The Big Picture

Two premieres were held in Cincinnati last year – “Shirley” and “The Bikeriders.” 

“Shirley”

A powerful biographical drama, Shirley stars Regina King as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and the first to run for president of the United States in 1972. The film chronicles Chisholm’s groundbreaking political campaign, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of a woman who changed the face of American politics. King delivers a commanding performance, embodying Chisholm’s courage, determination, and wit. Cincinnati’s historic architecture and civic spaces doubled as Washington, D.C., and various campaign stops across the nation. Locations such as City Hall and Memorial Hall were transformed to reflect the 1970s, providing an authentic and visually striking setting for the film’s narrative. 

“The Bikeriders” (2023)

This gritty drama, directed by Jeff Nichols, delves into the world of a fictional Midwestern motorcycle gang during the 1960s. Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and Jodie Comer, the film captures the rebellion, camaraderie, and personal struggles of its members as they navigate loyalty and betrayal. Cincinnati served as a key filming location, with its mix of urban and rural landscapes recreating the era’s authenticity, showcasing its streets and outskirts as a perfect Midwestern backdrop.

Film Cincinnati, the not-for-profit organization that works to promote Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as a destination for film, commercial, and television production, announced today that Cincinnati is once again on MovieMaker’s list of the best places to live and work as a moviemaker.

Cincinnati ranks 11th on the list of best places for a moviemaker, ranking ahead of Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Kansas City, among others.

MovieMaker compiles its annual list based on surveys, production spending, tax incentives, additional research, and personal visits, whenever possible.

“We are proud to be named to the MovieMaker best places to live and work as a moviemaker list again this year,” said Kristen Schlotman, President/CEO of Film Cincinnati. “The recognition is a testament to the talented cast and crew who live and work here, and who keep the film industry so strong in Greater Cincinnati.”

In 2024, Film Cincinnati bid and won the honor of hosting a global film industry conference, the Association of Film Commissions International Cineposium in September, 2025.

Also, in 2024, Cincinnati submitted a bid to host the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027 and remains one of three U.S. cities (Boulder, Salt Lake City/Park City) still vying with a decision to be made this spring.

“Hosting the Sundance Film Festival in Cincinnati would have a significant impact on the region’s economy and is another opportunity to highlight the work of nurturing independent filmmaking for nearly 40 years,” said Schlotman.

The 2024 Sundance Film Festival economic impact is available here.

On the production side, Film Cincinnati hosted a number of film productions and premieres. In 2024, Cincinnati hosted the production of several notable films: “Nutcrackers,” “Superman: Legacy,” “Alarum,” “The Mastermind” and “Furever Home.”

What’s Cooking?

Long before the Food Network convinced us to add a little EVOO to our dishes and Gordon Ramsay was cursing at would-be chefs, Julie Child was inspiring at-home cooks to try something new and enjoy the process of creating meals.

Now you can rediscover the magic of her work at Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) with the new exhibit. Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, created and toured by Flying Fish. This intimate immersive exhibition encourages guests to fall in love all over again with the person who made America fall in love with cooking.

“Julia reveled in cooking’s joy, not in its perfection,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president & CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “Because Julia broke a few eggs, we see a generation of amateur chefs trying, sometimes failing, often succeeding, but always enjoying the community of cooking. We’re excited to share Julia’s joy and her recipe for life.”

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life explores the key ingredients that led to Julia’s personal evolution and America’s culinary revolution in a fresh and exciting exhibition filled with immersive opportunities. Julia’s insatiable curiosity and tenacious spirit drove her to endlessly try, test, prove and communicate how to make delicious food. Learning to cook empowered Julia, and she in turn empowered others, profoundly transforming American cuisine and food culture.

This exploration of Julia Child’s life takes a deep dive into key, inspiring moments of her life, as well as the family and friends who supported her career, providing a full view of Jane’s life beyond her fame as a television personality and author. You can enjoy interactive spaces where they can embrace your inner Julia, stepping inside the television studio and onto the set of The French Chef, complete with a vintage, operable video camera. You can also see photography by Paul Child, Julia’s husband, as well as her personal papers and favorite kitchen tools.  You can even climb into the bathtub to recreate Julia’s and Paul’s famous Valentine’s Day card in a photo op that wonderfully encapsulates Julia’s joyous spirit.

“The Foundation, which Julia created to carry on her contributions, marvels at how Julia’s example still inspire individuals to learn to cook and pursue their dreams as well as make our food more delicious and sustainable,” said Todd Schulkin, executive director of The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. “As one of the most comprehensive portraits of Julia’s story and legacy, Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is not to be missed.”

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is a touring exhibition produced and managed by Flying Fish, developed in collaboration with the Napa Valley Museum, under rights granted by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts and The Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University and generously supported by Oceania Cruises.

Infinite Hope

Monday, Jan. 20

Doors open 8 a.m.
Continental breakfast 8-8:30 a.m.
Program 8:30 a.m.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 East Freedom Way at The Banks

More information at freedomcenter.org.

As the nation commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Dr. King’s life and legacy will be honored with a series of events at The Banks.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hosts a morning of music, reflection and call to action in celebration of King's life. The Center will also host the MLK Fifth Third Community Day on Monday, with free admission for all and special programming.

The 2025 King Legacy Celebration includes a continental breakfast, with speakers and musical performances.

Hosted by Courtis Fuller, the event includes a keynote address by Dr. Wendy Ellis.

Ellis is the inaugural director of the Institute for Racial, Ethnic and Socioeconomic Equity and the founding director of the Center for Community Resilience at George Washington University. In this role, she shapes infrastructure to support impactful research dedicated to eradicating racial, ethnic and socioeconomic inequity. In less than 20 years, she has inspired a global “resilience movement” by developing tools, frameworks and research methods to address systemic inequities that contribute to social and health disparities.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

The Freedom Center program also includes music from Dr. Lisa Moore, director of Music Ministry, A.M.E. Zion Church and Elementz, the city’s Cincinnati’s premier Hip Hop Cultural Art Center

The King Legacy Celebration is followed by the 50th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom March. The march begins outside the Freedom Center at 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “Jubilee for MLK’s Beloved Community” and draws from Dr. King's 1960 Freedom Jubilee speech in Pittsburgh, where he celebrated the spirit of renewal and the ongoing fight for equality. This year, the march includes a segment for children, “Land of Superheroes,” presented by the Bootsy Collins Foundation Greater Cincinnati, to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King through music and creative expression.

Among those joining in the march will be representatives from YWCA Greater Cincinnati, who invite supporters to wear persimmon and stand in solidarity.

The Freedom Center will be open, with free admission, on Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with activities and programs, including the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. blood drive. All Freedom Center donors will receive an MLK T-shirt, Hoxworth joggers, PLUS a bonus eGift card. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 451-0910 or visit hoxworth.org/mlk. The event is led by Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Other programs include an “Own Your Home! Free Homeownership Workshop,” story times, performances by rapper Noah Hawes and DJ De’Ariss Hope, and a children's activity station in the Harriet Tubman Theater.

