Here’s a look at the biggest, best and most interesting things happening in Cincinnati this week. From the start of Black Tech Week to 2025 AfriFest and The Head and The Heart’s concert at the Icon Festival Stage, it’s going to be yet another busy week. With a stacked calendar like this, you’re sure to find something fun to do.
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, July 14
Happy Bastille Day!
Spend some time at the fairgrounds
The 175th Warren County Fair is happening this week. Enjoy a massive lineup of shows and events, animals, rides, live music, food and much more.
Details: Events starting between 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway, Lebanon. $12 Monday-Wednesday, $15 Thursday-Saturday, free military and senior citizens Thursday with I.D., free all week ages 2-under. Free parking with admission. warrencountyfairohio.org.
Connect with industry leaders this Black Tech Week
Black Tech Week is here. Connect with industry leaders through panel discussions and interactive workshops. Network with entrepreneurs and discover internships. Don’t miss this year’s keynote speaker, Keke Palmer, Emmy-winning actress, producer and founder of KeyTV Network, and many more professional keynote presentations.
Details: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. blacktechweek.com.
Listen to jazz at Washington Park
This week’s performer is Carmon DeLeone Quartet.
Details: 6-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. washingtonpark.org.
Tuesday, July 15
Get some good grub at Strauss Troy Market on The Square
Every Tuesday, enjoy an alfresco lunch hour featuring live music and fan-favorite, local food trucks. Food trucks will rotate every week, so make it out each week to explore new food options.
Details: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Food available for purchase. Runs weekly until Aug. 26. myfountainsquare.com.
Listen to jazz at Fountain Square
If you love jazz, gather at Fountain Square to listen to this week’s performer: Crackpot Theory.
Details: 5-8 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Free. myfountainsquare.com.
Watch ‘Crooklyn’ 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: “Crooklyn.”
Details: 9-11 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. washingtonpark.org.
Wednesday, July 16
Rock out with Kesha
Kesha and Scissor Sisters are coming to Riverbend. Joining them is special guest Slayyyter.
Details: 7 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
Shop for fresh produce at Fort Thomas Farmer’s Market
Fort Thomas’s Farmer’s Market showcases the best from local farms, artisans and small businesses, offering fresh, locally sourced food and handcrafted goods.
Details: 3-7 p.m., 801 Cochran Ave., Fort Thomas. Free admission. Runs weekly until Dec. 17. fortthomasfarmersmarket.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.
Take a trip to the flower patch
Cut your own fresh, specialty blooms at The Marmalade Lily Gardens. “U-Pick” your own flowers with a pair of clippers, a basket and water. Bring your favorite vase to arrange your new blooms in.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, The Marmalade Lily Gardens, 9850 Schlottman Road, Loveland. $5. themarmaladelily.com.
Thursday, July 17
Get your groove on at these free concerts
Groovin’ on the Green: 6 p.m., Village Green Park, 301 Wessel Drive, Fairfield. Music by Fleetwood Gold: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Free. fairfield-city.org.
Live After 5: 6-9 p.m., The Square at Liberty Center, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township. Music by Naked Karate Girls. Free. liberty-center.com.
Live on the Levee: 7 p.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Music by Scenic View. Free. newportonthelevee.com.
Music on the River: 7-9 p.m., Civic Park, 50 Short St., Lawrenceburg. Music by A Small Town: John Mellencamp Experience. 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 July for Kings. 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 Harmed Brothers Duo and Wayne Graham. washingtonpark.org.
Salsa on the Square: 6-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Music by Tropicoso and Diana Hoffman. Runs May 1-Sept. 25. Free. myfountainsquare.com.
Summer Concerts: 7-9 p.m., Beech Acres Park, 6910 Salem Road, Anderson Township. Music by The Cincy Rockers. Free. andersonparks.com.
Uptown Music Series: 7 p.m., Uptown Parks, North Main and East High streets, Oxford. Music by Oxford Folk Jazz. Free. enjoyoxford.org.
Play golf from the upper deck of GABP
Play a round of golf inside the Reds’ stadium while sipping on cold drinks and enjoying great music. Tee times will be offered in 2-person increments. You can bring your own clubs, but no drivers or fairway metals are allowed. Get your tickets to this exclusive opportunity for Reds fans before they sell out.
Details: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. reds.com/upperdeck.
Celebrate the Great Parks’ birthday
On Great Parks Community Days, visitors do not need a permit to enter the parks. Find the nearest Great Parks location near you, and take this opportunity to spend time with family and friends outdoors.
