Ewok this Way
Jedi to have fun on Star Wars Day? Let the adventure begin!
From drinking blue milk in a wretched hive of scum and villainy to showing your true power in Star Wars trivia, this is the way to celebrate May the 4th.
Galactic Cantina, 1834 Race St., is the perfect spot for hardcore Star Wars fans. On May the 4th, the featured beer is Grain Works “Luke I Am Your Lager” and you can enjoy their galaxy-themed cocktails and mocktails.
They will also have 10% off all of the Star Wars merchandise in their Comic Book shop. On May 5, they will offer a free comic book, with purchase.
Want to break out your Jedi robes?
“We anticipate we’ll have lots of cosplayers and costumes that day as most of my inquiries this week have indicated that,” says Kylie Seward from Gorilla Cinema.
The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has a number of ways to use the force.
The Wyoming branch, 500 Springfield Pike, has a full month of activities asking “Can You Find Baby Yoda?”
Use the Force and test your Jedi skills to locate where Baby Yoda is hiding in the library and receive a small prize! He’ll move to a different spot each day, all month long, so you can play each day!
From 3:30 to 5 p.m. on May the 4th at the Wyoming branch, kids, tweens, and teens are invited to use their Jedi skills to feed Jabba, destroy the Death Star and bowl over a squad of stormtroopers. Other activities include designing a droid, creating a Baby Yoda/Grogu pod, painting a Star Wars-themed ceramic pot, and more art-related fun.
The Greenhills branch, 6525 Bridgetown Road, is celebrating with Star Wars Bingo from 4:30 to 5 p.m. on May the 4th.
Test your strength in the force with the Star Wars Trivia Night against other fans in Jeopardy-style game at the Sharonville branch, 10980 Thornview Drive, from 7 to 8 p.m. All ages welcome. Registration required.
The Reds are out of town on May the 4th, so Star Wars Night at Great American Ball Park is on Friday, May 5. Their limited edition Mandalorian bobblehead is only available through the ticket package. But plenty of cosplayers will be at GABP, adding to the night’s fun, whether or not you have a bobblehead!
So Matcha More
Asian Food Fest returns Saturday and Sunday to Court Street Plaza. The region’s largest celebration of Asian food and culture is bigger than ever, with 50 food vendors representing 15 Countries.
2023 Asian Food Fest
Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Court Street Plaza, Downtown
Participating vendors:
* Denotes Secret Menu
Angie Tee's Kitchen
Asian Youth Alliance/ Asian Community Alliance*
Banh Lao & Thai Cuisine
Blesame International Catering
Boba Cha
Bridges Nepali
Chhnganh*
Chinos Street Food
Christine’s Casual Dining
CinSoy Foods
CM Chicken
Deme Kitchen
Desi Plaza / Desi Bites
Dine-In Hawaiian
Eden's Kitchen and Grill
Evolve Bakeshop
Fortune Noodle House
Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association*
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati - YouYu
Inday Nezzy's Kitchenette*
Kona Ice
Kung Fu Tea
LALO
Little Chef Medy
Lotus Street Food
Mahope
Mangan*
Masala*
Mena Pastry Collaborative - Sponsored by Dean's*
Milk Jar Cafe
Neko Sushi
Nou Street Food
OH！Boba
Olive Tree Catering
Ono Turo Turo
Pho Lang Thang
Red Sesame
Roll on In
S.E.A. Cuisine Foodtruck
Sago
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
Smiles n’ Spice*
Stone Bowl Korean
Streetpops
Taste of Lebanon–St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Church*
Tea n Bowl
Thai Express
Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Group – Cincinnati*
Wendigo Tea Co.
The region’s largest celebration of Asian food and culture continues returns to Court Street Plaza this weekend.
With a record 39 restaurants and food trucks, plus the expansion of the fan favorite “Secret Menu” – Asian Food Fest will have nearly 50 food vendors representing 15 countries – the largest number in the event’s history.
“We are so excited about the variety of vendors and countries represented at Asian Food Fest for 2023,” says JP Leong, senior food procurement specialist at Asian Food Fest. “This year, we received a record number of applications and had the difficult task of narrowing it down to this incredible offering of vendors that shape and define this unique cultural event.”
Celebrating its 12th year, The festival promises a mouthwatering tour of Asian foods in the form of small plates, priced from $2 to $10, plus live entertainment, local craft and Asian beer, fun family activities, and more.
“The growth of this event has truly been remarkable,” says Rob Weidle, lead event manager for Asian Food Fest. “Asian Food Fest is becoming known as a cultural destination. We are seeing attendees from across the country come to the Cincinnati region to indulge in some amazing food and experience this one-of-a-kind event.”
The festival will have more than 100 performers and entertainers across the two-day event. Comedy, cultural activities, and karaoke are highlights of the entertainment line-up, with national and local acts.
The first-ever “Eastern Eats and Vocal Beats Karaoke” Contest, presented by Tokyo Kitty, will take place on Saturday, April 29, at 8 p.m. A total of 15 participants will be selected and all styles of music will be accepted. Winners will be determined by fan vote (so bring your friends) and will receive prizes from Tokyo Kitty and other Asian Food Fest participants. Those looking to show off their singing skills are asked to sign up.
Cultural Experiences
An expanded lineup of activities has been added to enhance the event’s cultural experience, such as calligraphy writing and chopstick workshops.