A Warm Welcome

We all know Cincinnati is a great place to live, but it’s also an incredible place to visit!

In a new study by Tourism Economics, the impact report shows that visitors spend $4.4 billion dollars in Hamilton County and when Northern Kentucky tourism is included, the impact increases to $6.5 billion dollars, resulting in more than $17 million dollars a day. In Hamilton County alone, more than 46,000 people are employed in tourism, and visitor spending contributed $229 million dollars in local taxes. Visitors accounted for 25 percent of all local business revenue, up 8 percent from the previous year.

The report was one part of the Visit Cincy annual meeting, held Wednesday at the Sharonville Convention Center with nearly 500 business professionals, civic leaders and members of the regional hospitality industry in attendance, including Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus and Sharonville Mayor Kevin Hardman.

“The new economic impact study demonstrates how important the tourism industry is to our community with new dollars circulating, contributing to our tax base, attracting talent and business investment, and enriching our quality of life,” said Julie Calvert, president and CEO of Visit Cincy.

Visit Cincy’s strategic sales and marketing efforts achieved impressive results in 2024. Despite the closed Duke Energy Convention Center, Visit Cincy exceeded its sales goal by 11 percent, which represents $95 million in attendee spending with an economic impact of more than $176 million dollars. 

Last year, Visit Cincy developed a new strategic campaign, “Meetings Made Cincy,” designed to connect regional meeting professionals to the unique venues and hospitality services in the Cincy region. The regional approach for foundational short-term business was coupled with aggressive planning and promotion of what’s next in the region. Visit Cincy launched its “The Future Meets in Cincy” campaign to initiate the sales process for new and reinvented assets to reach a national and global audience. Additionally, Visit Cincy has fully restaffed its Washington, D.C. office, enhancing a national presence which is already yielding significant results.

At the Visit Cincy annual meeting, the following were elected as directors: 

• Brendon Cull, President & CEO, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

• Bobby Spann, Vice President of Air Service, CVG Airport

• Katie Westbrook, Senior Vice President of Development, 3CDC

• Stephanie Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, Fifth Third Bank

• Doug Moorman, Mayor of Madeira, Ohio

• Stephanie Summerow Dumas, Vice President, Hamilton County Commission

New officers were also introduced and they are:

• Chair Scott Robertson, Chairman at RCF Group,

• Vice Chair Bobbi Dillion, Senior Manager of Government Affairs, P&G

• Secretary/Treasurer Steve Mullinger, Regional President, Huntington Bank

Katie Westbrook, senior vice president of development for 3CDC, the organization responsible for development of the Convention District project, shared an update for the reopening of the project. The $240 million-dollar downtown Convention Center is being modernized with state-of-the-art amenities, meeting spaces, technology, dramatic rooftop terrace and the new Elm Street Plaza. The project, which is on schedule to be completed by the end of December 2025 includes vendors representing minority-owned companies (23 percent of the project), women-owned businesses (14 percent) and unions (63 percent). Additionally, the hotel brand for the 800-room hotel, located adjacent to the Duke Energy Convention Center, will be announced this spring. Download images from the convention center reinvention here.

The $24 million dollar expansion of the Sharonville Convention Center opened up the northern suburbs, hotels, and the facilities for larger shows, meetings, and events earlier this year. To that end, Visit Cincy established its first-ever dedicated room night goal for the northern Hamilton County hotels, and it was exceeded by 28 percent this year.

This year, the Visit Cincy Foundation for Hospitality Excellence was established to improve education, create job opportunities, and enhance cultural impact to ensure Cincinnati is a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and respect. 

A new program called Inclusive Hospitality was introduced at the meeting as a commitment to embed a culture of inclusion in both internal programming and external outreach. Through the Inclusive Hospitality initiatives, Visit Cincy will expand its share of diverse meetings and tourism markets, and engage with community events in impactful ways, connecting the region’s visitors with diverse experiences and vendors. 

A new collaboration was announced with BlaCk OWned Outerwear on a Visit Cincy line of merchandise, including bomber jackets and shirts. The line is being used to represent Cincy at national trade shows and events.  

Last year, the Dan Lincoln Institute for Hospitality Leadership expanded into four schools, including a groundbreaking program with the residents of LADD, Inc. The IHL curriculum is designed to create pathways for diverse leadership in our industry, preparing students for careers in hospitality. 

Visit Cincy has a partnership with the Cincinnati Business Committee and Cincinnati Regional Business Committee to reorganize and develop a funding plan for a new Sports Commission relaunch and boost sports tourism in the area to attract top-level sporting events. Over the last year, the new organization has been incorporated with the state of Ohio and seated a new board which will be expanded later this month. Organizational leadership will be selected in the near future. 

“The sports events tourism industry is an important business segment for our region,” said Calvert. “Nationwide, the sports-events industry delivered $128 billion dollars in total economic impact, and more than 200 million people every year travel to youth and adult amateur sports, and collegiate championships.”

Over this next year, leaders of America’s creative economy will pay a visit to Cincinnati for their annual meetings and to learn about how Cincinnati leads with cultural vibrancy. The Americans for the Arts annual convention will visit in June and the American Association for State and Local History Museums convenes in Cincinnati in September. 

Cincinnati is also on the short list to host the iconic Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027 and the decision will be announced this spring. The bid effort which began in April 2024 is being led by Film Cincinnati. 

In addition, America's River Roots festival, scheduled for October 8–12, will officially kick off America’s 250th birthday celebration. The festival will feature riverboat cruises, music, food, and educational programs that celebrate Ohio River culture and how it helped shape our region and the entire country.

Spirit of Cincinnati Awards

The Visit Cincy Spirit of Cincinnati Awards recognizes the influencers and advocates of the local hospitality region who have gone above and beyond to drive the Cincinnati region forward. 

A special recognition, the Pinnacle Legacy Award, was presented to pay tribute to Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, who is retiring this summer.

Candace McGraw, CEO, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Candace McGraw has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport since 2011. During her tenure, she has led the transformation of CVG into one of North America's best regional airports and a global cargo superpower. CVG is now the sixth-largest cargo airport by volume in North America and the 12th largest in the world. She has overseen the arrival of new low-cost carriers, helped land deals with Amazon and DHL to build their mega hubs here, and worked with British Airways to establish a direct flight from Cincinnati to London. McGraw was appointed to serve on two U.S. Department of Transportation boards and currently serves as chair of the Airports Council International World Governing Board, the first woman ever to do so.

