Here are the best, most exciting events happening in Cincinnati this week, from a Russell Dickerson concert to delicious food at CincItalia and a whole bunch of other festivals kicking off outdoor-fun season.
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, May 25 – Happy Memorial Day!
Visit cincinnati.com for a full list of Memorial Day parades and observances.
Meet adorable animals at Zoo Babies
Celebrate the newest additions to the Cincinnati Zoo, big and small babies alike, in their exhibits this month.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Runs May 1-31. cincinnatizoo.org.
Grab lunch on the square
At FSQ Eats, grab a coworker get a bite to eat at Fountain Square.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs through Oct. 30. myfountainsquare.com.
Come out to the Destination Monarch Butterfly Show
Trace the epic migration of the monarch butterfly across the United States and into Mexico.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Sunday, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills. $12 adult, $8 ages 5-17, free ages under 5. Runs May 9-Aug. 9. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Tuesday, May 26
Dance it out with Ryan Bingham
Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentlemen are bringing their “Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour” to Cincinnati this week.
Details: 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. tafttheatre.org.
See awesome LEGO builds at Cincinnati Museum Center
At “Jurassic World by Brickman,” venture into a baby brachiosaurus enclosure, and see triceratops, velociraptors, T. rex and more. Create your own hybrid dino in the DNA lab.
Details: Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. cincymuseum.org.
Learn about the legacy of Behringer-Crawford Museum
Behringer-Crawford Museum is celebrating 75 years of art, culture and community. History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals. Check out the “Treasures from the Attic” exhibit, exploring 250 years of fashion and furniture.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Behringer-Crawford Museum, Devou Park, 1600 Montague Road, Covington. $9, $8 ages 60-up, $5 ages 3-17. “Treasures from the Attic” runs Feb. 14-Aug. 9. bcmuseum.org.
Wednesday, May 27
Grab your cowboy boots for Southern Sessions
Enjoy live folk, roots, and Americana music from a rotating list of performers.
Details: 5-8 p.m., Fifth Third Bank Center Stage, Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs Wednesdays through Sept. 2. myfountainsquare.com.
Create a vase and pendant
Craft a flower vase or a pendant with the help of professional glass blowers.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Neusole Glassworks, 11925 Kempersprings Drive, Forest Park. Prices vary per item. Runs through May 31. neusoleglassworks.com.
See ‘Folk Art: Self-Taught Artists. Self-Told Stories’
This exhibition celebrates 200 years of American ingenuity and the personal forces that move artists beyond contemplation to creation, offering guests a glimpse of the raw, authentic American spirit.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Harmon Museum, Armstrong Conference Center, 105 S Broadway St., Lebanon. $10 in addition to standard museum admission. Runs through June 13. wchsmuseum.org.
Shop healthy and affordable foods at Northside Farmers Market
Browse over 20 vendors selling everything from fresh vegetables and fruits, bread, eggs and dairy, baked goods and pastries, jams, meats, ferments, soaps, spices, chocolate, coffee and more.
Details: 4-7 p.m., Northside Farmers Market, 4222 Hamilton Ave., Northside. Runs through October 28. northsidefm.org.
Thursday, May 28
Jam out with Russell Dickerson
Country artist Russell Dickerson is bringing “RussellMania 2026 Tour” to the Icon Festival Stage at Smale Park. Joining him are special guests Niko Moon and Adrien Nuñez.
Details: 7 p.m., Icon Festival Stage, Smale Park, 25 Race St., Downtown. bradymusiccenter.com.
Watch the 2026 Frontier Days Parade
Frontier Days Parade is returning to Milford. This year’s theme is “America 250: Hometown Proud.”
Details: 6:30 p.m., starts at Milford Shopping Center, 979 Lila Ave., ends on Main Street, downtown Milford. frontierdaysmilford.com.
See ‘The Art of the Brick’
Artist Nathan Sawaya turns one million Lego bricks into more than 100 works of art, including a 20-foot-long T. rex, human figures, many animals, famous art and other life-size sculptures.