April 29 and 30
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Learn to Write (Asian Calligraphy)
1–4 p.m. – Chopstick Workshop
4–6 p.m. – Sand Rangoli (sand art)
6–8 p.m. – Play-Doh Mooncakes and Dumpling
“When looking at the entertainment line-up this year, we wanted to find new ways to engage the crowd,” says Vikas Sondhi, entertainment coordinator for Asian Food Fest. “The addition of comedians, activities, and karaoke adds an element of connectivity and gives the audience an opportunity to be a part of the event.”
Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, April 29
Main Stage
12 p.m – Rongrong Li
1 p.m – Taiko Drums - Dayton
2 p.m – Pamama Dance Group
2:30 PM - Freya Dance Studio
3 p.m – Bing Yang Chinese Performing Arts Center
4 p.m – Anaya Belly Dance
4:30 p.m. – Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
5 p.m. – Mark Joshua
6:30 p.m. – World Dance Cincy '23
7 p.m – Asian Food Fest Comedy Hour with Ayriana Kasper | Pinak Patel
8 p.m – Tokyo Kitty presents, Eastern Eats and Vocal Beats Karaoke! with DJ Hi David
DJ Stage
12 p.m – Samnang
1 p.m – | V |
2 p.m – Hi David
3 p.m – Ani Cheng, B2B, Lokeez
5 p.m – Jibbs
6:30 p.m. - World Dance Cincy '23
7 p.m – Bhangra X Bollywood Block Party with DJ Vikas & DJ Mowgli
Sunday, April 30
Main Stage
12 p.m. – Sarah Gorak
1 p.m. – UC's Korean Culture and Dance Club
1:30 p.m. – Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Group - Cincinnati
2 p.m. –Bing Yang Chinese Performing Arts Center
3 p.m. – Gajdi Jawani
4 p.m. –Cincinnati Opera
5 p.m. – Filipino American Association of Southern Ohio
6 p.m. – Asian Food Fest Comedy Hour with DJ Rybski, Ayriana Kasper, Pinak Patel
DJ Stage
12 p.m. – Silbak
1 p.m. – Spam
3 p.m. – DJ Mowgli
5 p.m. – Kim L
6 p.m. – Vusive
Asian Food Fest, presented by Kroger and Procter & Gamble, and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber in partnership with the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati.
New Kids on the Block
Children's Theatre celebrates its new home at The Emery Theatre.
If You Go
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Block Party
Saturday, April 29, 12–4 p.m.
Emery Theater
1112 Walnut St.
Program at 1 p.m.
More Info
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati hosts a family-friendly Block Party on Saturday to celebrate its future home at the Emery Theater.
The whole community is invited to join the party, that will feature:
Food from LaRosa’s, Graeter’s, Ché OTR, and Kroger's On-The-Rhine Eatery
Signature Cocktail from Northside Distillery
Music from Q102
Face painting
Balloon animals
Temporary tattoos
Character meet-and-greets
Tours of the Emery Theater
A short program hosted by Local 12’s Bob Herzog, will begin at 1 p.m, featuring Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) has embarked on a campaign to purchase, restore, and reimagine the historically significant Emery Theater. This partnership will revitalize the theatre, a treasured cultural asset, and provide a permanent home for children’s theatre in Cincinnati’s vibrant urban core.
What TCT envisions is not simply a restoration, but a reinvention of the theater into a modern and memorable venue equipped with the latest technology that inspires and teaches diverse audiences. And TCT’s plans to incorporate the most modern technology, stage lifts and projection mapping, will enliven the audience experience and overcome backstage and wing limitations.
Through this remarkable technology and planned expanded programming, TCT will revitalize an icon, return to its original home, and put Cincinnati on the map as a family theatrical destination.
Down to Earth
From Cincinnati Parks to the Contemporary Arts Center, local organizations hold Earth Day celebrations on Saturday, April 22 to help you reduce, reuse, and recycle.
The adage “every day is Earth Day” rings especially true given the current state of the environment. Many local organizations are offering ways to commemorate the occasion through Earth-friendly events this weekend.
Gratitude to the Woods with Julia Orquera Bianco
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m,.
Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Ave.
FREE
www.cincycac.org/gratitude-to-the-woods
The Contemporary Arts Center joins UC Students for Burnet Woods, the Sierra Club Miami Group, Permabuds, and other organizations for Spring Fest in the Woods – An Earth Day Celebration.
The CAC’s Summer 2022 CoLAB artist Julia Orquera Bianco, whose projects were rooted in Burnet Woods and its community, will lead an artmaking and reflection table, along with CAC Community Programs Manager and artist/writer Pedal Miranda.
The art-making project is just one part of Spring Fest which also includes
10 a.m. – Yoga with World Peace Yoga
11 a.m. – Music by Comet Bluegrass All-Stars
12 p.m. – UC Environmental Studies picnic
1 p.m. – Nature Walk with Cincinnati Wildflower Preservation Society
Earth Day Party
HighGrain Brewing & Kitchen, 6860 Plainfield Road
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
highgrainbrewing.com
The brewery is on a journey toward carbon neutrality! Join HighGrain for the Silverton Community Trash Pickup at 8 a.m., with gloves and trash bags. Then reward yourself with brunch at 10 a.m. Live music starts at 11 a.m., with afternoon activities that include Potting Seeds & Plants with Benkens (bring a reusable container), dogs from Save The Animals Foundation, the Longbottom Farm Ducks, and local vendors and partners all day lon.