Jean-Robert de Cavel Champion Awards recognize those who have worked directly with the Visit Cincy team to bring important meetings to the Cincy region. The honorees are:

Alecia Kintner, President and CEO, ArtsWave & Visit Cincy Board Member

As a longtime member of the Americans for the Arts, Kintner’s leadership was pivotal to bring this June’s Americans for the Arts annual meeting to Cincinnati this June. This important organization, which focuses on advocacy for the arts in cities nationwide, will bring in more than a thousand room nights to downtown hotels.

Rebekah Beaulieu, President and CEO, Taft Museum of Art and Whitney Owens, Chief Learning Officer, Cincinnati Museum Center

Beaulieu and Owens played pivotal roles in bringing the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) to Cincinnati this September. This organization of history organizations across the United States requires local champions who ensure attendees experience something special. Both mobilized the public history and museum community in Cincinnati, building support for the conference. Their work not only supports our local heritage but also enhances Cincinnati's profile in national cultural and heritage discussions.

JobsOhio

The JobsOhio team played a pivotal role in bringing the Forbes Under 30 Summit to Cincinnati last September. Over four days, the summit brought together some of the world’s top young leaders. The summit also utilized unique local venues to enhance the experience: the first-ever Forbes Women in Sports Summit took place at TQL Stadium, while the main events were hosted at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center, each adding a distinct flavor to the gathering. 

Erich Kunzel Queen City Advocate Award recognizes those whose actions have attracted positive media coverage of the Cincy region. The honorees were:

ArtWorks

ArtWorks has truly transformed Cincinnati into a vibrant canvas of public art, not only elevating our region’s arts profile, but also attracting international attention for it. In 2024, Cincinnati earned the title of the number one city for street art by readers of USA Today. This art has caught the attention of travel writers as well and has been featured in Forbes Magazine for BLINK and the Irish TV show Ed Finn's America.

American Legacy Tours

American Legacy Tours tells the Cincy region’s stories to visitors from around the world through engaging and educational experiences. These tours have become a favorite of travel media, providing journalists with a foundational background and understanding of our rich culture and heritage for their coverage. As close partners with Visit Cincy and meetNKY’s media outreach, they have been featured in National Geographic Traveler, the Toronto Sun and Midwest Living.

Horace Sudduth Progressive Business Award honors people and organizations that demonstrate sustained commitment to diversity through leadership in areas like supplier diversity and workforce development. The honoree was

Metro

Metro exemplifies diversity, equity, and inclusion both within its workforce and in the community it serves. Over the past two years, Metro has significantly increased spending with disadvantaged and small businesses, earning accolades such as "System of the Year" by the Ohio Department of Transportation Division of Opportunity, Diversity, & Inclusion, and "Best Place to Work for Women of Color." Metro also sponsors local community events that align with its mission of fostering DEI throughout the region.

Partnership Award recognizes an individual or organization that partnered with the CVB to make significant contributions to the local meetings and tourism industry. This honoree was: 

Bogart’s

Bogart's, a venue synonymous with legendary concerts, demonstrated its versatility as an event venue by partnering with us to host 'Meetings Made Cincy: Live at Bogart's.' This innovative event showcased Cincinnati’s unique venues and services to regional meeting professionals in a setting that many could not have envisioned. The message to attendees: Cincy is open for meetings business. Their generous sponsorship and willingness to reimagine their iconic venue wowed attendees and united the industry. The event welcomed more than 200 people, including dozens of meeting planners and the media, highlighting the incredible experiences the Cincy region offers. 

The Wendell P. Dabney Award recognizes an individual or organization that has diversified the hospitality industry. The honoree was: 

Alandes Powell, Black Art Speaks

Alandes Powell has made a remarkable impact as the visionary and founder of Black Art Speaks, an arts collective designed to promote black culture, social justice, and expression through the uplifting of Black artists' voices through every form of art. From leading powerful BLINK projects to creating the Black Lives Matter mural and the thought-provoking film 'We Love Us,' Powell has amplified the voices of Cincinnati’s Black community in ways that inspire and resonate.

Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Service honors an individual on the front line of the hospitality industry who sets an example through excellent customer service and pride in the Cincy community. The honoree was:

Novella Nimmo-Black, Community Engagement Manager at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Novella Nimmo-Black, Community Engagement Manager at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, goes beyond her daily responsibilities to bring the stories of the Underground Railroad to life for visitors and journalists on specialized tours, delving into the important message of the Center and its location. Novella learned of her own ancestors' enslavement and journey at the Freedom Center’s research facility, and tells others her story to make very real human connections to our history. With her passion and intensity, it's not uncommon for her audience to be moved to tears.

Better Prepared

Mentor/Volunteer Virtual Training Sessions

Wednesday, Jan. 22 and Monday, Jan. 27

CYC will hold virtual training sessions for those who want to learn more about becoming a mentor this year.

Visit www.cycyouth.org to learn more!

Research shows that students who have a mento have better academic and attendance records, higher promotion rates/lower dropout rates, and increased levels of self-esteem.

As an organization founded on the importance of youth mentoring, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) is celebrating National Mentoring Month throughout January with opportunities to join their mission of empowering young people to overcome barriers and excel in education, career and life. 

“National Mentoring Month is a time to recognize the incredible impact mentors have on the lives of young people,” says Amy Thompson, CEO, CYC. “At Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, we see firsthand how a mentor’s guidance can empower students to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Whether through one-to-one mentoring, group mentoring, or corporate partnerships, our programs are designed to meet students where they are and help them succeed in education, career, and life. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to make a difference—just one hour a week can change a young person’s future.”

In just one hour or less a week, CYC mentors provide encouragement and guidance to students overcoming obstacles to success. CYC offers multiple opportunities for those interested to learn more and become a mentor, including two virtual training sessions this month.

One-to-one mentoring, which matches caring adult mentors with individual students, provides encouragement and guidance to students overcoming obstacles to success. This program offers unique focuses for each stage of a student’s academic career, from on social-emotional support for younger students through support of retention for students in college.

Group mentoring programs offer exceptional flexibility, with a team of mentors sharing the responsibility of meeting with a group of students on a regular basis. Examples include after-school programs like CYC’s Girls Club, Saturday Hoops, and UC Med Mentors.

CYC also has a corporate mentoring program, helping students focus on academic success, work readiness skills, and job site visits with support from a corporate partner.

During National Mentoring Month, visit CYC's social media pages for tips on how to become a mentor and find updates on program. Find out more at CYC’s website, at www.cycyouth.org/service/mentoring.

Launched in 2002 by MENTOR, the leading nonprofit helping to create high-quality relationship-centered practices for young people, National Mentoring Month celebrates the positive role mentors have played in the lives of young people and promotes the role of mentorship in helping to create more equitable schools, communities, and workplaces.

What Are We Doing?

There’s never a shortage of things to do in Cincinnati, and 2025 does not disappoint.