Details: Various sessions available Thursdays-Sundays, Exhibition Hub Art Center, 18 W. Fourth St., Downtown. Runs through May 31. feverup.com.
Grab a lawn chair for Songs at Sunset
Enjoy live music every Thursday in May. Hear a mix of Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk and roots rock.
Details: 6-8 p.m., Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash. Runs Thursdays through May 28. summitparkblueash.com.
Salsa on the Square
Hear live salsa, merengue, cumbia and Latin jazz music from a rotating list of bands. Take part in a large dance class at Fountain Square. Or, if you’re already skilled, show off them moves!
Details: 7-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs Thursdays through September 25. myfountainsquare.com.
Rock out at Midwest Friends Fest
Now encompassing three days, this music festival features over 40 bands from Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Dayton, Columbus and national acts.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. $40 general admission. Passes available for two- and three-day admission. midwestfriendsfest.com.
See a stage adaptation of ‘Emma’
This Cincy Shakes production brings the Regency era to life with a performance of “Emma.” Emma, a headstrong matchmaker, believes she can’t fall in love herself.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs May 22-June 14. cincyshakes.com.
Friday, May 29
Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves
The Reds play the Atlanta Braves this week. Stay for the fireworks after Friday’s game, grab a Spencer Steer bobblecard Saturday, and run the bases on Sunday.
Details: 6:40 p.m. Friday, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, 1:40 p.m. Sunday, Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. mlb.com.
Have summer fun at All Saints Parish Festival
Enjoy bourbon tastings, face painting, poker, blackjack, rides, children’s games and new musical performers each night.
Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3-9 p.m. Sunday, St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 7754 Montgomery Road, Kenwood. allsaintsfestival.com.
Bourbon drinkers, unite!
The Newport Syndicate will be featuring Knob Creek for its monthly Bourbon Dinner Series. Enjoy a 3-couse meal, a signature drink, with dessert paired with bourbon (or wine, depending on what you want to sip).
Details: 6:30 pm, Newport Syndicate, 18 E. Fifth St. Newport, $81. eventbrite.com.
Enjoy a picnic performance at Ault Park
Bring a blanket, chairs and a picnic dinner to Ault Park for an evening of music and fun. Enjoy performances by Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Kids can try an “instrument petting zoo,” and an astronomer will have several telescopes set up for solar viewing.
Details: 6-8:30 p.m., Ault Park Pavilion, 5090 Observatory Circle, Mount Lookout. Free. aultparkac.org.
Grab a bite to eat at Great Parks Burgers & Brews
Soak in those summer nights on the deck at Lake Isabella every other Friday. Enjoy live music from local artists, refreshing beverages, burgers and hot dogs grilled onsite.
Details: 6-9 p.m., Great Parks’ Lake Isabella, 10174 Loveland-Madeira Road, Symmes Township. greatparks.org.
Try a whole bunch of Italian food at CincItalia
Italian food is the star attraction here, with traditional fare such as stromboli, pasta, pizza, lasagna, cannoli and gelato. Enjoy nightly live music, plus cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, games, rides and more.
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday (ages 21-up only), 3-11 p.m. Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Sunday, Harvest Home Park, 3961 North Bend Road, Cheviot. cincitalia.org.
Shop for art on Final Friday
Browse and buy art directly from the artists on Final Friday. There are more than 250 studios over four buildings, and shops will host artists. Artist of the month is Charlie Berger in studio 806.
Details: 5-9 p.m., Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. Valet parking is $10. Free admission. pendletonartcenter.com.
Catch a free concert at Fountain Square
Visit Cincy’s Friday Night Nationals is a free concert series starting this summer. Performing this week: 90s rock icons The Verve Pipe and Deep Blue Something.
Details: 7 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Free. myfountainsquare.com.
See a show during Cincy Fringe Festival
Celebrate the long-running Cincinnati summer theatre party. Experience uncensored, experimental performance from more than 40 independent local, national and international theater artists. Cincy Fringe produces over 150 performances of over 35 theatre productions.
