Every month Tour de Cincinnati creates a shortlist of notable events around Greater Cincinnati—large festivals, food weeks, entertainment, and ongoing series—to make sure you mark down these dates to keep in mind as you make plans in the coming weeks.
Here are several important dates for local events in May to get in your calendars now:
through May 3
DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon Jr.
The Emery Theater
Stage adaptation of one of DreamWorks’ most legendary films.
60-minute runtime
Pericles
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 7:30p
Click here for the 2025–26 season schedule
Water for Elephants
Aronoff Center
Click here to view the remaining 2025–26 Broadway in Cincinnati season
through May 17
Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black and White
Taft Museum of Art
For the first time in 27 years, Rembrandt House Museum shares major collection of etchings with U.S. audience, showcasing complete range of artist’s prints and centuries-long impact.
April 1–May 31
Pitching for Platelets
All platelet donors that give 3 or more times from April 1 to May 31 will win a VIP experience at a Reds game in July. Each qualifying donor will receive:
- A ticket for the donor and a guest
- Free parking provided by SP+
- A chance to throw out the first pitch
- Special recognition during the game
- A visit from the Reds mascot(s)
- And more!
In partnership with the Cincinnati Reds.
May 1
Opening Day: Interactive Water Park
Washington Park
MAY 1–31
AAPI Heritage Month
AAPI Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Click here to view Asianati’s community calendar, which includes AAPI Heritage Month activities all month long.
MAY 1–31
Zoo Babies
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Big babies and small are include in the Zoo Babies class of 2026.
Free admission for moms on Mother’s Day
MAY 1–3
Flying Pig Marathon Weekend
Weekend-long Pig Party, including full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 50W Mile, 4-Person Relay, Flying Piglet, The 26th Mile, PigAbilities, Flying Fur, Fitness Expo, Victory Party, Family Fun Festival, and more. Voted Best Marathon by 10best.usatoday.com.
May 8–9
Art Walk
Essex Studios, 6–10p
A showcase for resident artists and studios, as well as select local artists.
May 9
Great Parks Pollinator Festival & 5K
Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor, 10a–2p (5K at 9a)
Family friendly event featuring live music, activities, vendors, and food and beverages.
Register for the 5K here
Opening Day
Ziegler Park Pool
Season Passes on Sale Now. Pool season May 9–September 13.
Spring Crafty Supermarket
Music Hall Ballroom, 11a–5p
Juried indie craft show of metropolitan proportions featuring 100+ crafters, artists, and makers from all over North America.
May 9–31
The House on Watch Hill
Ensemble Theatre
New musical full of nostalgia, heart, and a touch of the supernatural. Based on true events, it follows a group of teen misfits in the summer of 1984 who set out to build the ultimate haunted house in their Cincinnati suburb. A must see for fans of Stranger Things, The Goonies.
May 9–August 9
2026 Butterfly Show: Destination Monarch
Krohn Conservatory, 10a–8p daily
Follow the incredible journey of one of nature’s most iconic pollinators—the monarch butterfly. Trace their epic migration across the United States and into Mexico, where they find refuge in the Oyamel Fir Forests for the winter. Discover the science, beauty, and wonder behind this remarkable voyage.
May 12
Florence Y’alls Home Opener
Florence Y’alls vs. Mississippi Mud Monsters
Thomas More Stadium, 6:52p
May 15–17
Maifest
Goebel Park (Covington)
Celebrate spring with a weekend of German culture, beer, food, music, and maypole dancing, as well as craft and food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for ages.
May 15–23
May Festival
Music Hall
Cincinnati’s longest running community engagement project—the reason Music Hall was built and why we have the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the sixth-oldest symphony in the US.
May 16
Bacchus Beer Fest 4
Element Eatery, 3–8p
30 breweries and spirits, 10 food vendors, live music, and more.
General admission $29; 21+
May 22–25
Taste of Cincinnati
Fifth Street, downtown
The nation’s longest running food festival and Cincinnati’s largest culinary tradition, featuring several blocks of food and vendors, activities, and live entertainment.
May 29–May 31
CincItalia
Harvest Home Park
Live music, local Italian restaurants, wine and beer, games for all ages.
2026 Summerfair Cincinnati
Coney Island
For more than 50 years, this annual three-day fine arts fair has been dedicated to supporting visual and performing arts in Greater Cincinnati. This three-day fine arts fair raises enough funds to support awards, scholarships, and exhibitions.
Tickets
May 29–June 13
23rd Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival
Multiple Venues in OTR
Cincinnati’s summer theatre party is back for its 23rd year, complete with 13 days of theatre arts produced by Know Theatre. Learn more about the festival here.
All-access passes now available
Have any questions or want specific recommendations about things to do? Just ask!
