Author: tourdecincy

Everything Bengals Game Dey Fun

Grab your orange and black gear, tiger stripes, Skyline Dip, Grippo’s, goetta snacks, and local beer—football season is back and, with the success of the Bengals over the past couple of seasons, there is a lot of excitement to go along with that. Even better: we’ve got several game day options around the city for fun things to do to be with other Bengals fans to tailgate and get excited for the black and orange to take the field every Sunday (or Monday or Thursday or Saturday …).

Watch Parties

Watch Party in the MadTree Taproom
Home and away game watch parties with lots of food and beverages available for purchase.

Taproom Watch Party at Rhinegeist
Weekly Wild Watch Parties featuring $25 beer bucket specials and more.

Dey Drinking Watch Parties at Shiners on the Levee
Weekly watch parties with food and drink specials

Away Game Watch Parties at Streetside Brewery

Click here for Cincinnati-Inspired Recipes to make for your Bengals watch party.

Game Dey Events

513 Weekends at On the Rhine Eatery
Discount food and drink for all the big games every weekend.

Pre-Game Fest
Moerlein Lager House and Schmidlapp Event Lawn
Three hours before every home game.
Live DJ, fowling, 360 digital photo booth, bounce house, signature cocktails, beer, giveaways, and more.

Pre-game Tailgate at The Banks

Bengal Jim’s “Before the Roar” Tailgate Experience
Lot E

Bengals Tailgate & Watch Party
Before every home game on Fountain Square

Who Dey Sunday at Fowling Warehouse
$15 for unlimited fowling, access to the Balboa’s free pizza halftime show, and three complimentary drinks.

Game Day on the Levee
Watch the game at several Newport on the Levee bars and restaurants.

Most bars and many restaurants around Greater Cincinnati will show games, so you can always check out your neighborhood options for places to watch the Cincinnati Bengals. But if you are looking for larger gatherings to celebrate the orange and black, check out these great options.

For a list of official Bengals bars around the US and beyond, click here.

Looking for more things to do this fall? Check out Everything Kid-Friendly Cincy: Fall in Cincinnati Edition.

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

*Everything Cincy partner

Everything Kid-Friendly Cincy: Fall in Cincinnati Edition

Fall is coming and with the changing leaves and cooler weather comes all the autumnal fun, including Fall and Halloween Celebrations, Festivals and Pumping Patches, Sunflower Festivals, Family-Friendly Haunted House Events, and Trunk or Treat Activities.

For all of your family-friendly fall 2023 needs—scares, tricks, treats, crafts, corn mazes, festivals, and more—check out the list below of the many fun goings on around Greater Cincinnati over the next few months. All events are linked to a site with more information regarding admission costs, dates and times, and location.

Event categories below include:

  • Fall and Halloween Celebrations
  • Festivals and Pumpkin Patches
  • Sunflower Festivals
  • Family-Friendly Haunted House Events
  • Trunk or Treat Activities

FALL AND HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS

For admission information, dates, and more details about the events, click on the corresponding link below.

September 2–October 29

Ohio Renaissance Festival (Waynesville)
Where fantasy and history collide, featuring shows, food and drink, and unique shops. Open weekends and Labor Day.

September 3–November 3

A Pirate-y Peter Pan
The Children’s Theatre* on Tour
Follow well-loved characters like Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, The Lost Boys and even the villainous Captain Hook on this new, Arrgh-some adventure!

September 7–10

Harvest Home Fair 
Harvest Home Park, Cheviot
“The Biggest Little Fair in Ohio” features the Harvest Home Parade on Thursday, rides and attractions, live music, corn hole tournament, art show, flower show, general exhibits, and so much more.

September 23

9th Annual Feast and Fall-y
Downtown Lebanon, 10a–5p
Fall Market for food lovers and one-of-a-kind seasonal finds in Lebanon’s Historic Downtown on Mulberry Street between Broadway and Cherry Streets.

September 23

Fall Festival
Liberty Park, 11a–3p
Food trucks, vendors, and family fun activities, including crafts, inflatables, and live entertainment.

September 29

Family Fun Night
Blooms and Berries
Pack a picnic for a sunset dinner by the sunflowers; enjoy live music, Play Yard, and Petting Farm; and take a hayride or do the corn maze.

October 1

Flea in the Fort and Touch-A-Truck
Tower Park (City of Fort Thomas*), 10a–3p
Artisan craft show featuring 70 artists, live music, food trucks, and craft beer.

October 1, 8, 22, 29

Wild West Fall Festival – Family Fall Festival
All Hallows Eve Terror Town*, 11a–4p
Lights on, vendors, food, pumpkin patches, and more.

October 6–8

Metamora Canal Days
Metamora, IN, 9a–5p
Antiques, collectibles, and handcrafted items; food vendors; and more.

October 7

40th Annual Fall Festival
Wyoming, 10a
More than 80 artists, crafters, vendors, and organizations; local music, food offerings, inflatables, and petting zoo.

October 13–15

12th Annual Operation Pumpkin (Pumpkin and Art Festival)
Hamilton
Giant pumpkins, pumpkin weigh-off, over 100 artisans and food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere.

October 13–14, 20–21, 27–28

Sharon Woods Haunted Village
Sharon Woods, 6–10p
Family-friendly, slight-fright event in Sharon Woods’ 19th century village, complete with meeting ghosts, witches, and a fortune teller, as well as balloon art, games, a creepy critter zoo, face painting, storytelling, and more.

October 14

CORGIPALOOZA
The Bark Park & Patio*, 11a–3p
Halloween parade and costume contest with prizes (dog + human), trick-or-treating (dog + children), photo ops, vendors, and so much more.

October 14

Puppies & Pumpkins
North Park, Springboro, 11a–3p
Support local fosters and rescues and have some family fun with food, puppies, costume contest, free goodies, and pumpkin patch.

October 14

HVL Haunted Hayride
Hidden Valley Lake, 5–10p
Non-scary hayrides from 5 to 7 (tickets must be purchased by 6) and dark and scary from 7 to 10 (sales end at 9).
$4 per person

October 14–15

Findlay Market Fall Food Fest
Findlay Market*, 10a–4p
Fall tasting event, children’s spooky scavenger hunt, a fall-themed photo booth, and live music from Wild Carrot and Tracy Walker & Friends.

October 14–15, 21–22, 28–29

HallZOOween
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 12–5p
Trick-or-Treat stations, special animal enrichment, Theater of Illusion shows at 1 and 3, Hogwarts Express train ride (additional charge applies), and Scare-ousel (additional charge applies).
No additional charge. Included in zoo admission.

October 15

Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest and Adoption Event
Benken Garden Center and Florist, 10a–1p
Benken is partnering with the SPCA of Cincinnati to find fur-ever homes for dogs and cats in need.

October 15

7th Annual Hocus Pocus Halloween: A Family Fun Festival
Middletown
Free family fun featuring Hocus Pocus-themed fun, food and craft vendors, dance troupes, live shows, pumpkins, music, Howl-o-ween dog costume contest and parade, kids games and activities, and more. You can also meet Binx the cat and check out the Creepy Car Show and trunk or treat.

October 17

Boo Fest: Free Family Event
Highland County YMCA*, 5–8p
Haunted hallway, family activities, and Halloween crafts.

October 20

Howl at the Hall
Westwood Town Hall, 6–9p

October 21

Boo Fest: Free Family Event
Gamble-Nippert YMCA* at Westwood Town Hall, 5–8p
Break your costumes out early for a kid-friendly Halloween party, costume contest, and family crafts hosted by the Y.

