For Part 2 of our Hidden Gems & History Tour in Covington, KY, we visit the River Front and Main Strasse Village. Our day begins at the Gruff which is this amazing cafe and bottle shop. They feature an awesome bar, brick oven pizzas, deli sandwiches and wonderful salads. Their bottle shop carries local beer, wine and liquor. The name “the Gruff” comes from the fairytale “the Three Billy Goats Gruff” and lines of the tale are painted on the walls inside. This is such a perfect spot to grab lunch or sit outside with a glass of wine!
We next make our way just a block south of the Gruff along the river to the Covington River Walk. We walked under the stunning Robling Bridge to Covington’s flood wall murals. Artist Robert Dafford painted 18 Murals on the Flood Wall depicting Covington and Northern Kentucky History. From prehistoric times when the buffalo crossed the Ohio river to get to the salt licks in Kentucky, to the early pioneers, the ferry, Civil War, & the building of the Roebling Bridge. You can also find famous artists, Covington’s German Heritage, horse racing, Covington’s baseball team, and many others along the River Walk. My favorite mural is the crossing of the Garner family.
After the murals we drove over to Main Strasse Village. The Village is centered on the corner of 6th and Main streets in Covington and encompasses 5 city Blocks. The Village is made up of restaurants, bars, and specialty shops. Most of the buildings in Main Strasse date back to the 1840 and 1860’s, you might be surprised to learn Main Strasse Village was developed into a 19th Century Village the 1970’s.
Work started on the Village in 1977. In 1979, they built the Carillon (the big German clock Tower) in Goebel Park. This 100-foot tower is a recreation of a European Style Glockenspiel Clock Tower. Funded by the state of Kentucky, it was built as the anchor attraction for our German storybook inspired neighborhood redevelopment project named…Main Strasse Village.
The Goose Girl Fountain at the intersection of Main and 6th was built in 1980. The fountain was designed by Greek Sculptor Eleftherios Karkadoulias. The fountain is based on the Grimms Brothers Fairytale “Goose Girl”.
Main Strasse is definitely a place you should check out in the near future. There is always something fun going on with the great dining, bars, shops & more. They also host lots of festivals and events during the year. It really is a wonderful place.
Click Here to take the tour with us as we cruise around town in a fabulous BMW from The BMW Store Cincinnati!
The Queen City is known for hosting some of the best events that bring people together to have fun and enjoy all the wonderful things that this area has to offer. The surrounding neighborhoods put on a variety of events as well that are family friendly and for people of all ages. Whether you live here or are just visiting, without a doubt you’ll always find something new to check out and get involved in.
Through the Cincinnati Parks Department you can find endless information on awesome events that are outdoors. The beautiful parks offer events like movie nights, themed festivals, markets, concerts and more! Making it the perfect opportunity to explore new things this summer!
Rockin’ The Roebling Every Thursday on the lawn near the Roebling Bridge at Smale Park is live music with refreshments and food vendors from 6pm – 10pm. The event is free to get in and is great for the entire family to visit the park with the incredible view of the Ohio River. There are activities and designated playgrounds for the kiddos to be entertained while listening to music in the background.
Free Movies On the lawn at Ziegler Park next to the old School of Performing Arts School that’s now apartments are free movie showings every Wednesday night that start at 9pm. This Summer Cinema series was originally at Washington Park but recently relocated. Both parks have lots of events to choose from and are within walking distance from each other. Ziegler Park extends across the street where there is a nice playground and pool to swim in. Make an entire day out of visiting these parks and finish the night with a good movie! https://zieglerpark.org/series/cinema/
Story Walks Spend your mornings in the alluring California Woods taking magical walks with stories of fairies in the forest! Through the the months of June and July from 7am – 8am enjoy hiking and reading while exploring the woods of wonder.
Jazz Music Each night on Mondays you can catch live jazz music by incredible local musicians in Washington Park right by the magnificent Music Hall! The event is free and located on the Park Porch where there is a bar with craft beers and wine. https://washingtonpark.org/series/jazz-at-the-park-2/
These are just a few of the awesome events that are held in the many outstanding parks of Cincinnati, so stay tuned for more to come and don’t miss out on them all!
