Gear up for a jam-packed schedule that’s sure to welcome August with a bang. Big names in the music industry are coming to Cincinnati this week, including Cyndi Lauper, Big Time Rush and Luke Bryan, all performing at Riverbend Music Center. If you prefer a smaller show, head out to Lebanon Blues Festival and support local bands like Motherfolk at On Point Music Festival.
Other notable events this week include the second weekend of Glier’s Goettafest. And bring your canoe, kayak or paddleboard to the Ohio River Paddlefest for some water fun, including a Finish Line Festival to celebrate the participants.
Have some free time on your hands but don’t know how to spend it? We’ve got you covered. Here are the biggest, best things to do in Cincinnati this week.
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 28
Catch the Reds vs. the Dodgers
Your favorite Cincinnati baseball team plays Los Angeles this week. Cheer them on!
Details: 7:10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. reds.com.
Listen to jazz at Washington Park
This week’s performer is Estrada do Sol.
Details: 6-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. washingtonpark.org.
Hang with the butterflies at Krohn
This year’s Butterfly Show lets you step into a Gothica Botanica-themed butterfly garden, where shadowy foliage and deep-hued blooms set the stage for hundreds of iridescent butterflies. This show is ending soon, so make sure to check out this event while it’s still happening!
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Aug. 10, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Cincinnati-oh.gov.
Tuesday, July 29
Jam out with Cyndi Lauper one last time
Just want to have fun? See ’80s icon Cyndi Lauper in concert as she brings her “Girls Just Want to Have Fun Farewell Tour” to Cincinnati, performing her biggest hits such as “Time After Time” and “True Colors.”
Details: 7:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
Don’t miss the largest Christian music festival
See over 100 artists at the 40 Days of Christian Music Festival with a concert every day. In addition to music and talks, explore exhibits, ride the new carousel, see exotic animals at Ararat Ridge Zoo, zoom down thrilling zip lines and even ride a camel. This event runs July 29-Sept. 6.
Ark Encounter: 4 p.m. daily, 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown.
Creation Museum: 1 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday weekly, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg.
Noah’s Village (Inside Ark Encounter): noon Monday-Saturday weekly, 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown. 40daysofchristianmusic.com.
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: Miles Twitty Quintet.
Details: 5-8 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Free. myfountainsquare.com.
Wednesday, July 30
Live it up big time with Big Time Rush
Boy band Big Time Rush is bringing their “In Real Life Worldwide Tour” to Cincinnati. Dance and sing along to their hits such as “Boyfriend” and “Worldwide.” Joining them are special guests Katelyn Tarver and Stephen Kramer Glickman.
Details: 7 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
Catch Rainbow Kitten Surprise in concert
Rainbow Kitten Surprise is coming to Cincinnati, performing their “Thanks for Coming Tour” for their fans. Medium Build is joining them on this tour stop.
Details: 6:30 p.m., MegaCorp Pavilion, 101 W. Fourth St., Newport. promowestlive.com.
Watch the Bengals gear up for the 2025-26 season
See the Bengals players get ready for the season at one of their public practices. While witnessing them in action on the field, enjoy a bite from the concession stand, shop Bengals merchandise and have the opportunity to get a signed autograph from the players.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-noon, Kettering Health Practice Fields, 1 West Mehring Way, Downtown.
Saturday: 6-7:30 p.m., Paycor Stadium, 1 Paycor Stadium, Downtown. bengals.com.
Stop by Reggae Wednesday
Whether you want a night out or to spend time with family, come out to enjoy music from the islands. Grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant or an icy cold beverage from The Porch. This week’s performer is Hurricane.
Details: 6-10 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. washingtonpark.org.
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 31
Taste a bite of Cincy’s heritage at Glier’s Goettafest
It’s the final weekend to try all things goetta, from fudge to pizza. The goetta-based creations you’ll find at this festival test the limits of the ingredient and please the tastebuds of the many who try them. Buy something from the world’s only goetta vending machine, and take a picture with “The Goetta Guy.”
Details: 5-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Festival Park, Riverboat Row, Newport. Free admission. goetta.com/goettafest.
See the Reds take on the Atlanta Braves
Root for the home team. Thursday’s event is Anime Ticket Package, featuring “My Hero Academia.”
Details: 7:10 p.m. Thursday, 12:40 p.m. Friday, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. reds.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., Village Green Park, 301 Wessel Drive, Fairfield. Free. cincyshakes.com.
Boogie at these free concerts
Live After 5: 6-9 p.m., The Square at Liberty Center, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township. Music by Michelle Robinson Band. Free. liberty-center.com.
Live on the Levee: 7 p.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Music by Cat Campbell & The $2 Pistols. Free. newportonthelevee.com.
