With all the exciting events happening in Cincinnati this weekend, there’s so much to do – and so little time. Pick your flavor (quite literally) with food-centered festivals such as Smoke on the River BBQ Fest and the Loveland Food Truck Rally. If you’re looking to get a sweet new tat, make a stop at Villain Arts Tattoo Festival. Learn more about Appalachian culture at the Appalachian Festival, and “bee” sure to buzz around the Pollinator Festival.
Don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones this Mother’s Day. If you need ideas on ways to celebrate, treat your mom to tea or brunch, set sail on an Ohio River cruise or sign up for a floral-themed workshop.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
1. Smoke on the River BBQ Fest
Feast on barbeque, listen to live music, and enjoy scenic views of the Ohio River.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport. Free admission. facebook.com.
2. Villain Arts Tattoo Festival
At the Cincinnati Villain Arts Tattoo Festival, special guests include “Ink Masters” James Vaughn, Holli Marie, Al Fliction and more. Entertainment includes tattoo contests, sideshow artists that include contortionists, magicians and burlesque. Unique vendors and exclusive merchandise.
Details: 2-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, First Financial Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. $40 3-day pass, $20 per day. villainarts.com.
3. Celebrate Mother’s Day
Celebrate your mother this weekend, whether you want to treat her to a brunch, a cruise on the Ohio or a fun floral workshop.
The Lytle Park Hotel: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday tea, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday brunch, Lytle Park Hotel, 311 Pike St., Downtown. Tea Tradition: $50 adult, $30 ages 10-under. Mother’s Day brunch: $70, $35 ages 12-under. Register: opentable.com.
Petals in the Park: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Attend a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to build a table arrangement. washingtonpark.org.
Brunch Cruise: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport. $65 adults, $43 ages 4-12. Enjoy a buffet meal, and take home a souvenir photo. bbriverboats.com.
4. Appalachian Festival
Enjoy live music, cultural displays and demonstrations, dancing, storytelling, food and more.
Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Riverfront along Front Street, New Richmond. $15, $5 ages 5-17, free ages 4-under. Free parking. Cash only. appalachianfestival.org.
5. Pollinator Festival and 5K
Hear live music from the Mama Said String Band, step inside a butterfly garden and shop from a variety of local vendors. If you want to race, sign up for the Pollinator 5K, a timed walk/run along Miami Whitewater Forest’s paved trails.
Details: 9 a.m. 5K Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. festival Saturday, Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison. Sign up for Pollinator 5K: runsignup.com. More festival information: greatparks.org.
6. Spring Edition of Crafty Supermarket
Find meaningful, unique gifts for the moms, caregivers, friends and loved ones in your life. Or simply treat yourself. (You deserve it!)
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Music Hall Ballroom, 1241 Elm St., Downtown. craftysupermarket.com.
7. Westside Market
Sip and browse over 100 local small businesses, including artisans, creators and food vendors.
Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Westwood Town Hall, 3017 Harrison Ave., Westwood. Monthly markets May-September. westsidemarketcincy.com.
8. Waynesville Street Faire
Stroll down Main Street and browse the goods of local artisans, makers and vintage curators. Find one-of-a-kind treasures and enjoy live music and food truck favorites.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Main Street, historic downtown Waynesville. waynesvilleshops.com.
9. The Ultimate Tribute to the Bee Gees
Head to Taft Theatre to experience the sound of the Bee Gees live.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. tafttheatre.org.
10. Loveland Food Truck Rally
Browse an assortment of food trucks and enjoy entertainment and live music.
Details: noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Shopper’s Haven Plaza, 597 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland. Free admission. business.lovelandchamber.org.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 things to do Mother’s Day weekend in Cincinnati
Reporting by Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
