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.
through Sunday
2024 Winter Nights & River Lights
Purple Purple Bridge
Christmas lights and holiday decorations spread across the bridge, with events happening throughout the installation.
Free admission
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
Christmas at the Junction
EnterTRAINment Junction
EnterTRAINment Junction will be closing in January, so this is your last chance to see Christmas and holiday train sisplays, as well as visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Admission included with Do-It-All ticket
Let It Glow!
Cincinnati Art Museum
The Alice Bimel Courtyard will be transformed into an immersive outdoor light-filled winter wonderland, complete with a 30-foot-tall interactive snow globe.
Free admission
PNC Festival of Lights
Cincinnati Zoo
Come early for the animals; stay for the lights as the zoo is transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 42nd annual Festival of Lights, featuring 4 million LED lights, North Polar Express Train (staring at 2p), statues in Fiona’s Fairyland, nightly Madcap puppet shows, Santa and costumed character visits (starting at 4p), Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and snacks at S’mores-n-More stands.
Included with zoo admission
Pyramid Hill Lights
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
One million lights, scenic displays, and installations by local artists—all experienced from the comfort of your car.
Admission is $25 per carload ($15 per carload for members)
Solstice Glow
Krohn Conservatory
Celebration of long nights and winter with holiday trains amidst lush tropical foliage. Open daily from 10a–8p.
Tickets
3rd Annual Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Moerlein Lager House
All ages German-American Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt, complete with food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral music, themed character visits, ice rink, Igloo boardwalk, and musical entertainment.
Free admission
through Monday
Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at Union Terminal
Cincinnati Museum Center
The beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains are back for their 78th season.
Free for members or included with museum admission
Dates to Know in Cincinnati: January
Friday
Winter Hiking Challenge
French Park, 10a
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. Additional dates: January 11, 18.
Free; register here
Adult Skate Fridays
Oakley Greens, 9–11p
Music, drinks, and cocktails.
$10 per adult
Saturday
Peddlers Flea Market
4343 Kellogg Avenue, 7a–5p
Buy, sell, or trade.
WakeNSkate with DJ Flava
Winton Hills CRC, 10a–2p
11a–2p: DJ Flava
10a: yoga with Souring Soul Wellness
11a–12:30p: Family skate
12:30–2p: Adult skate
Social hour for everyone—on or off skates. Free coffee and breakfast bites all morning.
$5 drop-in fee; free for CRC members (skate rentals included)
CAM Kids Day: Artists and Storytellers
Cincinnati Art Museum, 11a–3p
Celebrate the artists and storytellers of CAMaraderie, an exhibition showcasing a variety of artworks made by museum staff. Explore different materials and ways to make art, from prints to aluminum to scratch board. Plus, see the Ansel Adams exhibition for free.
Free; some activities require registration
Cincinnati Mimosa Fest
Starting Venue: Aladdin’s Eatery + Lounge OTR, 11a–3p
Brunch specials, DJs/music, free swag, and more participating venues.
General admission $15; VIP $35; 21+
January Reading Party
Northwood Cider Co, 1:30–4p
Bring a book, read an hour, and chat with new book friends over a drink about what you just read. Enjoy curated soft music in the reserved reading area.
1:30p: Arrive early to settle into your seat, grab a drink or chat
2–3p: Reading time
3–4p: Mingle and chat (or keep reading)
Free, but RSVP is encouraged for spacing
Boozy Book Swap
Northwood Cider Co, 4–8p
The perfect time to set your book-ish intentions for the New Year.
Free admission
Happy New Year with Live Music
Marty’s Hops & Vines, 8p
Check out the Tour de Cincinnati Shop Local Guide
Sunday
Walk With a Shelter Dog
Ault Park, 9–11a
Claim a spot and a dog by emailing dawn@lfaw.org (no prior experience or volunteer orientation required.). In partnership with League for Animal Welfare.
Free
Brasstacular!
Cincinnati Art Museum, 11a
Brass quintet playing the bold sounds of these fantastic instruments.
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
Wings of Wonder
Spring Grove Cemetery & Artboretum
From parrots to raptors, birds big and small will fly, climb, and mesmerize you in this fun and educational program. The trainers from the Cincinnati Zoo will bring 3-4 birds of a feather for an up-close, interactive program.
Free, but registration required
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
Sports
Xavier Musketeers MBB @ Georgetown
Friday at 8p
Watch: CBS Sports Network; Listen: 700 WLW
Cincinnati Bearcats MBB vs. Arizona
Fifth Third Arena
Saturday at 2:30p
Watch: ESPN2; Listen 700 WLW
Cincinnati Cyclones vs. Indy Fuel
Heritage Bank Center, 7p
Throwback Night
LED foam glow stick giveaway, $2 hot dogs, $2 sodas, $2 beers.
Week 18
Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Saturday at 8p
Watch: ABC/ESPN; Listen: 700 WLW, ESPN 1530, 102.7 WEBN
Check out the Bengals Game Day Guide
Cincinnati Bearcats WBB @ TCU
Saturday at 8p
Watch: ESPN+; Listen: FOX 1360
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 11 and 18, 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
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
22 of the Best Bakeries Across the US Right Now [nytimes.com]
Bygone Bests From the Class of 2000 [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Cincinnati Named Among the Most Arts-Vibrant Cities in the US [cincinnati.com]
Class of 2000s Most Likely to Succeed [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]
Neil deGrasse Tyson to Bring Lecture to Cincinnati this Summer [citybeat.com]
New Grab-and-Go Sandwich Shop Opens Downtown [citybeat.com]
OpenTable Names Six Ohio restaurants on its Top 100 List—All From Cincinnati (Again) [cincinnati.com]
Retro Home of the Future in Florence [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Summerfair Cincinnati’s Poster Design Contest Now Open (through January 11) [citybeat.com]
Thriftmas Could Save the Planet and Your Walnut [cincinnatimagazine.com]
