If you know Cincinnati, you know that May brings the Flying Pig Marathon and the Taste of Cincinnati! But oh! There is so much more!
Moms Night Out, Mio Vino Micro Winery
May 15, 7-9p
For this night out, our guests will get the chance to assist with the bottling process of one of Mio Vino’s wines. The bottles will be available for purchase after we are done (complete with CMB logo). In addition to the bottling experience, tickets to this event include one drink ticket, snacks, delicious sweets provided by Sugar Rush-Cakes and Cookies, swag and the chance to win a fabulous giveaway.
Sensitive & Supportive Photo Mini Sessions, Ault Park
May 16, 8-11a
Does your child have a sensory disorder, autism or other cognitive, developmental and/or physical delay which have made getting quality, professional photos challenging and overwhelming? Does your child struggle with anxiety or extreme shyness which make the phrase “smile for the camera” an unrealistic request? Cincinnati Moms Blog is partnering with Allie T Photography to bring you sensitive and supportive mini sessions designed to give you some beautiful photographs of your child and family.
Meet Whatever After Series Author Sarah Mlynowski, Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore
May 1st, 4-5p
New York Times best-selling author Sarah Mlynowski will be here reading from and signing the newest addition (Book #7) to the magical Whatever After Series: Beauty Queen! In this latest adventure, the magic mirror sucks Abby and Jonah into the story of Beauty and the Beast. Can Abby and Jonah help Beauty and the Beast fall in love in time? Find out in the 7th magical installment of this ever popular series!
-A FREE, all-ages author event. (Recommended ages for series: 8-12).
-Line Numbers available for signing with purchase of Book #7: Beauty Queen.
-Call 513.731.2665 to reserve your copy or for more details.
Cincy-Cinco Latino Festival, Fountain Square
May 2, 12-11p & May 3, 12-7p
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with authentic music, culture, food and more. Cincy-Cinco provides a large Children’s Area located in the Northeast grove on Fountain Square. The Children’s Area provides games, crafts, prizes and other activities free of charge to all children attending the event!
The Plant Sale, Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati
May 2, 9a-5p & May 3, 11a-3p
Featuring thousands of top-quality plants sorted into booths staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who can help put together combinations for your garden. Herbs, veggies, fruits, perennials, shrubs, annuals and more.
Queen City Concert Band’s Spring Finale, Memorial Hall
May 3, 2p
This is the last event that will take place at the Hall before a major makeover of the historic site begins. A variety of musical genres will be featured, and will include Dixieland, Symphonic, Two Step, Operetta and Irish Folk, along with many popular pieces from the American band literature. The 90 minute program will appropriately conclude with Antonín Dvořák’s “Finale” (Symphony No. 9 in E minor “From the New World”). A cookie and punch reception will follow in the Hall’s beautiful ParkView Room.
Flying Pig Marathon
May 3, 6:30a
Being part of the cheering crowd at the Flying Pig is not only free, it’s also fun! Cheer on the runners and then join them at the victory party at Yeatman’s Cove (8a-3p)!
Kinderballet, Various locations
May 2, 11a, Groesbeck Branch Library
May 2, 3p, Blue Ash Amphitheatre
May 16, 3p, Batesville Middle School Commons
May 30, 7p, AvO Spring Concert, McAuley High School Auditorium
Ballet Company performs a new production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eight Ballet Adventures from Eric Carle.
Tunes & Blooms, Cincinnati Zoo
May 6, 7, & 13, 6-8:30p
See a collection of Cincinnati’s finest and most respected music veterans playing together in the Zoo’s beautiful gardens, for FREE! Why tip-toe through the tulips when you can rock the garden? Admission is free after 5pm. Parking is $9. As a reminder NO outside alcohol is permitted to be brought inside the Zoo. Beer will be available for purchase. Bags will be inspected at the turnstiles before entering the Zoo.
Kroger’s Where the Wild Things Play, Washington Park
Kids and adults alike will love the stories and songs, art activities and creative movement, “Where the Wild Things Play” at Washington Park.
May 3
Theme: Growth
Activity: The farmers have been growing veggies and flowers. Come draw them and maybe draw with them. How have you grown? See how you measure up on our group growth chart.
May 10 (Mother’s Day)
Theme: Mom
Activity: Mothers and maternal figures care for us non-stop! Show your appreciation with a note and a gift. We will have little items for you to decorate and fun paper for cards.
May 17
Theme: Light
Activity: After the dark of winter we love to see the light! A few sparklies and a bit of glue make for great sun catchers. Explore shadows with sidewalk chalk and sun print paper.
