This month’s event roundup is brought to you in partnership with our friends at
Recreations Outlet.
We may have been experiencing not-so-typical summer weather this year, but we have a feeling July is about to change all of that. When the heat turns up, take a break by visiting our friends at Recreations Outlet! They are open for play 7 days a week, and always a cool 72 degrees. Let your kids have fun playing with outdoor equipment in the comfort of the indoors!
Kids Art @ Inwood
July 1, 8, 15 & 22
Inwood Park
2326 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219
10am-12pm
FREE; Program is weather dependent – no reservations needed
Meet the Clifton Cultural Arts Center at Inwood Park for nature-inspired artmaking activities for kids and families. For children ages 3-8, parent participation highly encouraged.
Artmaking will take place at the Inwood Park Shelter Area (Enter from Wellington Place off Auburn Ave.)
Twilight Tuesdays
July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
5-8pm
Half-priced admission beginning at 5pm; Included in membership
Enjoy extended hours until 8pm every Tuesday in July for Twilight Tuesdays! Admission is half-price beginning at 5pm.
Afternoon Story Time!
Tuesdays & Thursdays in July
Blue Manatee Literacy Project Bookstore
3094 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209
4-4:30pm
FREE; no registration
Join us every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon for story time with the ManaTeam! A favorite book selected by one of our team members will be read aloud to our little manatee community.
LaRosa’s Balloon Glow
July 3
Coney Island
6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45228
5-11 pm
Parking is $10 until 2:00pm; $15 after 2:00pm; Walk-In: $5 per person
There is no charge (other than parking) to view the balloons and fireworks. Normal rates apply for Sunlite Pool and Coney’s Classic Rides.
Coney Island comes alive at the 20th Annual LaRosa’s Balloon Glow! Live music, classic ride, and performances by the Cincinnati Circus Stunt Show (July 3-4) make for a fun-filled evening. Later, the evening sky illuminates when hot air balloons of every color glow for all to see. The grand finale for the event is a spectacular Rozzi Fireworks display over the banks of Lake Como.
Northside Rock ‘N Roll Carnival
July 3 & 4
Jacob Hoffner Park
Blue Rock and Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Wednesday: 4pm-1am; Thursday: 11am-12am
FREE
Local and national music and sideshow and burlesque acts, plus food, vendors and beer.
Summer Adventure with the Library
July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
1-3pm
FREE
Join Main Library staff at Washington Park on Wednesdays from 1-3p for a variety of fun summer activities for the entire family!
Wednesdays in the Woods
July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Burnet Woods – historic bandstand
3251 Brookline Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220
7-9pm
FREE, contributions encouraged
Come celebrate everything great about summer at our spirited series of 11 free weekly concerts. Good friends, good tunes, good food, good times with a variety of hands-on art-making activities for the kids – all at the historic 1911 Burnet Woods bandstand!
Super Villain Night with Florence Freedom Professional Baseball
July 5
UC Health Stadium
7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY 41042
6:05pm
Tickets start at $10
Supervillains will take over our concourse. Fans will have the chance to take pictures and interact with them!
Art on Vine
July 7
Fountain Square
Fifth & Vine Streets, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12-6pm
FREE admission
Art show featuring fine art and handmade goods for sale from 70+ local Cincinnati artists.
Smale Family Fun Day!
July 11
Smale Riverfront Park – Schmidlapp Event Lawn (next to Moerlein Lager House)
100 E. Ted Berry Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10am-1pm
FREE
Join us for free Smale Family Fun days in June, July, and August. Meet naturalists from Cincinnati Parks’ Explore Nature, play lawn games, listen to live music and enjoy a variety of roaming and staged performers down at Smale Riverfront Park!
Bacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival
July 11-14
Festival Park Newport
Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Thursday & Friday: 5-11pm, Saturday: 12-11pm, Sunday: 12-9pm
FREE admission
The Bacon, Bourbon and Brew Festival is dedicated to the area’s rich history and connections to the brewing and pork industries as well as our region’s long ties to the bourbon industry. Each of the festival food vendors will feature creative bacon dishes including freshly prepared items sure to delight every bacon lover. Live music, games and more are part of the family fun.
