Things to do in Cincinnati this week, July 21-27, 2025

Summer’s flying by, so be sure to find something to do while the weather’s hot. If you love food, try all things goetta at Glier’s Goettafest. Music lovers should get their tickets to see the most popular acts in hip-hop and R&B at the three-day Cincinnati Music Festival. And shop ’til you drop at the 19th annual Festival513.

Here are the biggest, best things to do in Cincinnati this week.

Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.

Monday, July 21Saddle up to the county fair

Butler and Clermont County fairs are happening this week. See youth 4-H projects, hope on rides, eat classic carnival food, view exhibits and shop at various vendors. Don’t miss grandstand entertainment such as tractor pulls, rodeos and demolition derbies.

Butler: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Saturday, Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton. $10, $5 ages 6-12, free for senior citizens and veterans, $5 and free ages 6-12 Saturday only, week passes available. butlercountyohfair.org.

Clermont: Events starting between 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville. Sunday free for everyone, $15 Monday-Saturday (includes most rides), $3 senior citizens Wednesday, all week free ages 2-under and veterans, week passes available. clermontcountyfair.com.

Listen to jazz at Washington Park

This week’s performer is Pamela Mallory Trio.

Details: 6-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. washingtonpark.org.

Jam out with Beck and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Beck is performing with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at Riverbend. Special guest Molly Lewis will be joining him. Get your tickets now.

Details: 8 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.

Tuesday, July 22Get some good grub at Strauss Troy Market on The Square

Every Tuesday, enjoy an alfresco lunch hour featuring live music and fan-favorite, local food trucks. Food trucks will rotate every week, so make it out each week to explore new food options.

Details: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Food available for purchase. Runs weekly until Aug. 26. myfountainsquare.com.

Listen to jazz at Fountain Square

If you love jazz, gather at Fountain Square to listen to this week’s performer: Marc Fields Sextet.

Details: 5-8 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Free. myfountainsquare.com.

Watch ‘The Sandlot’ at Washington Park

Don’t have plans to see this week’s OTR Cinema movie? You’re killin’ me! Face it, you’d be an egghead to miss this movie showing. Grab your lawn chairs, movie snacks and baseball bats for a fun night on Washington Park’s Civic Lawn. This week’s flick is “The Sandlot.”

Details: 9-11 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. washingtonpark.org.

Wednesday, July 23See a ‘Botanical Fantastical’ art exhibit (last chance!)

Artist Kim Radochia channels her love of botany into an immersive exploration of nature’s mesmerizing patterns and movements.

Details: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, Gallery Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. Runs through July 27. Included with park admission. pyramidhill.org.

See Cincinnati Opera’s performance of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Sung in English with projected lyrics, this winner of nine Tony Awards follows the story of Tevye, a milkman in a small Russian village, who struggles to uphold his family’s traditions in a rapidly changing world.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $36-up. cincinnatiopera.org.

Take a trip to a flower patch

Cut your own fresh, specialty blooms at The Marmalade Lily Gardens. “U-Pick” your own flowers with a pair of clippers, a basket and water. Bring your favorite vase to arrange your new blooms in.

On Wednesday, enjoy a charcuterie box for two guests that includes a delightful assortment of meats, cheeses and macarons. On Saturday, little ones can dress to impress for a special meet and greet with Disney princess Moana.

Details: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, The Marmalade Lily Gardens, 9850 Schlottman Road, Loveland. $5. themarmaladelily.com.

Catch a vibe on Reggae Wednesday

Don’t miss The Flex Crew this Wednesday for some live reggae music.

Details: 6-10 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. washingtonpark.org.

Watch the Bengals gear up for the 2025-26 season

See the Bengals players get ready for the season at one of their public practices. While witnessing them in action on the field, enjoy a bite from the concession stand, shop Bengals merchandise and have the opportunity to get a signed autograph from the players.

Details: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, Kettering Health Practice Fields, 1 West Mehring Way, Downtown. bengals.com.

Thursday, July 24Taste a bite of Cincy’s heritage at Glier’s Goettafest

At this two-weekend-long festival, try all things goetta from fudge to pizza. The goetta-based creations you’ll find at this festival test the limits of the ingredient and please the tastebuds of the many who try them. Buy something from the world’s only goetta vending machine, and take a picture with “The Goetta Guy.”

Details: 5-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Festival Park, Riverboat Row, Newport. Runs July 24-27 and July 31-Aug. 3. Free admission. goetta.com/goettafest.