Earth Day Celebration
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Events included in Zoo admission
cincinnatizoo.org/events/party-for-the-planet
Visit the Zoo to enjoy educational activities led by AmeriCorps members and local conservation partners located throughout the Zoo, including Animal Chats and enrichment with Black Rhino, giraffes, gorilla, bonobos, and cougars. Vendors includde Osmia Bee, Civic Garden Center, Gorman Heritage Farm, and Cincinnati Wildflower Preservation Society,
Earth Day @ Findlay Market with Hamilton Co. R3source
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Findlay Market, 1801 Race St.
www.findlaymarket.org/marketevents/earth-day
Hamilton Co. R3source & Findlay Market partner for fun Earth Day activities. Enjoy the “Wasted Food Stops With Us” food upcycling demos every hour at Elaine’s Kitchen. Bring your hard-to-recycle items such as oral Care Items, deodorant, plastic Cards (like gift cards, office supplies, and sock and they’ll recycle them for you.
KWA West Chester Shredding Event
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
9277 Centre Pointe Drive
www.eventbrite.com/kwa-west-chester-free-earth-day
Keller Williams Advisors hosts a FREE shredding event. Each carload can bring up to five boxes to shred for free. Each shred participant will be placed in a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card. Kids will enjoy earth day crafts and have a chance to visit with the West Chester Fire Department.
Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Festival
Saturday April 22, 12–5 p.m.
Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road
FREE
cincinnatiearthdayorg.mailchimpsites.com
With more than 125 exhibitors, music, vegetarian foods, and beer from Madtree Brewing Company, this festival is one of the best environmental education events in the region. Families can enjoy the Earth Day even if it's only at their local park, traditionally the first fun family outdoor event of the year!
Earth Day Relaxation Yoga
Saturday, April 22, 3 p.m.
College Hill Yoga, 5838 Hamilton Ave.
Cost: $15 if registered; $20 at the door
www.alternativeyoga.net
Join Alternative Yoga for a special Earth Day practice, complete with an uplifting music playlist. A yin-restorative class, with optional reiki healing, this session is meant to help people heal ourselves so they can help heal the world around us.
Enough on Your Plate
Enjoy food, dancing, and fun at the sh festival fundraiser, del-ish-us: a Celebration of Mimouna.
Looking for a good time this weekend?
We have just the thing! Plus, you can give back while you’re having a blast.
Check out ish Festival’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
If You Go
del-ish-us: a Celebration of Mimouna
Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
ish Garage, 4089 Langland St.
Tickets & additional info available here.
Organizers say this event, back by popular demand, offers the chance to experience a “taste” of Spain, Central and South America through delicious foods, music, all-age arts activities, and entertainment, with childcare available.
The evening includes dance performances from Cincy Brazil Samba and Pones and music from Noyse Merchants.
The event focuses on the Moroccan and Mmzrachi Jewish holiday of Mimouna.
Mimouna is a celebration, traditionally held by North African Jews from Morocco and the Maghreb, to celebrate the end of Passover. During this joyous community gathering, Jews break bread, eat sweets, and enjoy traditional culture, often with non-Jewish neighbors.
ish is a Cincinnati-based community engagement organization working to bring artists and communities.
Art for the stars
Art contest is in the stars at Cincinnati Observatory.
Artists have looked to the stars for inspiration for centuries.
Now the Cincinnati Observatory is asking local artists to find inspiration where they look at the stars.
To kick off the celebration of the building’s 150th anniversary, the Cincinnati Observatory wants to see your renditions of its historic Herget Building.
“The ‘Best of Show’ winner will have the honor of having their image used on new promotional materials, including merchandise to celebrate the 150th Anniversary,” says Dean Regas, astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory. “We will also display the winning submission with our Special Exhibit honoring the Samuel Hannaford building.”
A 501c3 not-for-profit organization, the Observatory is dedicated to maintaining their historic 1873 and 1904 buildings. Memberships, donations, and programing revenue help keep the National Historic Landmark facility in good working order and preserve these incredible treasures, which host more than 34,000 people each year.
The Observatory will have an art show and reception on May 20, at which 10 additional finalists and two honorable mentions will be honored. The Best of Show will be announced at that event. The children's contest will have one best in show, and three additional finalists.
Entries must be submitted by Sunday, April 30. Find more information and submit your work here.
Ready, Set, Ride!
Kings Island opens for the season this weekend!
One of the sure signs of Spring’s arrival in Cincinnati is the opening of Kings Island!
The park opens this Saturday, April 15 and inside you’ll find new attractions, new food and more ways to have fun.
The 364-acre amusement park in Mason will open its turnstiles for the first time at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Guests will be able to get their first rides on the legendary Beast roller coaster, their first tastes of the park’s famous blue ice cream and their first hugs from Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
“The park also is adding a new restaurant, Grain & Grill, a fast-casual dining location that will feature Eastern European and Mediterranean flavors,” said Chad Showalter, Kings Island’s director of communications
Grain & Grill rendering
As Kings Island’s Opening Day approaches, the amusement park has named Joseph Perez as the new executive chef. He previously served as the executive chef at Ameristar Casino and Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.
“I’m excited to join the talented food and beverage team here at Kings Island and I’m looking forward to helping the park continue to grow its menu options with fresh, locally sourced items,” said Perez. “I want families and friends visiting the park to be able to gather together around a table, have an excellent dining experience, and make lasting Kings Island memories.”
Also opening this summer, is the new Adventure Port.
The park’s newest themed area will feature two new family rides, enhanced theming for Adventure Express, a new quick service restaurant and the Mercado. This new area will be located between Coney Mall and Action Zone.
More information on the 2023 season is available at visitkingsisland.com.
Link Up
Tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Queen City Classic!