Throughout the Queen City area there are over 30 charming murals made by Rebekah Del Matto also known as The Cincy Wallflower. She is a local Muralist for hire that will amaze you with how she can transform any space that you have into a work of art! Her murals add incredible visual elements that can be created on just about any surface and at any location. Many of her pieces are lovely accent walls in homes, businesses, and now in parks!
“I love so much about what I do. I have always been in customer service and went to DAAP for Fine Arts. I think in a way it’s combining the two skills I’ve worked on the most. Being a custom mural artist you have to be flexible to work with so many different people and really enjoy the hands-on part of installing the mural. I love working with each client in tweaking my style to fit theirs. Sometimes you get lucky in getting a job where you have full creative freedom but a lot of it is learning about the person’s style/business and making sure it suits their wants/needs. I love when I make something I’m excited about but that the client is even more.”
Rebekah is always gracious to share insights about her experiences as The Cincy Wallflower. We had the pleasure of getting more familiar with everything that she does by asking her a few questions about her creative pursuits. She graciously provided us with fantastic details to her collaborations that brought new meaning to the positive influence that Art can make on an environment and the community. There are endless opportunities to be enchanted by The Cincy Wallflower paintings and the list of locations that the public can view her murals is growing rapidly.
“I have been honored to work in some awesome locations in Cincy/Northern Kentucky. You can see my work at Arnold’s Bar & Grill, UGO Gelato, Lunar Beauty Bar, Goose & Elder, Washington Park, Ziegler Park, Madtree Alcove, Bomb Cat Salon, Garden Grove Organics, and a handful of new locations that are soon to be open!”
Take a journey exploring these amazing places to see the diversity among the different styles of murals that Rebekah specializes in. There isn’t any idea too far out there that this talented artist won’t entertain to create!
“I view each project as a victory and challenge and when they are complete you can’t help but feel a little proud. The two murals that make me feel most proud would be the one located at UGO Gelato and a mural I painted for a local Airbnb. The Airbnb mural is a project that I feel represents how my art career has been connected and grown. It’s a golden mustard backdrop with smaller floral and illustrated elements that created a wallpaper effect. I have always been obsessed with wallpaper and I think that’s where my obsession with murals came from. I love pieces that use the color and style of the space to elevate and unite the room.
UGO gelato is a mural displaying Sicily’s famous prickly pear. It was such a fun way to stick to my ‘color- blocking’ style but at a slightly smaller scale to add depth and detail. This mural is the one that is most often re-posted. It’s so much fun to see others enjoying the art and really see how art can be used to excite others and also bring attention to the business.”
At Arnold’s Bar and Grill are themed wall paintings that are inspired by the fascinating history and aesthetics of the restaurant. The murals reference the past and interpret the imagery in contemporary ways that are delightful to look at and fun to take selfies with!” Their Chef, Kayla Robison was one of the first people to commission The Cincy Wallflower to create a piece specific to what she loves to do for a living in her personal kitchen that she does a lot of cooking in! Kayla often films how to shows in her kitchen and you can catch a glimpse of the custom made mural. http://www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com
“The first mural I ever painted was for a friend/coworker Kayla Robison and it was in her kitchen at home. Since she is a chef in the city she wanted a food inspired mural to be the backdrop to her cooking segments she films in her kitchen. She had full confidence in me and actually gave me freedom in how I executed her vision. To be technical it wasn’t actually painted with a brush but was created with paint markers since it was an intricate wall of illustrations displaying various vegetables. This illustration style has popped up in a handful of other murals I have done and was such a fun starting point in my creative path as a muralist.”
Artwork by: Rebekah Del Matto Photo by: Kayla Robinson Model: Luna Robinson
For each mural The Cincy Wallflower goes over concepts with you to bring the perfect design ideas to life for any desired destination! She goes through the entire process with you from start to finish to ensure that the outcome is exactly how you envisioned it to be.
