sunday, Aug. 15
Learn the origins and purposes of WWII food sources by visiting VICTORY GARDEN, located outside the Cincinnati Goes to War exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center. $8.50; $7.50 ages 60 and up; $6.50 children. 1-3 p.m. 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, 513-287-7000.
The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK. Watch them perform Hamlet. Free. 2 p.m. Lytle Park, 501 E. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-381-2288.
Monday, Aug. 16
Watch tennis pros gather for their annual pre-U.S. Open action at the WESTERN & SOUTHERN FINANCIAL GROUP MASTERS MEN’S TENNIS. Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason, 513-651-0303 or www.cincytennis.com.
Tuesday, Aug.17
Examine the eccentricity of Vegas by viewing THOMAS SCHIFF: LAS VEGAS 360, a large-scale panoramic work capturing the personality of the unique town. Photographs taken with a custom-made Hulcherama 360 camera using 220 roll film. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Wednesday, Aug.18
PARTY IN THE PARK presents a mix of live music, new friends and sweet happy hour deals. The Menus play this week. Free. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Yeatman’s Cove at Sawyer Point, Downtown Riverfront, 513-579-3191 or www.party-in-the-park.com.
Thursday, Aug. 19
Have a drink and raise money to benefit endangered wildlife with WILD ABOUT WINE at the Cincinnati Zoo. This grown-up night out at the Zoo will feature eight Italian wines and appetizers. You will have the chance to meet some favorite Zoo animals, hear great live music and bid on zoo-inspired silent auction items. $30. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, www.cincinnatizoo.org
REO SPEEDWAGON takes the PNC Pavilion stage with PAT BENATAR. Love is a battlefield, doncha know. $49.40-$92.95. 7 p.m. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.riverbend.org.
Friday, Aug. 20
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by headliners Bad Veins. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.
The 22nd annual MIDWEST BLACK FAMILY REUNION features R&B and Gospel concerts as well as ethnic food vendors, a children’s area, a targeted job fair, a parade and themed pavilions. Free. Aug. 20-22. Sawyer Point, Downtown Riverfront, 513-742-9378 or www.midwestbfrc.com.
This Friday night dance has been a summer tradition over 20 years in the making. The MOONLITE GARDEN PARTIES feature live bands, DJs and a chance to dance under the stars. The band this time is The Fourth Floor. $8. 7 p.m.-midnight. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.coneyislandpark.com.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK. Watch them perform Hamlet. Free. 2 p.m. Eden Park, Mount Adams, 513-381-2288.
Saturday, Aug. 21
Musical artists of various styles will provide the atmosphere at the ninth annual COVEDALE SUMMER ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR, while artists and crafts persons will display/sell their wares throughout the lobby, theater auditorium on stage and outdoors. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, 513-241-6550.
Does just eating dinner not excite you the way it used to? How about a MURDER MYSTERY DINNER? Tonight it’s a Murder at the Music Awards. $35.68, includes dinner. 6:30 p.m. Sweetwine Banquet Center, The Vineyard Woodland Mound, Anderson Twp., www.greatparks.org.
Sunday, Aug. 22
Cincinnati Museum Center presents five centuries of African American history with AMERICA I AM: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN IMPRINT. Experience the retelling of this American story as it has never been told before-through more than 250 rare and stunning artifacts from all over the globe. $8 adult, $5 child, $8 senior. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Museum Center at the Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, www.cincymuseum.org.
Monday, Aug. 23
Revisit ’90s Pop with HANSON at Coney Island. The brothers will be performing their Shout It Out Tour. $27. 7 p.m. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.riverbend.org.
Cincinnati’s most populous necropolis (try saying that three times fast while spinning in front of a black mirror), SPRING GROVE CEMETERY, offers daily opportunities for solitude, hiking and biking. Please try not to push up the daisies. Free. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Winton Place, 513-681-7526.
Tuesday, Aug. 24
The FLORENCE FREEDOM plays Gateway Grizzles on Striking Out Cancer Night. The event includes a jersey auction that benefits local cancer charities. 7:05 p.m. $9; $10-$12 VIP; $7 lawn. Champion Window Field, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, 859-594-4487.
Wednesday, Aug. 25
Come buy your favorite summer fruits and veggies before fall gets here at the NORTHSIDE FARMERS MARKET. Market includes produce, baked goods, jams, mustards, plants and flowers, handmade soap and candles. 4-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Northside Parking Lot, Hamilton Avenue and Lingo Street, Northside, [email protected].
Enjoy beautiful weather, flowing drinks and a wild party at Q102 & BUD SELECT PARTY ON THE RIVER. Tonight is College Night with music by Swimsuit Models. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Free. Yeatman’s Cove, 805 Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-699-5102.
Thursday, Aug. 26
The NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER commemorates the Underground Railroad network that helped slaves escape from the South during the 1800s, as well as other freedom issues. $9; $7 students/seniors; $6 children 6-12. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 50 Freedom Way, Downtown, www.undergroundrailroad.org.
Friday, Aug. 27
The Little River Band, The Guess Who and Night Ranger headline this year’s TASTE OF BLUE ASH. Free. 6-11 p.m. Aug. 27; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 28; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 29. Kenwood Road between Hunt and Cooper roads, Blue Ash, www.blueash.com.
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by headliner Brian Olive. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.
Join the REDS as they defeat the Chicago Cubs in this division rivalry game. 7:10 p.m. $5-$230. Great American Ballpark, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, 877-647-7337.