General Admission
Ticket includes access to the tournament grounds, public grandstands and fan areas. Food & beverage available for purchase at concessions.
Weekly Ticket Package – $80
Includes one ticket for each day the tournament gates are open (Wednesday – Sunday).
Good Any One Day Ticket – $25
Includes one ticket good for any one day of your choice Wednesday – Sunday. This ticket allows fans to buy now and decide which day to attend later.
Commissioner’s Club
Ticket includes access to the Commissioner’s Club, 18th Tee viewing platform (new for 2023), tournament grounds, grandstands and fan areas. The Commissioner’s Club is an upscale pavilion with ample covered and outdoor seating located in the middle of the action with views of golf on holes 6, 13 and 14. Venue ticket includes beer, wine, soda, water and snacks. All patrons, including children must have a ticket to access the venue.
Weekly Ticket Package (Thursday – Sunday) – $500
Includes one ticket for each day of the competition rounds (Thursday – Sunday).
Commissioner’s Club Ticket, Single Day – $150
Includes one day-specific ticket on the day of choice Thursday – Sunday.
Kenwood Lounge
Ticket includes access to the Kenwood Lounge, 18th Tee viewing platform (new for 2023), tournament grounds, grandstands and fan areas. Located on the South Terrace of the clubhouse, the Kenwood Lounge is a shared hospitality venue that provides an indoor/outdoor atmosphere in the heart of the course with views of the 10th Tee and Fan Zone. Venue ticket includes all-inclusive food and full-service bar provided by Kenwood Country Club and private restroom facilities inside the clubhouse. At this time, Kenwood Lounge tickets are only available as a weekly package, single-day tickets may become available in the future based on demand.
Weekly Ticket Package – $750
Includes one ticket for each day of the competition rounds (Thursday – Sunday).
Private skyboxes and upgraded all-inclusive hospitality options are also available. Contact Emily Norell, enorell@excelsm.com for information.
If the Masters has you thinking out seeing amazing golfers in person closer to home, you’re in luck. Ticket are now available for the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G.
Tickets and hospitality packages are on sale and volunteer registration is open for the second annual tournament to be held Sept. 6–10 at Kenwood Country Club.
“We are so excited for the second edition of the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G. Last year was a huge success with over 50,000 fans over the week, more than 70 local and national partners, and overall amazing feedback. We look forward to building on that for 2023. We’ve already seen great corporate support for year two and are sure the crowds will be even bigger this year based on the demand we’re already seeing in the community,” said Emily Norell, tournament director for the Queen City Championship.
The tournament returns with a variety of ticket and hospitality packages available for purchase. Children aged 17 and under will receive complimentary admission with a ticketed adult and all active and retired military will also receive free admission.
The Queen City Championship will feature a field of 144 of the world’s best golfers competing for a purse of $1.75 million dollars. The event is broadcast domestically on Golf Channel with more than 12 hours of live coverage and is distributed around the globe to more than 230 countries. In addition, Kroger, P&G and tournament proceeds will continue supporting the Queen City Game Changers Leadership Program which champions local women to enhance their leadership skills and expand their networks through multiple workshops.
Volunteers Needed
The tournament is also recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles leading up to and during tournament week. The $50 volunteer package (a $250 value) includes the volunteer uniform (polo and hat), week-long tournament access and two additional weekly passes for friends and family.
“Volunteers are such a critical part of a golf tournament and last year Cincinnati showed up with some of the best volunteers I’ve ever worked with in my career. In our early registration window, we’ve already filled almost 60% of our volunteer positions for this year and I’m hopeful that all of those roles will be filled by early Summer,” Norell said.
To register to volunteer or find more information, visit www.queencitylpga.com.
Cincinnati’s history with women’s professional golf dates back to 1963 when Kenwood Country Club was the host for the U.S. Women’s Open. From 1978 to 1989, Cincinnati hosted the LPGA Championship at the Golf Center at Kings Island. The LPGA’s developmental tour, the Epson Tour, has called the Queen City its home for the better part of the last 15 years, most recently hosting the Prasco Charity Championship.
Tournament officials have announced several returning local and national sponsors including title sponsors Kroger and P&G, founding partners; Cintas, St. Elizabeth Health Care, TriHealth and official partners; Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Chosen Foods, Constellation Wealth Advisors, Fortinet, Performance Automotive Network, and Truepoint Wealth Counsel.
For more information about the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, visit excelsm.com.
Pay to Play
Ohio is phoning it it, as sports betting tops $639 million last month.
In the second month of legalized sports betting in the Buckeye state, sports gambling took a dip from January’s launch, where the volume of sports betting was $1.1 billion.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission released its second report about sports gambling revenue on March 31, providing February earnings at retail locations like Hard Rock Sportsbook in Cincinnati and mobile betting operators including top app, Fan Duel.
As you add up sports bets over the last two months, mobile sports betting apps, or those made on your phone, are the most active with nearly 98% of all bets or $1.75 billion made on mobile apps. Fan Duel and DraftKings are the majority players in the mobile space with more than $446 million in bets made between the two.
Top Five Mobile Apps by Volume in Ohio
Fan Duel (Belterra Park): $232.7 million
DraftKings (Hollywood Toledo): $214 million
BetMGM (MGM Northfield Park): $46.1 million
Bet365 (Cleveland Guardians): $30.9 million
Caesars Sportsbook (Scioto Downs): $28.4 million
Top Retail Sportsbooks by Volume in Cincinnati
Hart Rock Cincinnati (Seminole Hard Rock Digital): $2.4 million
Belterra Park (Fan Duel): $600,003
Cincinnati Reds (BetMGM): $148,857
FC Cincinnati (Superbook): $13,911
The Old Ball Game
Reds’ Opening Day: There’s nothing else like it. Cincinnati does Opening Day better than anyone else. See what makes the first day of baseball season so special in the Queen City.