Details: May 29-June 13, 1-10 p.m. weekends, 6-10 p.m. weekdays (excluding Mondays), Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine. $15 admission to any show, passes for multiple shows available. cincyfringe.com.
Browse at the East Walnut Hills Farmers Market
Shop for fresh produce from local farmers while listening to live entertainment.
Details: 4-7 p.m., Madison Parking Lot, 1523 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills. Runs Fridays through Oct. 23. ewhfarmersmarket.com.
Kick off summer at the St. Jude Bridgetown Festival
Hear bands and enjoy drinks, food, shaved ice and ice cream. There will be games and rides for the kids. The Bulldog Auction will run all weekend.
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, 4 p.m.-midnight Saturday, 3-10 p.m. Sunday, St. Jude Church, 5924 Bridgetown Road, Green Township. facebook.com.
Start summer off right at Junefest
Enjoy inflatables, a booze toss, face paint, stilt walkers, gambling, food trucks and more.
Details: 7 p.m.-midnight (adults only) Friday, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday, 927 Ellison Ave., Mount Lookout. riverviewcatholics.org.
Saturday, May 30
Celebrate the Oakley community at Community Cleanup
Help clean Oakley Park, Hyde Park Plaza, and the part of Wasson Way. Volunteers will get a ticket for a beverage of choice at the party on the Square that evening. At the party, hear a performance by Meyer & Jamwave and Monte Lykins. Face painters and a balloon animal artist from the Cincinnati Circus will be there.
Community Cleanup: 9-11 a.m., Eastside Rec Center, 3950 Paxton Ave., Oakley.
Party: 5-9 p.m., Geier Esplanade, 2980 Madison Road, Oakley. oakleynow.com.
Sample a variety of adult beverages at Oxford Wine and Craft Beer Festival
Enjoy live music, merchant and artisan booths, treats and a beer garden.
Details: 2-10 p.m., Uptown Memorial Park, 4 N. Main St., Oxford. oxfordwinefestival.com.
Check out cool art at Summerfair
Get inspired at this three-day, more-than-50-year-old festival of music and art. Summerfair supports artists in visual and performing arts in the Queen City. Funds raised are put toward awards, scholarships and exhibitions.
Details: noon-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Coney Island, Kellogg Avenue at I-275, Anderson Township. $15 multi-day, $10 single day, kids 12-under free. summerfair.org.
Hop on a bike for Gears of Gratitude
Support Eddie Moore as he battles stage four lung cancer at this community benefit. Register for a 75-mile bike run, join the cornhole tournament and grab a dinner plate. There will also be a raffle and a silent auction.
Details: 12:30 p.m. bike run, 1 p.m. cornhole tournament, 2:30 p.m. dinner, 8975 S Main St., Germantown. $25 per rider, $20 per cornhole player, $10 dinner plate. allevents.in.
Get hyped for Stereo 26 DJ Fest
Dance to beats from a variety of DJs such as DJ Vader, DJ Apryl Reign, DJ Diamond, DJ Queen Celine, DJ Brian Guinness and more. Roller skate with Skate Downtown Cincy at the newly painted Sawyer Point roller rink.
Details: noon-10 p.m., Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Sunday, May 31
Bring your racer to Cincinnati Local Soap Box Derby
Children ages 7-17 can compete by driving their gravity-powered race cars. Those who don’t have one can borrow a racer.
Details: all day, 3604 Observatory Ave., Mount Lookout. cincinnati.soapboxderby.org.
Get ready to rock at Fifth & Vine Live
Dance and sing along to anthems you know. Each night features a fan-favorite cover or tribute band from a rotating list of artists.
Details: 7-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs every Sunday through Aug. 30. myfountainsquare.com.
Spend Sunday on the Square
Shop at Hyde Park Farmers’ Market for vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, cheeses, pantry items, herbs, cut flowers, garden plants and artisan goods.
Details: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hyde Park Square, 2700 Erie Ave., Hyde Park. hydeparkfarmersmarket.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Things to do in Cincinnati this week, May 25-31
Reporting by Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
