A new year means a chance to do it all over again, and maybe – to try things for the first time. Whichever bucket you fall into, it’s time to make a plan for fun.

As we turn the calendar page (does anybody use paper calendars anymore?), let’s take a look at some of the things Cincinnati People is most looking forward to in 2023.

Reds Opening Day

The city may have Bengals fever right now, but Reds Opening Day is right around the corner. Baseball’s oldest team will open play on Thursday, March 30 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. A new beginning might be just what the doctor ordered. The team’s performance on the field left something to be desired in 2022, but hope springs eternal in the Cincinnati sports world. Besides, the Findlay Market Opening Day parade never disappoints.

Flying Pig Marathon

One of the country’s favorite marathons celebrates its silver anniversary in 2023. The 25th Flying Pig Marathon weekend is May 5-7, 2023 in downtown Cincinnati. Races range from one to 26.2 miles, with events perfect for serious runners, furry friends - and those looking for some family fun. Don’t miss the P&G Health and Fitness Expo at the Duke Energy Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, May 6-7 and the Family Fun Fest at Smale Park on Saturday, May 6.

Taste of Cincinnati

It feels only right to follow up Cincinnati’s healthiest weekend with one full of gastronomic delights. Kick off your summer with Taste of Cincinnati, May 27–29. The nation’s longest-running culinary arts festival begin in 1979 and has expanded into a bucket-list item for foodies everywhere. More than 450,000 hungry folks are expected at the annual food extravaganza in downtown Cincinnati, where more than 50 restaurants and food trucks will serve up delicious menu items. Taste is also a music festival, with continuous live entertainment throughout Memorial Day weekend.

Summerfair

Let’s roll right into the next weekend, when Summerfair Cincinnati takes the spotlight. In its 56th year, Summerfair will be held once again at historic Coney Island, June 2–4, 2003. More than 300 artisans and craftspeople from all over the country will feature their work, along with a variety of gourmet arts and regional performers. Artists apply and then are judged, allowing only the best to exhibit their pieces for the more than 20,000 who visit Summerfair yearly.

Queen City Championship

In 2022, the LPGA returned to Cincinnati after more than 30 years. The Kroger Queen City Championship, presented by P&G, drew enormous crowds in its inaugural year at Kenwood Country Club, and will return there September 4-10, 2023. The gorgeous grounds at Kenwood CC are the perfect backdrop for the world’s best female golfers to show their incredible skill and their personalities, as fans cheer them along the way.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Prost! Cincinnati loves its festivals, and its German heritage. Put them together and you have the marquee event of the year: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. The event is the second largest Oktoberfest in the world, behind only Munich, Germany, and returns to downtown streets in mid-September. A half million patrons will eat 20,000 cream puffs, 23,000 Bavarian pretzels and 3,600 pounds of sauerkraut. And the beer. Oh, the beer. Last year’s Oktoberfest featured more than 130 varieties of beer and alcoholic beverages from national and local breweries.

Kroger Wellness Festival

The newest addition to Cincinnati’s festival lineup is the Kroger Wellness Festival. This free two-day health and wellness festival brings together all the good stuff: healthy foods, celebrities, interesting discussions, live entertainment and tons of freebies. You can check out chef demos, product sampling, celebrity fitness challenges and hear from industry experts – at The Banks in downtown Cincinnati. Dates for the 2023 festival have yet to be announced.

Cincinnati loves its festivals and big events, and you will, too. From baseball to beer, golf to great art, there’s something for everyone in 2023.

– Kathrine Nero

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