– by Betsy Ross
If you are new to the Greater Cincinnati area, or if you have a friend or co-worker who’s new to town, you probably have heard or said this phrase: “You have to go to Opening Day. Cincinnati does it better than any other baseball city.”
The sentence itself is true. But it hardly explains or demonstrates just what makes the first day of baseball season so special in the Queen City.
First, a history lesson: Veteran Reds fans will remember the days (and lament their passing) when the Reds were THE opening game of baseball season. Not because that the Reds were the first professional baseball team, as many believe, but mostly because of tradition, according to Reds historians Greg Rhodes and John Erardi. Before baseball expansion, Cincinnati was the southernmost city for baseball, so the belief was that the chances for better weather were greater.
Of course, we know that the weather forecast for Opening Day can be as unpredictable as an Aroldis Chapman fastball. It has snowed twice (measurable snow) on Opening Day, and as recently as 2018 the opener had to be postponed because of rain, the first time in more than a half century that Opening Day was delayed because of the threat of rain. Strikes, lockouts and, of course, the pandemic, were other factors that have altered the traditional first day of baseball.
But what makes Cincinnati’s Opening Day different from the other teams? Again, referencing Erardi and Rhodes in their terrific book, “Opening Day,” the Reds’ business manager at the turn of the 20th century, Frank Bancroft, gets the credit for turning the day into a holiday, complete with bunting around the stadium, first pitches from dignitaries and presentations on the field. The extra spectacle drew sellout crowds for Opening Day every year, so Cincinnati continued get a home game for its season opener.
It was around that time, in 1920, that Findlay Market got into the act with its Opening Day parade, which now is a 1.4 mile long celebration of Spring and baseball season. But it wasn’t always greeted with big crowds (an estimated 130,000 last year) and school children playing hooky.
From Rhodes: “With the Reds move downtown to Riverfront Stadium in 1970, the parade dynamics changed completely. Now, the line of march headed down Race Street and turned on Fifth and went right through the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Local television began covering the procession live for the first time. The parade became the focal point instead of the ballpark presentation.
“The parade organizers decided to open up the event to outside organizations and the entries grew to nearly 200. When Marge Schott purchased the Reds in the 1984, she used her connections with the Cincinnati Zoo to include elephants and other large animals that gave the entire event the feel of a circus.”
Once the parade is done, there’s still usually some time to fill before the start of the game—this year, a 4:10 p.m. matchup with Pittsburgh. Depending on the weather, fans can hang out at The Banks or inside their favorite watering hole while waiting for the ballpark festivities. Expect a sellout crowd to greet the Reds home and signal the start of Spring and baseball season.
As former Reds manager Sparky Anderson said,
“It’s a holiday—a baseball holiday! Ain’t no other place in America got that!”
Take the Field
From OTR to The Banks, tips on the best places to catch the parade.
–Kathrine Nero
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade is as Cincinnati as it gets. As tens of thousands of Reds fans find their way downtown, it can be tough to get the best vantage point. So here are some insider tips on the best places to watch the parade.
Best for families
Washington Park is a hub of activity on Opening Day. There are inflatables for the kids, adult beverages for mom and dad, and lots of places to run and play for kids who get bored waiting for the floats to come by. Bally Sports Ohio is headquartered here as well for parade coverage.
Best for true Cincinnati homers
It’s a sea of humanity most years on Fountain Square, but that shared experience is exactly why this is a perfect place to see the parade. To be fair, it may be easier to hear the parade than see it, given the crowds here, but if that’s your jam, there’s no better place to be. Fans without tickets to the game can share the excitement of Opening Day, watching it on the big screen.
Rounding Race and headed for home
The parade route is a simple one – with a single turn down Race Street. This corner is a perfect place to see the floats and other entries up close and personal. There is plenty of parking nearby, with garages and surface lots within a block or so. Plus, it’s an easy trip back to the Duke Energy Convention Center immediately afterward, where the Cincinnati Auto Expo is giving free entry to anyone wearing Reds gear. And that’s all of us on Opening Day, right?
Begin at the end
If you or your family isn’t big on big crowds, the end of the route is great spot to set up shop. The parade officially ends at the Taft Theatre, and hanging out there allows kids a little breathing room and gives you an interesting vantage point as you see the floats almost the entire way down Race Street. Getting out of downtown is pretty easy from here, too, once the roads start to open back up.
Take it to The Banks
Looking for an old-fashioned block party? Head to The Banks, with the Reds Community Fund Block Party kicking off at 11 a.m., with food, drinks, and entertainment. At noon, they’ll show the parade on the big screen in all its glory, so you can enjoy the view with an adult beverage as you sit on one of the patios at the bars and be close to GABP when the gates open 2:10 p.m. for the game.
Clutch Hitter
Friends honor media legend Rich Walburg and benefit scholarship.
If You Go
Rich Walburg Day
Saturday, April 1, 3–5 p.m,
The Filson, 25 E. Freedom Way
Donate to the Rich Walburg Media Scholarship at UC.
Join friends and colleagues for Rich Walburg Day to celebrate Rich's life and work during an event organized by Game Day Communications.
Donors of $25 or more to the Rich Walburg Media Scholarship at the University of Cincinnati receive a “Be Kind” bracelet.