October 21–22

Pumpkin Festival
Weber’s Farm Market
175 arts and crafts exhibitors, food vendors, pumpkin sculpting and other live demonstrations, kids rides, live music, petting zoo, U-cut sunflowers, craft beer garden.
$7 admission (12 and under free)

October 22

Boo Fest: Free Family Event
M.E. Lyons YMCA*, 3–5p
Floating Pumpkin Patch, family friendly activities, and crafts.

October 27

Boo Fest: Free Family Event
Campbell County YMCA*, 5:30–7:30p
Break your costumes out early for a kid friendly Halloween party and family activities at the Y. 

October 27–28

Spooktacular
Harvest Home Park
Hayride through the park, barrel train rides, haunted barn, kids games and face painting, costume contest (ages 12 and under), Howl-At-the-Moon contest (all ages), concessions.

October 28

Boo Fest: Free Family Event
Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA* at ArtsConnect, 12–3p
Fun-filled, outdoor family fun. Kids should dress in their costumes for trick-or-treating and a hay maze.

October 28

Murder Mystery Cruise “Henry Potter and The Vanishing”
BB Riverboats
Interactive murder mystery dinner experience.

October 28–29

Fall Fest Weekend
Washington Park*

FESTIVALS AND PUMPKIN PATCHES

Blooms & Berries Fall on the Farm (Loveland)
September 16–October 31
Online ticket purchase is required to attend Fall on the Farm. Admission includes hayrides, Pumpkin Bounce Pad, corn maze, mini corn maze, bee train, play area, Barnyard 500 Trike Track, farm animals, Spookley, and more! The Beer Garden is open on the weekends.
Ticket prices vary, but range from $5.95 during the first week to $19.95 on peak weekends. Click here for more information. Leashed pets are allowed.

Burger Farm Fall Fun at the Farm (Newtown)
Saturdays and Sundays, September 30–October 29, 10a–6p (weather permitting)
Pumpkins, corn stalks, mums, gourds, apple cider, animated pumpkin land characters, games, food, music, farm animals, crafters and more.
Admission is $15 per person (children 2 and under are free; ages 65 and older are $12)

Burwinkel Farms (Ross)
Weekends in October
Corn maze, skid maze, Halloween scavenger hunt, locally grown apples, crawl-thru straw tunnel, corn pool, and weekend hayrides to a pumpkin patch and sunflower field (when in bloom).

Country Pumpkins Fall Festival (Dry Ridge, KY) – September 9–October 30 (closed Tuesdays)
Fun Pass is $22 per person, Pumpkin Ridge is $7 per person, and many more activities are available for purchase a la carte. Click here for pricing information and save 10% on select tickets with code EARLY10.

Irons Fruit Farm October Weekends (Lebanon)
Last weekend in September and all October weekends, 11a–5p
Pumpkins and hayrides, corn maze, bakery (with apple fritters, pies, cinnamon-cider donuts, cookies, and more!), market and store, apples, and special events.
Click here for a coupon for $1 off purchase of $10 or more

Jack O’Lantern Junction at EnterTRAINment Junction (West Chester)
September 23–October 31
Indoor, kid friendly maze as well as friendly ghosts, skeletons, and more. Each child will receive a bag of trick-or-treat candy, plus new Halloween mini scenes and a Halloween themed train display.

Jackson Family Farm Fall on the Farm (Middletown)
Saturdays (11a–6p) and Sundays (12–5p), September 30–October 22
Activities include barrel train ride (new), corn maze, pumpkin jump pad, gravity wagon basketball, farm animals, pedal tractors and implements, corn barn, farm equipment, hay tower and slides, hayride, pumpkin cannon, and more!
$15 per person general farm admission (includes all activities, kids 2 and under free)

Kings Island Tricks and Treats Fall Fest (Mason)
Saturdays and Sundays, September 24–October 29
Admission includes one-of-a-kind fall festival with amazing food, activities, live entertainment, more than a dozen trick-or-treat stops, costume contests, crafts, games, seasonal merchandise, and access to the park’s rides and attractions.
Tickets starting at $34.99; military discounts available

McMonigle Farms Pumpkin Fest (Middletown)
Weekends in October, 12–6p
McMonigle Farms offers the most affordable and unique pumpkin patch in Middletown, Ohio. Admission includes: U-pick pumpkins, hayrides, one-acre clueless corn maze, cow train rides, farm animals, FREE straw maze, large play area, and seasonal treats.

Neltner’s Farm Fall Fest (Melbourne, KY)
September 30–October 31
There’s something for every member of your family: horse-drawn wagon rides, crafters and artisans, live music, home cooked food by Four Mile Pig, wine tastings by local wineries, homemade ice cream, pumpkin patch, 3+ acre corn maze, kids corn play pit, toddler corn maze, farm stand, petting zoo, barrel train, model train display.
Weekend activities admission (10a–6p): $7 (ages 3 and up); weekdays (9a–6p): free
Leashed pets are allowed

Niederman Fall Fun 2022 (Liberty Twp.)
September 22–October 29
Thursday 6–9p (group reservations only during the day), Friday 4–9p (concessions available after 6), Saturday 11a–9p, Sunday 1–6p
Tickets include: 4-acre corn maze, hayrides, kids tractor play area, wagon ride, human foosball, duck races, pipe swings, climbing hill, jumping pillow, and so much more!
$15 general admission wristband must be purchased for children 2 and above (children under 2 are free) and includes access to all activities. Tickets are available here.

Shaw Farms Pumpkin Times (Milford)
Weekends in September (starting the third weekend) through October 31, 9a–6p (Monday–Saturday), 9a–5p (Sunday), weather permitting
Huge corn maze with a kid-friendly treasure hunt, two interactive playgrounds, and horse- and tractor-drawn hayrides through the scenic countryside.
General admission is free. Click here for activity pricing information and to purchase tickets. Leashed pets are allowed.

SUNFLOWER FESTIVALS

There are a few area farms that have sunflower festivals and related events corresponding with when they bloom. For admission information, dates, and more details about the events, click on the corresponding link below.

Late September (date varies): Blooms and Berries Farm Market (Hamilton Twp)
October (TBD): Sips in Sunflowers at Burwinkel Farms
October 7–8: Gorman Heritage Farm Sunflower Festival (advance tickets are required)

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HAUNTED HOUSE EVENTS

Cincinnati goes all out for haunted houses and, while haunted houses may be a bit too much for the little ones, there are a few opportunities for “Lights On Matinees” at area spots

The Dent Schoolhouse (Dent)
Family friendly Lights On Tour is on Sunday, October 22, 4–6p
Weekends, September 15–November 4, and all Thursdays in October
General admission starting at $23 (group pricing available), with options for fast pass and front of the line options also available (view ticketing options here). Ghost Tours will take place on Wednesdays in October.

Mt. Healthy Haunted Hall (Mt. Healthy)
Lights Up Night will be Sunday, October 22, 6–6:45p (cost is $5 per child, free for adults)
Friday, Saturday (8–11p), and Sunday (7–9p) from September 29–October 28
Entry is $12 (click here for information about available discounts), Fastpasses available for $18, no discounts. Cash only.

USS Nightmare (Newport)
Lights On Matinee, October 23, 4–6p
September 16–17, September 29–November 5 (closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays)
Thursday, Sunday, 7–11p; Friday and Saturday, 7p–1a
General admission prices from $23–30, with Fast Pass admission being $36–50. Front-of-the-line and season passes also available. Click here to view all ticketing options.

