Tag: Things To Do

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 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 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.
facebook.com
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.
facebook.com

St. Paddy’s at HG
Higher Gravity at Summit Park, 10a
Several Irish drink specials.
facebook.com

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.
facebook.com

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.
facebook.com

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.
facebook.com

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.
facebook.com

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.
facebook.com

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.
facebook.com

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)

instagram.com

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
facebook.com

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.
facebook.com

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

Things To Do: Everything Kid-friendly Cincy

Looking for a fun day out with the littles?

Head to Happy Hangout on the the westside!

Complete with an indoor playground, toddler play area, miniature city for pretend play, classes, and party rooms, Happy Hangout encourages playing, using your imagination, and finding community in a safe, clean environment.

Happy Hangout is open six days a week from 9am to 3pm (closed on Wednesdays). Two-hour play passes are $10 for ages walking–12 years old and free for adults and babies.

Tickets can be purchased in advance, particularly for peak times, and memberships and gift cards are also available.

[Adults: there’s also a comfy lounge area with outlets to work or to BYO food or coffee. Pro tip 👉🏻 there’s a Servatii right across the street where you can pick up pastries, fresh breads and pretzels, or coffee.]

If you are looking to supplement your day out with additional things to do, here are more kid-friendly ways to spend your time on the westside:

Dewey’s Pizza Green Twp

Assuming you’ve worked up an appetite, head to kid-friendly local chain Dewey’s, where you can create your own or order a specialty pizza, calzone, or salad.

Zip Dip Green Twp

Treat yourself to one of the best creamy whips on the westside, serving up soft serve, yogurt, an assortment of cones and toppings, dip tops, sundaes, flurries, shakes and malts, several food items, and more.

Note: Opens for the season March 3, 2023

Gamble-Nippert YMCA Westwood

Get in some fun or relaxation at Gamble-Nippert YMCA* by enjoying the indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, or steam room. As a member, you even take advantage of school-age childcare*.

Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library – Westwood Branch Westwood

The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library – Westwood Branch is just a half mile away, where you can use free WiFi, the laptop kiosk, or meeting room, and the little ones can play in the children’s area, featuring the Krayon Kiosk, play area, and books.

If you are around in the morning on Wednesday, the Westwood Branch Library has Movers and Shakers from 10:15–11a. It is recommended for ages 1–4 and the children get to sing, dance, listen to music, stories, and play with toys when the class is over.

West Side Brewing Westwood

If the weather allows, grab a DORA beer from West Side Brewing and head across the street to Westwood Town Hall Park where there is a playground the kids can play on.

Note: DORA beverages are not allowed inside the fencing of the play area

You don’t have to break the bank to spend a kid-friendly day out in our great city. Are you looking for specific recommendations? 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.

*Membership required. Gamble-Nippert has before and after school programs for school-age children (ages 5–12), as well as full day childcare for school-aged children on days CPS is closed, and preschool classrooms (ages 3–5).

Magical holiday light festivals in NKY

One of the joys of this season is seeing the beautiful lights brightening the chilly winter nights. Northern Kentucky has several of its own light festivals and one of them is this Saturday only (and it’s free). Read below for all the details. 

Drive-Through Winter Wonderland, December 12 from 6:00-9:00 pm: 

The Erlanger branch of the Kenton County Library has created their first “parking lot light festival.” It includes light tunnels, special effects from Cincy Illuminations and a scavenger hunt-style search for animals hidden in the scenes. You can even wave to Santa as you drive by.  

Free event, no registration necessary 

Winter Nights, River Lights, through January 15, 6:00-10:00 pm: 

Stroll across the Purple People Bridge, which is hung with hundreds of soothing lavender lights. You can enjoy the beautiful river views and visit the Wish Tree on the Newport side. 

Free event, no registration necessary 

Light Up the Fair, through January 2, 5:30-9:00 pm, open ‘til 10:00 on Fridays and Saturdays 

This incredible light experience takes visitors on a 1.5 mile drive through Boone County Fairgrounds, lit by more than 500,000 individually controlled LED lights. The captivating displays are choreographed to holiday music you play on your radio.  

$6/person, children under 3 are free. No contact ticketing is available. 

These family-friendly events will make the holiday season even merrier. 

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.