Kids Movie Night: The Lion King
July 12
Taft’s Brewing Co. Brewpourium
4831 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232
6:30-8pm
FREE entry
Free kids movie night is back! This time, they’re featuring the original Lion King before the new version comes out! The movie is set to begin at 6:30PM. There will be Lion King coloring pages and crayons at all the tables. Come early to grab a seat, a beer, some pizza and enjoy the show!
Water Lantern Festival
July 13
Eden Park
950 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
6-10pm
$25-40 depending on when you buy; kids & youth prices also available
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.
Second Sunday on Main
July 14
Main Street
14th & Main Streets, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12-5pm
FREE admission
Street fair on Main featuring craft and food vendors, entertainment, demonstrations and more.
American Duchess Visit to Augusta, KY
July 16 & 26
Riverside Drive Augusta
116 Main Street, Augusta, KY 41002
10am-5pm
FREE
The Duchess will be docking on Riverside Landing on the Ohio River in Augusta, KY. Come and take pictures and selfies of the Duchess. Experience your day visit in Augusta by taking a walking tour to the 1811 Ole Jail, Rosemary Clooney Museum and much more.
Macy’s Kids, Cultures, Critters & Crafts Festival
July 17
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
10am-6pm
Zoo admission: $1 + parking; Adventure admission: $10 + parking
Join us for a day of globally-inspired family fun featuring live music, performances, crafts, and more. Visit the International Village and learn about different cultures, and of course visit all your favorite zoo animals, including Fiona the Hippo.
Mt. Adams Cinema in the City: Men in Black
July 19
Seasongood Pavilion
950 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
7-11pm (Music starts at 7pm; Movie starts at dusk)
FREE
Join the Mt. Adams Civic Association for a FREE showing of Men in Black with pre-film music provided by Sound Body Jazz Orchestra. A Food Truck and Graeter’s will be on site! There will also be some great raffle prizes. All Ages! Come out and enjoy a summer evening with your neighbors!
Schützenfest
July 19-21
Kolping Center
10235 Mill Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231
Friday: 6pm-12am, Saturday: 4pm-12am, Sunday: 1-9pm
$3; FREE ages 15 and under
The Cincinnati Schützenfest is America’s Longest Running German Fest! Its roots date back to 1866 and is actually older than the Cincinnati Reds! Schützenfest, translated as the Marksmen’s Fest, is a traditional German festival dating back to medieval times. It celebrates a marksman saving a young child’s life from an eagle attack. Schützenfest was brought to Cincinnati in 1866 by German immigrants. We continue this tradition each year with the shooting of a hand-carved eagle. The winning marksman is crowned ‘Schützenkönig’, or Shooting King, for the year. Schützenfest benefits the Cincinnati Kolping Society and its many philanthropic efforts. Come celebrate with us and enjoy the Gemütlichkeit!
The City Flea
July 20
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10am-4pm
FREE admission
The City Flea is Cincinnati’s original curated, urban flea market that takes place once a month at Washington Park and various other locations throughout the year. Since its conception in 2011 The Flea has seen dozens of vendors grow from hobby to full time business and it is with much pride that we consider ourselves not only a monthly market, but a small business incubator, community organization, and city advocate. The Flea is a place to keep your dollars local, support small business and experience YOUR city in a unique and engaging way. Our vendors range from vintage dealers to artisan pizza makers to plant studios. We have something for everyone.
Appollo 11 Family Event
July 20
Cincinnati Observatory Center
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208
1-4pm
$15/person; $12/members; Space is very limited! Reservations needed: 513-321-5186
50 years ago, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the surface of the Moon. Commemorate a giant leap for mankind with an out-of-this-world event for all ages.
The afternoon will include:
- Moon activities and crafts
- Astronaut food tasting
- Apollo 11 talks and video experiences
- Moon selfie station
- Actual Moon rocks on display – on loan from NASA!
