Up All Night

An espresso martini tasting is coming to The Banks, and yes, it’s exactly as fun as it sounds

There’s a certain kind of confidence that comes with ordering an espresso martini. It says: I’m sophisticated, I’m energized and yes, I plan to be out a while.

Now imagine ordering three of them in one night. For research, of course.

Friday, Feb. 20, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

The Banks at E+O Kitchen, Red Leprechaun, and Taste of Belgium,

Cost: $20, for three distinct cocktails. Proceeds benefit the Ohio River Foundation. It

Tickets at cincinnaticoffeefestival.com

That’s exactly the idea behind the Espresso Martini Tasting at The Banks, a one-night-only event from the Cincinnati Coffee Festival that invites guests to check out their favorite bars and restaurants at The Banks, sample creative takes on the internet’s favorite cocktail and decide once and for all who does it best.

Here’s how it works: one ticket, three stops and six espresso martinis worth talking about. Each participating location – E+O Kitchen, Taste of Belgium and Red Leprechaun – will serve a classic espresso martini, the control in this very important experiment, alongside a specialty version that leans fully into dessert territory.

Photo: Shae Huth

At Taste of Belgium, that means a Snickerdoodle Espresso Martini, which sounds exactly like something you didn’t know you needed until right now. Over at E+O Kitchen, the Cinnamon Espresso Martini brings a warm, spiced twist to the chilled favorite, along with chocolate Bailey’s. And at Red Leprechaun, things get downright indulgent with a Chocolate Covered Cherry Espresso Martini, a drink that feels less like a cocktail and more like a reward for making it through the week.

Guests can begin at any of the three locations and make their way through The Banks at their own pace. At each spot, you’ll get a two-ounce tasting of the martini of your choice. Plus, there will be drink and food specials – as well as $10 espresso martinis if you want to indulge a bit more.

Tickets are $20, with all proceeds benefiting the Ohio River Foundation, which works to protect and improve the river that quite literally runs through the center of all of this. So while you’re sipping something cold and caffeinated, you’re also doing something objectively good for the community. It’s called balance, sweetie.

The event is part of the Cincinnati Coffee Festival’s growing lineup of year-round programming, a reminder that this city’s coffee culture doesn’t stop at sunrise. It stretches comfortably into the evening, often served in a chilled glass with three espresso beans floating on top like a tiny, caffeinated crown.

If there’s one thing Cincinnati understands, it’s the value of a good drink, a great cause and a night out that feels just a little bit special, so get tickets now for you and your friends.

The espresso martini isn’t going anywhere. And for one night at The Banks, it will be everywhere.

Run the World

Betsy Ross

Bridget England

Melissa Lewis

Photo: Shae Huth

If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate the busy women in your life during International Women’s Month in March, plan a visit to Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.

Hard Rock has partnered with three local women in media – Betsy Ross, president of Game Day Communication and FOX19 sports reporter, Bridget England, program director and morning show host at 96ROCK Cumulus Media, and Melissa Lewis, @cincycurlyfoodietravelgirl on Instagram – to create a menu of signature items, with 50% of the proceeds donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation.

The month-long promotion not only celebrates International Women’s Month but highlights the impact of women behind-the-scenes in entertainment.

“International Women’s Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable women whose talent, leadership, and creativity energize our entertainment and community,” said Ashley Morris, Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment. “Betsy, Bridget, and Melissa’s dedication is the magic behind-the-scenes, and we are proud to spotlight their impact.”

Betsy’s Signature Espresso Martini and MVP Chocolate Cake

Bridget's Amazingly Rockn’ Burger

Cincy Curly Foodie Travel Girl Strawberry & Yuzu Shortbread

The limited time menu items are

• Betsy Ross’s Signature Espresso Martini and MVP Chocolate Cake featured only in Council Oak Steaks & Seafood 

• Bridget England’s Pickle-tini and Amazingly Rockn’ Burger featured only in the Hard Rock Cafe

• Melissa Lewis’s Cincy Curly Foodie Travel Girl Kit Strawberry Lemonade Martini and Strawberry & Yuzu Shortbread featured only in YouYu

International Women’s Month is a worldwide initiative that honors the power and influence of women. Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati will be donating 50% of all cash sales from this initiative to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock, with proceeds benefitting the Women in Music organization. Women in Music is an organization with a mission to advance the awareness, equity, diversity, heritage, opportunities, and cultural aspects of women in the musical arts through education, support, empowerment, and recognition. 

