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:
- Weekend Rundown
- 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.]
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–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.
January
Honor the everyday heroes who donate blood and to inspire more people to join this lifesaving cause. As the sole provider of blood products to 30+ hospitals across Greater Cincinnati, Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is calling on the community to make a New Year’s resolution that saves lives: donating blood twice a year.
To show their gratitude, all blood and platelet donors who give in January, at any of Hoxworth’s seven Neighborhood Donor Centers as well as select mobile blood drives, will receive a pair of exclusive Hoxworth sweat pant joggers.
January 6–February 26
Winter Discount Days
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Discounted admission courtesy of US Bank, with tickets for as little as $9 for adults and $6 for children on select days. Learn more about the winter-hardy animals at the Zoo and the natural adaptations that prepare them for the cold.
Read more: Winter in Cincinnati
through January 19
Discovering Ansel Adams
Cincinnati Art Museum
Exhibition ticket required. Free for members.
January 7–19
Les Misérables
Aronoff Center
The world’s most popular musical.
Dates to Know in Cincinnati: January
through Sunday
Clothing & Toy Drive
Cafe Alma
For victims of the LA fires, Cafe Alma will be collecting clothes, shoes, and hats for all ages. Bags, scarves, and other accessories, as well as toys for all ages will be accepted, too. Drop off your donations to the bins at the bar.
Thursday
Opening Day: Terra Futura Community Response Show
Contemporary Arts Center
Participative art project by visual artist Louisa Lama- Aknin. Click here for information about Terra Futura. Through February 10.
Free admission
Friday
January Pint Nights: Samuel Adams
Jungle Jim’s Fairfield, 5–9p
Saturday
Opening Day: Emerge
Krohn Conservatory, 10a
Krohn’s spring show, a celebration of the New Year and the coming of spring.
Winter Hike Series: Sharon Woods
Great Parks, 10a
Annual series of challenging and educational hikes, ranging from four to 5.5 miles, with informative stops to explore the parks’ natural history and unique features. All hikes last about two hours and conclude with soup, cookies, and camaraderie. Additional dates: January 25 and February 1, 8.
$10 registration (ages 5+)
Winter Hiking Challenge
Laboiteaux Woods, 10a
Final winter adventure, guided by Cincinnati Parks’ naturalist Lara Wardlow, and experience the serene magic of the season. 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
Maple Sugaring Hikes
Cincinnati Nature Center (Rowe Woods), 10a–3:45p
Hit the trail for a guided interactive maple hike. Check the sap buckets in the sugarbush and see the steaming evaporator as they boil sap down to “liquid gold” maple syrup.
Fun for all ages. Pre-registration required. Member adult $6; member child $6; nonmember adult $14; nonmember child $14 (includes daily admission)
Flash Canvases: Tattoos at CAM
Cincinnati Art Museum, 11a–5p
Join artists in the Marek Family Commons to browse flash tattoos inspired by artworks in the museum’s collection. Tattoo costs vary. All proceeds benefit the participating tattoo artists. (Participating studios: Black Fern Tattoo, Lonesome Town Tattoo, and Illuminaut Tattoo)
Walkabout of Fine Wine
Jungle Jim’s Fairfield, 3–5p
Detailed descriptions of all the wines you will taste. Wristbands will be available to purchase the day of the event at the Tasting Bar for $20.
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
Art on Vine
Rhinegeist, 12–6p
First event of the New Year, complete with shopping local and supporting the community and local artists.
Free and open to the public
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
through April 6
Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
A mother’s bravery. Her son’s legacy. “Let the world see what they did to my boy.” The heart-wrenching words spoken by Mamie Till-Mobley as she insisted upon an open casket for her 14-year-old son who was brutally murdered for whistling at a white woman in Money, Mississippi, in 1955, catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Included in museum admission. Free for members and on Fifth Third Community Days.
Coming Soon
King Legacy Celebration
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, January 20, 8a
A morning of music, reflection, and a call to action in celebration of the life and enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. The celebration will be live and in-person and will include a continental breakfast. A livestream option is also available.
Doors at 8, continental breakfast 8–8:30, and program at 8:30; tickets
2025 Winter Checkout Challenge
Complete new challenges at CHPL’s 41 locations or from the comfort of your home. Open to adults ages 18 and over. January 21–February 28.
Sports
Cincinnati Cyclones vs. Maine Mariners
Heritage Bank Center
Friday at 7:35p
Hockey Net Bank to first 5000 fans, $5 craft draft and seltzers, $1 popcorn, and $3 burgers.