Walburg, a beloved figure in local media, passed away in January 2022. Throughout his career, Walburg worked at WLW-AM, Q102, Kings Island, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and the National MS Society's Ohio Valley Chapter, as well as Game Day Communications. He was renowned for his quick wit, love of puns, and incredible professionalism.
The scholarship recipient will be announced on April 12.
Away We Go
From EVs to Dream Machines, the 35th Cincinnati Auto Expo offers the chance to test out the latest features in the newst cars, trucks, and SUVs, plus find interactive exhibits and family fun at the Duke Energy Convention Center, March 30–April 2.
Duke Energy Convention Center
525 Elm St.
cincinnatiautoexpo.com
Thursday, March 30, 3 – 9 p.m.
Friday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Any-day general admission tickets: $11
(Save $2 by purchasing online in advance); Children age 12 and younger: Free
Specials
Thursday, March 30: Opening Night
Free admission when wearing Cincinnati Reds apparel
Friday, March 31: Matinee Day
Half-price admission,11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Curious about EVs? Long to see a rare Maserati? Looking for a new family car?
Find all your answers at the 35th Cincinnati Auto Expo at Duke Energy Convention Center March 30–April 2.
Managed by the Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Assn. (GCADA), the Expo provides the opportunity to experience new technologies and features in the newest model cars, crossovers, EVs, SUVs, trucks, from both domestic and import manufacturers. .
EV Showcase Schedule
Author Brian Culp: “A Dummy Answers Dumb EV Questions”
Saturday, April 1: Noon | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 2: Noon | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m.
Donovan Energy “Residential Charging”
Saturday, April 1: 1:20 p.m. | 3:20 p.m. | 5:20 p.m.
Sunday, April 2: 12:40 p.m. | 2:40 p.m. | 4:40 p.m.
Drive Electric Cincinnati and Drive Electric Dayton EV Owners’ Panel” discussions:
Saturday, April 1: 12:40 p.m. | 2:40 p.m | 4:40 p.m.
Sunday, April 2: 1:20 p.m. | 3:20 p.m.
An expanded EV Showcase includes a variety of vehicles with a wide range of price points from manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Mercedes, Porsche, Subaru, Volvo and Volkswagen. The informative exhibit also will feature rotating presentations from Brian Culp, author of Electric Cars for Dummies, Cincinnati-based Donovan Energy along with the EV-owner members of Drive Electric Cincinnati as well as Drive Electric Dayton. EV chargers also will be on display courtesy of Electrify America.
With the Chevrolet Test Drive, guests can either drive or ride in a Bolt EUV, Blazer RS, Equinox RS, Silverado 1500 2.7, Tahoe Z71 and Trailblazer Activ.
But the expo is more than cars.
The Safe Travel for Kids Family Zone presented by the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Toyota Dealers has goody bags, RC car raffle, fun activities for young guests, courtesy of Kemba Credit Union. There is also an interactive safe teen driving simulator from the Hamilton County Safe Communities along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The Subaru Pet Park will introduce guests to adoptable animals from Greater Cincinnati shelters. A Campground exhibit will display RVs ideal for weekend getaways that can be towed by nearly every vehicle on the Expo floor.
Lovers of classic cars won’t want to miss the BMW M Series 50th Anniversary Collection, which celebrates the anniversary of the iconic BMW series, with models ranging from 1972 to 2011.
On Dream Machine Boulevard, presented by General Electric Credit Union, guests can see sought-after vehicles from Acura, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Genesis, Maserati, Jeep, Porsche and RAM that they can bring home to their own garages! Models from manufacturers such as have all been represented on Collector cars from Cincinnati Concours d’ Elegance, The British Car Club and Ohio Valley GTO Club will also be on display.
Off to the Races
The Run for the Roses starts with Jeff Ruby Steaks.
If You Go
Jeff Ruby Steaks
Saturday, March 25, 12:45 p.m.
Turfway Park
7500 Turfway Road
Florence, KY 41042
Tickets and reservations for Jeff Ruby Steaks Day can be found at www.TurfwayPark.com.
And they’re off! The road to the Kentucky Derby runs through the Jeff Ruby Steaks this Saturday at Turfway Park. Last year’s race produced the winner of the 148th Kentucky Derby, Rich Strike.
The Jeff Ruby Steaks is a “Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series” event and the top 5 finishers will receive points on a 100-40-30-20-10 scale toward a spot in the starting gate for the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI).
Last year’s Jeff Ruby Steaks helped launch Rich Strike to victory in the Kentucky Derby. This year’s field is expected to feature a talented group of 3-year-olds including Spendthrift Farm’s two-time graded stakes winner Major Dude; Patricia’s Hope and Phillip Sagan’s multiple stakes winner Two Phil’s and Tami Bobo and Lugamo Racing Stable’s $150,000 John Battaglia Memorial winner Congruent. The Jeff Ruby Steaks is one of six stakes events on the 13-race program.
Turfway Park and Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment have extended their partnership and will remain the presenting sponsor of the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (Grade III) for an additional five years.
“Turfway Park recognizes our responsibility to provide best in class Thoroughbred racing that will complement the Jeff Ruby brand,” Turfway Park President Michael Taylor said. “Mr. Ruby has always been an advocate of supporting important causes for our industry, especially the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). We are grateful for his continued partnership in what has become Northern Kentucky’s premiere Spring sporting event.”
In addition to sponsoring the race, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment will be providing their food for the VIP dining experience on race day.
