CityBeat is lucky to work with some of the best photographers in Cincinnati, and they really showed out in 2023. From Aidan Mahoney’s gorgeous behind-the-scenes photos about the local drag scene to sports and culture coming together through the eyes of Bryan Houston, we’re looking back on the visual symbols of Cincinnati in 2023.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto during the season opener at Great American Ball Park on March 30, 2023, Votto’s final opening day in Cincinnati. The 40-year-old became a free agent after he had his $20 million club option declined by the Reds. Photo: Ron Valle
Taylor Swift flexes on Cincinnati during her “Eras Tour” stop at Paycor Stadium on June 30, 2023. Swift completely transformed the city into “Swiftinnati” during her visit. Photo: Kevin Lush
Barry Manilow performing at Heritage Bank Center on Aug. 26, 2023. Photo: Kevin Lush
Attendees of the Peace Vigil for Gaza event at Washington Park on Dec. 17 hold a large scroll with the names of the Palestinians killed in Gaza since Oct. 7. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Hatmaker Home Haunt in Silverton. Each year, Hatmaker and his family build and assemble a seriously spooky array of Halloween decorations in his front yard featuring both familiar favorites (like Beetlejuice) and new, terrifying characters. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Cincinnatians march in the Bigger Than Roe: Women’s March in Cincinnati on Jan. 21. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Andy Kluesener campaigns against Issue 1 outside the polling location in Christ the King Church in Mt. Lookout on Nov. 7. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
A faux Santa gives a real glimpse into the naughty state of Cincinnati’s 2023 SantaCon. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Cincinnati Bengals tailgate at The Banks on Nov. 12, 2023 Photo: Aidan Mahoney
During the Cincinnati Cyclones’ Nov. 3 home game against the Iowa Heartlanders, they celebrated their annual “Shutout the Hate” night, a “great night of hockey, togetherness, and pride.” Photo: Bryan Houston
Old Street Saloon held its 27th annual Miss Old Street pageant on Sept. 30, 2023. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
FC Cincinnati won the first major trophy — the 2023 Supporters’ Shield — in the club’s history | FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls on Oct. 4, 2023. Photo: Bryan Houston
Hope Sexton at Old Street Saloon on March 11, 2023. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
“Into the Woods,” by Madeline Fening Oct. 18 issue In another inaugural issue for CityBeat, the Death Issue, Fening reported on the fascinating story behind Potter’s Field, the 26-acre “potter’s field” in Price Hill’s Rapid Run Park. A “potter’s field” is a common historical term for a place where communities would bury the poor (otherwise called “indigent”), the unidentified, the incarcerated, infectious disease victims and others who were “unwanted.” In her piece, Fening recounted the stories of many people buried in Price Hill’s Potter’s Field and how a few people and organizations have pushed for the identification and protection of the thousands of unidentified and unmarked graves spread across these 26 acres — an effort that is still ongoing today. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Sergeant Deon Mack of the Cincinnati Police Department made a historic run for president of CPD’s Fraternal Order of Police union in November, 2023. Mack, who would have been the FOP’s first Black president in Cincinnati, saw a landslide loss to longtime FOP board member Ken Kober. The loss stands in stark contrast to the department working to increase diversity within its ranks. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Bockfest, Cincinnati’s favorite debaucherous celebration of dark beer, springtime and goats, stumbled into the city for its 31st year March 3-5, 2023. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Five on Vine 1324 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Crown Restaurant Group’s Five on Vine is more than just fine dining — its concept comes from co-owner and chef Anthony Sitek’s view on food as an opportunity for connection, from where they source their ingredients to how they greet and take care of their guests. The menu features modern and elevated takes on traditional American comfort food; you may have seen these dishes growing up, like Five on Vine’s stroganoff or pot roast, but they’re reinvented in a way you may not have experienced yet. For example, Gracie’s Meatballs are crafted with beef and tomato sauce like your grandmother may have made them, but they have the added thought of raisins and pine nuts to add a little sweetness and texture, the Sicilian way. No matter what you get though, it’ll be made from scratch in Five on Vine’s kitchen. To drink, try one of their craft cocktails, like the Emerald Dream (gin, green chartreuse, lime, agave, absinthe, watermelon and basil) or The Rite of Spring (gin, cucumber liqueur, grapefruit, honey, Italicus and mint).