“Women in Music is proud to partner with Hard Rock Heals to unite our communities around the world in celebration of International Women’s Month,” said Nicole Barsalona, President of Women in Music. “This year’s campaign underscores our shared commitment to championing not only diversity on stage, but also the wide range of roles across the music business—and the women behind the scenes whose work drives our industry forward.”

These limited time items will be available in March. For more information about the restaurants and featured items, visit hardrockcasinocincinnati.com. 

Love Match

The best Valentine’s Day gifts are always personal. In Cincinnati, that means something local and experiential, and thoughtfully chosen.

For this year, we’ve found a trio that covers all three bases: a big stadium concert, a Cincy-proud hoodie, and a dining experience led by some of the region’s most celebrated culinary talent.

Brunch that feels like a celebration

For couples, friends, or anyone who prefers memories over clutter, the Blk Wine Fest Sunday Brunch stands out as a thoughtful Galentine’s or Valentine’s gift. The brunch closes out Blk Wine Fest Weekend with an exclusive culinary experience crafted by Shawn Osbey, The Traveling Chef.

Hosted at Nolia Kitchen, the pre-fixe, three-course brunch curated by Chef Osbey, includes bottomless mimosas, with specialty brunch cocktails available for purchase.

Blk Wine Fest Sunday Brunch
Sunday, Feb. 15
Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Tickets at www.simpletix.com/e/blk-wine-fest-sunday-brunch-featuring-chef-tickets-251382

Nolia is one of the region’s most celebrated culinary spaces. The James Beard–nominated restaurant led by Jeff Harris has become one of the region’s most respected dining rooms, known for elevated Southern and Creole-inspired cuisine.

Turn Valentine’s Day into a countdown

Christ Stapleton’s All-American Road Show
Aug. 1
Paycor Stadium

With special guests Lainey Wilson and Allen Stone

Tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.com

Few gifts create anticipation like tickets to a summertime concert! Chris Stapleton brings his All-American Road Show to Paycor Stadium on Aug. 1, creating one of the biggest shows of the summer. The night includes special guests Lainey Wilson and Allen Stone, making it a must for music fans across genres.

As a Valentine’s gift, this one delivers immediate excitement and a builds to a shared experience months down the road.

Talk about commitment!

The hoodie every Cincinnati closet needs

Cincinnati is the only place in the world where you can suggest a three-way for Valentine’s Day and not offend someone.

The Cincinnati Cyclones celebrate this iconic Cincinnati dish by changing their identity for just this game, serving up a special game on Saturday, Feb. 28 as the Cincinnati 3-Ways!

You can get in on the action with the 3-Ways hoodie, equal parts cozy, fun, and unmistakably Cincinnati. It works for game nights, travel days, and everything in between.

Cincinnati 3-Ways merch

Find the hoodie and more at shop.cycloneshockey.com/products/3-ways.

This is the perfect gift for sports fans, chili lovers, or anyone who wants to show off hometown pride in a slightly irreverent way.

Best of Puck

If you are thinking about booking tickets, the Cyclones have some awesome family-friendly themes coming up in February and March. We are already eyeing the Youth Jersey Giveaway Matinee on Feb. 15, (perfect 3 p.m. start time for naps!) and the Plushie Stick Giveaway on March 14.

Plus, many of these games feature $1 popcorn and $3 burgers, which is a total win for the parents’ wallet!

More at cycloneshockey.com.