"This race has a long and storied history in Northern Kentucky. We're thrilled to be a part of it and continue our partnership with Turfway and Churchill Downs," said Jeff Ruby, Chairman and Founder of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment. “The Jeff Ruby Steaks continues to grow and we're so proud to play a role in this key steppingstone to qualification for the Kentucky Derby."
“We are so happy to extend our partnership with Jeff Ruby and his team for the next five years in support of our Jeff Ruby Steaks,” Turfway Park General Manager Chip Bach added. “To have the ability to continue to associate our premier race with his best in class brand is a dream come true.”
Now Playing
Listen to the Soundtrack of Cincinnati now playing at The Banks.
Listen up! You can here the sounds of Spring (and Summer!) at The Banks.
“Banks Radio,” powered by the iHeartRadio app, will be airing The Soundtrack of Cincinnati featuring JonJon from KISS 107.1 FM using a new sound system recently installed along the Freedom Way Plaza from Joe Nuxhall to Walnut.
The Banks and iHeartMedia, parent company of stations including 700WLW, WEBN, and KISS 107 FM, collaborated to create the new station.
“We are continuously looking for new amenities for our guests at The Banks,” said Tracy Schwegmann of The Banks. “Banks Radio will provide a music track to complement the energy of the area while entertaining our guests when they visit for dinner, a ball game or a concert.”
“Banks Radio is a unique station branded just for The Banks on the iHeartRadio app. It was built incorporating our iHeartCX platform, which is our retail in-store audio solution technology,” said DJ Hodge, Metro President at iHeartMedia, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. “We are thrilled to use our music automation software to air a custom playlist created just for the fans of The Banks.”
What are the odds?
Can't make heads or tails of sports betting? Lucky for you, the new website The Benjamin, offers tips and insights into upcoming sporting events to help you be wealthy and wise.
It’s time to take a gamble on The Benjamin.
That’s the theory behind the new men’s lifestyle media brand, brought to you by Game Day, the same company responsible for the fine work here at Cincinnati People.
The Benjamin, available at BetTheBen.com, focuses on those interested in sports betting, Cincinnati content and is one of the area’s only outlets specifically geared toward men, though all are welcome.
Readers of The Benjamin will find daily content from award-winning sports columnist Paul Daugherty, who retired from The Enquirer last year, and Keith Jenkins, who has enjoyed stints at ESPN and The Enquirer as the University of Cincinnati Athletics beat writer.
“The Benjamin will connect Cincinnati sports enthusiasts and bettors with sportsbook promotions, betting tips based on research, lifestyle features and exclusive promotions,” said Jackie Reau, Publisher of The Benjamin. “We know there is a void in the market for Cincinnati-focused sports betting and men’s lifestyle content to drive engagement and promotions for those brands looking to market to men, 25+. The Benjamin will work to fill this void.”
The genesis of The Benjamin came from the success of the first few months of legalized sports betting in Ohio. In January alone, the volume of sports betting in Greater Cincinnati was $526 million, representing nearly half of the $1.1 billion in total for the entire state. Now, there’s a sports and entertainment platform focused on those bettors and others, who would like to learn more.
“We had a hunch sports betting would be popular in Cincinnati when we saw 1.9 million bets made from January 1-2 alone so we are taking a gamble on The Benjamin as a new media resource for Cincinnati,” added Reau, who has been studying the business of sports betting since 2020 when she earned a Master’s Certificate in Sports Gambling Education at Ohio University.
The Benjamin will offer freemium subscriptions to all content including:
The Morning Line by Paul Daugherty, a daily look at sports stories from around Cincinnati
The 100, video features about top sporting and entertainment events in Cincinnati, from bourbon tastings, concerts and new restaurants, hosted by Keith Jenkins
The Key, a weekly sports betting tip sheet by Keith Jenkins, sourced from research from top betting experts, all focused on Cincinnati area teams
A map and listing of all sports book license holders and their locations
To subscribe for free, visit www.BetTheBen.com and follow on social media: Twitter @betthebenjamin, Instagram @betthebenjamin and Facebook @betthebenjamin.
Paid sponsorship opportunities are available for brands looking to connect with men 25+ in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Key Figures
Emanuel Ax concert benefits local music non-profit.
In Concert
Emanuel Ax
Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.
Corbett Theater at the School for Creative & Performing Arts,
BCB recipients Trinity Thrasher and Morgan Olivia Reynolds will also perform.
Tickets and information at bcbscholarship.org.
“This is an inspiring opportunity to give back to the musical community,” said Emanuel Ax, one of the world’s finest classical pianists.
A Grammy-winning musician who regularly performs with major orchestras around the world, Ax will be performing in Cincinnati to benefit the Ben Carlson-Berne Scholarship Fund.
“The Ben Carlson-Berne (BCB) Scholarship Fund makes a real impact on the lives of many young students,” said Ax. “Their scholarships nurture the next generation of classical musicians and expose the artistry of classical music to new audiences.”
For the last 19 years, underserved and economically disadvantaged students at Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) have been receiving free classical music lessons through the fund.
“The single most important factor in improving a student’s music ability throughout junior high and high school is the opportunity to take a weekly private lesson with a qualified teacher,” says Dr. Isidore Rudnick, Fine Arts Manager for Cincinnati Public Schools, said. “The ability to study with, and be mentored by, a professional music teacher over the course of years can have a dramatic impact on a student’s life and future.”
The fund was created by Susan and Phil Carlson-Berne to honor their son, Ben. At 16, after realizing some youth had limited exposure to classical music, and couldn’t afford lessons, Ben made it his mission to share his love of classical music with underserved youth. He began finding instrument and providing music lessons to underserved youth.