“I think working in nurseries and playrooms is so much fun! Especially if it’s for a first time mother. One nursery I painted was for a couple that I met from bartending. When they found out that they were pregnant they reached out and wanted an arch of flowers around their crib. It was so sweet to have a full circle of friendship and go from being regulars at the bar to getting to work with them in creating a sentimental mural for their next step in becoming parents. We worked together to create a color floral piece and got to add a couple of Iris’ to represent her grandmother’s favorite flower.”
Her website is extremely user friendly and very easy to navigate through. On her site will discover some of her fabulous pieces in her online gallery to get inspiration and maybe even start planning a mural as a gift for Mothers Day coming up!
CINCINNATI, OH – October 3, 2022 – The highly anticipated Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market is back and even bigger this year with 325+ vendors for its 22nd annual show.
One of the largest of its kind in the Midwest, the Cincy Holiday Market features 325+ vendors with everything you need to make your season bright. This is the premier holiday shopping event of the season with hundreds of local boutiques and specialty stores all in one place, one weekend only, November 11-13 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
Photos from Previous Holiday Market’s
Show Features
This beloved Cincinnati holiday tradition boasts an expansive variety of unique holiday gifts, décor, apparel, toys, handmade treasures, gourmet food and baked goods to delight the senses and spark joy into your life as you get into the holiday spirit. The show returns with several new features, a new charitable partnership and an abundance of giveaways. Show features include:
VIP ACCESS + DISCOUNTS
Shop VIP style on Friday from 8-11:00 a.m. before the general public! VIP ticketholders receive exclusive early access, a VIP bag, special discounts, and more.
HERO DAY
Free general admission* for active military, veterans, police, fire and first responders on Friday, Nov. 11 with valid ID. *Please note, this offer does not extend to family members and is only valid during regular show hours 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
PACKAGE CHECK FOR A CAUSE (new this year!)
The Cincy Holiday Market has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana to support critically ill local children, their families and their caregivers. When you check packages at the hold area, be sure to give them a tip or donate to make more local wishes come true this holiday season!
CINCINNATI ZOO PHOTO OPP (new this year!)
Say hello and snap a pic with some of Cincy’s favorite zookeeper friends at the entrance!
FREE GIFT WRAPPING (new this year!)
Stop by the Cincinnati Open Box Outlet booth to have your gifts wrapped for free!
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Snap your Santa selfie during select hours throughout the weekend. Donations to the Butler County Special Olympics are welcome.
GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Grab your gal pals for a glorious evening night out with shopping, wine, more. Discounted tickets are available for Girls Night Out both Friday and Saturday from 4-7:00 p.m.
MERRY MONEY DRAWINGS
Show guests can enter to win hourly drawings for $50 in Merry Money redeemable at any one vendor during the show weekend only.
WINE + APPETIZER LOUNGE
Take a break from your holiday haul to grab a bite and a glass of wine! Enjoy a variety of cheeses, jams, chutneys, hummus, artisan crackers and breads to complement your wine.
GIVEAWAYS GALORE
Snag unique giveaways from vendors on the official Cincy Holiday Market Facebook page leading up to and on-site at the show. Giveaway items include jewelry, tasty treats, artisan candles, holiday décor and so much more!
Holiday Market Logo
More Information and Tickets
“We are so excited to welcome Cincinnati’s passionate holiday shoppers back this year to sip, shop and sleigh their holiday gift lists,” said Rosanna Hrabnicky, Marketplace Events Ohio Group Manager. “The Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market truly kicks off the holiday season for the Queen City, and we are bringing you more holiday fun and festivities than ever before. We are so proud to showcase so many local and regional boutiques, artisans and exhibitors, and can’t wait for you to join us for a weekend full of joy, shopping and holiday cheer!”
Visit the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market’s official social media for the latest updates, exclusive specials, discounts and giveaways @cincyholidaymarket on Facebook and Instagram.
Find more information, view the full schedule and buy tickets at cincinnatiholidaymarket.com. Buy online to save $2 on general adult admission tickets courtesy of General Electric Credit Union.