It’s FINAL FRIDAY, so why not meet an artist or two, have a drink and stroll the galleries/shops along Main Street? Participating venues include Base Gallery, Creative Gallery, Enjoy the Arts, Designsmith Gallery, Pendleton Art Center, 1305 Gallery, Media Bridges and more. Free. 6-10 p.m. North Main Street, Over-the-Rhine, www.irhine.com.
Saturday, Aug. 28
This might be a perfect night to explore the world of a nudist. PARADISE GARDENS FAMILY NUDIST RESORT is hosting a dance. $28-$35. 9 p.m. Paradise Gardens Resort, 6100 Blue Rock Road, White Oak, 513-385-4189.
The Dearborn Highlands Arts Council hosts the ARTS ALIVE! ARTS FAIR, features 36 local and regional artists displaying and selling their works. Expect to see paintings, pottery, jewelry, fabric arts, photography, Longaberger baskets and much more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lawrenceburg High School, 100 Tiger Blvd., Lawrenceburg, Ind., www.all4art.org.
Price Hill Will hosts the first PRICE HILL CULTURAL HERITAGE FEST in honor of the rich history and diversity that makes up our neighborhood. The day will be filled with great food, local art, diverse music and crafts for kids. Noon-5 p.m. 3724 St. Lawrence Ave., Price Hill, 513-251-3800
Fountain Square hosts a weekly movie night all summer with TOYOTA’S MOVIE NIGHT. This Saturday check out the double-header of Happy Feet and Footloose. Families, couples, and groups of friends bring their own blankets, chairs, and pillows. Adult beverages, soft drinks, and movie snacks are available for purchase. Previews start at 7 p.m. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/movies.
Check out original works of pottery, jewelry, crafts, paintings and fiber art by more than 40 artists at the FINE ARTS FAIR. Live music and more at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/ccpa.
Sunday, Aug. 29
Roll out the barrel as the Germania Society holds the season’s first OKTOBERFEST. This 40th annual incarnation sizzles with Bavarian flair, fare, music, beer, folk dancing, games, rides, contests, prizes and special entertainment for small children. Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Colerain Twp., www.GermaniaSociety.com.
Monday, Aug. 30
The Contemporary Arts Center presents ERNESTO NETO: NO DANCING ALLOWED. The exhibition is an environment created by the artist specifically for the CAC that engages all the senses. $7.50; $6.50 seniors; $5.50 students; $4.50 children; free after 5 p.m. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, www.contemporaryartscenter.org.
Tuesday, Aug. 31
Tour 11 historic buildings depicting life in the 1800s at the HERITAGE VILLAGE MUSEUM. Ohio Pioneer Days run through November. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5; $3 ages 5-11; free for ages 4 and under and members. 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, 513-563-9484.
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday, Sept. 1
Experience a ONE-HOUR TRAIN RIDE through Warren County. Visit the train’s open-air gondola during the ride and listen to conductors describe railroad history and operation. Boarding 10 minutes before departure. 10 a.m. $13; $8 ages 62 and up and ages 5-16; $5 ages 2-4; free for ages under 1. Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, 127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, 513-933-8022.
Thursday, Sept. 2
The Southgate House hosts HILLBILLY THURSDAY with the TWILITE BROADCASTERS. 9 p.m. Free. 24 E. Third St., Newport, 859-431-2201.
Friday, Sept. 3
MIDPOINT INDIE SUMMER heats up the summer with a series of performances by local and national indie acts to preview MPMF. It happens every Friday on the square with three acts and food and beverages. This week, check out music by headliners We are Scientists. Free. 7-11 p.m. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, www.myfountainsquare.com/indiesummer.
AMERICAN IDOL LIVE! comes to Riverbend Music Center. You be the judge. 7:30 p.m. $35.55-$82.20. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.riverbend.org.
Saturday, Sept. 4
KINGS OF LEON help close out the Riverbend Music Center summer season. 8:30 p.m. $46.80-$68.35. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp., www.riverbend.org.
Northside’s favorite monthly dance party, DANCE_MF, happens the first Saturday of every month at the Northside Tavern. Brought to you by the creative collective PROJECTMILL, past party themes have included DERBY_MF, A December to Dismember and more. We don’t know what September’s theme is yet, but you can be sure there will be dancing, DJs, video projections and thematic decorations. Free. 10 p.m. 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside, dancemf.theprojectmill.com.
Sunday, Sept. 5
Summer comes to an explosive conclusion when the RIVERFEST fireworks detonate over the Ohio River. Live music and general festivities kick off the day at noon on the riverfront, but it’s the pyrotechnics, which lift off at precisely 9:05 p.m., that are the major draw of this final salute to summer. Free. Noon-10:30 p.m. Cincinnati riverfront, stretching from the Public Landing along the Serpentine Wall to Sawyer Point and Bicentennial Commons (as well as the Newport and Covington riverfronts on the opposite side of the Ohio River), www.webn.com.
Monday, Sept. 6
The KROHN CONSERVATORY offers a lush, aromatic retreat from the stresses of the work week. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is by donation. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams/Walnut Hills, 513-421-4086.
Tuesday, Sept. 7
The AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM boasts 6,500 square feet of, uh, signs. $10 per person, free for children 12 and under. Tours by appointment only. Essex Studios, 2515 Essex Ave., Walnut Hills, www.signmuseum.net.
Wednesday, Sept. 8
Enjoy beautiful weather, flowing drinks and a wild party at Q102 & BUD SELECT PARTY ON THE RIVER. Tonight is End of Summer Night with music by Naked Karate Girls. 5:30-10 p.m. Free. Yeatman’s Cove, 805 Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-699-5102.