Cincinnati Bearcats MBB vs. Arizona State
Fifth Third Arena
Saturday at 2p
Watch: CBS Sports Network; Listen 700 WLW
Xavier Musketeers MBB @ Marquette
Saturday at 2p
Watch: FOX; Listen: 55 KRC
Xavier Musketeers WBB vs. Butler
Cintas Center
Saturday at 2p
Watch: FloCollege
Cincinnati Bearcats WBB vs. Colorado
Saturday at 6p
Super Saturday
Watch: ESPN+; Listen: 100.7/106.3FM The Project
Events are subject to change or cancellation. Please click on the link for more information.
New To Do
West Sixth Covington Haus
100 W Sixth Street
Significant Lexington-based West Sixth Brewing expansion to NKY.
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.
Tickets and Registration for Future Events
Bricks & Beer: Cincinnati Music Hall History and Hops
Music Hall
January 30 at 5:30p
February 13 at 5:30p
March 6 and 5:30p
21+
Call for Vendors: Valentine’s Market
Northwood Cider Co, February 1
Apply here. Applications close Monday, January 20, at 11:59p.
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
An Evening of Laughs With Comedian Jessica Michelle Singleton
Commonwealth Sanctuary (Dayton, KY), February 7–8
World touring stand-up comedian
Tickets
All You Need is Love
21c Museum Hotel, February 9, 11a–2p
Drag Queen Brunch and celebration of love for yourself, community, and for a good cause, complete with custom cocktails, brunch buffet, DJ, and the Queens from Queen City Charities. Proceeds benefit Cincinnati’s LGBTQ+ youth homeless and mental health services.
Tickets
Galentine’s Day Sip & Bite
Northwood Cider Co, February 13, 5–9p
Cider and chocolate pairing, featuring four artisanal chocolates paired with four handcrafted ciders.
Tickets
Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner
Northwood Cider Co, February 14, 6:30–9p
Ticket includes three-round murder mystery game, apps and BBQ dinner, first glass of cider (additional drinks available for purchase at the bar).
21+; tickets here
Sea of Love
Newport Aquarium, February 14, 7:30–11a
Explore exhibits, food stations, and animal encounters, and more.
21+
Golden Girls Murder Mystery Dinner
The Oscar Station at Jungle Jim’s, February 15, 6–9p
Ticket price includes dinner and non-alcoholic beverages. Cash bar provided. If you like puzzles, murder, and sassy octogenarians this show is for you.
21+
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)
Sweet & Savory Stroll
Findlay Market, February 16, 10a–4p
Work your way down a list of participating Merchants who will highlight the balance between sweet and savory in their one-of-a-kind samples.
Tickets
Galentine’s Celebration
Cincinnati Observatory, February 16, 11a
Tickets include a coffee bar, light brunch, mimosa bar, mocktails, mini manicures, and solar viewing (weather permitting). All attendees will receive a Galentine’s-themed goodie bag.
21+; $60/person, $50/member
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
22 of the Best Bakeries Across the US Right Now [nytimes.com]
BrewRiver Creole Kitchen Launches Fundraiser in Effort to Keep Doors Open [citybeat.com]
Cincinnati Metro Extends University Free Ride Program for UC, Cincinnati State, and Xavier Students and Staff [instagram.com]
Cincinnati Named Among the Most Arts-Vibrant Cities in the US [cincinnati.com]
Cincinnati Restaurant Group Announces the Closure of Several Concepts [citybeat.com]
The Elephant House Gets an Upgrade [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Esquire Names Cincinnati Spot on Best New Restaurants in America List [cincinnati.com]
Get Comfy This Winter with These 7 Library Fireplaces [chpl.org]
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]
Kaitlin Kirchner Gets Confidence From Her Colorful Wardrobe [cincinnatimagazine.com]
OpenTable Names Six Ohio restaurants on its Top 100 List—All From Cincinnati (Again) [cincinnati.com]
Perfectly Prepped Meals To Go [cincinnatimagazine.com]
A Repurposed Cigarette Vending Machine Dispensing Tiny Art is Now in Cincinnati [citybeat.com]
Ruth Neely Paved the Way for Cincinnati’s Women Journalists [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Vote: The Children’s Museum in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards (History Museum) 2025 [10best.usatoday.com]
Vote: Cincinnati History Museum in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards (History Museum) 2025 [10best.usatoday.com]
Vote: Freedom Center in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards (History Museum) 2025 [10best.usatoday.com]