Don’t miss Cincinnati’s biggest music festival

The Cincinnati Music Festival is here. The biggest names in R&B, hip-hop, soul and funk are coming to the Queen City for this beloved festival. On Thursday, catch Scarface, Goodie Mob, The Sugarhill Gang and Young MC at Brady Music Center for a special kickoff event.

Then, the party moves to Paycor Stadium. On Friday, see Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, PJ Morton and The Zapp Band. Finally, make it out to see LL Cool J with DJ Z-Trip, Lucky Daye, 112, The Bar-Kays, special guest Toni Braxton and more on Saturday.

Thursday: 7:30 p.m., The Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St., Downtown.

Friday-Saturday: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Paycor Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Downtown. cincymusicfestival.com.

Boogie at these free concerts

Groovin’ on the Green: 6 p.m., Village Green Park, 301 Wessel Drive, Fairfield. Music by Trippin’ Billies: Tribute to Dave Matthews Band. Free. fairfield-city.org.

Live After 5: 6-9 p.m., The Square at Liberty Center, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township. Music by Bourbon Road Band. Free. liberty-center.com.

Live on the Levee: 7 p.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Music by Twin Sons. Free. newportonthelevee.com.

Music on the River: 7-9 p.m., Civic Park, 50 Short St., Lawrenceburg. Music by Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle. Runs June 5-Aug. 28. Free. downtownlawrenceburg.com.

Rockin’ the Roebling: 6 p.m., Smale Riverfront Park, Schmidlapp Lawn, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Music by Run Katie Run. Runs May 15-Aug. 28. Free. cincinnati-oh.gov.

Roots Revival: 7-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Music by Ben Turner and Tie Dye. washingtonpark.org.

Salsa on the Square: 6-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Music by La Formula. Runs May 1-Sept. 25. Free. myfountainsquare.com.

Uptown Music Series: 7 p.m., Uptown Parks, North Main and East High streets, Oxford. Music by Lisa Biales. Free. enjoyoxford.org.

Friday, July 25Watch a piano duel

At Queen City Keyed Up, talented performers go head-to-head in this fun, interactive dueling piano show.

Details: 7-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs May 9-Aug. 29. myfountainsquare.com.

Support nonprofits in the community at SharonFest

Build connections within the Sharonville community. Kids can bounce on inflatables and play games. Adults can enjoy live music from Stagger Lee, Michelle Robinson Band, Under the Sun and The Whammies.

Details: 6-11:30 p.m. Friday, 5-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Gower Park, 10997 Thornview Drive, Sharonville. Free. sharonfest.com.

Celebrate the 19th annual Festival513

Don’t miss Cincinnati’s premier merchant festival. Browse over 100 merchandise and food booths.

Details: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, noon-2 a.m. Saturday, Freedom Way across from Paycor Stadium between Elm St. and Marian Spence Way, Downtown. Free admission. festival513.com.

Light up the lake at Great Parks Spark in the Dark

Illuminate the night by floating on glowing boats as the water glints and gleams. Explore the mysteries of space with the Cincinnati Astronomical Society and enjoy a night hike under the stars. From moths and moons to bats and bugs, there’s so much to explore once the sun sets.

Details: 8-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison. Greatparks.org.

Bring your boo to a candlelight concert

Under the gentle glow of candlelight, hear StringSource String Quartet playing Fleetwood Mac hits like “Dreams” and “The Chain.”

Details: 6:30 and 8:45 p.m., National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E Freedom Way, Downtown. feverup.com.

Shop for art on Final Friday

Art lovers unite on Final Friday. Browse and buy art directly from the artists. There are more than 250 studios over four buildings. Shops will host artists, and there will be pop-up bars and live music.

Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. Valet parking is $10. Free admission. itsfinalfriday.com.

Celebrate the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame’s new inductees

During Cincinnati Musical Festival weekend, celebrate Black talent at one of Cincinnati’s newest attractions, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. The Induction and Dedication Ceremony will honor the 2025 inductees: Nancy Wilson, the Ohio Players, the O’Jays and Dottie Peoples. Afterward, see a star dedication and live performances by Mr. Southern Soul Bigg Robb & Friends, Regina Belle and Dottie Peoples. Stay for a National Line Dance Block Party Festival. Look dapper dressed in all-white attire.

Details: noon, Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St., Downtown. Free. cincymusicwalkoffame.org.

