in partnership with
and heard every Friday on the Weekend Rundown with JonJon and Friends on
Tour de Cincinnati does the research for fun things to do around the city so you don’t have to! Check out the list below for goings on ranging from markets and live music, to brewery fun and food events. Events are subject to change or cancellation. Be sure to click on their respective links for more information.
Categories listed below include:
- New Year’s Eve
- Weekend Rundown and Remaining Holiday Events
- Sporting Events
- New To Do
- Tickets and Registration
- Local news Roundup
You can also listen to the Weekend Rundown with JonJon on Kiss107 every Friday. If you are unable to tune in on the radio, you can listen to Kiss on the iHeartRadio app or you can listen live here.
[If a link is broken, feel free to reach out for information.]
NYE Events
New Year’s Eve Kids Cruise
BB Riverboats, 11:30a–1:30p (boarding at 10:30a)
Party favors, DJ, kids activities, lunch buffet, and characters from their Pirate, Princess, and Super Hero cruises will be onboard.
$40 for children (ages 4–12); $51 for adults
Midnight in Munich
Roebling Event Center (next to Moerlein Lager House), 4–8p
Family friendly German-inspired celebration with special guest of honor John Harten (Mecklenburg Gardens). Ticket includes German style buffet with a kid-friendly option, German beer specials, and Moerlein draft favorites to toast the occasion in true Bavarian style. Hosted by Those German Guys with music by The Polka Warriors.
$30 adults and $8 for kids 12 and under
15th Annual Happy Zoo Year
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 4–10p
Kid-friendly early countdown at 8p complete with Cincinnati Circus glow performers from 6 to 8, photo ops, glow games, and giveaways (while supplies last).
Included with Zoo admission
New Year’s Eve
Vinoklet Winery, 4:30p–1a
Two packages available: Grilled to Perfection Dinner with reservation 4:30–7:30p at $43–$48 per person, and Dinner & Dancing from 7p–1a (tickets required) at $91.95 per person.
Holidays on the Farm
Parky’s Farm (Winton Woods), 5–9p
Celebratory champagne, sparkling apple cider, kid-friendly DJ, and dance floor as they count down to 8:30p.
New Year’s Eve at WinterFest
Kings Island, 5p–midnight
Two New Year’s Eve countdowns: family-friendly version in Festhaus beginning at 10p and a midnight countdown complete with fireworks. Rides operate until 11p.
Included with WinterFest admission
New Years Eve + Indoor Fireworks
Cincinnati Cyclones vs. Toledo Walleye
Heritage Bank Center, 6p
End your 2024 in a family friendly setting with the Cyclones and a 6p start time, then stick around for indoor fireworks. (Be home in time for the midnight ball drop.)
Early Bird NYE Community Potluck
Northwood Cider Co, 6–10p
Laid-back, family-friendly potluck. Bring your favorite dish to share, test your knowledge with trivia at 7:30, and watch live streams of ball drops from around the world.
Free admission
New Year’s Eve Blast
Fountain Square, 6p–1a
Party on the plaza or celebrate on the ice, featuring a live DJ from 6p-12:30a, and DOUBLE the firework fun. The Kids Countdown firework show will begin at 8p, and the Midnight Countdown will begin at midnight.
New Year’s Eve
Newport Syndicate, 6:30p
Live music, DJs, dinner, and bar. Multiple packages available, including just dinner and dancing.
Tickets start at $85; 21+
New Year’s Eve Skate
Castle Skateland, 7p–12:30a
Two balloon drops with prizes at midnight; noise makers, balloons, confetti canons, and more.
$15 admission; $3 skate rental
5th Annual NYE Party on 7th
Braxton Covington, 7p–1a
All-inclusive ticket includes unlimited beer, wine, and select cocktails; buffet catered by Dewey’s Pizza; photo booth; DJs; champagne toast at midnight.
$100
GEISTYLAND
Rhinegeist, doors at 8p
Beer, wine, and cocktails; classic carnival fare; live performers; DJ, and games.
$25 general admission; 21+
LET’S MISBEHAVE: The Music of Cole Porter
Music Hall, 8p
Ring in the New Year with the Pops and the sophisticated and timeless music of Cole Porter.
Tickets starting at $26
NYE: Taylor Swift Karaoke
Urban Artifact, 8p
Sing down to midnight. Signups start at 7 and singing goes from 8 to midnight.
New Year’s Eve
Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, 8:30p–12:30a (doors at 8)
Bar, buffet, and music by Rick Ipach and Friends all night.