TRUNK OR TREAT ACTIVITIES

October 14: Clermont County YMCA, 12–2p
October 18: Lindewald Community Trunk or Treat at Benninghofen Playground, 6–8p
October 21: Trunk or Treat and Pet Masquerade at Testerman Park, 1–3p
October 21: Trunk or Treat at Lake Julie Ann (Hamilton), 3–6p
October 22: Trunk or Treat at Gilmore Lanes, 2–4p
October 24: Trunk or Treat at Beechmont Ford, 6p
October 26: Clippard Family YMCA, 6–7:30p
October 27: Treat Street at Deerfield Towne Center, 6–8p
October 27: RC Durr YMCA, 6:30–8:30p
October 28: Elda’s Trunk or Treat at Elda Elementary, 3:30–5p
October 28: Shop, Eat, Treat – Monster Mash at Liberty Center, 4–6p
October 28–29: Tricks or Treats Weekend at Renaissance Festival
October 29: Boos & Brews on the Levee at Newport on the Levee, 5–9p
October 29: Special Needs Trunk or Treat at 2701 Harris Avenue (Norwood), 2–4p
October 29: Trunk or Treat at Land of Illusion Adventure Park, 5–7p
October 30: Blue Ash YMCA, 5:30–7:30p
October 31: Trick or Treat at the Market at Findlay Market*, 4–6p
TBD: Rookwood Commons

Click here for more Fall in Cincinnati fun courtesy of Tour de Cincinnati.

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

All information is believed to be up to date and accurate. To verify cost and information for each event, please contact the host for more. Information is not yet available for several attractions and events. This list will be updated as that information becomes available. Have a fun, safe fall, y’all!

*Everything Cincy partner

Everything Oktoberfest in Zinzinnati

Cincinnati’s German roots run deep. While only 5% of the population had ties to Deutschland in 1830, between 1840 and 1850, the number of German-born immigrants reached over 50%.

Considering the influence German immigrants have had in Cincinnati—from German-language newspapers, local politicians, Over-the-Rhine architecture, and local biergartens—and the civic pride our residents feel about their German heritage (and, well, everything else), it’s no wonder Zinzinnati is known for hosting the world’s second largest Oktoberfest celebration, attracting more than 500,000 visitors to the region every year.

Some Oktoberfest History

The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810. It began to celebrate the union of Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, and lasted from October 12 through 18. Despite the name Oktoberfest, most of these events started being held in September beginning in the 20th century. It is widely believed the change was made to take advantage of the better weather and longer days in September.

So don your lederhosen and dirndl—for all things Gemütlichkeit for the stein-hoisting season, from smaller more authentic celebrations to the nation’s largest Oktoberfest, check out the list of Oktoberfest events around Greater Cincinnati below, as well as Oktoberfest-style beers brewed and available at area breweries, and apparel and accessories fit for a [sausage] queen.

August

5
Grainworks Oktoberfest
Grainworks Brewing, 11a
facebook.com

25–27
Oktoberfest 2023
Germania Society
germaniasociety.com
$5 per person at the gate

26
Oktoberfest Biergarten in the Taproom
Braxton Brewing Company, 11a
facebook.com

Oktoberfest
March First (Symmes Twp), 11:30a
Toast to the beginning of Oktoberfest season with their Oktoberfest beer and brat and mett specials.
facebook.com

September

1–3
Oktoberfest
Fibonacci Brewing Company
Food, beer, and music.
instagram.com

Oktoberfest 2023
Liberty Home Association
facebook.com
$5 admission (free for children under 14 and for people with military ID)

8–9
Springboro Oktoberfest
oktoberfestspringboro.org
$3 admission

8–9
Oktoberfest
West Side Brewing
Featuring Bavarian Band Concert Friday, 9/8

8–10
Covington Oktoberfest
Goebel Park
facebook.com

9
3rd Annual Zieglerfest
MadTree Taproom, 12–5p
facebook.com

9
Village Oktoberfest
HighGrain Brewing, 11a–11p
highgrainbrewing.com

14–17
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
5th Street Downtown
oktoberfestzinzinnati.com

15
2023 Oktoberfest
Hofbrauhaus*, 6–10p
Event Info

16
Barrel House Family Oktoberfest
Braxton Barrel House, 12p
facebook.com

16
Go Hop Your AlexandriaFest
Alexandria Brewing Company, 12p
facebook.com

22–23
Loveland Oktoberfest
Downtown Loveland and Nisbet Park
facebook.com

22–23
Octoberfest Celebration
Sam Adams Cincinnati Taproom*, 5p
Honor the centuries-long celebration of classic German beers with their own traditional brews, as well as live music, Octoberfest-infused brats, and stein hoisting contests all weekend long.
facebook.com

22–24
Newport Oktoberfest
Newport’s Festival Park
thingstodocincinnati.com

23
Sonder & Friends Oktoberfest
Sonder Brewing, 9a–midnight
facebook.com

23
Oktoberfest 2023
MPH Brewing, 12:30p
facebook.com

29–October 1
Donauschwaben Oktoberfest
Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society
facebook.com
$5 admission

October

13–14
Lebanon Oktoberfest
Downtown Lebanon
lebanonohio.gov

Local Oktoberfest Beer

Oktoberfest beer is the catch-all term for beer popular during Oktoberfest season, but it includes Märzen and Festbier, too. Oktoberfest-style beers are malty and bread-like in flavor, and copper in appearance. Märzen (German for March) is the base for Oktoberfest beer, which is traditionally brewed starting in March, “just before the weather became a little too warm to make beer without risking spoiling, bacterial infection, or risk of fire from boiling the wort.” (via Thrillist)

The biggest difference between Märzen and Festbier styles is that classic Märzen style beers should be a little darker, richer, heavier, and a little higher in alcohol than Festbier, which is more golden in color. Thanks to our proud German roots and heritage, there are several Oktoberfest-style beers in Greater Cincinnati for the season, including:

13 Below Brewery Sayler Park
Fall Ale (Oktoberfest style)

Bad Tom Smith Brewery and Spirits Madisonville
13 Preachers (Märzen lager)

Braxton Brewing Company Covington, Barrel House, Cincinnati, CVG
Oktober Fuel (Märzen)

Esoteric Brewing Company Walnut Hills
Oktoberfest Festbier

Fifty West Brewing Co Mariemont/Columbia Twp
Veinermobile (Festbier)

Fretboard Brewing Norwood
Rockin’ the Rhein (Märzen)

HighGrain Brewing Silverton
Meadow (Festbier)

Hi-Wire Brewing Norwood
Zirkusfest (Märzen)

Hobräuhaus* Newport
Jubiläum (Märzen)

Listermann Brewing Norwood/Evanston
Festbier (Festbier)

MadTree Brewing Oakley, OTR
Ziegler (Märzen)

Northern Row Brewery and Distillery* OTR
Brewery (Märzen)

Rhinegeist Brewery* OTR
Franz (Märzen)

Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom* OTR
Octoberfest (Märzen)

Taft’s Brewing Company OTR, Spring Grove Village
Oktubberfest (Festbier)

Voodoo Brewpub CBD
Schnitzengiggle (Festbier)

West Side Brewing Westwood
Oktoberfest (Märzen)

West Sixth Box Park Newport on the Levee
DankeChain (Märzen)

Check out Tour de Cincinnati’s Drink Local Guide for a list of taprooms, cideries, distilleries, and wineries within a 10-ish-mile radius of the city center.

Local Apparel and Accessories

Cincy Shirts Hyde Park, Fort Mitchell, online
Check out their entire lineup of Oktoberfest tees.

HOMAGE OTR
O’ Zapft Is! t-shirt

Pop Rocket Creations markets and online
Want some fun and unique pins for your alpine hat? Click here for some great local options.
Market schedule

Have questions or want a custom recommendation for your adventure in Greater Cincinnati? Just ask.