Let’s be honest, Cincinnati winters can feel long. When you have little ones, finding ways to get out of the house without freezing your toes off is a constant mission. This past Saturday, eager to escape cabin fever, my husband Eli and I decided to bundle up the girls—Rosie (2) and Ruby (10 months)—and head downtown to Heritage Bank Center for a Cincinnati Cyclones game. It wasn't just any game; it was “Star Wars” Night, and it turned out to be the perfect winter outing.

As soon as we walked up to the arena, Rosie spotted the Puckchop statue outside and was immediately intrigued. But the real magic happened when we walked inside. We literally walked right into the real Puckchop, who was dressed as a Jedi for the occasion! Rosie was super excited... from a distance. As soon as we got up close, the reality of a giant pig-man-Jedi set in, and she suddenly needed a little extra courage from Mommy.

If you’re worried about containing kids in tight seats, don't be. We picked seats in the far corner, up high. Even though the arena was decently crowded, this area gave us a ton of space so the girls could spread out, wiggle around, and just be kiddos without us worrying about bothering the people next to us.

Planning your own trip? Here is what you need to know before you go!

• The Diaper Bag Loophole: Heritage Bank Center has a strict “Clear Bag Policy” (12"x12"x6"), but diaper bags are the exception! You can bring a regular diaper bag if you have your child with you, though security will search it.

• Ticket Rules: Kids under age 2 get in free as long as they sit on a lap. Since Rosie is 2, we grabbed a ticket for her, but Ruby got in for free.

• Ear Protection: It gets LOUD. The goal horn is thrilling for us but can be startling for babies. I highly recommend bringing noise-canceling headphones for the littles.

• Leave the Stroller: Strollers are typically not permitted in the seating bowl and navigating the stairs with them is a nightmare anyway. We found it much easier to baby-wear Ruby and walk Rosie in.

• Go Cashless: The arena is completely cashless, so make sure you have your card or Apple Pay ready for those popcorn refills!

I wasn’t sure how much actual hockey-watching would happen, but Rosie surprised me! She was glued to the action. Luckily, Eli played hockey his entire childhood, so he was more than happy to answer her plethora of questions about the puck, the skating, and why everyone was crashing into each other. Meanwhile, 10-month-old Ruby was just happy to vibe. She spent the first period fascinated by the crowd, the rafters, and the hundreds of red lightsabers waving around in the stands.

The absolute peak of the night for Rosie didn't actually have anything to do with hockey. Between the first and second periods, the arena hosted a "sing-along. We were expecting “Sweet Caroline,” but instead, the speakers blasted “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen.” You have never seen a face light up as fast as Rosie’s did! She joined the entire arena in belting out her favorite song. It was one of those core memories you just hope sticks with them.

As the game went on, the wiggles started to set in. The girls got a bit antsy, but the Cyclones managed to score two goals in the second period—plus a classic hockey fight broke out—which grabbed their attention back just in time. At one point, Rosie spotted the other mascot, Twister, in the crowd. She wanted to meet him so badly, but he never made it around to our section, so we will definitely have to go back to give her a chance to say hi.

By the third period, the Cyclones scored again, but the “Sandman” was calling for Ruby. She was getting very tired, and we knew the clock was ticking. We decided to beat the traffic and head out before the final buzzer. Even though we missed the end of the game, it was a total win. It got us out of the house for a couple of hours, the atmosphere was incredibly family-friendly, and the girls had a blast.

We will absolutely be heading back to the ice soon—Twister, get ready, because Rosie is coming for you!

– Shae Huth

Last Dance

Molly Kreutzman, Ohio Goes to the Movies program director, shows off the OGTTM trailer featuring movies made in Ohio, by Ohioans, at the Sundance Film Festival complete with a Candy Bar of sweet treats, to Ohio native Rob Lowe during the Sundance Film Festival at The Hollywood Reporter studios in Park City.

As the curtain comes down on the final Sundance Film Festival to be held in Park City, Utah, the curtain rises on the year-long celebration of Ohio-centric movies, starting this month. Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM) is a statewide celebration of films showcasing Ohioans: actors, directors, writers, composers, locations, and topics, that will be shown in cities and towns across the state as part of the larger 250th birthday party for America.

