It’s back-to-school season. Make sure to get in some end-of-summer fun before the kids return to school. Connect with the Cincinnati community and have some family-friendly fun at the 37th annual Midwest Black Family Reunion.
Foodies can walk into a seafood paradise at the Great Inland Seafood Fest to try all the lobster, shrimp and crab their hearts desire. Catch a game at the Cincinnati Open to see the world’s best tennis players compete for the title. There are also two big artists performing at Riverbend: Thomas Rhett and Lil Wayne. Summer won’t last forever. Get out there.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best places to be this weekend.
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.
1. 37th annual Midwest Black Family Reunion
This celebration features four days of family-friendly fun. Come to a job fair, breakfast, a historical tour of Black Cincinnati, a parade (Saturday) and free concerts on Saturday and Sunday at Sawyer Point. Enjoy food and entertainment, community resources, giveaways and more.
Details: various events around town Thursday-Sunday. Find the full schedule at myblackfamilyreunion.org.
2. Great Inland Seafood Fest
This festival has everything you can imagine in a seafood paradise: whole Maine lobsters, cooked shrimp, crab legs and crabcakes. Make a stop at the raw bar, and try unique dishes featuring shark, gator and salmon. Kids can play on inflatables while adults can sip on cold beers, margaritas and bourbon slushes. Enjoy live music all weekend by different performers each day.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Newport Festival Park, Riverboat Row, Newport. Free admission. thingstodocincinnati.com.
3. Cincinnati Open
In addition to witnessing matches between some of the biggest names in tennis, enjoy onsite entertainment and amenities. Explore local restaurants, try craft cocktails and beers, and have some family-friendly fun.
Details: daily through Aug. 18; tournament times vary. Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason. cincinnatiopen.com.
4. Thomas Rhett’s ‘Better in Boots Tour’
Country music superstar Thomas Rhett is coming to Cincinnati. Watch him perform hits like “Craving You,” “Make Me Wanna” and “Look What God Gave Her.”
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
5. Festival on the Lake
Festival on the Lake will feature an evening of music, food, crafts and family fun. See performances by Doghouse, Motown Sounds of Touch, Borderline 360 and The Mill Creek Band.
Details: 4-11 p.m. Saturday, AJ Jolly Park, 1501 Racetrack Road, Alexandria. allevents.in.
6. Lil Wayne at Riverbend
Celebrate over 20 years of Carter Classics as Lil Wayne brings his “Tha Carter VI Tour” to Cincinnati. Grab your tickets now to see this rap icon perform live.
Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
7. City Flea
Find something unique to purchase or just window shop at Cincinnati’s original curated urban market.
Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. thecityflea.com.
8. Whiskey City Summer Fest
Grab a drink from the beer garden or a snack from a food truck and tune in for this year’s lineup: The Kentucky Headhunters, Pure Grain, Nathan Jenkins Music, Falls City Boys and Josh Wells. Rides are free starting at 11 a.m., and the music begins at 2 p.m.
Details: all day Saturday, Lawrenceburg Civic Park, 111 E High St., Lawrenceburg. thinklawrenceburg.com.
9. Burlington Antique Show
Shop antiques and vintage collectibles from over 200 dealers at this monthly show.
Details: 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. $10 early bird (6-8 a.m.), $5 general, free ages 12-under. Free parking. burlingtonantiqueshow.com.
10. 2025 Railroad Days Festival
Choo, choo! Bring your whole family to connect with fellow train enthusiasts over this two-day-long event. On opening night, enjoy festivities such as vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. On Saturday, hang around for food, enter-“train”-ment and kids’ activities. Close out the night with a fireworks celebration.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 250 Jamaica Road, Carlisle. carlisleoh.org.