- Face painting
- Rocket launches
- Special raffle prizes
- Safe viewing of the Sun through the telescopes (weather permitting)
3rd Sunday Fundays: Vive La France
July 21
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
1-4pm
FREE
(Rescheduled from January)
Celebrate all things French at the Taft! Practice your French at the Art Cart, create a mini poster to take home, and view L’Affichomania exhibition. Be on the lookout for a wandering mime from Cincinnati Circus, 2–4 p.m. Learn about French macarons in a cooking demonstration* by OCD Cakes at 1:30, 2:30, or 3:30 p.m.
Seating is limited for the cooking demonstrations and available on a first-come, first served basis.
*Demonstration includes food items that may have been exposed to nuts.
Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
July 21 (Many other dates: June 21-August 31; see schedule)
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
7-9pm
FREE
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its tradition for over a decade of performing Shakespeare in the Park in communities across the tri-state area with Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet this summer!
Pops in the Park
July 24
Woodland Mound
8250 Old Kellogg Road, Cincinnati, OH 45255
8:15pm
FREE
Great Parks Forever is proud to present Pops in the Park. The natural beauty of Woodland Mound provides the perfect backdrop for a summer evening concert. Led by an upbeat and engaging conductor, the Pops performs songs from across musical genres appealing to a diverse audience. The concert begins at 8:15pm. Arrive early to find your perfect viewing spot.
Bacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival
July 25-28
Festival Park Newport
Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Thursday & Friday: 5-11pm, Saturday: 12-11pm, Sunday: 12-9pm
FREE admission
Glier’s Goettafest is a family-fun festival celebrating the region’s love of Goetta. Here Goetta will be prepared in many delicious ways such as Goetta Reubens, omelets, pizza and more. There will be continuous live music, games and rides.
Festival 513
July 26 & 27
Freedom Way
Freedom Way & Race Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Friday: 4pm-2am & Saturday: 12pm-2am
FREE
This event takes place on Freedom Way across from the main entrance of Paul Brown Stadium. The event is open to the public. Merchandise vendors, food booths and entertainment. In conjunction with Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G.
Yoga in the Gardens
July 27
Greenacres Arts Center
8400 Blome Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243
8-10am
$12/pereson
Enjoy 60 minutes of yoga in the Arts Center Gardens led by Marissa French from The Breathing Room. Bring your own yoga mat or towel and after class enjoy a sample from our Green Farm Juicery (with plants grown right in our gardens!)
Family Festival: Wearable Art Party!
July 27
Contemporary Arts Center
44 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12-3pm
FREE
Come explore the different ways your body can be a work of art! Join us at the CAC as we create colorful fascinators and vibrant wearable sculptures. Turn your body into a rainbow covered canvas with our kid friendly body paint and colorful (washable) hair spray.
Blues, Brews & BBQ
July 27
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton, OH 45013
3-9pm
$15, $10 members, $5 for children ages 6-12
Brews and BBQ will be available for individual purchase. Family activities will take place in the Pavilion.
Pop Up Play: Youngster Yoga
Tuesdays
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
11am
FREE
Bring your mini-yogi’s to the park for a FREE kid’s yoga class with The Yoga Bar! Meet in the south end of the park on sunny days, and under The Southwest Porch tent on rainy days! Bring your own mat, or use one of the ones we provide every week. Mats are first come, first serve.
Thursday Art Play
Thursdays
Contemporary Arts Center
44 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10:30-11:30am
$5 for non-members, FREE for members
A great way to schedule creative play time with your little ones. This program uses storytelling, performance, and hands-on artmaking activities to excite and educate our youngest visitors. It is designed especially for children ages 2 to 5 years old, and their parents and caregivers. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga in the UnMuseum following each Art Play session. Enjoy a half-priced kids meal from the Café at the CAC with the purchase of an entrée!