Oakley After Hours, Oakley Square
May 8, 6-9p
Local bands, kids entertainment, guest vendors, local businesses
and Mad Tree beer! Introducing a free shuttle from 7pm to 1am from Oakley Square to Dutch/Keystone, Hyde Park Square, & R.P. McMurphys!
Smale Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Heekin Family/PNC Grow up Great Adventure Playground
Ribbon cutting and opening: May 9, 11a-1p
Fully accessible playground next to the Roebling Suspension Bridge featuring a rock climbing area, twin racing slides, a fog-mist feature for cooling off during hot summer days and more.
Sue & Joe Pichler Family Fountains
Ribbon cutting and opening: May 12, 5:30-7p
Steps parallel to Vine Street are flanked by water cascades and other lighted water features, including fountains where kids and adults can splash and play.
Carol Ann’s Carousel
Ribbon cutting and opening: May 16, 11a-dusk
Hand-carved carousel filled with whimsical characters related to Cincinnati life, history or culture. The opening will be held on the late Carol Ann Haile’s birthday, and the park will celebrate with an all-day festival with street performers, food trucks, music and strolling bands throughout the entire park.
Loveland Food Truck Rally, Shoppers Haven Plaza
May 9, 2-11p
Over 20 Food Trucks, Live Music, Children’s Area with inflatables, carnival rides, life-size Candyland, and face painting, Craft Beer and wine. Free to attend, foods priced from $5-$7.
Family Night, Hofbrauhaus Newport
May 12, 6-9p
The 2nd Tuesday each month at Hofbräuhaus Newport it’s “Family Night!” Kids eat free, face painting, balloon animals, origami art and more! Bring the family out for a great time.
*Kids eat free with purchase of adult entrée
Maifest, MainStrasse Village
May 15 5-11:30p, May 16 12-11:30p, May 17 12-9p
Arts and crafts booths, German and international foods, music, children’s play area, amusement rides, street chalk art contest and more. Music on four stages.
CincItalia: The Cincinnati Italian Festival, Harvest Home Park
May 15 6p-12a, May 16 3p-12a, May 17 1-9p**Kids activities only open on May 16 & 17**
CincItalia offers a fun, festival atmosphere celebrating all things Italian: a wide selection of great food, wine, and beer…lively music to sing and dance to…cooking demonstrations and a travel talk…games and rides for kids…raffles and games for adults, including a Main Award with a grand prize of $7,500…shopping…spacious dining tent…convivial open-air wine garden…a recreated mini piazza with a small fountain surrounded by colorful flowers and Tivoli lights.
Cincinnati Library Comic Con, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library
May 16, 12-5p
This five-hour program features artists, writers, game creators, event partner booths, free comic books, the CLCC15 Drawing Contest awards, a Cosplay contest, Lego robotics, superhero and geek crafting, comic book trivia, face painting, a board and card gaming area hosted by Gateway Games, and more!
Touch-a-Truck, Blue Ash Summit Park
May 20, 4-7pCelebrate National Public Works Week. Check out equipment used everyday on streets. Learn about Public Works and Service Departments by getting up close and personal with tractors, trucks and plows. Rain cancels.
Taste of Cincinnati, Downtown
May 23 11a-12a, May 24 11a-12a, May 25 11a-9p
What began as a small, one-day festival in 1979 has grown to become a 3-day celebration of Cincinnati USA’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 whole family!
PNC Summer Music Series: American Roots, Fountain Square
May 26, 7-10p
8:30pm: American Aquarium
7:00pm: Ben Knight and the Well Diggers
Today’s contemporary country and rock music has its roots in many traditional American forms, from bluegrass and folk to rockabilly and honky tonk. Luckily, Cincinnati is a hotbed of roots music, with lots of talented acts offering modern takes on these traditional sounds. Visit Fountain Square each Tuesday and get in touch with your American roots.
Live at the Levee Summer Concert Series, Newport on the Levee
May 28, 7-10p
The Rusty Griswolds
The largest patio party in Northern Kentucky is back for 2015 as Bud Light’s LIVE at the Levee Summer Concert Series presented by The New 94.9 returns on May 28th and runs through September 3rd.
Wee Wednesday: Easy as 1-2-3, Cincinnati Art Museum
May 27, 10a-12p
Perfect for ages 2–5. We’re having a special morning of counting-fun for preschoolers. Wander through the galleries with your little ones and explore the museum through the world of numbers. Free. Reservations Not Required.