Experience a vibrant arts scene, celebrate our favorite teams, welcome national conferences, and take part in new events sure to make memories.

Let’s get these events on the calendar!

January: Heat up 2025

• Fire and Ice at Moerlein Lager House (Jan. 24, Feb. 1 and.8): Fire performers, ice sculptures, cozy igloos and themed dinners make Fire & Ice a new winter tradition. Returning for its second year, the event also features local mixologist and historian Molly Wellman showcasing each evening’s theme, chef and courses. Get more information and tickets here.

• Polar Plunge at The Banks (Jan. 25): Get freezin’ for a reason! The Polar Plunge is the largest community fundraising event dedicated to supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Ohio and Special Olympics Kentucky. This annual tradition combines fun and charity for an unforgettable experience. Sign up here.

February: Get Cooking!

Fire up the comfort food at Cincinnati Museum Center! The exhibition Julia Child: A Recipe for Life opens Feb. 1. This intimate and immersive exhibition encourages guests to fall in love all over again with the person who made America fall in love with cooking.

March: Best Bet? Be at The Banks

• Bockfest 5K (March 8): The Banks is the place to be in March, beginning with the opening race of the TQL Beer Series from PigWorks. Bockfest 5K runners can enjoy post-race festivities, including beer and live music.

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 15): Cincinnati’s celebration of Irish heritage marks its 57th year. The parade winds through The Banks, with bars and restaurants joining in with food and drink specials.

• Reds Opening Day (March 27): Cincinnati’s unofficial holiday returns as the Reds take the field against San Francisco for their first home game of the season. The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade ends at The Banks, making it a short commute to your seat at Great American Ball Park, or a barstool at your favorite watering hole.

May: A Marathon Month

• Flying Pig Marathon (May 2–4): The Best Marathon in America returns in early May with multiple races, a Fitness Expo and a weekend of celebration of fitness and community spirit. Races from one mile to 26.2 happen throughout the weekend. Learn more about the schedule and sign up here.

• Summerfair (May 30–June 1): Summer isn’t summer without Summerfair at Coney Island. For more than 50 years, the three-day fine arts show has highlighted artists and artisans from all over the country. The event is also a fundraiser to support artists throughout the year, through awards, scholarships and exhibitions.

June: Creativity and Collaboration

Americans for the Arts Conference (June 11-15): The spotlight is on Cincinnati’s arts scene in 2025, with several large conventions headed to the Queen City to check out one of the most vibrant arts cities in America. Americans for the Arts Conference, or AFTACON, brings together a gathering of creative minds, this conference highlights the impact of arts and culture.

July: Innovation and Entertainment

• Black Tech Week (July 14–16): Celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship with workshops, panels, and networking events focused on technology and diversity. Black Tech Week offers up the industry’s most meaningful conference content, connections and culture.

• Cincinnati Music Festival (July 24–26): Earth, Wind and Fire and Janet Jackson. Enough said. This year’s CMF headliners are only the beginning. The nation’s largest urban music festival is back at Paycor Stadium and the Andrew J. Brady Center in July. Watch for more acts to be added in the next few months.

August: Serving Up Some Action

Cincinnati Open (Aug. 5–18): Tennis fans can catch world-class matches as top players from the ATP and WTA compete in this prestigious tournament held at the newly renovated Lindner Family Tennis Center.

September: Sports and Community

• Queen City Championship (Sept. 10–14): TPC River’s Bend hosts the LPGA’s Kroger Queen City Championship, presented by P&G. The tournament features of the best golfers in the world, outstanding fan amenities, unprecedented access to pro athletes and a fun family time.

• AFCI Conference (Sept. 15–18): The Association of Film Commissioners International Cineposium comes to Cincinnati for its 50th anniversary convention. The event will dive into topics like regional dynamics and collaboration, technology, diversity and sustainability in the industry.

• PigWorks 14K/7K (Sept. 20): Earn those treats at Oktoberfest by starting the day at the PigWorks 14K/7K race, another in the TQL Beer Series. 

• Kroger Wellness Festival (Sept. 26–27): After a year off due to severe weather, the Kroger Wellness Festival is back with panels on health and wellness, expert talks, celebrity appearances, interactive exhibits, and freebies galore.

October: Art, Music, and Culture

• Hyde Park Square Art Show (Oct. 5): Explore works from local and regional artists in a charming outdoor setting in the city’s longest running single day arts fair.

• America’s River Roots Festival (Oct. 8–12): A new event for 2025, America’s River Roots celebrates the Ohio River’s music, arts and culture, with a focus on food, beer, bourbon and history. Celebrate roots music and culture with performances, workshops, family-friendly activities, as well as sightseeing river cruises.

• Queen Bee Half Marathon (Oct. 10–11): Bee a Queen for a day at this fun half marathon and four mile run, brought to you by the folks behind the Flying Pig Marathon.

November: Honor and Run

• DAV 5K (Nov. 8): Honor the veteran in your life by supporting the DAV 5K, a walk, roll, run and ride that raises funds for Disabled American Veterans, headquartered in Erlanger.

December: Feeling Festive

Celebrate the holiday season in Cincinnati with beloved traditions, including the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House, PNC’s Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo, and A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park.

Moving Forward

by Jarret Baston

Here we go again. A “new year, new you” right?

Statistically speaking, no.

According to Columbia University, only 25 percent of people stay committed to their resolutions after 30 days, and less than 10 percent accomplish their goals. That doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with the goals or the people trying to achieve said goals. But often, the cards are stacked against you. With an ocean of information on the internet, most of which could fill the Pacific Garbage Patch tenfold, it’s hard to decipher what is good and what is trash. (Hint: most of it is trash).

After training others for nearly 15 years and running a gym for a decade plus, I’ve narrowed down some helpful tips that won’t guarantee your success, but will absolutely get you off on the right foot.

1. Start Small. I cannot tell you how many times I have met someone who was ready to change everything in their life. Usually this was preceded by a breakup, divorce or other life-altering event. The issue we face is that we, as humans kind of suck at doing too many tasks at once. If you decide one day you’re going to lose 20 pounds, stop drinking soda, run every day, and read a book a week, you’re inevitably going to fail.

   Starting with one task will allow you to focus all of your attention on that singule goal. Let’s say that 20-pound weight loss is your goal. “20 lbs of weight loss” is not a goal, it is a result of small incremental habits over a long period of time. By starting small, say, not eating after 6:30 p.m, you can hold yourself accountable until that small goal becomes second nature.

2. Trust The Experts. We all have deficiencies. Some people are bad with money while others make a fortune investing. Some can work on cars while others couldn’t tell you where to put the oil. That can be said for any industry, hobby, or task, including fitness and nutrition. If you know in your heart of hearts that you’re completely in the dark when starting and sticking to a fitness or nutrition regimen, find an expert. Read the reviews, do your research, talk to numerous professionals, and pick the one that best suits your goals and personalities.