Prost!

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

*Everything Cincy partner

Everything Creamy Whips in Cincinnati

What is warm weather in Cincinnati without a creamy whip?! Though these Queen City institutions often serve the same fare with slight or very few deviations, you know your favorite neighborhood soft serve supplier—from Cleves to Hamilton, and Loveland to Mt. Washington, then Northern Kentucky and everywhere in between. The average Greater Cincinnati probably doesn’t need to travel any more than 10 minutes to get to their nearby shop, and many residents have a creamy whip with conveniently located right there in their neighborhood.

Even Gwen Stefani loves these sweet summertime snacks.

Creamy whips are traditionally open seasonally—March or April through September or October—and there are more than 30 in Greater Cincinnati, so there are more than enough opportunities to grab some whippy dip fare before creamy whip season comes to a close.

Here are just a handful of spots we recommend to check out:

The Bold Face Dairy Bar Price Hill

Mt. Healthy Dairy Bar Mt. Healthy

Mt. Washington Creamy Whip Mt. Washington

Norwood Delite Creamy Whip Norwood

Silver Grove Dari Bar Silver Grove

Piper’s Ice Cream Bar Covington

Putz’s Creamy Whip Westwood

Whipty-Do! Landen

Zip Dip Green Twp

That list isn’t even a third of the seasonal soft serve parlors Greater Cincinnati has to offer. Go ahead and start your Tour de Cincinnati Creamy Whips. It might take a while.

Click here for Tour de Cincinnati’s Google map of seasonal and scoop shops as well as Creamy Whips in Cincinnati.

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

Everything Pride Month in Cincinnati

This Pride month it feels particularly important to support the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ-owned businesses and LGTBQ-friendly things to do don’t just provide safe spaces for the community—they cultivate inclusion and belonging.

Below is a comprehensive list of several Pride events around Cincinnati, places to get Pride goods and merchandise, and a list of book suggestions* to learn more and to show our support of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond. There is even a link to a list of LGBTQ-owned businesses in Greater Cincinnati.

Pride Events

June 1

Inclusive Pride Flag Raising
Hamilton County Courthouse, 11a
Event is coordinated in conjunction with County offices and County Commissioner Denise Driehaus.
facebook.com

Miss Major Release Party
Rhinegeist, 4–7p
Featuring a clothing drive hosted by Transform Cincy. See post for donation requests.
instagram.com

Celebrate Pride With FCC
&Sundries, 5–7p
The organization is promoting locally owned LGBTQ+-owned businesses for Pride month. They will be giving away prizes and a chance to win apparel.

Pride Kickoff Party
Bloom OTR*, 10p–midnight
facebook.com

June 2

Pride Month Storytime
Joseph-Beth Cincinnati, 10:30a
Join us for a special storytime in honor of Pride Month.
facebook.com

Celebrate Pride With FCC
OTR StillHouse*, 6–8p
The organization is promoting locally owned LGBTQ+-owned businesses for Pride month. They will be giving away prizes and a chance to win apparel.

Esoteric Presents: Pride Month Kickoff Drag Show
Esoteric Brewing Company, 9p
Calling all queens, kings, and everyone in between to celebrate love, diversity, and and unity in the most fabulous way possible.
facebook.com

June 3

Hamilton Ohio Pride
Marcum Park, 11a–10p
Celebrate love and diversity through gatherings, support networks, and the arts. Details:
Pride March at Rotary Park – 11am
Pride Festival at Marcum Park – noon to 6pm
Pride Concert at RiversEdge amphitheater – 6 to 10pm
facebook.com

Love Conquers Ale Beer Garden Pride Party
Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom, 12–4p
Love Conquers Ale on tap and live music on the patio. Limited edition Love Conquers Ale glasses, shirts, stickers, and koozies will be available.
facebook.com

Pride Night at FC Cincinnati Pre-Match Party
Washington Park, 4:30–7:30p
Cincinnati Pride, Procter & Gamble, and FC Cincinnati partner for pre-match fun featuring community organizations, food trucks, inflatables, and other activities for the whole family, music, and drag performances.
facebook.com

Pride Night at FC Cincinnati
fccincinnati.com

Because of You – Grainworks Celebrates Pride
Brainwork’s Brewing Company, 6p–midnight
Pride Night with drag show, Pride-themed music videos, raffle, and drink specials. Benefiting PFLAG Cincinnati.
facebook.com

June 4

NKY Pride Parade and Festival
Goebel Park, 12p
Parade starts at noon from the Covington Riverfront with the festival beginning at Mainstrasse from 12–5p.
nkypridecenter.org

EPIC Drag Show
Agave & Rye Covington, 3–6p
Celebrate Pride month and an inclusive community.
instagram.com/agaveandrye

June 9

Drag Disco
MadTree Brewing, 8p
Boogie with Cincinnati’s grooviest queens, including The Lady Phaedra, Brock Leah Spears, and Alexander Cameron.
events.humanitix.com

June 10

June Westwood Second Saturdays: Pride
Westwood Town Hall, 5–10p
DJ, drag queens, a special appearance from DanceFix, Make it Take SWAG for kids, local food and drinks (DORA-friendly!), FC Cincinnati, and interactive entertainment that is inclusive and welcome to all.
facebook.com

Pride Stride
Sawyer Point Skating Rink, 7–10p
With Crissy Brollin and DJ Hershe B, featuring skating drag queens.
cincinnatiparksfoundation.org

Pride Night
Cincinnati Observatory, 7–10p
18+ Pride Night to celebrate our local LGBTQ community, featuring self-guided tours of the Observatory and grounds, Pride goodies, and solar viewing during the first hour (weather permitting).
facebook.com
Tickets are on sale for 7pm and 8pm. $20/person

June 11

Second Sunday: Pride on Main
Main Street OTR, 12–5p
Vibrant arts and music programming, diverse vendor market, and biergarten lounge while promoting the small businesses of Main Street.
secondsundayonmain.org

Brunch and Showtunes Sunday
Bloom OTR*

June 15

3rd Annual Pride Happy Hour
The Growler House, 5–7p
Proceeds go to Equality Ohio.
facebook.com

June 17

New Richmond Pride Festival
New Richmond Band Stand, 11a
Celebrate and support the local LGBTQIA+ community.
facebook.com

Pride Drag Brunch
Taft’s Brewpourium, 12–3p
Interactive event featuring brunch buffet, dancing, lip syncing, games, and more. Hosted by Scarlett Moon. Proceeds will benefit Transform Cincy.
Tickets

6th Annual Pride Bar Crawl
Exclusive drink specials, food specials at partner venues, and several participating bars. A portion of process will be donated to local Pride organizations and The Trevor Project.
Tickets

June 22

One-Year Anniversary Floral Party
Bloom OTR*

June 23

5th Annual Middletown Pride Festival
Downtown Middletown, 5–9p
Everyone and everyBODY is welcome to a night full of acceptance, love and celebration.
facebook.com

Dance with Pride
The Studio (Northgate Mall), 6:30–8p
Celebrating individuality, authenticity, and freedom to be who we are and to love who we love. $10 admission at the door.
facebook.com

June 24

Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival
Parade kicks off at 7th and Plum at 11am, and ends at Sawyer Point Park, where the family friendly festival featuring food, drinks, vendors, and entertainment goes from noon to 9p.
cincinnatipride.org

Pride Sober Zone Drag Show
12:30–6p
Grab a mocktail and enjoy the show. Performances every 30 minutes.
facebook.com

Rainbow Pop Day Party
Bloom OTR*

Pride Roll Out
Riverfront Outdoor Rink, 6–11p
All wheels welcome. Two live DJs, vendors, food trucks. Bring your own skates or borrow. Hosted by the Cincinnati Skate Collective and the Cincinnati Rollergirls.
instagram.com

Pride After Party
Bloom OTR*

June 25

Pride at the Market
Findlay Market, 10a–4p
Get some yummy treats and drinks at the market while celebrating all love here in the heart of Cincinnati.
findlaymarket.org

Pride Brunch
Bloom OTR*
Two shows and Bloom Tea Dance at 3p.

