International Butterfly Show: Butterflies of Madagascar
Through June 16
Krohn Conservatory
1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10am-5pm daily
$7, $4 ages 5-17, FREE ages 4 and under
The 2018 Butterfly Show “The Butterflies of Madagascar” celebrates the exotic flora, fauna, and extraordinary landscape of this unique African country. Giant baobab trees, remarkable stone forests, and illustrious lemurs of Madagascar set the stage for the thousands of bright, beautiful butterflies flying amidst the striking collection of fiery orange bidens, vivid red celosia, purple salvia, and punches of lime green ipomoea! Help us celebrate the vibrant life of the “Island of Rainbows” and the Butterflies of Madagascar!
Taft Jr.: Celebrate Mom
May 3
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
11:15am-12:15pm$10 non-members in advance (includes Museum admission), $12 day of program, FREE for Taft member; Information & registration: [email protected] or (513)684-4517.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Taft’s help! Hear a story about all the things an awesome mom (or favorite adult) have to learn, visit with the moms in the Taft’s collection, and make a special card to give on Mother’s Day.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
May 3-6
U. S. Bank Arena
100 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Various Performances
Tickets starting at $50
Get carried away with life. The clown Mauro has passed, but his spirit is still with us. Instead of mourning, the funeral cortege celebrates the here and hereafter with laughter and exuberance. Rich, extravagant memories frolic with the senses. The sound of laughter peals around the stage, visions of joyous tumblers and players fascinate the eyes. Regret and melancholy retreat in the face of a cavalcade of lively recollections of a life gloriously lived. A festive parade that entertains; the perfect accolade for an artist whose life was dedicated to revelry and making merry.
Mommy & Me “Puppets & Pajamas Sing-a-long” with Jennifer Ellis
May 4
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market – Newport
82 Carothers Road, Newport, KY 41071
10:30am
FREE
Yes! Wear your pajamas! High energy interactive kids music shows. This is a great MEETUP event for Moms, Dads and Caregivers! Singing, dancing, bubbles, instruments, free snacks for the kids and more!
Cincinnati Playhouse Off the Hill Series: Rapunzel
May 4 (Various other dates, times, and locations through May 20)
Boone County Public Library – Main Branch
1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005
7pm
FREE; recommended for ages 4 and up
Young Rapunzel lives in a tower with her overprotective grandmother, safe from the dangers of the world. As her curiosity about the outside grows, Rapunzel meets Rafi, a local boy whose friendship finally gives her the courage to be free.
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon Block Party
May 4
The Banks
160 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
6-11pm
FREE admission
Celebrate 20 years of the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon with a free concert featuring Nashville’s indie pop band, COIN! Other performers include Moonbeau, ETrayn, and Telehope.
Cincy-Cinco Latino Festival
May 4-6
Fountain Square
Fifth & Vine Streets, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Friday: 6pm-11pm; Saturday: 12pm-11pm; Sunday: 12pm-6pm
FREE admission
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with authentic music, culture, food and more.
Astronomy Friday
May 4, 11, 18, & 25
Cincinnati Observatory Center
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208
8:30-10pm
$7, $5 ages under 18; FREE for Observatory members; Please call 513.321.5186 for reservations
In awe with the beauty of the night sky? Have questions about the Universe? This is where you can get the answers. Astronomy Fridays include short presentations on a wide variety of topics and plenty of time for your astro questions. Tour of the Cincinnati Observatory, which as a National Historic Landmark played an important role in the history of Cincinnati and our nation. Once dark, we will view the Moon, planets and deep space treasures through the historic 1845 telescope. (The program is held rain or shine; telescope viewing if clear skies). The topics and the night sky change week-to-week/month-to-month so you can visit often to hear and see something new.
National Train Day
May 5
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
127 South Mechanic Street, Lebanon, OH 45036
12, 2, & 4pm
$5-$19
Join the LM&M Railroad as we celebrate the importance of trains in America. Children (Under 17) can ride the Turtle Creek Valley Flyer prices for as low a $5! The LM&M Railroad will be offering FREE locomotive cab tours in the Lebanon Station to all passengers and the general public. Weather permitting, select vendors and presenters from local railroad related organizations will be set up in the station area. On board you will travel through the country side of Warren County in Southwestern, Ohio. During your ride you can listen to our informative passenger conductors describe railroad history and operations.
