Whether you’re looking for a summer festival, ball game, concert or some family fun, we’ve got you covered. Peruse our picks for the best places to be in Cincinnati this week. Ready, set, go!
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.
Monday, June 23
Saddle up for the Boone County 4-H & Utopia Fair
The Boone County Fair will be running all week. Catch livestock shows, 4-H exhibits from local kids, competitions involving horses, kids’ activities, live music, rides and a bite to eat.
Details: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, 1-7:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. $15. Boonecountyfair.org.
Root for your favorite Cincy baseball team
The Reds play the New York Yankees this week.
Details: 7:10 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Reds.com.
Tuesday, June 24
Listen to jazz at Fountain Square
Jazz lovers, gather at Fountain Square to listen to this week’s performer: Art Gore’s All-Stars.
Details: 5-8 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Free. Myfountainsquare.com.
Watch ‘Wicked’ at Washington Park
Grab your lawn chairs and movie snacks for an outdoor movie on Washington Park’s Civic Lawn. This week’s OTR Cinema movie: “Wicked.”
Details: 9-11 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. Washingtonpark.org.
Support the Florence Y’alls
It’s the season for summer baseball games. Come out to see the Florence Y’alls take on the Windy City Thunderbolts.
Details: 6:42 p.m. Tuesday, 10:35 a.m. Wednesday, 6:44 p.m. Thursday, Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence. Florenceyalls.com.
Wednesday, June 25
Head to West End for a museum exhibit
Learn about initiatives helping to protect Kenya’s biodiversity at the Conservation in Action: Empowering Communities and Protecting Kenya’s Wildlife exhibit. Guest speaker is Mark Fisher with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Details: 7 p.m., Lloyd Library & Museum, 917 Plum St., West End. Registration required. Lloydlibrary.org.
Catch the last TQL game of the FIFA Club World Cup
This is the last FIFA Club World Cup game at TQL Stadium. Cheer on your favorite team. At the pre-match, there will be a live DJ, delicious eats from local food trucks and fun lawn games. After, head to the games at TQL Stadium.
Pre-match: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Washingtonpark.org.
Games: 3 p.m. Wednesday, TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway, West End. Tqlstadium.com.
Grab your folding chairs and listen to free music
It’s the season for free summer concerts. Multiple venues are hosting free, outdoor concerts with a new performer each week.
Burnet Woods: 7-9 p.m., 3251 Brookline Ave., Clifton. Music by The Faux Frenchmen. Free. Cliftonculturalarts.org.
Greenhills Commons: 7-9 p.m., 24 Farragut Road, Greenhills. Music by Jump N Jive Show Band. Free. Facebook.com.
Fountain Blues: 5-8 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Music by Deuce n’ a Quarter. Free. Myfountainsquare.com.
Enjoy family fun at Play in the Park
Have some family-friendly fun each Wednesday.
Details: 6:30-8 p.m., Kennedy Heights Park, 6039 Kennedy Ave., Kennedy Heights. Free. Cincinnati-oh.gov.
Thursday, June 26
Drink a glass of wine and enjoy a mystery dinner
Vinoklet Winery is putting on a “Mystery Dinner Theater” event. Enjoy dinner and a show on either Thursday or Friday night. Thursday’s performance is called “A Fragile Heart” and Friday’s is called “SpeakEasy of Murder.”
Details: 6:30 p.m., Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Colerain Township. $68.89 per person. Vinokletwines.com.
Catch ‘Tosca’ at the opera
The Cincinnati Opera is putting on a performance of “Tosca.” Sung in Italian with projected English translation, Puccini’s glorious ode to undying love finds passionate singer Floria Tosca caught in a dangerous triangle between her artist lover and the villainous police chief.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $36-up. Cincinnatiopera.org.
More free concerts!
Groovin’ on the Green: 6 p.m., Village Green Park, 301 Wessel Drive, Fairfield. Music by Raise Your Glass: P!nk Tribute. Free. Fairfield-city.org.