   Yes, this is a more costly route. Playing devil;'‘s advocate, the average cost of an hour of personal training is $40 to $75 an hour, with a median of $58 an hour. The average cost of a heart attack is around $20,000, which is about 345 hours of personal training. Generally speaking, most clients I trained came in 3 times a week, allowing for more than two years of professional physical fitness help equal to the same cost of a life-changing health issue.

3. Abs are made in the kitchen. Abs seem to be the defining factor for many people’s ideal view of fitness. (They’re not). But the saying is catchy nonetheless. If you want real physically changing results, nutrition should be your number one focus. It’s my number three because I wanted to make sure you were still reading. On average, if you do an intense 30 min HIIT workout you’re only burning 200–500 calories in that time span. There is no possible way to out train a bad diet. Your body will break well before your abs show through. Referring back to #1, start with a small goal. Make breakfast every morning for one week, do that until it’s easy, then move on to breakfast and lunch. Referring to #2, if you struggle with this, hire a nutritionist, download an app, or get a friend to go on the journey with you. 

4. Consistency is king. Harking back to the previous tip, you are what you eat. In the same breath, you are what you don’t eat or do as well. If your life is filled with burgers, fries, sodas, and couches, your physique and overall health will resemble that of a person who’s life is filled with burgers, fries, sodas, and couches.

   On the contrary, if your life is filled with proteins, vegetables, nuts , some fruit, while limiting starch and sugar and exercising regularly, your life will resemble just that. I know this sounds silly and almost too obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many people do not correlate their health and wellness to their nutrition and activity level.

   Being consistent does not mean working out like a maniac all day, every day. It means regularly doing something that will better yourself in the long run. This could mean walking for 30 min more days than not during the week. It could mean drinking more water than soda for five out of the seven days of the week. It could be as simple as going to bed to ensure you have enough sleep to be productive the next day. Most people have heard of the 80/20 rule. Doing what’s good for you 80% of the time and letting yourself relax 20% of the time. It’s as simple as that.

5. Failure is inevitable. Let’s say you haven’t worked out in 15 years. The last 5,475 days of your life aren’t going to disappear after a week, a month, or a year of working out. It will take time and you’re not going to want to continue. There will be days where you skip the gym and take a nap or watch TV instead. THAT’S OKAY! Remember, consistency is king. As long as you get back on the horse, you will succeed. I’ve always liked the quote “break once is a mistake, break twice in a row and you’ve formed a new habit.”

   If you’re trying to eat better, you will eat a burger, have a glass of wine, or extra chips. That is okay. Your body won’t change overnight. Remember it took a lifetime to get where you are today. But it’s important to remember that your goal will not rest and in order to surpass that goal, we need to give it the tools it needs to succeed.

Fitness, health and wellness are topics that have unfathomable levels of detail. I’ve picked up one grain of sand on the beach here. Everyone’s path is different, your journey will look wildly different than anyone you follow in Instagram, your friends or family, and yes, your significant other. I hope these tips can help you find the best version of youself that you’re searching for, not just in 2025, but in the lifetime that awaits you.

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Jarret Baston is the founder ofTriumph Strength and Conditioning, which he owned and operated for 11 years. He is the Tennessee-Kentucky Weightlifting State Organization President. Baston also holds state records for weightlifting in Kentucky and was recently awarded gold medals at the American Open Series in Columbus, Ohio.

A Look Ahead

Because the end of the year is also a time to look forward, we checked in with our Favorite Things squad to see what they’re excited about in 2025!

Consider this a sneak preview of what to put on your calendar for the year ahead.

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“A Super Bowl!! WHO DEY!”
– Robin Burrow
(Editor’s note: Currenty buying candles to light in order to help make this happen.)

“The completion of the $240 million reinvention of the Duke Energy Convention Center!”
– Julie Calvert

“Reds baseball season, Kroger Wellness Festival actually happening again, and Americas River Roots”
– Megan Coffey

“America's River Roots”
–Susan Fisher

“I’m excited to see all the cool things happening for America’s River Roots this summer!”
– Shae Huth

“I'm looking forward to hosting the Americans for the Arts conference right here in Cincy! The nation's arts leaders will turn their focus to our region this summer and I can't wait to show off everything that our region has to offer.”
–Alecia Kintner

“Always looking forward to Opening Day – our Mardi Gras. Can't wait for the first America's River Roots event in October that celebrates the amazing Ohio River that connects us and just for myself, I cannot wait to see Tyler the Creator in June. It is going to be another super year in Cincy!”
–Julie Kirkpatrick

“Fiddler on the Roof at Cincinnati Opera”
– Evans Mirageas

“America's River Roots! The festival celebrating music, cuisine, culture and history – as well as our riverboat ties – is Oct. 8-12.”
– Kathrine Nero

“What else but the 2025 Flying Pig Marathon Weekend! After being crowned the #1 marathon in the country, the Pig is ready to soar even higher. I can’t wait to welcome runners, walkers, and spectators from all over to Cincinnati for a weekend of fabulous fun. With events for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, it’s truly a celebration of our community and our city’s vibrant spirit. If there’s a better way to show off Cincinnati, I haven’t found it!”
– Doug Olberding

“The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati's reimagining of the Emery Theater – Opening October 2025!”
– Krista Katona Pille

“America’s River Roots!”
– Tasha Pinelo

“Celebrating and honoring the legacy of the Great Eight and the 50th anniversary of the 1975 World Series won by the Cincinnati Reds”
– Jackie Reau

“History, music, and food – three things I love – are at the heart of the new America’s River Roots festival. It’s going to be special way to celebrate the region.”
– Tricia Suit

“I'm really excited about the new America's River Roots festival. I can't wait to see what all they have in store for the region.”
– Courtney Tomasetti

“As managing director of Summerfair I look forward to working with MEMI again. They have been great to Summerfair and are happy to have us stay right where we belong. Coney Island Park! 2025 will be our 58th year and counting!”
–Jayne Utter

“Nonprofits organizing and collaborating to remain an integral component of our local and national cultures.”
– Christina Vassallo

As It Happens

You certainly BLINKed this year!

The four-day art and light festival, the largest in the nation, was a clear front runner for the year’s best event. But some traditional favorites made the list, too.

Find out more about what the folks who shared their favorite events of 2024 here.

Courtesy of BLINK

Courtesy of BLINK

Courtesy of BLINK

Courtesy of BLINK

“Can it be anything but BLINK?! What an amazing display of how our region's arts are defining us on the national stage. ArtsWave is proud to be the illuminating sponsor of the event and we could not have been happier with how everything went,” said Alecia Kintner

Among the other BLINK stans were Lauren Artino, Tasha Pinelo, Jackie Reau and Tricia Suit. Both Kathrine Nero and Krista Katona Pille pointed out how BLINK showcased how special Cincinnati is.