About Marketplace Events Marketplace Events creates vibrant expositions connecting enthusiasts with experts, products and services in dynamic face-to-face environments. The company produces more than 75 consumer shows in North America including home, garden, holiday and wedding shows. The 75+ combined events, in 35 markets, currently attract 22,000 exhibitors, 2 million attendees and another 3 million unique web visitors annually. The company produces some of the most successful and longest-running shows in North America, including market-leading shows in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal—some of which have thrived in their markets for more than 75 years. For a full list of upcoming events visit marketplaceevents.com
Fall is here and we’ve got so many wonderful ways to celebrate the month-long occasion full of flannel and cool weather.
For all of your fall 2022 needs—scares, tricks, treats, crafts, corn mazes, festivals, and more—check out the list below of the many fun goings on over the next few months. All events are linked to a site with more information regarding admission costs, dates and times, and location.
Blooms and Berries
Halloween Events
For admission information, dates, and more details about the events, click on the corresponding link below.
October 21: Howl at the Hall (Westwood), 6p October 23: Findlay Market Fall Food Fest, 10a–4p October 27: Ghost Walk (Aurora, IN), 6:30p Tickets are pre-sale only to ensure they do not exceed maximum capacity. Click the link above for more information.
September 17–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. Tickets start at $5.95 and must be purchased online. Leashed pets are allowed.
Saturdays and Sundays, September 24–October 30, 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 $14 per person (children 2 and under are free; ages 65 and older are $10)
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).
September 10–October 30 General admission is free and includes kiddie corn maze, sand tunnels play area, hay pyramid, and farm animals. For an additional cost, you can experience U-pick pumpkins, hayride, and much more.
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
September 24–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.
Saturdays (11a–6p) and Sundays (12–5p), September 25–October 23 Activities include pumpkin jump pad, pedal tractors, pedal implements, farm animals, make your own animal feed, corn maze, corn barn, hay tower and slides, pumpkin launcher, and more! $14 per person general farm admission (includes all activities, kids 2 and under free)
Select days, September 25–October 30 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 $29.99; military discounts available
September 16–October 30; Fridays and Saturdays 10a–10p, Sundays 11a–7p Admission includes: hayride around the Farm, picnic shelters, bonfires, games, The Great Pumpkin Express Rides, 5-acre Corn Maze, Kinman’s Carnival Tent, live bands, tricycle ride for the little ones, and laser tag. New this year: tunnels slides, dirt mound climbing, and straw pyramid. Everyone gets a pumpkin to take home, too! Open daily, but activities take place on the weekends.
Every weekend 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, arm animals, FREE straw maze, large play area, and seasonal treats.
September 23–October 31 (more info) 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): $5 (ages 3 and up); weekdays (9a–6p): free Leashed pets are allowed
September 23–October 30 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.
Weekends in September (starting the third weekend) through October 31, 9a–6p (Monday–Saturday), 9a–5p (Sunday) 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.
Kings Island Haunt
Haunted Houses, Trails, and Attractions
Cincinnati goes all out for haunted houses; many of which include extraordinary makeup, spooky settings, and animatronics. Here’s a list of haunted houses and trails to visit this Halloween season:
All Hallows’ Eve (Williamsburg) Fridays and Saturdays, September 2–November 5, 7p–12a Admission starts at $30 to Terror Town (Ultimate Horror and Weekend Passes are also available)
Brimstone Haunt (Wilmington) Friday and Saturday nights September 24 through October 31 Admission for a combo admission pass to the Haunted Hayride ($XX), Forgotten Forest ($XX), Psychosis ($XX), and Zombie Assault ($XX) to be determined. Fast Pass also available. Click here to purchase your tickets online. (Save by buying online. A $2 fee will be added to each ticket purchased in person.) Parking costs $3 cash at the door
The Dent Schoolhouse (Dent) Weekends, September 16–November 5, and all Thursdays in October General admission starting at $20, with options for fast pass and front of the line options also available (view ticketing options here) Family friendly Lights On Tour will be Sunday, October 23, 4–6p
Select nights, September 23–October 29 Bone-chilling scare mazes and scare zones, sinister live entertainment, and hundreds of horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park. Haunting Halloween activities plus some of the most exhilarating night rides in the country. Not recommended for children under 13. No re-entry after 6p. Tickets starting at $44.99; military discounts available
Friday and Saturday nights, 7p–1a, September 9–October 30 Five premium haunted houses, including Dysphoria, Dr. Psycho’s Haunted Estate, Phobia, Temple of Terror, and The Killer Klown House, plus other attractions and entertainment. Food and drinks available for purchase. Click here for ticketing information.