See the ‘Always… Patsy Cline’ musical

Based on the true story of Cline’s friendship with her biggest fan, this uplifting musical blends Cline’s hits like “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces” and “Walking After Midnight” with a story of loyalty, laughter, and love. If you’re a fan of theater or country music, this play is a must-see.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, The Carnegie, 1028 Scott St., Covington. thecarnegie.com.

Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds

The Reds will play the Tampa Bay Rays. Enjoyed beach-themed fun on Saturday’s Margaritaville Night. Fans will receive a Reds Hawaiian shirt, and The Landsharks will perform a live concert from the field postgame.

Details: 7:10 p.m. Friday, 6:40 p.m. Saturday, 1:40 p.m. Sunday, Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Reds.com.

Saturday, July 26Run in the Queen City 5K

Put on your sneakers and huddle up at the starting line. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned or novice runner. Challenge yourself, meet new people and, most importantly, have fun participating in this race.

Details: 7 a.m., Paycor Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Downtown. $35. closingthehealthgap.org.

Make it out to the Anderson Day Fest

If you live in Anderson, this is the place to be. Enjoy great food from local restaurants, games, rides and fireworks. Proceeds benefit the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation.

Details: 4 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m., Beech Acres Park, 6910 Salem Road, Anderson Township. andersonparks.com.

Soak up the island vibes at Pineapple Fest

Try hula with Moana and see a fire show in the evening with Tavi. Parrots of the Caribbean, a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, will be playing. Over 12 vendors will sell pineapple-inspired treats. Grab a pineapple beer or cocktail from the Kona Beer Garden.

Details: 3-10 p.m., Austin Landing, 3601 Rigby Road, Miamisburg. facebook.com.

See your favorite players shoot hoops at BIG3: Summer in the City

Rapper Ice Cube and the BIG3 are bringing premier 3-on-3 basketball to Heritage Bank Center. Watch as players battle it out in four 50-minute 3-on-3 basketball games. Top musical artists will perform at halftime, and there might be an appearance from Ice Cube himself.

Details: 1 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com.

Explore abandoned beer lagering tunnels

This tour explores the stunning 19th and early 20th century brewery architecture and Cincinnati’s rich heritage in its brewing operations. Learn about the evolution of the brewing industry while walking through the lagering tunnels. The tour ends with a stop at a neighborhood taproom, where you can enjoy a pint of local beer (or a soft drink), included with your ticket.

Details: 3-5 p.m., Brewing Heritage Trail, 101 West Elder St., Over-the-Rhine. $39. brewingheritagetrail.org.

Have a good laugh at the Crosstown Comedy Festival

This comedy contest celebrates the best comedians from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Headlining this event is Daniel Van Kirk. See rookies Laila Ammar, Charlie Badger, Gavin Ferckel, Katie Gayer and Evan George battle veterans Greg Brown, Tyson Cox, Billy DeVore, Christian Grant and Joel Good.

Details: 7 p.m., The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside. bombsawaycomedy.com.

Scream your heart out at The Taste of Emo concert

It wasn’t just a phase, Mom. Relive this era of black clothes, thick eyeliner and skinny jeans through live band The Taste of Emo playing your favorite early 2000s emo hits. And go ahead and grab a beer or two.

Details: 8-11 p.m., Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm St., Downtown. rhinegeist.com.

Sunday, July 27Show up to see OTR Performs

Break out your lawn chairs and see local talent shine.

Details: 6-8 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org.

Take the kiddos to see a Kidz Bop concert

Kidz Bop is bringing their “Certified BOP Tour” to Cincinnati. The show includes a brand-new stage design, fan-favorite hits you can’t help but sing along to like “Espresso” and “HOT TO GO!,” interactive moments and the return of the Daddy Dance Off. A special appearance will be made by “Doggyland Live,” co-created by rapper Snoop Dogg.

Details: 4 p.m., PNC Pavilion, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. kidzbop.com.

Meet avian ambassadors at the Raptor Inc. open house

Raptor’s highly skilled educators will be available to welcome guests, lead tours, conduct educational programs with our avian ambassadors, share biological artifacts and answer questions.

Details: 1-4 p.m., Raptor Inc., 961 Barg Salt Run Road, Milford. Free, donations appreciated. Raptorinc.org.

Enjoy a night on the town at Commonwealth Comedy Club

Cincinnati-born comedian Mike Cronin is returning to the area. Sip on a cold beer or glass of wine and try not to spit it out as Cronin performs his hilarious standup routine.

Details: 6-7:30 p.m., Commonwealth Comedy Club, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. commonwealthcomedyclub.com.