Details: 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m., all Great Parks locations. Free. greatparks.org.
Enjoy food, games and music at St. Dominic’s Festival
This festival is a fun way to show your support for St. Dominic Parish. Listen to live music and watch square dancers perform.
On Thursday, try your hand at Texas Hold ‘Em to win big prizes, three of them totaling $11,500.
Details: 7 p.m.-midnight Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday, 5-11 p.m. Saturday, 3-9 p.m. Sunday, 4551 Delhi Road, Delhi Township. stdominicdelhi.org.
Explore abandoned beer lagering tunnels
This tour explores the stunning 19th and early 20th century brewery architecture and Cincinnati’s rich heritage in its brewing operations. Learn about the evolution of the brewing industry while walking through the lagering tunnels. The tour ends with a stop at a neighborhood taproom, where you can enjoy a pint of local beer (or a soft drink), included with your ticket.
Details: 2-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 3-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Brewing Heritage Trail, 101 West Elder St., Over-the-Rhine. $39. brewingheritagetrail.org.
Friday, July 18
Grab some grub at Bacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival
If you love the three Bs (bacon, bourbon and beer), this is the place to be (no rhyme intended). In addition to getting some good eats, listen to live music from a lineup of bands that changes each day. Bourbon lovers especially can enjoy the bourbon experience tent with award-winning mixologist Molly Wellmann.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Festival Park, 100 Riverboat Row, Newport. Free admission. thingstodocincinnati.com.
Spend a day on the river at Riverfest Fair
Travel to the other side of the river for some shopping, various vendors and great eats. Watch a beauty pageant, the winner of which would proceed to the Kentucky County Fairs & State Fair. See a baby show, a floral hall and some cattle showmanship.
Details: 4-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 102 E. Riverside Drive, Augusta. augustaky.gov/events.
Hear some great tunes at David Shaw’s Big River Get Down
Thirty-three artists at eight different venues over two days. Yes, this event is big, just like the name suggests. Check out the online schedule for all locations, dates and times. The ticketed venue features Maggie Rose and David Shaw on Friday, and Andy Frasco & The U.N. and The Revivalists on Saturday.
Details: 7:30 and 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, RiversEdge Amphitheater, Marcum Park, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton. bigrivergetdown.com.
Spend some time in the sky at Ohio Challenge
Get ready for hot air balloon races, tethered rides and night balloon glow. Stay for fireworks, drone, skydiving and antique car shows and much more.
Details: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2301 Wedekind Drive, Middletown. $10 adult, free ages 12-under. $20 per car handicap, $20 per car Park-N-Ride shuttle, $40 per car onsite parking. ohiochallenge.com.
Come to the North Avondale Block Party
Spend the day listening to music, creating in hands-on art stations and enjoying time with family and friends. Vendors will be serving a variety of free food, and summer classics like popcorn and cotton candy. Don’t miss the concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in the evening.
Details: 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. concert, North Avondale Recreation Center Fields, 617 Clinton Springs Ave., North Avondale. Free. cincinnatisymphony.org.
Have a night out with Mom
Little Diggers is hosting a night out with Mom event. Play with sand jar craft materials, make sculptures and eat pizza and cupcakes, all included with admission.
Details: 5-7 p.m., Little Diggers, 9442 Water Front Drive, West Chester Township. $30. littlediggersplayspace.com.
See Dierks Bentley perform
Country music star Dierks Bentley is coming to Riverbend on his “Broken Branches Tour.” He is bringing along Zach Top and The Band Loula.
Details: 7 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
Enjoy a beach staycation
This Red Brick Friday, put on your sunblock, swimsuit and favorite island wear. Enjoy live music from a Jimmy Buffett tribute band. Slip n’ slide on tropical-themed inflatables. Meet pirate stilt walkers, costumed characters and balloon artists. Grab a bite to eat from vendors and cool off with a Dora-friendly beverage.
Details: 6-10 p.m., Uptown Parks, Main and High streets, Oxford. Free. enjoyoxford.org.
Watch a piano duel
At Queen City Keyed Up, talented performers go head-to-head in this fun, interactive dueling piano show.
Details: 7-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs May 9-Aug. 29. myfountainsquare.com.