$30 entry includes the buffet; reservations not required but appreciated
New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise
BB Riverboats, 9p–1a (boarding at 8p)
The night includes a three-entree buffet, entertainment, a split of champagne at midnight, late-night snack buffet, and party favors.
Tickets start at $90
NYE with Trailer Park Floosies
The Setback OTR, 9p
All drinks $5.
Free admission
Weird Years Eve
The Woodward Theater and MOTR, 9p
Featuring Ernie Johnson From Detroit with Henry Sugar, Sons Of Silverton, and more.
$20 advance, $25 day of show
Rebecca Black
Hard Rock Casino, 10p
Singer-songwriter and Internet personality performs and local DJ Boywife will open and close her set.
Free admission
Remaining Holiday Events
Light in the Forest
Cincinnati Nature Center, through December 29
REC the Halls
Cincinnati Art Museum, through December 29
WinterFest
Kings Island, through December 31 (select nights)
Deck the Y’alls
Thomas More Stadium, through January 1
Let It Glow!
Cincinnati Art Museum, through January 5
PNC Festival of Lights
Cincinnati Zoo, through January 5 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas)
Solstice Glow
Krohn Conservatory, through January 5
Winter Nights & River Lights
Purple Purple Bridge, through January 5
Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at Union Terminal
Cincinnati Museum Center, through January 6
Read more about remaining holiday events
Thursday
Cincinnati Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration
Celebrations and performances at various locations. Presented by Bi-Okoto Cultural Center. Check out their Facebook page for updates.
Friday
Graeter’s Monthly Donut Pop-Up
Braxton Covington, 8a
Festive donut pop-up complete with donuts, hot and iced coffee, and plenty of holiday cheer.
DORA on Ice (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area)
Hamilton, 12–11p
Sip your way through Hamilton’s DORA-serving establishments, where special holiday offerings await—from seasonal cocktails to local brews.
Pink Pony Club: Pop Party
The Southgate House Revival, 9p
21+; tickets
Saturday
Check out the Tour de Cincinnati Shop Local Guide
Sunday
Weekly Sunday Drag Brunch
Bloom OTR, 11a–2p
Hosted by Jessica Dimon and music with DJ Charlee. Seating at 11, show at 11:30. Parties of more than four must book tickets together. Every Sunday.
18+; tickets here
Bengals Tailgate & Watch Party
Fountain Square, 1:30–4:30p
Live music, drink specials, games, activations, and more. Stick around after the music ends and watch the game on the LED board with audio on.
Free and open to the public
Check out the Bengals Game Day Guide
Ongoing
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours
Cincinnati Museum Center
Fridays at 1:30p, 2:30p, and 3:30p
Saturdays at 11:30a, 12:30p, and 1:30p
Sundays at 12:30p, 1:30p, and 2:30p
Free
November–January
Cheers to Saving Lives
A Hoxworth Blood Center initiative featuring blood drives at 20 area breweries and bars throughout the holiday season. Donors can save lives while earning a t-shirt, brewery discounts, and gift cards for their next visit. The first blood drive will be on November 2 with more dates running through November, December, and January.
Click here for the complete schedule and for more about the gift from each.
December 1–31
Holiday Book Drive
The Bookery
During the month of December, you can donate your $10 store credit (year-round program where customers receive $10 store credit for every $100 spent) to purchase books for students at Spencer, a local Cincinnati Public School.
December 1–February 1
Holiday Lights Recycling
Great Parks
Keep holiday lights out of landfills and give them a new life. In partnership with Cohen Recycling.
Look for marked bins at six locations: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Glenwood Gardens, Miami Whitewater Forest, Sharon Woods, Winton Woods, and Woodland Mound.
through January 5
CAMaraderie: Artists of the Cincinnati Art Museum
Western & Southern Galleries, Cincinnati Art Museum
CAMaraderie will showcase a variety of artworks made by museum staff across different departments.
Free admission
Performing Arts
A Christmas Carol
Playhouse in the Park, November 22–December 29
Alice in Wonderland
Ensemble Theatre, November 23–December 30
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, December 13–29
Fresh and fun annual tradition that sends up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss for 90+ minutes of high octane jollity and frivolity.
The Nutcracker
Music Hall, December 20–29
Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition.
Sports
Week 17
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos
Paycor Stadium
Sunday at 4:30p
Watch: NFL Network; Listen: 700 WLW, ESPN 1530, 102.7 WEBN
Cincinnati Bearcats MBB @ Kansas State
Monday at 7p
Watch: CBS Sports Network; Listen 700 WLW
Xavier Musketeers WBB @ Georgetown
Monday at 7p
Xavier Musketeers MBB vs. Seton Hall
Cintas Center
Tuesday at 2p
Watch: Peacock; Listen: 700 WLW
Events are subject to change or cancellation. Please click on the link for more information.