Mt. Healthy Haunted Hall (Mt. Healthy) Friday, Saturday (8–11p), and Sunday (7–9p) from September 30–October 29 (closed October 30) Entry is $12 (click here for information about available discounts), Fastpasses available for $18, no discounts Lights Up Night will be Sunday, October 23, 6–6:45p (cost is $5 per child, free for adults)
Sandyland Acres (Petersburg, KY) Friday and Saturday nights (8p–midnight) from September 16–October 29 (closed October 30) Hayride ($15), Haunted Barn ($12), or a combo for $25. Cash only, free parking. Click here for more information.
USS Nightmare (Newport, KY) September 17–18, September 24–November 6 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 7–11p Friday and Saturday, 7p–1a General admission prices from $18–30, with Fast Pass admission being $28–50. Front-of-the-line and season passes also available.
Click here to view all ticketing options. Lights On Matinee, October 24, 4–6p
Cornfield
Ghost Tours
Do you favor the paranormal over costumes and actors? Don’t worry, there are several options for paranormal and haunted ghost tours in greater Cincinnati.
Bobby Mackey’s Music World Paranormal Tour (Wilder, KY)
$35 per person for a two-hour tour
Two-hour guided tours, private group investigations, and public event hosting at one of the most haunted nightclubs in the country.
Looking for gifts this holiday season? What about decor to spruce up your home? Shop local at one of many art festivals and craft fairs this fall. For information regarding the event and admission, click on the corresponding link.
December 17 and 18: The City Flea Holiday Market at Washington Park
Have any questions about what’s going on this fall? Just ask!
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.
Northern Kentucky can be a spooky place. With a long history and neighborhoods that date back to the Civil War, the region holds many tales of roaming ghosts and gruesome events that will send chills up your spine.
Here is a sampling of what awaits you here, as the weather grows colder, and the spirits come out to play. Links to all the events can be found here.
Nightmare ships and haunted fields
The USS Nightmare docks in Newport this time of year. It’s one of the area’s longest haunted tours (over 30 minutes), inviting brave and foolhardy guests to explore two full decks of pure horror.
Sandy Acres Farm is a charming place to visit in the daytime. At night, though, it gets a lot creepier. Come for a hayride through haunted fields—if you dare.
For kids
To get the kiddos involved in something more than just trick-or-treating, take them to the free Halloween Hoopla at Behringer-Crawford Museum. They can do a seasonal craft, march in the costume parade and more.
For fans of LEGO, the Northern Kentucky Convention Center is hosting Bricks, Tricks and Treats, a LEGO convention with a Halloween theme.
Talk to dead people
Falcon Theatre and Dinsmore Homestead Museum have teamed up to create a rare opportunity to talk with six costumed actors who are portraying people from the Homestead’s past. All the characters are based on their actual lives, letters and journals. It’s kind of like a historic version of “Sixth Sense.”
Take a spooky tour
Tickets are still available for the Halloween date of the Spooky Secrets Tour. This 2-mile walk past haunted houses, creepy historic sites and cool shops was created by the author of “Secret Cincinnati” and the writer for the NKY Art Tours website. It’s the perfect way to start your Halloween celebrations.
For more Halloween fun, as well as details on the events listed above, please visit NKY ArtQuest’s Halloween roundup.
About the author:
Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.
This special autumn gathering is a great way to take a few days off for the weekend and enjoy the wonderment of being in nature while listening and dancing to music under the open sky! The festivities will be held on a breathtaking farm that’s tucked away in the forestland of Northern Kentucky. Arrowhead Music Festival will feature incredible live music, informative workshops on permaculture, local art, yoga, walking trails, and plenty of space for camping with a bonfire overlooking a gorgeous lake!