OTR Performs, Washington Park
May 31, 6-8p
OTR Performs returns this summer! Every Sunday, enjoy an evening of FREE arts programming in the Park that is sure to please the whole family. May 31: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park salutes legacy of King Records with staged concert reading of KJ Sanchez’s play Cincinnati King. Food trucks, beverage sales, music, children’s activities.
Astronomy Night, Cincinnati Observatory Center
Fridays, now through May 29th, 8:30p-10p
$7, $5 for children. Presentation, Q&A, Tour and Stargazing. Reservations required.
GeoFair, Sharonville Convention Center
May 2, 10a-6p; May 3, 11a-5p
Merit badge assistance, earth science games, geode cracking, gold panning, free mineral collections (for kids under 12), free fossils (for kids under 12), and free identification of your fossils, meteorites, minerals and gemstones are among the familyfriendly activities at this year’s GeoFair. $9, $3 for kids.
Kolping Society Derby Day Party, Kolping Center
May 2, 5p
Family-friendly event sponsored by the Kolping Society of Cincinnati. Catch the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen in the pavilion and wagers on Kolping’s own “night at the races” broadcasts. Blue Caboose Band will provide the sounds and Wiedemann Brewing will be introducing a special lager and seasonal brew. Food includes an $8 Kentucky-style chicken buffet, beginning at 7 p.m. Free snacks provided at tables. Free hot dogs and soda for kids 12 and younger. 5 p.m. $5; $10 family.
CCM Ensemble-in-Residence: Cincinnati Children’s Choir, UC’s Corbett Auditorium
May 3, 5p
Cincinnati Children’s Choir, including CCM resident choirs and satellite choirs from across the Tri-state area, celebrate spring through song and the energy of youthful choral artistry. $12, $6 students, free for UC students
Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions: Making Music with Madcap: The Story of the Ugly Duckling
May 2, 2015 (10am & 11:30am), Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church
May 9, 2015 (10am & 11:30am), Lakeside Presbyterian Church
May 16, 2015 (10am & 11:30am), Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church
The clarinet, cello, piano and Madcap Puppets tell the story of The Ugly Duckling through the music of Beethoven! Don’t miss the music, storytelling, and warm and fuzzy fun! $5.00 for an individual ticket (child or adult), $15.00 for a Flexible Ticket Book (4 tickets, good at any PB&J concert)
Appalachian Festival, Coney Island
May 8, 9a-9p & May 9-10, 10a-6p
Today, the Appalachian Festival is bigger and better than ever… with more than 130 crafters, dozens of entertainers on three stages, cultural and educational programs and a new mountain life exhibit area. $8, $4 ages 55 and up, $2 ages 4-11, free ages 3 and under. Parking: $6
Mother-Son Superhero Dance, Beech Acres Park RecPlex
May 8, 6:30-8:30p
Register by May 5. Superheroes unite! Supermoms and their little superheroes will enjoy a fun evening of pizza, punch and dancing. Be sure to dress as your favorite crime-battling duo. Use your imagination; anyone can be a superhero. A backdrop for photos will be provided. Bring your camera and a staff member will take your photo. Registrations accepted first-come, first-served. $12 res, $15 non-res
Palengke: A Filipino Street Market, Krohn Conservatory
May 9-10, 10a-5p
The Butterflies of the Philippines show presents Filipino Street Market during Mother’s Day Weekend. Local vendors and artists sell variety of earth-friendly products. $7, $4 children 5-12, Free ages 4 and under, *FREE admission for Moms on May 10!
Playhouse in the Park: Bird Brain, Various locations
Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m., Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, May 10, 2 p.m., Clifton Cultural Arts Center
Friday, May 15, 7 p.m., Boone County Library – Scheben Branch (Union, Kentucky)
Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m., Hyde Park Health Center
Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m., Bi-Okoto Cultural Institute (Pleasant Ridge)
Sunday, May 17, 2:30 p.m., Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum
Friday, May 22, 7 p.m., Oxford Community Arts Center
Saturday, May 23, 7 p.m., Circus Mojo (Ludlow, Ky.) – Pre-show begins at 6:30 p.m.