“Blink was so much fun this year,” said Jayne Utter. “So much to see and so much to do! I was able to hit most every area. The new Covington area was great.

Of course the Reds Opening Day Parade – a celebration of a holiday of our very own – was a high point, singled out Julie Calvert, Megan Coffey, and Tasha Pinelo.

Other top picks:

“IN5 fundraiser at the Freedom Center, which raised money for the organization that works to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness.”
– Robin Burrow

“Hyde Park's 4th of July”
– Tim David 

“Bourbon & Beyond.”
– Susan Fisher

“The LPGA was such a great experience this year! We had some of the best golfers in the world here in Cincy!”
– Shae Huth

Anytime there is an event that Film Cincinnati hosts, I want to be there. The Live at Lunch with Christine Vachon talking about the Business of Filmmaking was amazing.
– Julie Kirkpatrick

“Pride Parade.”
–Evans Mirageas

Courtesy Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

“Okay, I’m a bit biased here, but Play in the Park gets my vote without hesitation. Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. from early June to early August, Kennedy Park (right on the border of Kennedy Heights and Pleasant Ridge) transforms into this vibrant community hub. The lineup is always eclectic—funk one week, bluegrass the next, maybe some Latin rhythms or rock thrown in for good measure. It’s like a musical sampler platter showcasing the incredible diversity of talent and tastes in the neighborhood.

And it’s not just about the music! There are arts and crafts for the kids, games, snacks, and the backdrop of a beautiful natural setting to tie it all together. Oh, and did I mention it’s completely free? Free music, free activities, free fun—it doesn’t get better than that.”
– Doug Olberding

“I loved Oktoberfest in it’s new location at Sawyer Point!”
– Courtney Tomasetti

“Santa repelling from a building on Fountain Square because it’s such a wild and uniquely Cincinnati holiday tradition!”
– Christina Vassalo 

For the Future

Last week, CancerFree KIDS announced a record $1.4 million to be invested in 25 research grants at both Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

The total brings the number of research projects funded to 240 since CFK started in 2002, with an investment of $10.85 million over 22 years.

During the holiday season, you can support the mission of CFK in a fun, new way! The Light the World Giving Machines, give shoppers at Kenwood Towne Centre the opportunity to donate to five local charities, including CancerFree KIDS, through special vending machines.

Located on on the first floor near Macy’s, shoppers can donate toward life-saving research, or buy a stuffed "Courage the Lion" or blankets to go to newly diagnosed children. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to the selected charity.

The Light the World Giving Machines, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, started in 2017 and have raised more than $32 million for local and global charities. This year’s effort includes more than 100 locations around the world.

The grants made last week will support New Idea awards, projects in their early stages that show innovation and promise of offering less invasive, more effective treatments for pediatric cancer. The remaining three are Accelerator awards, which go to past CancerFree KIDS New Idea award recipients to continue work on projects that have been exceptionally successful.

“We could not be more excited to make this investment into our community and help to transform these brilliant researcher’s ideas from potential into promise,” says said Jill Brinck, executive director of CancerFree KIDS. “We've seen firsthand how with our help, their groundbreaking ideas are launched into transformative therapies that are so desperately needed for children with cancer. Our kids deserve gentler and more effective treatments and we are honored to have the opportunity to make a difference for them and their families.”

A total of $750,000 will go to projects at Cincinnati Children’s, including 11 New Idea awards (two at University of Cincinnati), and two Accelerator.

New Idea Awards:

Project Title: Targeting immune-checkpoint resistance in AML.
Principal Investigator: Mohammad Azam, PhD

Project Title: Mechanisms underlying increased risk of hematological malignancy (HM) in sickle cell disease (SCD)
Principal Investigator: Mengna Chi

Project Title: Defining the role of DPF2 mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Principal Investigator: H. Leighton Grimes, PhD

Project Title: Developing therapies targeting Pro-Caspase-1 in pediatric AML.
Principal Investigator: Daniel Starczynowski, PhD (via Emma Uible BSc)

Project Title: Harnessing stemness to improve CAR T cell efficacy in pediatric leukemia therapy Principal Investigator: Fukun Guo, PhD

Project Title: To establish dMMR-deficient leukemic cell lines for use in FGS of small molecules target identification.
Principal Investigator: Nicolas Nassar, PhD, Charles Dirr-Nims

Project Title: T cell-directed drug repurposing to prevent progression of nervous system sarcoma
Principal Investigator: Jay Pundavela, PhD

Project Title: The use of LINE-1 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for pediatric cancers Principal Investigator: Kristie Ramos, MD

Project Title: Targeting CDC42 reshapes glioblastoma immune microenvironment to benefit immunotherapy.
Principal Investigator: Yi Zheng, PhD

University of Cincinnati: New Idea Awards:

Project Title: Identify the impact of targeting DHODH on AML and immune surveillance
Principal Investigator: Ola A. Elgamal, PhD

Project Title: Determining the role of leukemia pDC in AML
Principal Investigator: Chia Sharpe, PhD

Accelerator Awards:

Project Title: Targeting CAR-T cells Immune-resistance in B-ALL
Principal Investigator: Mohammad Azam, PhD

Project Title: Investigating recurrent PHIP mutations found in African ancestry Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Principal Investigator: Bailee N. Kain, PhD

"CancerFree KIDS, over the last 20 years, have been extraordinarily successful in picking the right early projects, projects that otherwise would not get funded, and making that early investment is what allows it to work and grow,” said Dr. Stella Davies, Director of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “So the success rate of CancerFree KIDS, in my opinion, is extraordinarily different than most organizations that fund research and that's because they are clever in how they pick, and where they put their money - and so you, you are clever on where you pick and put your money, so thank you."

Be of Good Cheer

12 Drinks of Christmas:
A Holiday Bar Crawl
Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 – 9 p.m.

The Banks, Freedom Way

Event is free to attend; cost of drinks and food and will vary by location. Guests can register at 12drinksofchristmasbanks.eventbrite.com.

It’s time to dig out that ugly sweater and put on your holiday best!

The Banks is ready to revive your holiday spirit with 12 Drinks of Christmas. This festive bar crawl features drink specials at AC Upper Deck, The Filson, Fishbowl at The Banks, Holy Grail, Jefferson Social, Killer Queen, Moerlein Lager House, Nation, The Park, Red Leprechaun, The Stretch, and Tin Roof.

“12 Drinks of Christmas at The Banks isn't just a bar crawl – it's an interactive holiday experience!,” says Saijal Andreadis Ryan, marketing director, with 4 Entertainment Group, LLC. “Inspired by the classic ‘12 Days of Christmas’ carol, the bar crawl spans 12 bars and restaurants. Guests can expect special surprises, including appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a live caroling performance by the Young Professionals Choral Collective.”