Family First Saturdays: Explore China
May 5
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12-4pm
FREE
Designed with the whole family in mind! Performances, artist demonstrations, storytelling, scavenger hunts, tours, and hands-on art making activities are just the start of the fun for the whole family. There’s a different theme each month, so be sure to come to everyone, and bring your best friends! Come explore the culture and history of China at this fun day inspired by the special exhibition, Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China. Enjoy performances, artist demonstrations, storytelling, scavenger hunts, tours, and hands-on art making activities.
The Harlem Globetrotters
May 5 & 6
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, OH 45040
Saturday: 1pm & 5pm; Sunday: 1pm & 4pm
Free with Kings Island admission
During 20-minute shows performed twice each day near the Bandstand on International Street, guests of all ages will be entertained by the Globetrotters ball-handling and shooting skills, crowd interaction and unique brand of comedy.
Linton PB&J Concert: Madcap Music-Making: The Story of Jack and the Beanstalk
May 5
Lakeside Presbyterian Church
2690 Dixie Highway, Lakeside Park, KY 41017
10-10:45am & 11:30am-12:15pm
$6 for an individual ticket (child or adult); $20 for a Flexible Ticket Book (4 tickets)
May 8
Williams Avenue Elementary School
2132 Williams Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45212
6:30pm
FREE
May 12
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
7701 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
10-10:45am & 11:30am-12:15pm & 1-1:45
$6 for an individual ticket (child or adult); $20 for a Flexible Ticket Book (4 tickets)
The violin, cello, piano and Madcap Puppets tell the story of Jack and the Beanstalk through the music of Schubert! Don’t miss the music, storytelling, and warm & fuzzy fun!
Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour
May 6
Taft Theatre
317 E. Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12pm & 4pm
$27-$119
Are you ready to DANCE?!? Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour is an ALL NEW interactive live concert experience. Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with your favorite characters: Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, The Lion Guard and more! Preschoolers and their families are invited to get up and dance, play games and join the biggest dance party around!
Appalachian Festival
May 11-13
Coney Island
6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45228
Friday: 9am-9pm; Saturday: 10am-9pm; Sunday: 10am-6pm
$10, $5 ages 55, $2 ages 2-12, FREE ages under 2
Appalachian crafts, music, dance, storytelling, cooking, cultural treasures, Appalachian living history exhibit, petting zoo.
Carol Ann’s Carousel 3rd Anniversary Event
May 12
Carol Ann’s Carousel
8 East Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
11am-5pm
$2/per ride/per person
Enjoy fun games, crafts, and activities to celebrate 3 years of Carol Ann’s Carousel!
Asian Food Fest
May 12 & 13
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Saturday: 12-10pm & Sunday: 12-8pm
FREE admission
Features authentic food from mostly all countries from Asian including Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, India, Korea, Japan and many more. Chef Hideki Harada and his wife will be serving up some Japanese delights while Pho Lang Thang will be going back to its roots of the first food fest and will be dishing out some Pho! These are only a small portion of the food in store this year. Along with food, this year’s festival will feature Human Foosball Arena where all will be able to hop into the inflatable life sized foosball arena and have some fun. There will also be Asian beer, cultural dances and vocalists, and Asian inspired arts and crafts. AFF will be family and dog friendly with Washington Park’s interactive water park, playground, and dog park open for all of our guests.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Coney Island
May 13
Coney Island Amusement Park
6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230
See website for times – RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
Breakfast Rates: $24.99 11 and up; $12.99 10 and under; $19.99 for season pass holders
Brunch Rates: $49.99 11 and up; $12.99 10 and under; $44.99 for season pass holders
Treat your mom this Mother’s Day and enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in Moonlite Gardens or Moonlite Pavilion at Coney Island. Afterward, take the whole family to experience history, culture, music, and crafting at the Appalachian Festival along the Ohio River. Mom is sure to love the photo opportunities and relaxation of the Horse-Drawn Carriage ride around Lake Como. Kids of all ages will want to take a spin or a twirl on Coney’s Family Rides & Attractions.
Make this Mother’s Day a day to remember for the Moms in your life, and the entire family. Tickets include breakfast or brunch for one and admission to the Appalachian Festival.