Ohio Goes to the Movies

Events and screenings are scheduled throughout the state during the next nine months.

To find out more visit www.ohiogoestothemovies.org.

Ohio Goes to the Movies shared studio space with The Hollywood Reporter during the first week of Sundance to promote the initiative and chat with actors and creators with Ohio roots. The Hollywood Reporter also held a panel discussion at Sundance on Ohio’s movie industry. It all leads up to Ohio Goes to the Movies’ kickoff on Wednesday, Feb. 11 in Milan, Ohio, the birthplace of Thomas Edison, a pioneer in motion picture technology. The commemoration runs through October 2026 – about 250 days of Ohio movie magic – showcasing Ohio’s contributions to America’s film industry and moviemaking.

The following day, Feb. 12, will be a big day of OGTTM events around the state. Among the films showing that day are two blockbusters with strong Ohio connections. “The Shawshank Redemption” will screen at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus. It was filmed in Ohio and features actor Clancy Brown from Urbana. Phoenix Theatres Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted will screen “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” 70mm. Directed and co-written by Steven Spielberg (Cincinnati), the film stars Teri Garr (Lakewood) and Roberts Blossom (Cleveland).

Communities will celebrate their Ohio connections during several other Feb 12 screenings:

• The Lyric Theater in Wooster will screen “Raising Arizona”, and after the film they will host a Q&A with Christopher Buchanan and J. Todd Anderson. Buchanan is a filmmaker and one of The Lyric Theater's founders. He lived in Wooster for many years and worked on “Raising Arizona.” Anderson, a storyboard artist for “Raising Arizona,” also lives in Ohio and has worked on every Coen Brothers film.

• The Bryan Theatre will screen “The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio,” selected because Defiance is only a short 20-minute drive from Bryan, making it especially relevant to the community. The film was adapted from the novel of the same name by Defiance author Terry Ryan and stars Woody Harelson (Lebanon). “We are also partnering with the Williams County Public Library History Annex, which will provide a presentation on the history of movie theaters in Williams County for the screening. A group of students from Fairview High School is currently working on a short documentary that will be shown during the event. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided for community attendees,” said Vanessa Garcia, manager, Bryan Theatre.

• The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County Adena Branch will host its first of nine OGTTM events on Presidents Day with the screening of “Guarding Tess”, a film about a former first lady and her Secret Service handler, with Ohio actors Austin Pendleton (Warren) and David Graf (Lancaster). The various library events will be held at their seven branches and two off-site locations, including Historic Fort Steuben.

  – Betsy Ross

Level Up

Wonder what’s cooking with Elise Jesse? The former Bengals’ reporter and Emmy Award-winner is set to take on other chef – and face Chef Gordon Ramsay! – during Season Five of “Next Level Chef,” premiering tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox19.

Jesse, who says she began her cooking journey in her Grandma Jan's kitchen, is now a home chef, recipe developer, and food influencer. She enjoys experimenting with different flavors and techniques and sharing the results with her thousands (and thousands) of followers on TikTok and Instagram.

Her internet success has landed her a spot on stage with Ramsay, along with Chefs Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais, who recruit talented chefs and take them under their wings as they face unique cooking challenges on “Next Level Chef,” with the goal of finding the food world's newest superstar.

Next Level Chef Watch Party
Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m,
Holy Grail Tavern & Grill, 161 Joe Nuxhall Way
7:30 p.m. – Live Q&A with Elise Jesse
8 p.m. – Watch the episode live

Party includes a signature drink created for the night and a surprise menu item created by Elise Jessie. proceeds benefit Feed the Soul, with $1 from each drink goes to Feed the Soul.

While you can catch the first show from the comfort of your own couch, you can an official watch party with Jesse on Feb. 12 at happening at Holy Grail Tavern. The event benefits Feed the Soul.

Feed the Soul is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and well-being of students facing food insecurity. Through fresh produce distribution and nutrition education, Feed the Soul helps improve physical and mental health, boosts academic performance, and fosters lifelong healthy habits for children.