EPIC Drag Show
Agave & Rye Rookwood, 3–6p
Celebrate Pride month and an inclusive community.
instagram.com/agaveandrye

July 8

Cincinnati Opera’s 15th Pride Night
Cincinnati Music Hall, 10:45p–midnight
Celebrate Greater Cincinnati’s LGBTQIA+ community and stand with drag artists.
cincinnatiopera.org

Pride Beverages

Some local breweries, drinkeries, and restaurants will have Pride-inspired beverages and specials for Pride month—many of which will donate proceeds of sales to local LGBTQ+ organizations.

Braxton Brewing Company
Pride Watermelon Raddler
facebook.com

Cafe Alma
Rainbow Mimosa Flights
June 1–30

Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Pitch Mosaic IPA Pride Cans
Proceeds from each four pack and Pride merch sales benefiting ACLU of Ohio all month long.
Available June 1

HighGrain Brewing Company
Pride Pop (mango wheat)
Available June 1

Rhinegeist
Miss Major
Berliner style sour with lemon and strawberry. A portion of the proceeds will be benefit Transform Cincy.

Samuel Adams
Love Conquers Ale
Yuzu, hibiscus, and prickly pear ale.

Goods and Apparel

&Sundries*

Can Cover: Choose Love – $8

Can Cover: Rainbow – $8

Pride Box – $34
Six unique [best-selling] bath bombs

Pride Handwash – $9

Rainbow Glass – $16

Cincy Shirts

Pride apparel

Ellebrux

Confetti Cat Earrings – $16

Multicolor Girl Power Earrings – $28

Handzy Shop + Studio

Maldivas Shirt Dress – $88

Rainbow Arch Earrings – $26

Rainbow Bamboo Hoop Earrings – $16

Rainbow Bead Drop Earrings – $14

Rainbow Reusable Sponge Cloth – $6.50

HOMAGE

Pride apparel

lemon lee

Rainbow Blend Earrings – $28

Rainbow Dangle Earrings – $26

Rainbow Flower Earrings – $28

Originalitees*

Pride apparel

Books

Reading books about Pride, the Community, and written by LGBTQ+ authors is a great way to support and show solidarity. Here is a shortlist of books available to purchase through local bookstores, as recommended by @woodsomc.

I suggest supporting independent bookstores and our local library (you can download ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby app). You can purchase books through indie bookstores as well as through the Blue Manatee Literacy Project via Bookshop.org.

Blue Manatee Literacy Project

Powered by Bookshop.org

The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish – $17.99
Lil Miss Hot Mess (children’s Book)

Jack (Not Jackie) – $17.99
Erica Silverman (children’s book)

Bookery

The Celebrants – $28
Steven Rowley (novel)

Love Makes A Family – $11.99
Sophie Beer (children’s book)

Downbound Books

Another Brooklyn – $16.99
Jacqueline Woodson (novel)

Big Gay Wedding – $26.99
Byron Lane (novel)

The Guncle – $17
Steven Rowley (novel)

The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish –  $17.99
Lil Miss Hot Mess (children’s Book)

Julián is a Mermaid – $17.99
Jessica Love (children’s book)

The Prettiest Star – $16
Carter Sickels (novel, local)

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag – $18.99
Rob Sanders (children’s book)

Small Businesses

The number of LGBTQ-owned businesses is growing and and their impact on our neighborhoods and our local economies is undeniable. And not only are LGBTQ+-owned businesses a safe space for the Community, they foster inclusion and celebrate belonging.

Click here for a list of several places around Cincinnati where we can show our support of the LGBTQ+ community and the small businesses that help make our city unique.

*LGBTQ-owned business

Everything Kid-Friendly Cincy: The Acres Edition

Looking for a fun day out with the littles? Head to The Acres in Evendale. ⛳️ (Yes, you can spend an entire day there!)

Formerly Etter’s Golf Center, which opened in 1950, The Acres is a reimagined 15-acre space (get it?) featuring a driving range, miniature golf, and revitalized midcentury outbuildings and facilities turned Trackman room and Restaurant + Bar. And it is a dang fun way to spend a day or evening with family (or friends).

The onsite restaurant serves really good elevated American classics with locally sourced ingredients, such as a Smashburger-style patties from Avril-Bleh. Also available are shareables, salads, main courses, and a kids menu with dishes starting at $6. There is a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails, including a good selection of local beer. (I went with a Red Cream Soda Astra Seltzer because of course I did.)

We ordered loaded tots to start (because duh), a burger, chicken Caesar wrap (that day’s special), and a hot dog and cheese quesadilla for the kids. I particularly loved the burger while BK loved the wrap. My kids spotted the Streetpops freezer essentially from the moon (those kids can spot popsicles from anywhere) and loved having that to top off their dinner. That was a nice touch.

The Acres currently features mostly golf activities, but intends to broaden its reach with additional recreation and events. Unlimited miniature golf is $8 per adult and $5 for children ages 4 to 9 (under 3 is free) and they also offer lessons, private events, and a Trackman room, which is simulated 9- or 18-hole rounds of golf, with year-round leagues and a heated room available to rent.

Between unlimited mini golf, driving range, Trackman, and Restaurant + Bar, The Acres is a family friendly day destination. There is not a lot of shade, though, so be sure to bring your SPF.

My kids may be a little young yet to truly appreciate miniature golf (they’re 4 and 2) but they mostly did pretty well. I am already planning a trip back to this charming spot. It is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday or Father’s Day and if I can help it, I will be doing just that.

Tip 👉🏻 They have dozens of two-way putters but if you prefer a left-handed club, I’d suggest bringing your own.

📍 The Acres
9941 Reading Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45241

⏰ Spring Hours
Driving Range and Mini Golf
9a–9p every day (closes Tuesdays at 8)

Restaurant + Bar
4p–9p Monday–Wednesday
11a–9p Thursday–Saturday
11a–7p Sunday

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

Everything Outdoor Fun in Cincinnati

Spring has officially sprung and warm weather is here to stay.

I’m not sure about you, but my favorite thing about the warm season is all of the great things to do outside in our city.

From rooftop drinks with a view and patio dining vibes, to family friendly days out and evenings with friends, there is something for everyone on this list of outdoor dining options and unique activities to do outdoors in Cincinnati.

Sure there are parks, pools, festivals, and sporting events, to attend (you should definitely do those, too!) but these are ways to enjoy time outside this warm season that maybe you hadn’t done or thought about before.