New To Do
Mercantile Library
414 Walnut Street
Reopened in the historic Mercantile Building after a $5.3 million renovation.
Breadsmith Bellevue
315 Fairfield Avenue
Artisan scratch breads.
Braxton Union
8901 US 42 Hwy
Taproom and green space featuring food by Dewey’s Pizza and Graeter’s Ice Cream.
Mellotone Beer Project
1429 Race Street
Taproom and kitchen in the former Taft’s Ale House space, serving scratch-made modern American dishes.
Alien Records OTR
1207 Vine Street
Buy/sell; specializing in vinyl LPs
Well Made Vintage
341 W Fourth Street
ArtWorks’ Hannan ArtPark
2429 Gilbert Avenue (Walnut Hills)
ArtWorks’ new gathering space.
Italianette Maineville
15 E Foster Maineville Road
Locations in Silverton, College Hill, and now Maineville.
Generations Vintage
4019 Hamilton Avenue
Catch-A-Fire Pizza College Hill
5920 Hamilton Avenue
Catch-A-Fire’s fourth location. Others include Blue Ash, Lebanon, and Westwood.
Carmelo’s
434 Madison Avenue (Covington)
Quintessential Italian American dishes
Biscuit Love
1602 Pleasant Street (OTR), open daily 7a–3p
Breakfast and lunch favorites with a twist centered around its biscuits
HighGrain Lunch Combo
Both locations (Silverton and Brentwood), 11a–2p, Monday through Friday
Get a sandwich or wrap, side, and non-alcoholic drink for $12.
ArtsWave App
One stop location for Cincinnati arts, entertainment, sports, and more.
Dancefix
934 E McMillan (Walnut Hills)
Join Dancefix for a weekend of FREE dance and fitness classes as well as a giant dance party to celebrate their new headquarters.
Tickets and Registration for Future Events
Winter Hiking Challenge
January 4, 11, and 18 at 10a (various locations)
With Adventure Crew. Inspired by the Scandinavian tradition of Friluftsliv (“open-air living”), the Winter Hiking Challenge invites you to explore the outdoors, stay active, and connect with a community of nature lovers.
Free; register here
2025 Chili Cook-Off Participant Registration
Findlay Market, January 11
During Chili Fest weekend, the Chili Cook-Off is open to the public to 20 participants. Must use a minimum of three ingredients sourced from Findlay Market.
Registration is $10; apply here
Cosmic Kids
Cincinnati Observatory, 9:30a (K–2nd) and 11a (grades 3–5)
January 18: Living in Space
February 22: Coding
Interactive program and craft
Tickets
Cincy Winter Beerfest
Cintas Center, February 1, 12p and 6:30p
Sample hundreds of local and regional craft beers, as well as craft wineries and distilleries.
Tickets
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Mainstage 2024–25 Season
Taft Theatre
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat (February 15–24)
Disney’s Frozen Jr (April 25–May 4)
Cincy Wine Fest
Freestore Foodbank, March 6–8
Sip on wine (more than 800from around the globe) and support more than 30 local nonprofits.
Tickets
BrewRiver Creole Kitchen Launches Fundraiser in Effort to Keep Doors Open [citybeat.com]
Bygone Bests From the Class of 2000 [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Cincinnati Magazine Readers’ Choice Voting [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Class of 2000s Most Likely to Succeed [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Esquire Names Cincinnati Spot on Best New Restaurants in America List [cincinnati.com]
For a Century, Cincinnati’s Fashionistas Fawned Over a Shade Called ‘Invisible Green’ [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Get Comfy This Winter with These 7 Library Fireplaces [chpl.org]
Give Blood and Get a Free Puffer Jacket from Hoxworth [citybeat.com]
The Hottest New Greater Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars of 2024 (Part One) [citybeat.com]
The Hottest New Greater Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars of 2024 (Part Two) [citybeat.com]
Interstellar-Themed Bar Galaxie Lands in Covington [citybeat.com]
It Was 25 Years Ago Today [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Neil deGrasse Tyson to Bring Lecture to Cincinnati this Summer [citybeat.com]
Northern Kentucky Restaurateurs Announce Closures of Two Covington Concepts [citybeat.com]
OpenTable Names Six Ohio restaurants on its Top 100 List—All From Cincinnati (Again) [cincinnati.com]
Summerfair Cincinnati’s Poster Design Contest Now Open (through January 11) [citybeat.com]
Thriftmas Could Save the Planet and Your Walnut [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Time Travel in Silverton [cincinnatimagazine.com]