Jesse created @ejscookin, a FoodTok account with almost 90K followers. She is home chef, recipe developer and food influencer. She enjoys experimenting with different flavors and techniques and sharing the results with her thousands (and thousands) of followers on TikTok and Instagram.

Proceeds from the watch party will go directly to Feed the Soul, supporting Cincinnati kids and their futures.

Ice Ice Baby

Due to extreme cold and weather conditions forecast for this weekend, organizers have rescheduled the Law Enforcement Torch Run Cincinnati Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Ohio. The event will now take place Saturday, March 21, at The Banks, outside Holy Grail Tavern and Grille on Freedom Way.

The decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of participants, volunteers, athletes, law enforcement, and spectators. All event details, including the plunge location and format, will remain the same.

The Cincinnati Polar Plunge is part of a statewide series benefiting Special Olympics Ohio athletes. Individuals and teams raise funds to support year-round sports training, competitions, leadership opportunities, and health programming at no cost to athletes or their families. Costumes, team themes, and friendly rivalry are all part of the tradition.

Now is a great time to pull your team together and maybe even get in a bit of practice.

Participants may join in-person or contribute virtually with their teams. Registration and information can be found at support.sooh.org/polarplunge.

Special Olympics Ohio is part of a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities. The organization provides year-round sports training and competition at no cost for more than 20,000 athletes statewide.

Off to a Good Start

The Visit Cincy Spirit of Cincinnati Awards recognizes the influencers and advocates of the local hospitality region who have gone above and beyond to drive the Cincinnati region forward.

Jean-Robert de Cavel Champion Awards, recognizes those who have worked directly with the Visit Cincy team to bring important meetings to the Cincy region. The honorees were:

• Dr. Gian Andrea Rassati, associate professor, University of Cincinnati; 2026 International Workshop on Connections in Steel Structures.

• Jamie Rea & Susan Ayers, from the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, for bringing the 2026 Access to Justice Network National Conference.

• Paula Brehm-Heeger, Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library; hosted the 2025 Urban Libraries Council Annual Leadership Forum

• Wade Johnston, Cincy Trails; led effort to bring the 10th Civic Commons Studio to Cincinnati

Erich Kunzel Queen City Advocate Award recognizes those whose actions have attracted positive media coverage of the Cincy region. The honorees were:

• Lytle Park Hotel, Jeff Sweet, General Manager and Julie Kowalewski, Regional Director of Sales

• Wildweed Restaurant led by Chef David Jackman and co-owner Lydia Jackman

Horace Sudduth Progressive Business Award honors people and organizations that demonstrate sustained commitment to diversity through leadership in areas like supplier diversity and workforce development. The honoree was:

• Kelly Shaw, associate director, Findlay Kitchen

Spirit of Cincinnati Partnership Award recognizes an individual or organization that partnered with the CVB to make significant contributions to the local meetings and tourism industry. The honorees were:

• Convention Center Transformation Partners

• State of Ohio

• Hamilton County

• City of Cincinnati

• 3CDC

• The Port

• Messer Construction

• Jostin Construction

• Triversity Construction

• Hargreaves Jones

• TVS Architecture and Interior Design

• Moody Nolan

The Wendell P. Dabney Award recognizes an individual or organization that has diversified the hospitality industry. The honorees were:

• Crystal Kendrick, founder, The Voice of Black Cincinnati

• Natasha Williams, founder, Black Wine Fest

Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Service honors an individual on the front line of the hospitality industry who sets an example through excellent customer service and pride in the Cincy community. The honoree was:

• Patrick McCoy, guest services manager, Parking Management Company

Special Recognition Award

• Captain Alan Bernstein, BB Riverboats

The most important part of any journey is taking the first step. With the re-opening of the Cincinnati Convention Center, Visit Cincy is poised to welcome guests to the city for a great year of business and leisure travel.

On Jan. 21, Visit Cincy celebrated it’s 2026 Annual Meeting, with more than 700 hospitality, business, and civic leaders, including 60 meeting planners, marking the largest gathering in the organization’s 80-year history and the first major business meeting held inside the newly transformed Cincinnati Convention Center following its $264 million investment.