Each venue will offer an array of holiday drink specials including cocktails, beers, ciders, and shots, along with food at select locations. Guests can enjoy their beverages both indoors and outdoors within the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) district, allowing for a seasonal, open-air experience.

“There are 12 stops on the bar crawl, offering over 30 holiday drinks!” says Andreadis Ryan. “My personal favorite cocktail is ‘Santa's Cookies’ at Killer Queen. It’s Tito's Vodka, triple sec, cookie butter syrup, and cream. To top it all off, it’s garnished with a bite-sized cookie for the perfect festive touch!”

As a part of The Banks’ effort to give back to the community during the holiday season, the first 100 attendees to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Holden Hands will receive a souvenir cup.

“Holden Hands takes a hands-on approach to giving back, hosting toy drives benefiting local youth and community groups,” says Andreadis Ryan. “We’re honored to support their impactful mission during the most wonderful time of the year!”

The party doesn’t stop at 9 p.m., though as guests are invited to stick around for the late-night ugly sweater party, which goes until the bars close at until 2 a.m.

‘Tis the Season

Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
Wednesday & Thursday: 5 – 9 p.m.
Friday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 12 – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 12 –7 p.m..

Schmidlapp Event Lawn & Stage
Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way,

Special Hours: Black Friday, Nov. 29, from 12 – 10 p.m., with extended hours during Christmas and New Year’s weeks.

For the full schedule, entertainment lineup, vendor details, parking information, and more, visit twww.cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com.

If your picture-perfect holiday involves sipping mulled wine while strolling through charming gifts, and sampling delicious pastries, book your trip for the Cincinnati riverfront.

This Friday, Nov. 22, the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt returns for its third season on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn at the Moerlein Lager House.

During the opening weekend, guests will find festive activities, including the NEW Stock Yards Bank & Trust Holiday Ice Rink, woodcarving demonstrations by Chris Rust, themed characters, and the Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell Igloo Boardwalk.

On Sunday, Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt hosts the Continental Sunday German Heritage Celebration.
Find the magic of a German Christmas with festive music, traditions, and heritage activities.

The German-American Citizens League Club Procession and Keg Tapping celebrates the unveiling of the Christkindl Winter Warmer at 1:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy traditional German music and spirited holiday songs from the Polka Warriors and Kolping Sängerchor/Kinderchor, plus Alphorn music by Andrew Baker,

The heritage celebration also includes special presentations about Continental Sunday by Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, GACL president and German Christmas decorations, presented by Cincinnati food historian Dann Woellert.

During the Christkindlmarkt season, guests will be able to warm up with free hot chocolate every Friday, starting on opening night.

New at this year’s Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt are an expanded Der Food Court with Pretzel Haus, Glühwein, S’more Shack, and the popular Raclette Melted Cheese Sandwich stand, and the Roebling Glass Warming Tent Bar. There is also a brand-new space for kids to enjoy holiday-themed crafts and activities.

Get Rolling

Looking for a light show you can enjoy from the warmth and comfort of your own car?

Head to Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights! The region's beloved drive-thru holiday light show is bigger and better than ever this year. For its ninth season, the show moves to a new home at the Clermont County Fairgrounds. Brent McClellan, VP of Queen City Light Show, offers his tips on making the most of this holiday adventure!

Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights opens Saturday, Nov. 23, and continues through the holiday season until to Sunday, Jan. 5.

The new location is at the Clermont County Fairgrounds is at 1000 Locust St., in Owensville. Enter the Clermont County Fairgrounds from the Main Gate off State Route 132.

Find more info at queencitylightshow.com.

Pour Me a Drink

Thanksgiving is the official start of “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many, the stress of traveling, cooking, and family togetherness can be a little overwhelming. That may be why the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is traditionally the biggest bar night of the year.

If you’re looking for a way to chill before the festivities begin, head to The Banks on Nov. 27 for drinks, yes, but also the chance to relax and have a little fun.

The first order of business should be dinner. Get ready for the big holiday meal with Taste of Belgium’s (16 West Freedom Way) seasonal turkey waffle sandwich, available only through Thanksgiving. (Try it with sweet potato fries for an even more authentic experience!) It’s never too soon to start your season’s eatings.

The Filson (25 E. Freedom Way) is serving their Wellington and Whiskey. The fan-favorite Beef Wellington is $20, with bourbon and whiskey cocktails $8 all day. Protein, carbs and whiskey will all help you get a good night’s sleep!

Up for a challenge? Red Leprechaun (20 West Freedom Way) Pub Bingo kicks at 7:30 p.m., with live music following the game. Plus they serve food until 1 a.m. for those late-night cravings.

The Stretch (191 E. Freedom Way) is celebrating Drinksgiving on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The evening includes DJ Sean Dibert and plenty of drink specials, including half-price draft beer, wine, and cocktail drafts from 4 to 7 p.m. and $4 white tea or green tea shots – sleep is over-rated – and White Claws from 7 p.m. to close

Over at Killer Queen ( 180 E. Freedom Way) they are instituting Banks-giving with cold drinks, hot music, and unmatched energy. Not only will you find Miller High Life at $2 all day, they’ll have $5 green tea shots, after 7 p.m. and one-topping pizzas for $8 until midnight.

No matter how your Thursday goes, you can at least plan to enjoy yourself on Thanksgiving Eve!

Making Connections

Despite the chilly forecast, Summerfair Cincinnati is in full swing!

Recently, the non-profit arts organization put out a call to artists for its annual poster competiion.

Each year, artists from around Greater Cincinnati are invited to submit their designs for the annual Summerfair poster. The poster competition for 2025 is now underway! The winning design will become the official visual icon for Summerfair 2025. The chosen artist will receive $3,000, as well as wide spread recognition through the Summerfair marketing campaign. The poster serves as the cornerstone of the advertising and public relations program each year and is always a collector’s item.

If you’re looking for a way to support art and artists, you can learn more about Summerfair at a membership drive event this Monday, Nov. 18 at HighGrain Brentwood, 9176 Winton Road.

Talk to Summerfair volunteers, local artists, and art organizations to learn more about how Summerfair supports artistic excellence all year long. Plus, the first drink is on them!

Summerfair is Cincinnati’s premier festival of fine arts and crafts featuring over 300 artists from around the country and Canada, exhibiting and selling their work. In addition, Summerfair features an acoustic stage for local entertainment, a youth arts area with hands-on art projects for kids, and a food court.

Summerfair 2025 will be held at Coney Island, May 31 through June 1. Learn more at www.summerfair.org.

Summerfair Cincinnati, which consistently ranks in the Top 25 among U.S. Fine Art and Design Shows, provides support for individual artists and small arts organizations through scholarships, awards and exhibitions. The art fair is listed in the Top 25 America’s Best Art Fairs and one of the top five Best Midwest Art Fairs by Art Fair Calendar.com. 