Come together to connect with yourself and other like-minded people, experience inspiring music, open your mind up to new things, and embrace delightful free flowing fun all around you! The lineup is outstanding and you don’t want to miss a second of it! Some of the musicians include, Siri Imani featuring Jess Lamb and The Factory,Natural Onyx, Sister Stone, and so much more!
One of the coolest things about this event is that its intention is to promote positive, happy, and healthy lifestyles by being a substance free interactive environment. The festival will be located in Petersburg, KY at Treasure Lake on October 22nd – October 24th.
“Arrowhead is inspired by the elements- Earth, Air, Wind, and Fire- and our programming is meant to reflect that. Arrowhead is 100% substance free, meaning no drugs or alcohol are permitted on the festival grounds. We’re gathering to get high on life, to embrace sobriety as its own type of drug, and to explore the potential of un-influenced human awareness.”
We asked the creator Anthony Schneider to share a little bit about his background and what his pursuit is and this is what he had to say,
“I’m passionate about self-examination, self expression, community organization, and cultural progression. In 2019 I founded the NVRLND Tribe, a Media Group and Digital Agency that creates content and produces experiences which inspire people to make positive changes in their lives. Additionally, NVRLND Tribe offers intuitive operations and systems support for transformational events, facilitators, and coaches. This includes web/backend, payment, communication, branding, and on-the-ground operations strategies and implementation. I’m currently based in Cincinnati, OH where I’m able to facilitate intentional experiences through my community organization Positive Life: Cincinnati. I also travel frequently to keep up with my tribe.”
“For our launch event we’re getting back to the basics and keeping things small. Good music, good people, good food, positive, health-focused intentions, and communion with our Mother Earth. Arrowhead is an intimate celebration of life, community and nature. Join us on 60 beautiful acres as we launch this mini Transformational Music Festival set in the rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley. If any of these things resonate with you then buy your ticket now!”
The historic restaurant, Arnold’s Bar and Grill in Downtown Cincinnati is known for being the oldest bar in town but that’s not all they’re known for! For over a hundred years this special establishment has been a gathering place for creatives of all kinds! Not only can you see live music by local musicians every night in their beautiful courtyard but you will find yourself meeting poets, writers, musicians, actors, dancers, performers, and artists of all kinds enjoying themselves while sharing stories of their experiences at Arnold’s. One of the many highlights to this space is the collection of art that they have on the inside and outside of the building. From the 1800’s to now you’re sure to discover new things with each and every visit!
Before heading in, take a minute to admire the architecture, stained-glass, and the impressive neon signs that are displayed in the windows! They recently added new ones that were made by, Neonworks of Cincinnati which is located in the fabulous American Sign Museum!
Another cool feature about the outside of the building is that one of the world’s most well-known street artists, Shepard Fairey has a large piece on the wall in the alley to the right! The piece, “Global Warning” is 15 feet tall and was part of his “Supply and Demand” exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center in 2010. Fairy put up several other pieces throughout the city that year but Arnold’s is one of the only places where you can still see his artwork in public in Cincinnati and they take great pride in continuing to preserve his incredible screen-printed wheatpaste mural.
As soon as you step inside you can’t help but to be mesmerized by the ambiance and aesthetic of this place! The bar features historic nostalgia all over the walls that helps your imagination envision what it was like throughout time. Everywhere you turn you will find something interesting and even quirky little details that will make you smile! Behind the bar on the top shelf are five ceramic bottles that you don’t want to pass up taking a look at! These interesting pieces of pottery depict faces of people but it’s a mystery as to who they are. A fun game the bartends like to play with the patrons is guessing who they might be, so next time you’re there make your bets on who you think they are! The artist, Scott Wynn created them, as well as the amazing carved double doors that lead you in and out of the courtyard that the former owner, Jim Tarbell commissioned.