Drinking Al Fresco

Beer Gardens

Hofbräuhaus* Newport
Get in on the Gemütlichkeit with authentic Bavarian food and bier on the biergarten at America’s first authentic Hofbräuhaus.
hofbrauhausnewport.com

MadTree* Oakley
Dog-friendly beer garden at a centrally located brewery perfect for get-togethers, first dates, fun with friends and family, and so much more.
madtree.com

Mecklenburg Gardens Corryville
Historic German restaurant that was voted among the best beer gardens in the US by Thrillist and #1 in America’s Best Beer Gardens by Travel and Leisure Magazine.
mecklenburgs.com

Northern Row* OTR
Brewery and distillery with a historic taproom in the historic OTR Brewery District, serving excellent food with great outdoor seating.
northernrow.com

Narrow Path Brewing Co. Loveland
Craft brewery in the heart of downtown Loveland, enjoying an onsite food truck plus Loveland Bike Trail views and vibes.
narrowpathbrewing.com

OTR Biergarten at Findlay Market OTR
Take a break from market shopping with vendor fare and a beer on Findlay Market’s Biergarten. Beverages (including NA) served by Jane’s outdoor bar.
findlaymarket.org

OTR StillHouse OTR
OTR’s largest indoor/outdoor venue serving house-made brews and wines; complete with a large beer garden and onsite food truck.
otrstillhouse.com

The Porch at Washington Park OTR
Take a break from shopping at a park market or from enjoying the playground or splash pad to kick back and relax with a beverage on The Porch. Bring your own food.
washingtonpark.org

Queen City Radio OTR
For a more authentic biergarten experience, grab Lübecker fare to have with your drink(s). Prost!
QCR Bar and Beer Garden, The Lübecker

Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom* OTR
The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Brewery has become Samuel Adams’ main production brewery. Enjoy innovative styles and experimental beers on the beer garden at the Cincy Taproom.
samadamscincy.com

Sonder Brewing Mason
Enjoy excellent brewery fare courtesy of Brewriver at Sonder while taking in the large dog-friendly beer garden.
sonderbrewing.com

Rooftops

21c Museum Hotel* Cocktail Terrace Central Business District (CBD)
Raw bar by Metropole, boozy slushies, and cocktails.
[temporarily closed]
21cmuseumhotels.com

AC Upper Deck at AC Hotel Cincinnati The Banks
Panoramic views of the riverfront, Northern Kentucky, Paycor Stadium, and Great American Ball Park.
Food: Tapas menu onsite
acupperdeck.com

Braxton Brewing Company Covington
5000-square-foot rooftop patio with seating, shade, full bar, and views of Covington and downtown.
Food: Dewey’s Pizza
braxtonbrewing.com

BrewDog Cincinnati Pendleton
Enjoy Mt. Adams and Downtown Cincinnati views from the rooftop just two hours south of BrewDog’s American HQ.
Food: Full menu onsite

Hi-Wire Brewing Norwood
Asheville-based brewery with rooftop views of Factory 52’s grand courtyard where there will be live music performances and movies.
Food: The Gatherall Food Hall is coming soon to Factory 52 
hiwirebrewing.com

Pins Mechanical OTR
Take a break from duckpin bowling with a signature cocktail and views of OTR’s historic architecture.
Food: Bring your own
pinsbar.com

Rhinegeist* OTR
Serving up craft beer and spanning vistas of OTR, the Central Business District, and the West End.
Food: Local Cantina in the taproom
rhinegeist.com

The View at Shires Garden* CBD
City views of Northern Kentucky and the Roebling Bridge, as well as Paycor Stadium and more.
Food: Full menu onsite

Patio Dining

Arnold’s Bar & Grill CBD
Cozy patio and courtyard with live music several days a week; serving elevated bar and American food.
arnoldsbarandgrill.com

Arthur’s Hyde Park
Cafe and bar with an urban oasis-like patio area, serving award-winning burgers and so much more.
arthurscincinnati.com

Cabana on the River Sayler Park
Ohio River views, live entertainment, and a menu of American food. (Reservations are not accepted.)
cabanaontheriver.com

Che* OTR
Serving Argentina’s favorite street foods, complete with an Argentinian countryside patio oasis.
checincinnati.com

Element Eatery Madisonville
More than 10 food experiences, 48-tap beer garden, live music, and community events, as well as 250 outdoor seats.
element-eatery.com

Incline Public House Price Hill
Standing atop the former Price Hill Incline, this bar and eatery serves scratch-made fare with panoramic views of downtown and the Ohio River from the 1400-square-foot patio.
inclinepublichouse.com

Kreimer’s Bier Haus Miamitown
A unique German-American cuisine experience, plus a festival-style atmosphere, which enjoys live music and scenic Great Miami River views.
bierhauswest.net 

MadTree Alcove* OTR
A nook of nature in the heart of OTR, serving farm-to-table foods, beer, and craft cocktails.
madtreebrewing.com

Moerlein Lager House* CBD
An original and mainstay of the Cincinnati culinary and brewing scene, the Lager House serves German-American fare and enjoys Riverfront and Roebling views. It is conveniently situated amid Smale Park, The Banks, and Great American Ball Park.
moerleinlagerhouse.com

Somm Wine Bar Price Hill
Wine bar and bistro in the Incline District of Price Hill, which enjoys an ambient garden patio and live music on Friday nights.
sommwinebarcincinnati.com

Streateries in OTR
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the “streateries” program was created, which has supported more than 80 businesses downtown and has created 1500 new dining seats spread across parklets, sidewalk expansions, and street closures.
Examples: parklets at Krueger’s, LouVino*, and Taste of Belgium; street closures at 15th between Vine and Republic, and 14th between Republic and Race; plus many more.

Activities

Bark Park + Patio* Florence
Dog park and local craft beer taproom that provides a backyard experience and local food vendors.
barkparkpatio.com

Court Street Plaza* CBD
Enjoy events, food festivals, proximity to On the Rhine Eatery*, and outdoor seating at places such as Pilar and Mid City Restaurant.
courtstreetcincy.com

FC Cincinnati* West End
Cincinnati’s Major League Soccer team, which calls TQL Stadium in the West End home, is one of the most family friendly sports experiences in the area.
fccincinnati.com

Findlay Market OTR
Events, food tours, outdoor market, and vendors as part of Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati’s most cherished institutions.
findlaymarket.org

Florence Y’alls* Florence
The area’s most family friendly sporting event. Every home Sunday game is Family Sunday, where kids can run the bases get autographs from available players after the game.

florenceyalls.com

Fountain Square* CBD
Enjoy events, live music, food trucks, and so much more (including the UC Health Ice Rink in the winter and Frisch’s Roller Rink this warm season) at one of Cincinnati’s most notable landmarks.
myfountainsquare.com 

SS Tiki Tours*
Private Ohio River Cruises that are great for sightseeing, events, celebrations, birthdays, and bachelor[ette] parties.
sstikitours.com

Summit Park Blue Ash
130-acre world class park featuring free workouts, markets, year-round events, and several options to Eat at Summit Park.
summitparkblueash.com

Sunday Afternoon Picnics*
Pop-up custom picnics for special occasions like birthday parties, date nights, or just because.
sundayafternoonpicnics.com

Washington Park* OTR
Live music, year-round events, markets, and so much more, as well as snacks at beverages at The Porch and a splash pad in the warm months.
washingtonpark.org 

Ziegler Park* Pendleton
Ziegler Park’s unique 4.5-acre footprint features east and west sections separated by Sycamore Street and features a pool, open play areas, workout classes, and summer camps for neighborhood youth.
zieglerpark.org

Be sure to save this post for the next time you are planning an outdoor event—whether it be a family friendly day out or an evening with friends.

Get to any of these by Metro* or the fare free Connector, especially if you want to avoid paying for parking and/or drinking and driving.

Have questions or want a custom recommendation based on event type, party size, and budget? Just ask!

*Everything Cincy partner

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

Everything Kid-Friendly Cincy: Streetcar Edition

Looking for a fun day out with the littles?

Whether you are hosting family or friends, or have children of your own, let the fare free streetcar connect the dots of your next downtown adventure!