Live After 5: 6-9 p.m., The Square at Liberty Center, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township. Music by 2nd Wind Band. Free. Liberty-center.com.
Live on the Levee: 7 p.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Music by Billy Rock Band. Free. Newportonthelevee.com.
Music on the River: 7-9 p.m., Civic Park, 50 Short St., Lawrenceburg. Music by Crybaby: Janis Joplin & Woodstock Tribute. Runs June 5-Aug. 28. Free. Downtownlawrenceburg.com.
Rockin’ the Roebling: 6 p.m., Smale Riverfront Park, Schmidlapp Lawn, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Music by Zack Attack. Runs May 15-Aug. 28. Free. Cincinnati-oh.gov.
Roots Revival: 7-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Music by Sam Hibbard, Whiskey Bent Valley Boys. Washingtonpark.org.
Salsa on the Square: 6-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Music by Dayton Salsa Project, Chevere LF. Runs May 1-Sept. 25. Free. Myfountainsquare.com.
Summer Concerts: 7-9 p.m., Beech Acres Park, 6910 Salem Road, Anderson Township. Music by New Brew Band. Free. Andersonparks.com.
The Takeover: 6-9 p.m., The Square at Union Centre, 9285 Centre Point Drive, West Chester Township. Music by Cassette Junkies. Free. Westchesteroh.org.
Uptown Music Series: 7 p.m., Uptown Parks, North Main and East High streets, Oxford. Music by Butler Philharmonic Orchestra. Free. Enjoyoxford.org.
Watch Brett Young perform
Country music star Brett Young is coming to Hard Rock Casino this Thursday. Watch him play his biggest hits such as “Mercy” and “In Case You Didn’t Know.”
Details: 8 p.m., Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton. Casino.hardrock.com.
Friday, June 27
Laugh with Ali Sultan
Show up to see Ali Sultan perform his comedy routine at Commonwealth Sanctuary.
Details: 7:30 p.m., Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. $15. Commonwealthsanctuary.com.
Have a ball at Mary, Queen of Heaven Funfest
Enjoy rides and raffles at this summer festival.
Details: 5-11 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday, 1150 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger. Free admission. Mqhparish.com.
Make something creative out of cardboard
Part of the Pyramid Hill’s “Summer Series of Art: Recycled Masterpieces,” drop in to this event where kids and adults can craft art using upcycled materials. This month’s theme is “Creative Cardboard Sculptures” with Leah Hughes.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. Included with park admission. Non-members: $10 adult, $5 6-12, free ages under 5. Free for members. Pyramidhill.org.
Celebrate Greek culture at Panegyri Greek Festival
At this weekend-long festival, enjoy Greek food, music, dancing, cultural exhibits and church tours. This year marks the festival’s 50th anniversary.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday, 3-11 p.m. Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Sunday, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Springfield Township. $3 individual, $5 weekend pass, $10 family, free for ages 12 and under. Panegyri.com.
Dance your heart out at Pride Disco
Party the night away at this Pride event. Admission includes one drink voucher with additional for purchase. Colorful costumes are encouraged but not required.
Details: 9 p.m.-midnight, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Ages 21-up. $15. Cincinnati-oh.gov.
Catch Tyler, The Creator in concert
Tyler, The Creator’s “Chromakopia: The World Tour” is making a stop at Heritage Bank Center this Friday. Get your tickets to see him perform “See You Again” and “Earfquake” live.
Details: 7:30 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway St., Downtown. Heritagebankcenter.com.
Celebrate the Big Red Machine’s 50th anniversary
The Reds will play the San Diego Padres. Come for fireworks on Friday and a special 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday.
Details: 7:10 p.m. Friday, 4:10 p.m. Saturday, 1:40 p.m. Sunday, Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Reds.com.