MainStrasse Village Maifest
May 18-20
MainStrasse Village
Main Street, Covington, KY 41011
Friday: 5-11pm; Saturday: 12-11pm; Sunday: 12-8pm
FREE admission
Maifest fills over SIX city blocks along the tree-lined 6th Street Promenade, Main Street and Philadelphia Street, and extends into Goebel Park. The German park-like atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for the variety of appealing food, drink and works by over 75 artisans and craftsmen. And be sure to visit the Kinderplatz, full of adventures and rides for the small children and the Amusement Midway filled with fun for the “older” kids. With intimate stage settings complete with local craft beer gardens, you can sit back, relax and enjoy quality entertainment by local musicians. Genres include German, Contemporary, Acoustic, Folk Rock, Americana, Jazz, Alternative Country, Blues, Rockabilly and Gypsy Jazz. Performances by 500 Miles to Memphis, Tickled Pink, Magnoia Sona, Young Heirlooms, as well as Ricy Nye Inc. are sure to spread the festive mood throughout Maifest.
The City Flea
May 19
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10am-4pm
FREE admission
The City Flea is Cincinnati’s original curated, urban flea market that takes place once a month at Washington Park and various other locations throughout the year. Since its conception in 2011 The Flea has seen dozens of vendors grow from hobby to full time business and it is with much pride that we consider ourselves not only a monthly market, but a small business incubator, community organization, and city advocate. The Flea is a place to keep your dollars local, support small business and experience YOUR city in a unique and engaging way. Our vendors range from vintage dealers to artisan pizza makers to plant studios. We have something for everyone.
Great Parks Free Entry Days
May 19
ALL Great Parks of Hamilton County
8am-8pm
FREE entry
Great Parks is celebrating special days with free entry for all into Great Parks! Guests can experience 78 miles of trails, over 17,500 acres of natural habitat and wildlife, lakes and river access, playgrounds, dog parks, golf courses and so much more.
3rd Sunday Fundays: Under Water
May 20
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
1-4pm
FREE
Dive into art this Funday! Explore the different kinds of water in the Taft collection, create your own sea creature craft to take home, and become an art reporter at the Art Cart. Learn all about sharks during a presentation of the Newport Aquarium’s Shark Cart at 2 p.m. and then, at 3 p.m., get up close and pet the sharks.
Family Festival: Tiny Circus
May 26
Contemporary Arts Center
44 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
12-3pm
FREE
Step right up for a teeny-tiny circus! Join us in the UnMuseum as we create circus themed works of art. Design your own big top tent sculpture (or in this case little top tent) complete with mini performers and itty-bitty animals. Don’t forget to snack on some popcorn and try your hand at some tiny tight rope racing.
Autism Family Exploration Day
May 26
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
9-11am
FREE
This program is designed for families with children who have autism or other developmental disabilities to discover the art museum in a comfortable environment. Each month we explore different galleries through multisensory learning centers, led by specially trained docents. Be sure to stop by the Rosenthal Education Center to participate in an all-ability art making activity.
Taste of Cincinnati
May 26-28
Downtown Cincinnati
5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Saturday & Sunday: 11am-11pm; Monday: 11am-9pm
FREE admission
What began as a small, one-day festival in 1979 has grown to become a 3-day celebration of the Cincinnati region’s best culinary delights spread along 5+ blocks in Downtown Cincinnati. Featuring 100+ delectable dishes from more than 40 local restaurants plus continuous live entertainment from local and national recording stars performing on multiple stages, and traditional carnival rides and games, Taste of Cincinnati is sure to satisfy the who family!
Disney’s Aladdin
May 29 – June 10
Aronoff Center
650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Various evening and matinee performances
Tickets start at $30
Discover a whole new world. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
Wednesdays in the Woods: The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars
May 30
Burnet Woods – historic bandstand
3251 Brookline Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220
7-9pm
FREE, contributions encouraged
Come celebrate everything great about summer at our spirited series of 10 free weekly concerts. Good friends, good tunes, good food, good times with a variety of hands-on art making activities for the kids!
Summer Reading Kick-off
May 31
Boone County Pulblic Libraries – ALL 5 Branch
5:30-7:30pm
FREE – all ages!
Register for Summer Reading and enjoy carnival games, interactive inflatables and a free Shiver Frozen Pop! Meet community helpers and their trucks!
REC Reads
Wednesdays
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
11:30am-12pm
FREE
Bring your toddlers or preschoolers to the Rosenthal Education Center for a morning of art-themed storybooks, songs, and sensory activities. This 30 minute program will get your little one excited about art in a fun and interactive way.
Zoo Babies
May 1-31
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Daily 10am-5pm
Included with Zoo admission
Help us celebrate our newest arrivals at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during May. Six-foot-tall stork statues displayed throughout the Zoo will lead visitors to all of the cutest little baby faces.