Park in one place for the day—either near Findlay Market or The Banks—or take the Cincinnati Metro* downtown before setting off on your OTR and Central Business District jaunt. There are so many great options to see museums, eat delicious food, take in historic architecture and landmarks, plus explore award-winning parks on the streetcar line** in the basin.

Download the Transit app*** to map your journey and to know when to catch the streetcar in real time.

Findlay Market*

Findlay Market is the oldest continuously operated market in Ohio. It is an award-winning landmark and a must for everyone to see and experience—residents and tourists alike.

From events, live music, and unique vendors to excellent food options, Findlay Market truly has something for everyone. And it is housed in a historic market house with colorful Italianate architecture surrounding.

Grab a treat from Dojo Gelato or Makers Bakers Co. after having a bite from OTR Bagel Bar or one of dozens of food vendors available in and around the market.

Looking for a specific type of cuisine to fit your budget? Just ask!

Findlay Market is sandwiched by two streetcar stations: 10 – Findlay Market (Elm) to its west on Elm Street (northbound) and 12 – Findlay Market (Race) to its east on Race Street (southbound).

Washington Park*

Washington Park was acquired by the city of Cincinnati in 1855 and was expanded and revitalized in 2012. It hosts free events, markets, live music, and other daily programming year round.

Washington Park is anchored in the center of vibrant OTR and is flanked by historic landmarks, and arts venues, as well as Italianate, Gothic, and Beaux Art architecture.

No matter the time of year, there is always something to do at Washington Park. In warm months the fountains are on and used as a splash pad, while the playground entertains the little ones year round. There is also a dog park, bandstand, and Porch where you can buy snacks and beverages. (Check their website for hours depending on the time of year.)

It is serviced by two different streetcar stops: 8 – 14th and Elm going northbound and 14 – Washington Park going southbound.

Fountain Square*

Fountain Square is a public city square in the heart of the Central Business District, and that has served as a symbolic center of the city since 1871. The Tyler Davidson Fountain (“Genius of Water”) is one of The Queen City’s most recognized and visited landmarks.

Fountain Square plays host to events, live music, and other programming throughout the year, including an ice rink in the cold months, fireworks displays, and a roller rink this spring 2023.

Fountain Square is surrounded by historically significant architecture, retail, hotels, and restaurants.

It is serviced by the 18 – Fountain Square streetcar stop, which is located just to the south of the Square on Walnut Street.

Moerlein Lager House*

Lager House opened in 2012 and has been a flagship restaurant in Cincinnati’s culinary resurgence. Christian Moerlein has been brewing beer in Cincinnati since 1853 and is a pillar of our robust brewing heritage. 

Lager House hosts events year round, including Brunch, Brews, and Baseball, Rockin’ the Roebling in warm months, and the Everything Cincy Pre-game Fest before all Bengals home games.

Moerlein Lager House is an institution in our great city and it often tops my list of recommendations for visitors to check out while they’re in town. The food is great, they have a microbrewery producing Moerlein craft beers onsite, and the views of the Roebling and surrounding cityscape are hard to top.

Lager House is serviced by streetcar stop 1 – The Banks, which is a short walk from the restaurant.

Click here to view their menu. A kids menu is also available. We like to get an order of Servatii pretzels with house-made beer cheese from their First Base menu and supplement with a side of fruit.

Smale Riverfront Park

The John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park is a public gathering place along the Ohio River featuring multiple splash pads and water features, swings, interactive and imaginative play areas, pollinator gardens, and Carol Ann’s Carousel ($2 per ride). There are several monuments and memorials as well as picturesque views of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, the Kentucky riverfront, and Downtown Cincinnati.

Smale Riverfront Park enjoys arts programming (such as Blink), Rockin’ the Roebling, live music, and free fitness in warmer months.

Smale Riverfront Park is connected to Yeatman’s Cove Park Sawyer Point Park, and International Friendship Park via the two-mile-long riverwalk boasting scenic river views and spanning vistas of the rolling hills of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

It is serviced by streetcar stop 1 – The Banks, which is a 1/3-mile walk from the park and includes crossing a busier road and potentially using stairs (though elevators are also available).

There are many options listed above and below, so it would be best to pick your favorite(s) according to what you love to do and choose your own adventure. And your guests are sure to be impressed with your Cincinnati tour guide knowledge.

If you ever have any specific questions or would like a customized recommendation catered to your preferences, all you have to do ask.

Enjoy!

There are so many great options for family friendly things to do downtown. Here are some additional kid-friendly places along the streetcar line:

21c Museum Hotel*
Streetcar stop 17 – Aronoff Center

Central Parkway YMCA*
Streetcar stop 15 – Central Parkway

Cincinnati and Hamilton County Library – Main Branch
Streetcar stop 16 – Public Library

Cincinnati Reds at GABP and Hall of Fame Museum
Streetcar stop 1 – The Banks

Contemporary Arts Center
Streetcar stop 17 – Aronoff Center

Court Street Plaza*
Streetcar stop 15 – Central Parkway

FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium*
Streetcar stop 8 – 14th and Elm or
Streetcar stop 9 – Liberty and Elm

Greater’s
Streetcar stop 18 – Fountain Square

The Play Library
Streetcar stop 6 – 12th and Main (Hanke Exchange)

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Streetcar stop 1 – The Banks

On the Rhine Eatery*
Streetcar stop 5 –Court and Main
Streetcar stop 15 – Central Parkway

The Children’s Theatre at The Emery (coming 2025)
Streetcar stop 7 – 12th and Vine

*Everything Cincy partner
**Locations within a block or two of the streetcar line
***The Transit app also works for uploading fare and mapping your route on the Cincinnati Metro

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

Everything Opening Day 2023

Whether or not it is recognized by the government or our employers, Opening Day is a holiday here in Cincinnati. We are the home of baseball’s first professional team and are almost always the home team on Opening Day. (There have been a handful of exceptions since 1869.) As proclaimed by an Enquirer editorial in 1949, “It is well-known fact that Cincinnati unquestionably is the best Opening Day city in either league; that’s why the Reds’ first game perennially is scheduled on the home lot.”

Just like goetta, fish frys, and creamy whips, baseball is part of our culture.

So in honor of Opening Day 2023, here are details of goings-on downtown* for the occasion:

104th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade

Departs Findlay Market at 12p
Grand marshals: Bronson Arroyo and Danny Graves
Route: 1.4 miles—south on Race to east on Fifth; ending at Taft Theatre

Opening Day Party presented by Taft’s

Washington Park, 10a–4p
Food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities.

19th Annual Rally on the Square:

Fountain Square Square, 10a–2p
Fountain Bar, parade viewing, and JonJon and Friends recording live from 10 to 1.

Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party

The Banks (Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way and Walnut Street), 11a
Live music, entertainment, and food and drinks available for purchase.

Home Run Opening Day Hang Out:

Moerlein Lager House Schmidlapp Event Lawn, 12–8p
17’ screen, DJs, and JonJon recording his show live.

Reds Opening Day on the Levee:

Newport on the Levee, 3–7p
Watch the game on the big screen and enjoy drink and food specials at Bridgeview Box Park.

My advice? Download the Transit app to plan your trip downtown by Metro. You can also park somewhere north of Findlay Market and make your way down to The Banks by foot or by the fare free @connector_cincy after the parade. (Streetcar service will resume at the conclusion of the parade.)

*All of these Opening Day events are walkable or have close proximity to/from Great American Ball Park. Check with your neighborhood businesses for any festivities they have going on!

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, kid-friendly Cincinnati, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

Everything St. Paddy’s Day in Cincinnati

As a ‘Major Party Town’, there’s no surprise we Cincinnatians love a good party like St. Patrick’s Day. And, seeing as the holiday falls on a Friday this year AND coincides with the first round of March Madness, it’s sure to be a great time.