As Ben’s began to expand his efforts, his life was cut short in a tragic hiking accident when he was 19. A short time later, his parents continued his mission, founding the BCB Scholarship Fund.
“We were inspired by our son’s capacity for giving back, and we knew we had to continue what he had started,” Phil Berne said. “Starting at 5 years old, piano lessons were a venue for Ben to express his profound love for classical music. He didn’t want anyone to be excluded from the opportunity of having classical music in their lives.”
The BCB Scholarship Fund focuses on building a strong mentorship between students and tutors. Students who receives a scholarship can extend it from middle school through high school. The scholarships considers a student’s talent, but also need and interest
Morgan Olivia Reynolds, a student at SCPA, has been a BCB piano student for two years.
“Receiving a BCB scholarship has been a wonderful entry to the path of my extraordinary journey of perfecting my craft in piano,” Reynolds says. “I am elated for the phenomenal opportunities that BCB has bestowed upon me, allowing me to express my passion freely.”
Another student, Trinity Thrasher, a junior at SCPA has been a BCB student for the past three years. She recently been accepted into the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra. Lessons for both students are funded until their high school graduations.
Behind the Wheel
Take a spin with Cincinnati Rollergirls for their new season.
Saturday, April 8 at Cintas Center, Xavier University
Saturday, April 22 at Sports Plus in Evendale
Saturday, May 13 at Sports Plus in Evendale
Saturday, June 10 at Sports Plus in Evendale
Tickets are on sale now!
The Cincinnati Rollergirls take the Cintas Center for their first match of the season.
“We're excited to let our fans throughout the Cincinnati area know about our 2023 season,” said Cincinnati Rollergirls owner Lauren Bishop. “We’ve been practicing hard since January. The energy is great, and the teamwork is impressive. The recruits from our recent open tryouts are already proving to be valuable additions.”
CRG's A team, the Black Sheep, take on Louisville Roller Derby on Saturday, April 8 in a single-header event. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the game at 6 p.m. The game will also be Pride Night, in partnership with Cincinnati Pride.
CRG is working toward double-headers for its remaining games at Sports Plus. Opponents and more details will be announced soon.
Founded in late 2005 with its inaugural season in 2006, the Cincinnati Rollergirls is Cincinnati's first amateur flat track roller derby team. The all-volunteer team is owned and operated by its skaters and is an internationally ranked member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, the sport’s governing body.
All Clover Again
Start your St. Patrick's celebration with the annual parade and LepreCon at The Banks.
Find your pot of gold at The Banks this Saturday, March 11!
St. Patrick’s Parade Schedule
12 p.m – 55th annual St. Patrick's Day parade
2 p.m. – Irish dancers
3 p.m. – Live music by the Tyler Moore Band
6 p.m. – DJ entertainment by DaveyC
Don’t miss the 55th annual St. Patrick's Day parade, starting at noon, with grand marshal Ken Anderson. The Bengals legend will be joined by Irish dancers, floats, families, and marching bands.
This beloved tradition is followed by a new event sponsored by a number of bars at The Banks, LepreCon.
LepreCon is a bit like SantaCon, only sub in green for all the red. Fishbowl at The Banks, Holy Grail, Jefferson Social, and The Stretch, have teamed up to host this new spin on a block party. The stage will be set up in front of BurgerFi on Freedom Way, with beverage sales available throughout the DORA District.
Goat For It
It's bock! With a parade of monks and goats, Cincinnati celebrates the coming of Spring,with a weekend, of music, tours, and of course, beer. We've got tips to help you make it the GOAT Bockfest.
It’s spring!
Almost.
Kind of.
Just go with it, ok?
Bockfest, Cincinnati’s annual celebration of Spring, Over-the-Rhine's brewing heritage, and bock beer, begins tomorrow, with the parade and the opening of Bockfest Hall. The revelry continues through Sunday. With so much to do, and so many goats, how to you make the most of the weekend? Check out our top 5 tips for enjoying Bockfest.
Longtime Bockfest enthusiast (and event coordinator) Aaron Sharpe has some critical advice as well. (That’s him on the left!)
Do NOT miss the parade. While there is plenty happening all weekend long at Bockfest, the parade is the highlight.
Wear a costume. Doesn’t matter what it is, but everything about Bockfest is more fun in full costume.
Don’t sleep on Sunday. Weather will be beautiful, Hot Magnolias will be playing, and one of the most entertaining Bockfest activities, the .05K takes place on Sunday.
Take a brewery tour. It’ll truly be one of the most interesting experiences you can have in Cincinnati.
Drink lots of water and pay attention to the ABV’s of the bock beers you’re drinking. They’ll add up quick!
Admission to the parade and Bockfest Hall, HQ for bock beer, music, and entertainment, is free all weekend long.
Bockfest Hall, at Findlay Playground, 1811 Vine Street, and the adjacent outside spaces around the Brewery District will host a number of popular traditions including
Bockfest Parade, Friday, March 3, 6 p.m.
Steps off from Arnold’s Bar & Grill, 210 East Eighth StreetBockfest Hall Opening Hours, Friday, March 3, 6 p.m.,
1811 Vine Street
Opens on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at noonBockfest 5K, Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m.,
Starts from Bockfest Hall, 1811 Vine Street.Bockfest Brewing Heritage Trail Tours and Historical Programming
Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5Bockfest Beer Games
Saturday March 4 and Sunday, March 5
Sales for all ticketed events and packages are available now at www.Bockfest.com.