When a kindhearted woodcutter comes across a nest of freezing baby birds, he gives them a warm home under his hat. The problem is, he lives in a world where tipping your hat to others is not only a courtesy, but also the law, with severe punishments for disobeying. The woodcutter finds himself torn between doing what he feels is right and following the social norms. Will he follow the rules, or follow his heart? This charming fable about choosing to be different is full of laughs and the lesson that strange behavior isn’t always foolish. Recommended for ages 5 and up. $6
Buckeye BBQ Fest, The Square at Union Centre
May 15 5-11p, May 16, 12-11p
35 BBQ teams compete. Live music, food vendors, microbrews, wine, BBQ demonstrations, classic car show, Costco KidsZone with bounce house, face painting, petting zoo. $5, free ages 12 and under, All proceeds donated to charity!
Maifest, Germania Society of Cincinnati
May 15 6-12a, May 16 2-12a, May 17 12-8p
Traditional German food & entertainment: whole roasted hogs, rueben sandwiches, wursts, German pastries, homemade Maiwein, German biers, wein and schnapps, live music, rides and games for the kids and the young at heart! $3, free ages 12 and under. Military personnel free with current military ID
The City Flea, Washington Park
May 16, 10a-4p
The City Flea is Cincinnati’s original curated, urban flea market that takes place once a month at Washington Park. 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.
Summerfair Cincinnati, Coney Island
May 29 2-8p, May 30 10a-8p, May 31 10a-5p
Summerfair Cincinnati is a non-profit 501(c) 3 arts organization that has been supporting and promoting artists and the arts in Greater Cincinnati year-round for over 40 years. Summerfair Cincinnati provides support for individual artists and small arts organizations through scholarships, awards and exhibitions. Summerfair Cincinnati’s annual fine arts fair, the organization’s primary fundraiser, consistently ranks among the Top 100 art shows nationally. Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 CASH ONLY at each gate with children 12 and under admitted free. Parking is included in the ticket price – courtesy of Summerfair Cincinnati.
Annual Used Book Sale, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library
Saturday, May 30, 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday, May 31, 1 pm – 5 pm
Monday, June 1, 9 am – 9 pm
Tuesday, June 2, 9 am – 9 pm
Wednesday, June 3, 9 am – 9 pm
Thursday, June 4, 9 am – 6 pm
Friday, June 5, 9 am – 5 pm
Books, CDs, DVDs, audio and video tapes, books-on-tape/CD and record albums will be sold at bargain prices. Items may be purchased with cash, check, MasterCard or Visa.
Hope Fest Music Festival, Findlay Market
May 30, 1-10p
Findlay Market is excited to be the host site for Hope Fest 2015. Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH) Associate Board is teaming up with Eli’s BBQ and My Life vs. Your Vacation (MLVYV) to bring a great lineup of bands to the OTR Biergarten at Findlay Market. Check out great local music and food, as they celebrate Hope in Greater Cincinnati. BHGH is offering a chance to win a cruise on Norwegian Pearl. MLVYV and Sixthman are partnering to bring you a vacation experience of a lifetime – a music festival at sea! Please consider supporting Boys Hope Girls Hope’s mission of ending generational cycles of poverty through education. Pre‐sale tickets at $30, $35 at the door. VIP admission and sponsorships are available.
Zoo Babies, Cincinnati Zoo
May 1-31
Help us celebrate our newest arrivals at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during May. Six-foot-tall pink and blue storks statues displayed throughout the Zoo will lead visitors to all of the cutest little baby faces.
Sat. May 2: Avengers Assemble
You won’t want to miss this exciting live show featuring Thor, Captain America, Spider-man and Iron Man!
Showtimes: 11am & 2pm Wings of Wonder Theater
Sat & Sun. May 16 & 17: Storybook Fun with Curious George
Come see Curious George at the Wings of Wonder Theater. Songs, games, storybook readings, fun dances, and lots of audience participation are jammed into these live performances.
Showtimes: 11am & 2pm Wings of Wonder Theater
International Butterfly Show, Krohn Conservatory
Now – June 21, 10am-5pm
This year’s theme is Butterflies of the Philippines. Cascading waterfalls, colorful parrot fish, and mysterious stone sculptures will set the stage for thousands of free flying butterflies who flutter together among visitors and throughout the tropical landscape inside Krohn Conservatory. $7, $4 children, free ages 4 and under. $12 unlimited admission pins.
**Moms get in FREE on May 10
**Active military and veterans get in FREE on May 25
Cincinnati Museum Center
Exibits:
Closing May 3 – Mummies of the World
Now Open – Queen City Baseball: Diamonds and Stars
Opening May 15 – Treasures of Our Military Past
Opening May 23 – Science of Sports
Other events:
May 9 – National Train Day
May 9 – Pet Day
May 22 – 100 Days of Fun Kickoff