The courtyard itself is a work of art with its unique stage that looks like a front porch and features a variety of vintage signs. On one of the walls you can find a second wheatpaste mural by another popular street artist, JR. This piece is of waitresses that worked at Arnolds in the 1930’s and the original photograph to compare it to is inside the dining room! https://www.jr-art.net
Adjacent to it is another wall piece that was also created by a famous graffiti artist! This piece is of local legend Peanut Jim and was made by Alexandre Manuel Dias Farto, also known as Vhils.
Chris Breeden, the current owner is a huge advocate for art and continues to support creatives from all over by showcasing their work in his business. He has kept the art scene alive through this revitalization of incorporating art into the experience of what Arnold’s has to offer! So keep going back to see what he collaborates on and curates next!
Festivals are back in Cincinnati and there are plenty for everyone to enjoy all over town, from riverside, to fountain square, and beyond! Learn how this city got its famous title, “The Melting Pot” by experiencing the diverse cultures that have come together to celebrate History and Heritage in Ohio and Northern, Kentucky.
Here’s a list of autumn festivities that you don’t want to miss!
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
September 16th – 19th
Thursday– Sunday
One of the largest German Heritage Festivals in the United States returns for its annual event in Downtown, Cincinnati! Sam Adams sponsors the festival and you can be sure to find lots of authentic food, beer, games, activities, music and dancing for the entire family to partake in!
Just across the river located at the Newport Festival Park at the Levee you can catch another weekend long festival that honors the German Culture in the region that is sponsored by Christian Moerlein Lager House. They will also have live music, food and drink vendors, plus art and activities. https://www.cincinnatifestivalsandevents.com/newport-oktoberfesthttps://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com
If you want to experience traditional German Culture all year long head over to Hofbräuhaus in Newport, KY for a delicious soft pretzel and brew with live entertainment that will have you dancing on the tables!
Attend this magical festival for a day filled with enchantment as you time travel into the past of the Renaissance! This festival features everything you can imagine and takes you into a world of wonderment and imagination! Each weekend is themed and the last one is, “Tricks or Treats” for all your Halloween fun!
This one-day festival is located on Madison Road, in Madisonville and is put on by the Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation to promote more neighborhood engagement. There will be incredible live jazz music, local food and drinks, art vendors and activities for children.
This festival is the perfect opportunity to try something new and learn about a different culture that is a wonderful addition to the diversity of Cincinnati! The festival is presented by Kroger and will be in the new Court Street Plaza.
If you live in or have visited Covington, Ky. the past few years, you might remember the Night Bazaar—an evening arts and crafts festival with entertainment and food and drink.
Night Bazaar Extends to Four Months
We’re excited to announce the 2021 return of the Covington Night Bazaar! Local non-profit Renaissance Covington is bringing it back, bigger than ever. It will be a recurring festival, taking place in July, August, September, and October. The hours and dates for the Night Bazaars are:
Saturday, July 24, from 6-11 pm
Saturday, August 28, from 6-11 pm
Saturday, September 18, from 6-11 pm
Saturday, October 23, from 6-11 pm
It will take place in the Roebling Point neighborhood, at the foot of the Roebling Bridge (where Smoke Justis, Eishaus, Frosthaus, Molly Malone’s, and Keystone Bar & Grill are located.)
Covington, Ky.’s First Entertainment District
Fun news for this year’s Night Bazaar – it will be the first time the city of Covington, Ky. enacts its Entertainment District!
What’s an Entertainment District?
Customers over 21 will be able to purchase alcoholic refreshments at the local restaurants and bars and sip and stroll with them as they peruse the art and crafts from more than 30 local artisans.
In addition to the local artists’ booths, and the food and drink options, there will also be a variety of live entertainment throughout the evening.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Northern Kentucky, need an outing for the family, are interested in local art and artisans, mark those calendars for Covington’s Night Bazaar 2021!
Author: Dot Crane, Content Marketing Manager
Dot Crane is the Content Marketing Overlord for meetNKY. She’s a proud resident of Covington, KY and loves helping others #lovethecov. You can find her sampling local craft brews at NKY’s seven craft breweries, or capturing the perfect image throughout the Cincinnati region to showcase our blend of Southern Charm and big city excitement.