Got Your Six

For more than 100 years, Disabled American Veterans has met the needs of service members with compassion and service. Through programs and events, DAV supports veterans and their families in life-changing ways.

Each year, the DAV 5K – a walk, run, roll, or ride – thanks those who served and raises awareness of the issues ill and injured veterans face every day.

Light the City Green

In honor of Veterans Day and in support of DAV's 5K, several Cincinnati buildings will be going green! 

If you take a picture, be sure to tag @DAVHQ. You can also post your own photos of your house going green for veterans.

This year’s DAV 5K is Saturday, Nov. 9 at The Banks, at 9 a.m. Funds raised by participants help DAV, headquartered in NKY, provide support to veterans. Following the race, DAV holds an after-party at The Banks on Freedom Way.

Online registration for the event is open until Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. Participants can alos register on-site on the morning of the race, race morning. however, it is a cashless event, so bring your phone to scan a QR code and register on your own device.

DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. Last year, the organization provided nearly 246,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assisted in filing over 209,000 claims for benefits. In 2023, DAV-represented veterans received more than $28.4 billion in earned benefits. DAV’s services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.

Questionable Behavior

CYC Trivia Night
Thursday, Nov. 14, 5 – 10 p.m.
The Fowling Warehouse
2940 Highland Ave.

Tickets: $65 per person or $225 for a team of four. Registration includes drink tickets, dinner, fowling, access to exclusive raffle baskets, and the main event – Trivia with Last Call Trivia!

Register at www.cycyouth.org/cyc-trivia-night.

There’s nothing trivial about improving the lives of local youth!

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, dedicated to empowering young people to overcome barriers and excel in education, career and life, holds its annual Trivia Night for Bright Futures presented by TQL. Individuals and teams are invited to register now for the event on Nov. 14.

"Trivia Night has been called Cincinnati’s most fun night of fundraising,” says Marie Rusincovitch, CYC’s Chief Advancement Officer. “Not only do participants get to test their knowledge and enjoy some fun competition, but they also hear directly from our students about the life-changing impact CYC has had on them.?

The event is hosted by the CYC's Young Professional Board. The YP Board, comprised of early and mid-career individuals, works to make meaningful contributions to creating brighter futures for local students, while building leadership skills, broadening our professional networks, and having a good time.

The fun begins with a happy hour and fowling – a combination of football and bowling. The happy hour also includes dinner and exclusive raffle packages. Then the real game begin!

Along with of fun, food, and friendly competition, guests will see CYC's mission in action and be able to directly support programs that empower young people in the community.

“It’s the perfect blend of entertainment and inspiration! Funds raised at Trivia Night go directly to CYC’s life-changing work,” says Rusincovitch.

Be of Service

In what has become an annual tradition, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati marks Veterans Day with a special program honoring local vets.

Ahead of the holiday, Hard Rock will hold its fourth annual Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, Nov. 8 at 11:30 a.m., featuring the Hamilton County Color Guard and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. During the ceremony, Hard Rock Cincinnati President Justin Wyborn will present Erlanger-based Disabled American Veterans with a $10,000 donation. 

Hard Rock Cafe will also have a free Veterans Day Special available on Friday for all military personnel and veterans.

Scares of All Sorts

Looking for a good scare this Halloween? Or maybe you’re searching for some sweet family-friendly fun.

Head this way…if you dare!

Scary: Haunted Houses & Attractions

• Land of Illusion: Haunted Estates, Killer Clowns, and Temples of Terror.

• Dent Schoolhouse: It’s a favorite for a reason!

• Brimstone Haunt: “Sow Terror, Reap Fear”.. need we say more?

• Cincinnati Fear Fest: Dubbed “The scariest scream-park in Ohio”. Are you brave enough to attend?

• Kings Island Halloween Haunt: It’s a choose-your-adventure kind of Halloween fun during Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt. The annual event draws big crowds looking for a good scare, or good old fashioned Halloween fun.

Spooky: Paranormal Experiences

• Haunted Clifton: Explore the haunted streets and sights of Clifton!

• Darkside of Brewing: Book a tour on the Brewing Heritage Trail to dive into Cincinnati’s deadly brewing history.

• Cincinnati Ghost Tours: Voted the #1 ghost tour in town. Does it stand up to your scare standards? Book your tickets to find out..

Sweet: Family Friendly Fun

• Pumpkin Patches: Picking out the perfect pumpkin? There’s a ton of options for that in Greater Cincinnati! Our favs are Irons Fruit Farm in Lebanon and Blooms & Berries in Loveland. Just try and leave without an apple cider donut or a jar of apple butter!

• Kings Island’s Camp Snoopy - Head there early on the weekend (before 7pm) for a fun day full of treats (and no tricks!).

Just your style

Cappel’s Seasonal Halloween Hours

Monday–Friday, 9:15 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, 9:15 a.m.  – 8 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–5 p.m.

For locations and more click here.

Do you have your Halloween costume picked out yet? Need those last few pieces to make your outfit pop? Looking for unique decor to wow your party guests?

You know what you need to do….Head to Cappel’s!

Join us as we drop in at Cappel’s Annex in Downtown Cincinnati for the 411 on this year’s popular costumes, must-have decorations (including some very cool vintage reproductions!), and items you wouldn’t think you needed (but will probably leave with!).

There’s something comforting about walking down the aisles at Cappel’s Annex in Downtown Cincinnati.

Maybe it’s the fact that the shop has been here for decades, or the array of offerings in front of you - from modern to vintage reproductions. There’s a no-fuss feel here. Walk in, browse, and take your time.

“You can’t do that online. Here, you can come, you can see it, feel it, and buy whatever you’re looking for, the prices we have (these products for) are very competitive versus what we’re seeing online,” says Ray Cappel, owner.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our mini-tour of Cappel’s Annex.

Each year, there’s a “must-have” costume. This year, Cappel says it’s a mixed-bag.

“Guys are always looking to do things that are easy and fun. Ladies are looking for appealing costumes. And we have all that,” he says. “Another thing we have…so.many.accessories – Hundreds of styles of wigs, hats, eyeglasses, and all these different accessories that when you’re going to a party will make you look different!”

Of course, now is the time to grab that costume and your accessories. Cappel says their busy times kick off this weekend and will run through the first week of November.

Ray began working with his father, William Cappel, when he was still a young boy and has more than 50 years of experience in the retail industry. His wife, Stef completed a doctorate in education and later joined him in the family business.

In 1990, Ray and his cousin, Rich, bought Cappel’s Display from their dads, at which time they officially changed the name to Cappel’s Inc. The cousins successfully adapted to the changing party needs of the community. Cappel’s continues to evolve in retail, wholesale, and internet commerce.

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