Music on the River: 7-9 p.m., Civic Park, 50 Short St., Lawrenceburg. Music by Last Child: Aerosmith Tribute. Runs June 5-Aug. 28. Free. downtownlawrenceburg.com.
Roots Revival: 7-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Music by Sonya Moomaw & Bedel & Hibbard. washingtonpark.org.
Salsa on the Square: 6-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Music by Max Rosado and SalsAires. Runs May 1-Sept. 25. Free. myfountainsquare.com.
Uptown Music Series: 7 p.m., Uptown Parks, North Main and East High streets, Oxford. Music by Jim Burns Band. Free. enjoyoxford.org.
Friday, Aug. 1
Sing the blues at Lebanon Blues Festival
Enjoy 11 different acts (three on Friday and eight on Saturday). Taste award-winning barbecue, pork chops and homemade desserts. Sip on a cold one at the deluxe beer garden. Browse goods at the redesigned artisan and craftsman row. In addition to listening to live blues, look at over 150 classic cars lined up along Broadway Street.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Bicentennial Park, 135 E Mulberry St., Lebanon. Free. lebanonbluesfestival.com.
See the ‘Always… Patsy Cline’ musical (last chance!)
Based on the true story of Cline’s friendship with her biggest fan, this uplifting musical blends Cline’s hits like “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces” and “Walking After Midnight” with a story of loyalty, laughter and love. If you’re a fan of theater or country music, this play is a must-see.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, The Carnegie, 1028 Scott St., Covington. thecarnegie.com.
Spend a night in the park
At Days in the Park Festival, enjoy food, rides, games and music. On Friday, catch Billy Rock Band live in concert and Cassette Junkies Band on Saturday.
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, Chamberlin Park, 7640 Plainfield Road, Deer Park. deerpark-oh.gov.
Dance and drink the night away at Summer Soiree en Blanc
Dress in white for the city’s hottest party of the summer. Hear mixes by DJ JonJon, and taste beverages prepared by mixologist Molly Wellmann. Every ticket includes four drink tickets, light bites and music.
Details: 6-10 p.m., Ault Park Pavilion, 5090 Observatory Circle, Mount Lookout. $65. aultparkac.org.
Shop ’til you drop at Bellevue’s First Friday
Retail shops stay open late in collaboration with local bars and restaurants. Enjoy live music, themed food specials and more. Sip on a B.E.D. (Bellevue Entertainment District) alcoholic drink while you shop.
Details: 5-9 p.m., Fairfield Avenue Historic District, 200-700 blocks of Fairfield Ave., Bellevue. Free. visitbellevueky.com.
Party hard with Luke Bryan
Ready to shake it? Country music star Luke Bryan is bringing his “Country Song Came On Tour” to the Queen City. He will be performing hits like “Country Girl (Shake it for Me),” “Drink a Beer” and “I Don’t Want This Night to End.” Joining him are special guests Avery Anna, Braxton Keith and Mae Estes.
Details: 7 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
Explore an indigenous ceremonial site
Explore Fortified Hill, a 2,000-year-old Indigenous ceremonial earthworks site adjacent to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Pyramid Hill has prepared this site for visitors through respectful restoration and are offering tours of this historical site.
Details: 6 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Pyramid Hill, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. Members: $20 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Non-members: $30 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Runs the first weekend of each month through November. pyramidhill.com.
Come to the Woodlawn/Lincoln Heights 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, Woodlawn Community Center, 10050 Woodlawn Blvd., Woodlawn. Free. cincinnatisymphony.org.
Enjoy a fairytale-filled night with the family
This Red Brick Friday, put on your best princess dress and crown and head to “Books on the Bricks.” Mingle with enchanting wizards, witches, elves, fairies, princesses and dragons. Get your face painted by the fairy godmother, and watch Merlin’s magic show. Find your way through a medieval maze and watch performers costumed like characters straight out of a storybook.
Details: 6-10 p.m., Uptown Parks, Main and High streets, Oxford. Free. enjoyoxford.org.
See Cincinnati’s hottest bands at On Point Music Festival
Jam out to live music by Motherfolk, The Tillers, Maria Carrelli, Multimagic, Touchdown Jesus, Deej, Dearest, Steve Covington and The Humble Strays, The Foles, Alex Scheft, Temani, Tracy Walker and Dreaded Mids. There will also be a roller rink, beach volleyball and pickleball tournament, open to all skill levels.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 2-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E Pete Rose Way, Downtown. Free admission. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Enjoy festival fun at 2025 Holy Cross Immaculata Festival
The annual summer tradition is back. Win big prizes from the major raffle. Find something unique at the silent auction. Hear live entertainment from Union Son on Friday night and Easter Rising on Saturday night. Grab a bite to eat from the grill and pizza booth. Have fun participating in classic carnival and festival games and, for adults, the casino.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Holy Cross Immaculata Parish, 30 Guido St., Mount Adams. mtadamscincy.org.