The $264 million-dollar downtown Cincinnati Convention Center is open for business with state-of-the-art amenities, meeting spaces, technology, a dramatic rooftop terrace and the new Elm Street Plaza. The project also includes the future headquarters hotel and a walkable, connected convention district, that flows seamlessly with the Fountain District for a vibrant visitor experience.

The reopening of the Cincinnati Convention Center anchors a revitalized, walkable convention district designed to compete for high-impact national and international events.

“This moment represents years of belief, bold decisions and partnerships coming together with collaboration,” said Julie Calvert, president and CEO of Visit Cincy. “We built a convention district designed for the future, a place where the biggest ideas, the biggest events, and the biggest moments come to life.”

Calvert, who will step down later this month following 25 years with the Visit Cincy, with eight years as President & CEO, was recognized for her leadership and contributions to the community. Those contributions include founding Source Cincinnati, now Cincinnati Experience, to tell Cincinnati’s story to national audiences, the completion of the $264 million renovation of the Cincinnati Convention Center and the launch of the new Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission, among many others.

 Calvert is recognized as a national leader in tourism serving on the board of directors of Destinations International, the world’s leading membership association for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, and tourism boards.

The Visit Cincy Board will name an interim leader and conduct a national search for the next President and CEO.

“Without question, this community is better for Julie’s leadership,” said Scott Robertson, chair of the Visit Cincy Board of Directors. “Her legacy lives on in the people she mentored, the partnerships she forged, and the future she helped unlock for this region.”

Robertson presented Calvert with the Visit Cincy Pinnacle Legacy Spirit Award. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval presented her the Key to the City, and the Hamilton County Board of Commission named January 21, 2026 “Julie Calvert Day.”

New Board of Directors and Leadership for Visit Cincy Elected

At the Visit Cincy annual meeting, the following were elected as directors:

Renewing Directors are: Scott Robertson, Chairman, RCF Group; Steve Mullinger, Ohio Market President, Truist; and Melissa Saladonis, Vice President, Government Relations, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

New At-Large Directors are: Jill Berkemeier, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration, Cincinnati Museum Center; Josh Heuser, Founder, AGAR; Joe Lanni, Co-Founder, Thunderdome Restaurant Group; and Brett Woods, Assistant Vice President, Eagle Realty Group.

The Visitor Economy in Cincinnati has a Billion Dollar Impact

The visitor economy is a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s economic vitality, delivering measurable impact every day across Hamilton County and the broader region. Visitors spend $6.5 billion annually in the Cincy Region, equal to more than $17 million a day, supporting 67,000 jobs and generating $4 billion in wages. In Hamilton County alone, tourism supports 46,000 jobs and produces $229 million in local tax revenue, helping fund public services while accounting for roughly one-quarter of all local business revenue.

Visit Cincy’s Marketing and Sales Momentum

Despite operating during major construction and unforeseen challenges in the national travel industry, Visit Cincy reported strong results in 2025. New convention requests for proposals increased 7 percent despite falling 15 percent overall in the Midwest, and the size of meetings increased 19 percent. Bolstered by a new meetings campaign, website traffic surged 88 percent. A pre-opening industry campaign generated 835 million global impressions, reinforcing Cincinnati’s return to prominence in the meetings and conventions marketplace.

Visit Cincy also unveiled its 2026 destination advertising campaign, “ALWAYS BOLD,” to position Cincinnati with meetings and convention planners and align the city’s brand with its revitalized convention district and growing national profile.

During the Annual Meeting, Visit Cincy highlighted the Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission, a new standalone nonprofit dedicated to attracting and growing high-impact sports events. Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel, and the new commission positions the region to capture increased economic and quality-of-life benefits from youth, amateur, and national competitions.

It’s About time

In times when the world feels heavy, one of the most powerful things we can do is show up, consistently and meaningfully, for someone else. That belief is at the heart of We Mentor Cincy, a local collaborative bringing together 15 mentoring organizations with one shared goal: making it easier for every young person in Cincinnati to have a mentor.