Astronomy Friday
July 5, 12, 19, & 26
Cincinnati Observatory Center
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208
8:30-10pm
$7, $5 ages under 18; FREE for Observatory members; Please call 513.321.5186 for reservations
In awe with the beauty of the night sky? Have questions about the Universe? This is where you can get the answers. Astronomy Fridays include short presentations on a wide variety of topics and plenty of time for your astro questions. Tour of the Cincinnati Observatory, which as a National Historic Landmark played an important role in the history of Cincinnati and our nation. Once dark, we will view the Moon, planets and deep space treasures through the historic 1845 telescope. (The program is held rain or shine; telescope viewing if clear skies). The topics and the night sky change week-to-week/month-to-month so you can visit often to hear and see something new.
Old West Festival
Through July 7
1449 Greenbush Cobb Road, Williamsburg, OH 45176
Saturdays & Sundays: 10am-6pm
$15
Festival transports visitors to authentic Dodge City Wild West town. We have 15 different shows a day in 22 timeslots!! That’s not even including the other Performance Groups! So much going on and so many changes this season at the Old West Festival. Don’t miss it!
Family Dinner Cruise
July 7, 14, 21, & 28
BB Riverboat
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
6:30pm
Dinner Buffet $46 Adult, $31 Children, Sightseeing Only $25 Adult, $17 Children
Experience the Mighty Ohio River with the whole family on this Sunday Family Dinner Cruise. Guests will enjoy a wonderful buffet meal, a two-hour river cruise, and special entertainment. And with an earlier cruise time, you can have great family fun and still get the kids to bed on time. Cruise schedules may change during off-season months. See all of the up-to-date special packages when you choose a specific date in the online reservation system.
Ice Cream Social Cruise
Sundays
BB Riverboats
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
3-4:30pm
$25 for Adults & $20 for Children (ages 4-12)
Is there anything better than having ice cream in the summer? How about having ice cream while you cruise the Ohio River on BB Riverboats! On Sundays this season, each passenger will enjoy scooped ice cream and their choice of assorted toppings on this 1 1/2 hour afternoon sightseeing cruise. The Captain will guide your afternoon with interesting commentary about Cincinnati and the surrounding area. The best part is that all of this is included in your cruise! It is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family! Cash bar and snacks will be available for purchase.
Cuba: Journey to the Heart of the Caribbean
Through October 11
OMNIMAX Theater
1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Daily 10am-5pm
Member Adult: $6, Member Child: $5, Non-member Adult: $9, Non-member Child: $7,
Cuba tells the powerful story of a land preserved in time, yet poised on the cusp of dramatic change. The nation’s vibrant culture, meticulously maintained colonial architecture and pristine ecosystems provide a vivid window into the island’s history and spirit. Cuba transports audiences across breathtaking landscapes, under the ocean surface to iridescent reefs and into streets throbbing with music and dance in the heart of Havana.
Through the eyes of Cuban artists, historians and scientists, the film provides an intimate look at this vivacious island nation. Filmed exclusively for the giant screen format, Cuba reveals why Cuba continues to stir the imagination of the world.
Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs
Through August 18
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Daily 10am-5pm
Member Adult: $12.50, Member Child: $8.50, Non-member Adult: $19.50, Non-member Child: $12.50; FREE Children 0-2
Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs unveils the mysteries and explores the realities of daily life in ancient Egypt. This extraordinary exhibition looks beyond popular culture’s fantastical portrayals to examine the lives of commoners and god-kings and queens alike. More than 350 original artifacts dating back over 4,500 years, stunningly detailed models of once-lost cities and landscapes and vivid interactive multimedia spaces will combine to conjure up ancient Egyptians’ economic, mythological and cultural world. Egypt will bring the land of pharaohs back to life at Cincinnati Museum Center.
No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man
Through September 1
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
11-5pm
FREE
Fresh from the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, stunning immersive room-sized installations, mutant art vehicles, creative costuming, films, jewelry and more will transport Cincinnati Art Museum audiences to the Burning Man gathering.
Burning Man attracts more than 70,000 active participants from all over the globe who gather in the desert outside Reno, Nevada. This thriving temporary metropolis is a hotbed of artistic expression and innovation through its shared principles. Both a cultural movement and an annual event, Burning Man is one of the most influential happenings in contemporary American art and culture.