Support St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
At this summer church festival, expect a basket bonanza, grand raffle, bid and buys, live music, delicious food, cold drinks and entertainment for the kids.
Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 4-8 p.m. Sunday, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9080 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester. stjohnwc.org.
Have more church festival fun at St. John the Baptist
Bring the entire family for local food, ice cold drinks, kids’ games, cards and more fun. Enjoy performances from Gee, Your Band Smells Terrific, The Whammies and DV8. Enjoy a chicken dinner on Sunday from 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, 4:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday, 4-9 p.m. Sunday, St. John the Baptist, 5361 Dry Ridge Road, Colerain Township. theblessedtrinityfamily.org.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Bring your kayak, canoe or paddleboard to Ohio River Paddlefest
What better way to spend a summer day than on the water? Enjoy a scenic 9-mile float down the Ohio River, or if that’s too long, opt for the 4.5-mile course. Make sure to stop by the Finish Line Festival for live music, food trucks, outdoor vendors and family fun. Proceeds for this event support outdoor education for Cincinnati youth.
Details: 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Schmidt Boat Ramp and Ballfields, 250 St. Peters St., East End. 9-mile course: $75 adult, $25 youth. 4.5-mile course: $70 adult, $20 youth. Rate doesn’t include rental boats. ohioriverpaddlefest.org.
Settle the crispy or chewy debate at Bacon Fest 2025
Sample foods from local restaurants and food trucks (topped with bacon, of course) and learn about new ways to add bacon to all your favorite dishes. Enjoy music by The Wet Bandits, Amy Newhart Band and The Big Badd.
Details: 4-10 p.m., 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering. Free admission. fraze.com.
Roam around Rock and Roll Playhouse
Prepare to “Shake it Off” with your little Swiftie. Kids ages 10-under can enjoy games, movement and stories set to music by some of the most iconic musicians in rock history at the Rock and Roll Playhouse event. This week: the music of Taylor Swift.
Details: noon-1 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Myfountainsquare.com.
Take the kiddos to Kidchella
Sure, you’ve heard of Coachella. But have you been to Kidchella? Celebrate the end of summer at this family-friendly concert, celebrating its 10th year. This year’s lineup includes Zak Morgan, The Little Gym Mason, School of Rock and My Nose Turns Red.
In addition to dancing your heart out to live music, meet live animals and princesses. Get your face painted and adorn a glitter tattoo. Explore a real police car and firetruck. Local vendors will sell sweet treats like shaved ice and popsicles or enjoy something savory like coffee.
Details: 1-4 p.m., Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin Simpson Road, Deerfield Township. Free. cincinnatifamilymagazine.com.
Watch viral cat videos on the big screen (and for a good cause)
International CatVideoFest 2025 is coming to Cincinnati. Bring the entire family to this event where you can watch a 75-minute compilation of the most adorable and hilarious cat videos from across the internet. A portion of proceeds benefit The Scratching Post, a no-kill cat shelter in Silverton.
Details: 2, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, Esquire Theater, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. $12. esquiretheatre.com.
Support the Santrina Strong Foundation at a Florence Y’alls game
Join the Santrina Strong Foundation for an evening of baseball, hope and holistic healing at Healing and Home Runs: A Night for the Santrina Strong Foundation. This event raises awareness and funds for the Santrina Strong Foundation’s mission to provide holistic, integrative support to individuals fighting cancer.
Details: 6:30 p.m., Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence. Tickets: ticketreturn.com.
Sunday, Aug. 3
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.
Root for FC Cincinnati as they take on FC Juarez
Wear your orange and blue to come out and cheer on your favorite local soccer team. This Sunday they play against FC Juarez. Don’t miss a beat at this fast-paced and action-packed sports game.
Details: 5:30 p.m., TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway, West End. fccincinnati.com.
Have summer fun at St. Aloysius Festival
Come out to support St. Aloysius. Enjoy a chicken dinner, car show, grand raffle and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 3350 Chapel Road, Shandon. stalshandon.org.
Paint and sip in Fountain Square
Relax, enjoy your favorite drink (one provided) and paint under the skyline. All supplies are provided, so just bring yourself! This week’s subject is Music Hall.
Details: 11 a.m-1 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. $25. Pre-registration required. Myfountainsquare.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Our picks for the best things to do in Cincinnati this week, July 28-Aug. 3
Reporting by Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