To celebrate with all of you, Tour de Cincinnati and Everything Cincy have teamed up again to get you ready for the occasion, complete with things to do and events around the city, live music and performances, food and drink options, Irish pubs to check out, and retail and accessories to outfit you for St. Patrick’s Day.

March 11

Events

St. Patrick’s Day Party
Fountain Square*, 10a–6p
Food trucks, live Irish music, and green beer.
myfountainsquare.com

Cincinnati Saint Patrick’s Parade
The Banks, 12p
55th annual.
facebook.com

Live Music and Performances

Lager House Welcomes The Prodigals
Moerlein Lager House, 12–3p
Complete with Irish whiskey drink features during the Cincinnati Saint Patrick’s Parade at The Banks.
facebook.com

Colleen McKenna St. Patrick’s Day Parade Concert
Irish Heritage Center, 3:30p
colleen-mckenna.com

Erickson Academy of Irish Dance Performance
Irish Heritage Center, 4:30p

March 17

Events

Shamrocks & Shenanigans
Streetside Brewery, 7a
Drink specials, green beer, and a free t-shirt for the first 20 customers to get a Craft Burger Bros breakfast burrito and a pint.
instagram.com

St. Patrick’s Day
Darkness Brewing, 8a
Beer releases, green beer, kegs and eggs at 8am with Live Irish Fiddle, nonstop live music from 3 to 11, and even more to do on the Avenue, including more live music and Irish clog dancing.
facebook.com

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
Cheviot, 8a–midnight
Visit 8 bars and receive a t-shirt. Game Time, Skin’s Place, Public House, 2nd Street Saloon, Keller’s, Roswell’s, Dean’s Hops and Vines, Fogarty’s.

St. Paddy’s Day in the Taproom
West Side Brewing, 9a
Complete with Irish beers, treats from Maribelle Bakery, St. Catharine’s Fish Fry from 12 to 9, Irish flights, $5 Jameson, and Westwood’s 1-year DORA anniversary.
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WSB also has these shirts available for purchase in the taproom

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Braxton Brewing Company, 9a
Green Garage Beer, shot specials, rooftop DJ from 3 to 6, and taproom DJ from 7 to 10.
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St. Paddy’s at HG
Higher Gravity at Summit Park, 10a
Several Irish drink specials.
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St. Patrick’s Day at ABC
Alexandria Brewing Company, 10a–10p
Irish Traveler (dry Irish stout) release, kegs and eggs at 10a, drink specials, live music, and more.
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St. Patrick’s Day at The Pub
The Pub Crestview Hills, 10a–11p
Eat, drink, and be Irish for a day! Featuring Irish fare, drink specials, live music, bagpipes, and more.
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St. Patrick’s Day at The Pub
The Pub Rookwood, 10a–11p
Eat, drink, and be Irish for a day! Featuring Irish fare, drink specials, live music, bagpipes, and more.
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Luck of the Levee
Newport on the Levee, 3–7p
Click here for a full lineup of events, including a performance by Erickson Academy of Irish Dance, free face painting, live music, McGing Irish Dancers, Irish-themed cocktails and specials, plus specials at participating businesses.
newportonthelevee.com

Shamrock N Roll St. Patrick’s Day on the Avenue
Fairfield Avenue Bellevue, 5:30–8p
Shop, sip, dine, and stroll while enjoying live music and the McGing Irish Dancers.
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Walnut Hills St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl
Peebles Corner Historic District, 6p
Esoteric, Decibel, Tiki Tiki Bang Bang, Gomez Salsa, Comfort Station, Fireside Pizza.
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Live Music and Performances

Easter Rising Live
Molly Malone’s, 12–3p
Nicholson’s, 4:15–6:15p
Fretboard Brewing, 8–11p

Ben Levin on St. Paddy’s Day
Element Eatery, 4–7p
Come for the food, stay for the green beer and blues.
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Erickson Academy of Irish Dance Performance
Irish Heritage Center, 5p

Colleen McKenna St. Patrick’s Day Concert
Irish Heritage Center, 6–7p
colleen-mckenna.com

Céad Míle Fáilte
The Dublin Defense at Bircus Brewing Company, 7:30–11:30p
eventbrite.com

Food + Drink

Aglamesis Bros*
Special TBD

Biggby Coffee Cincy Madisonville, Monfort Heights, Mariemont, St. Bernard
Locally owned Biggby Coffee features several St. Patrick’s Day-inspired drinks this month, including:

  • Mint Chip Cream Freeze
  • Irish Cream
  • Lucky Charm (Irish Cream + Mellow)
  • Chocolate Covered Leprechaun (Irish Cream + Mocha)

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Busken Bakery multiple locations
St. Patrick’s Day goodies for in-store pickup, including cakes, breads, cookies, donuts, coffee cakes, and more.
busken.com

Del Gardo’s Cannoli* Covington

  • Pot of Gold – Baileys and Amaretto 
  • Irish Love – Guinness Chocolate Drizzle with Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • St. Patrick – Guinness Chocolate Drizzle with Bailey’s and Jameson 
  • Irish Luck – Jameson with Andes Mints

Humble Monk Brewing Co.* Northside
St. Brendan Irish red ale

MadTree* Oakley
Mac the Willis Irish red ale

Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom* OTR
Boston Brick Red (classic Irish red)

Servatii multiple locations
Buttercream cookies

West Side Brewing Westwood
Dry Stout
GIL (German-Irish lager), tapping 3/7

Irish Pubs

Crowley’s Irish Pub Mt. Adams
Cincinnati’s oldest Irish pub
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Dingle House Irish Pub and Grub West Chester
Open 7a–midnight, featuring live music, Irish dancers, bagpipes. Kegs and eggs from 7 to 11 and $5 door charge starting at 8.
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Molly Malones Covington
Kegs and eggs at 7a, free souvenir shirt for first 100 guests, Irish food and drinks, live Irish music all day (two stages), Irish dancers, bagpipes, green beer, and more.
mollymalonesirishpub.com

O’Malley’s in the Alley* Central Business District
omalleyscincy.com 

RP McMurphy’s Oakley
rpmcmurphyspub.com

Retail and Accessories

From St. Patrick’s Day-specific duds to everyday green items to wear throughout the year, below are all the local places you need to get outfitted for St. Paddy’s Day.

Cappel’s Downtown, Anderson Twp, Blue Ash
Family-owned party supplies store that is great for accessories and St. Patrick’s Day-specific goods.
cappelsinc.com

Cincy Shirts Hyde Park, Fort Mitchell, online
Check out their entire lineup of St. Patrick’s Day, green, and Celtic tees.
cincyshirts.com

Ellebrux virtual and markets
Jewelry, art, and gifts, featuring some great options for St. Paddy’s Day and beyond.

Gumdrop Covington
Children’s boutique with clothing, gifts, and accessories, featuring green clothing items to outfit the littles on March 17 and always.

gumdroptots.com

Handzy Shop + Studio Covington
Feminine apparel, gifts, and accessories, featuring several great green options for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.

handzyshopstudio.com

HOMAGE OTR
While they may not have a full collection of St. Paddy’s Day garb, they do have a handful of green and pop culture-inspired duds to outfit you for St. Patrick’s Day. Click here to check them out.
homage.com

Lemons and Limes Boutique Loveland, Mason
Apparel, gifts, and home decor. Check out their St. Patrick’s Day goods here.
lemonslimesboutique.com

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, kid-friendly Cincinnati, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

*Everything Cincy partner