See the theater opening of ‘The Color Purple’
Based on Alice Walker’s novel of the same name, this play brings to life the story of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century, as she embarks on a remarkable journey of self-discovery. With soul-stirring gospel, jazz and blues music, the play is a vibrant celebration of love, family and the power of resilience and redemption.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, The Carnegie, 1028 Scott St., Covington. Runs June 27-July 6. Thecarnegie.com.
Make a splash at a dive-in movie
Ziegler Pool is hosting a “dive-in movie” event this week. Bring your pool floaties and watch “Barbie.” Movie starts at dusk.
Details: 7:30-11 p.m., Ziegler Pool, 1322 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine. Zieglerpark.org.
Listen to more free music
Fernbank Golf Course: 7-10 p.m. Fernbank Golf Course, 7036 Fernbank Ave., Sayler Park. Music by Excalibur. Free. Fernbankgolfcourse.com.
Friday Flow: 6-10 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Music by Tiffany B. Free. Washingtonpark.org.
Summer Concert Series: 8-10 p.m., Towne Square, 4871 Cooper Road, Blue Ash. Music by Second Wind. Free. Blueashparksandrec.com.
Queen City Keyed Up: 7-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs May 9-Aug. 29. Myfountainsquare.com.
Kick off Pride weekend at Cincinnati Magazine’s party
At this massive outdoor cocktail party, there will be a queer local vendor market, drag shows hosted by Midwestern Lesbian, stage competitions, a flash dance mob, party games, unlimited mocktails and tasty treats, freebies, gifts, photo ops and more. DJ Boywife will play at the pop-up dance party.
Details: 5-8 p.m., 6:30 p.m. dance party, Court Street Plaza, E. Court Street between Vine and Walnut streets, Downtown. $30 general admission, $60 VIP. Cincinnatimagazine.com/pride.
Look at Art After Dark at Cincinnati Art Museum
Enjoy exclusive extended hours at the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art After Dark event. Explore exciting exhibitions and listen to live entertainment.
Details: 5-9 p.m., Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills. Free. Cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Saturday, June 28
Celebrate the last weekend of Pride month!
There will be festivals all over downtown on the last weekend of Pride month. Don’t miss Cincinnati’s Pride Parade & Festival. Parade starts at Seventh, travels Vine past Fountain Square and ends at Sawyer Point Park. Festival spreads out throughout Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove.
At Pride Weekend at the Market, enjoy live music from LGBTQIA+ and allied performers, a DIY tie-dye station, giveaways and activities from community organizations that support the community.
Cincinnati Pride Parade & Festival: 11 a.m. parade, noon-9 p.m. festival, Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown. Free. Cincinnatipride.org.
Pride Weekend at the Market: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. Findlaymarket.org.
Lay out a blanket and watch a movie at Covington Plaza
NightLight 513 is showing a film each week. Don’t miss their showing of “Legally Blonde.”
Details: 7 p.m. season pass holders, 7:30 p.m. general admission, Covington Plaza, 10 E Rivercenter Blvd., Covington. $10.99-$19.99 general admission, $79.99 season pass. Nightlightseries.com.
Have fun with your kiddos at Hanover Township’s Kids Fest
Bring the kids out to Kids Fest in Hanover Township. Expect family-friendly activities your kids will surely enjoy.
Details: 1-4:30 p.m., Hanover Township Park, 2592 Old Oxford Rd., Hamilton. Hanovertownshipohio.org.
Grab your purse and head to ArtisanFest513
Support local businesses at ArtisanFest513. Browse artist, maker and small business booths as they offer a variety of handcrafted goods, art, fashion and more.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free admission. Artisanfest513.org.
Enjoy libations and live music at St. Veronica Summer Festival
Enjoy amusement rides, food vendors and live performances by Michelle Robinson Band, DV8 and Groove Masters. Buy a raffle ticket and shop at a flea market to help raise funds for St. Veronica.
Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday, 5-11 p.m. Saturday, 12:30-6 p.m. Sunday, St. Veronica Catholic Church, 4473 Mount Carmel Tobasco Road. Saintmarymagdalene.org.