Saturday, July 19
Meet Bengals players at Jungle Jam on the Levee
Show up to meet over 25 Bengals players, past and present. Those committed to attend include Ted Karras, Ken Anderson, Jeff Blake, Ickey Woods and Max Montoya. Take the opportunity to get a photo and autograph, get a preview of the upcoming 2025 season and shop at vendors selling Bengals goods. There will be activities for the kiddos and a “Jungle to the Hall” presentation. Ticket sales benefit local charities.
Details: 11 a.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Free to attend, $150 VIP session, $25 alumni autograph session. newportonthelevee.com/events.
Get a taste of Africa at AfriFest Cincy
At this family-friendly festival, enjoy Afrobeats, African cuisine, performances and more showcasing the vibrant heritage of the African diaspora. Afterward, check out the afterparty for more dancing and vibe to music spun from the hottest DJs in the region.
AfriFest Cincy: A Taste of Africa: noon-9 p.m., Sawyer Point Park, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown. Free. myapnet.org/afrifest.
Afterparty: 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Privee on Elm, 1905 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. eventbrite.com.
Taste wine at Vinoklet’s Summer Fair
Sip on your favorite beverage (including beer on tap), listen to good music, splurge a little, get a wine slushie and shop the craft show.
Details: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Colerain Township. $5 cover charge, free parking. vinokletwines.com.
Gear up for the Whiskey City Challenge Bike Race
Get your bike ready for the Whiskey City Challenge. This is a competitive high-speed professional cycling and celebrity tri-cycle races. Music will be playing all day and night along Walnut Street. At the Liberty Theater, enjoy a whiskey tasting from 4-8 p.m.
Details: 1-9 p.m., Parkside Market, 98 East High St., Lawrenceburg. Free admission and parking. thinklawrenceburg.com.
Celebrate Bastille Day
Grab a bite to eat from your favorite food trucks, such as Graeter’s and Montgomery Inn and listen to live music.
Details: 4-11 p.m., 9440 Montgomery Road, Montgomery. montgomeryohio.gov.
Think outside the ‘cube’
Does your little boy or girl love the video game “Minecraft?” Take them to this four-week event where they can create their very own Minecraft bobblehead character. This class will unleash their inner artist as they learn to use templates from shapes, spatial development and how to draw inside and outside of the classroom.
Details: 9:30-11 a.m., Baker-Hunt Art & Cultural Center, 620 Greenup St., Covington. $68. Runs weekly until Aug. 9. bakerhunt.org.
Go on an impromptu adventure through an art gallery
This event is designed for families ages 8-88 where they can play an art-based game together. Think of your typical gallery walk but with a fun twist.
Details: 2-3 p.m., Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills. $5 general public, free for members. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Sunday, July 20
Show up to see OTR Performs
Break out your lawn chairs and see local talent shine.
Details: 6-8 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org.
Watch The Head and The Heart perform at Icon Festival Stage
Folk music group The Head and The Heart is bringing their “Aperture Tour” to Smale Park. Special guests Wild Rivers and Marfa will also be performing a set.
Details: 7:30 p.m., Icon Festival Stage, Smale Park, 25 Race St., Downtown. bradymusiccenter.com.
Make it out to your county’s fair
Butler and Clermont County fairs are happening this upcoming week, starting this weekend. See youth 4-H projects, hop on rides, eat classic carnival food, view exhibits and shop at various vendors. Don’t miss grandstand entertainment such as tractor pulls, rodeos and demolition derby.
Butler: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Saturday, Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton. $10, $5 ages 6-12, free for senior citizens and veterans, $5 and free ages 6-12 Saturday only, week passes available. butlercountyohfair.org.
Clermont: Events starting between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville. Sunday free for everyone, $15 Monday-Saturday (includes most rides), $3 senior citizens Wednesday, all week free ages 2-under and veterans, week passes available. clermontcountyfair.com.
See a free performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Step into Shakespeare’s world of fairies, young love and magic, brought to life by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.
Details: 7 p.m., Devou Park Bandshell, 1201 Park Drive, Covington, Ky. Free. cincyshakes.com.
Wield the power of the sun and eat ice cream at Cincinnati Observatory
At this family-friendly event, celebrate the Earth’s closest space neighbor, eat sundaes (free with admission) and safely view the Sun through the Observatory’s 1845 telescope, if the weather allows. Hear short talks about the sun, tour historic buildings, get your face painted and more. This event will run in rain or shine.
Details: 1-4 p.m., Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Place, Hyde Park. $12 adult, $7 child or member. cincinnatiobservatory.org.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Our picks for the best things to do in Cincinnati this week, July 14-20
Reporting by Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