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday
At the Jane Austen Festival, feel like you’re a character in “Pride and Prejudice.” Visit Meryton Shoppes, enjoy costume promenades, lectures, workshops and teas. A ball will be held Saturday evening at Woman’s City Club from 7-10 p.m. and includes food, desserts, wine and beer, a game parlor, raffle, music and dancing. Tea costs extra.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Heritage Village, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville. $50 both days, $25 single day. $250 VIP admission includes 2-day admission and tickets to the ball, $135 ball only. Heritagevillagecincinnati.org.
Break a sweat at the Hyde Park Blast
Participate in a 4-mile run/walk at 7:30 a.m. and a kids’ fun run at 9 a.m. Cycling starts at 12:45 p.m., the block party starts at 4 p.m. and pro 1/2/3 men’s cycling starts at 8:30 p.m.
Details: 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Hyde Park Square, 2700 Erie Ave., Hyde Park. Hpblast.org.
Sip a glass of wine at Cincy Rosé Fest
Returning for a second year, Cincy Rosé Fest is the place for wine lovers to be. Enjoy unlimited sips of rosé and its frozen version, frosé. There are over 30 rosés to choose from. Grab your friends, dress in your best rosé-inspired look and get ready for an afternoon of sipping and socializing.
Details: 1-6 p.m., Ziegler Park Great Lawn, 1322 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine. $85. Blkwinefest.com.
Sunday, June 29
Show up to see OTR Performs
The Children’s Theatre will present Jacqueline and the Beanstalk, a gender-bended take on a timeless tale. This one-woman show is about a clever, determined girl who challenges stereotypes and proves her worth by saving her family. Bring your young girls to this inspiring performance.
Details: 6-8 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Washingtonpark.org.
Run a 5K for charity
Lace up your running shoes and participate in Upstander 5K. Race takes runners and walkers through West End and Price Hill. Participants get T-shirt, race medal, free admission to museums, and more.
Details: 8:30 a.m., Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Holocaustandhumanity.org.
See a friendly faceoff between U.S. and Ireland at TQL Stadium
Join in the cheering for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) as they face the Republic of Ireland at the home of FC Cincinnati. Cincinnati natives Rose Lavelle (midfielder) and Aubrey Kingsbury (goalkeeper) will take the field for the USWNT.
Details: 3 p.m., TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway, West End. Tqlstadium.com.
Meet avian ambassadors at the Raptor Inc. open house
Raptor’s highly skilled educators will be available to welcome guests, lead tours, conduct educational programs with our avian ambassadors, share biological artifacts and answer questions.
Details: 1-4 p.m., Raptor Inc., 961 Barg Salt Run Road, Milford. Free, donations appreciated. Raptorinc.org.
Brush up on your painting skills at “Neon Brush”
Experiment with neon painting. Paint with glow-in-the-dark paint, using stencils and listening to music to spark your creativity. Take home your unique artwork.
Family: 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., 21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown. $30 adult, $21 children. Feverup.com.
Adult: 4 and 6:15 p.m., 21c Musuem Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown. $31 individuals, $27 per person for groups of 6 or more. Feverup.com.
Buy, sell or trade at the Sports Card & Memorabilia Show
Collectors and sports fans can explore tables of rare cards, autographs, vintage treasures and more. Whether you want to buy or sell, this is the place to be to get the best trades. If you’re looking to trade, stay for Trade Night, open from 5-7 p.m.
Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., The Fieldhouse, 3785 Lake Park Drive, Covington, Ky. Free. Thekyfieldhouse.com/cardshow.
Chill and create at Sunday Funday Paint and Sip
Whether you’re an expert artist or still learning how to paint, this event is for you. Enjoy a drink to get those creative juices flowing. This event’s theme is Fruits and Florals.
Details: 3-5 p.m., Highball Cincy, 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. $35. Eventbrite.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Our picks for the best things to do in Cincinnati, June 23-29
Reporting by Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