What makes We Mentor Cincy special is its understanding that mentoring isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you have an hour a month or several hours a week, there’s a way to get involved that fits your life. Their website acts as a true mentoring matchmaker, helping potential mentors find opportunities aligned with their time, interests, and comfort level.

Beyond connecting mentors and mentees, the collaborative also supports the people doing the work. Through year-round gatherings, mentors and mentoring organizations come together to network, share best practices, and learn from one another with the goal of strengthening the entire mentoring ecosystem across our city.

That spirit comes to life at We Mentor Cincy’s Annual Mentoring Summit on Feb. 27, which is open to current mentors and anyone curious about getting involved. Even if you’re not matched yet, it’s a powerful way to hear from mentoring experts, connect with local organizations, and take a first step toward impact. Learn more: https://www.wementorcincy.org/mentoring-summit.

The collaborative is also entering an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Cheri Jordan, who is bringing fresh energy and vision to the work. Cheri is actively connecting with potential mentors, helping people find their place in this movement and reminding us that community change often starts with a single conversation. If you’re curious about becoming a mentor, reach out to her at cjordan@cycyouth.org.

In moments of uncertainty, mentorship offers something steady: presence, guidance, and hope. If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to give back in Cincinnati, this might be it.

– Courtney Tomasetti

Heading for Home

Friday, Jan. 16, from 3 to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: reds.com/Redsfest.

Reds Season Ticket Members receive complimentary admission.

Two-day tickets are $40 for adults and $24.99 for kids 12 and younger. One-day tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids.

Children ages three and under are admitted free.

Need a break from winter? Just look at calendar –pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in less than a month.

So it’s really not too early to talk about baseball!

Get ready for this season at Redsfest , the Reds’ fan festival that provides them up-close access to players, coaches and alumni, returning Frida, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17, at the newly renovated Cincinnati Convention Center.

Redsfest features autograph sessions, meet-and-greets with current and former players, interactive games and chances to purchase game-used memorabilia.

Along with the chance to meet current players on the 40-man roster – including All-Star Andrew Abbott, plus Hunter Greene, Tyler Stephenson, TJ Friedl, and Will Benson – fans also can catch up with beloved former players like Bronson Arroyo, Sean Casey, Todd Frazier, and Tucker Barnhart.

RedsFest is also the chance to see what’s going on down on the farm (team), with some of the Reds top prospects stop by, including Alfredo Duno, Sal Stewart, and Rhett Lowder.

Activities across both days of RedsFest include Are you Smarter Than a Reds Heads Member?, Kids Only Press ConferenceReds Feud, Player Story Time, Themed Musical Performances, miniature golf, batting cages and more.

A Call to Serve

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
The National Underground Railroad
Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way
Monday, January 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Admission is free, registration is recommended.

The King Legacy Celebration includes a continental breakfast and time for networking and fellowship before the program begins.
Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with the program starting at 8:30 a.m. Standard tickets ($50) and member tickets ($40) are still available. 

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates the life and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with free admission and programming throughout the day on Monday, Jan. 19.

Prior to the museum’s opening, the Freedom Center welcomes guests for the for the King Legacy Celebration, bringing  together civic leaders, business professionals, activists and community members for an inspirational program. 

Gen Z Historian Kahlil Greene will take the stage as the King Legacy Celebration keynote speaker. A Peabody Awards Winner and TIME100 Creator, Greene is a widely recognized digital educator and journalist who shares insights on history & culture across multiple platforms to inform and inspire young audiences.   

The King Legacy Celebration features WLWT reporter and former anchor Courtis Fuller as emcee and a performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers®, the Grammy-Award winning world-renowned ensemble group comprised of students from Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. The Fisk Jubilee Singers®' visit coincides with the opening of the Freedom Center’s new special exhibit, “Jubilation! Ambassadors on a Sacred Journey,” which explores the founding and early history of the group that introduced African American spirituals to the world.

The day of free admission is made possible through the support of the Fifth Third Foundation as part of the Freedom Center’s Fifth Third Community Days. 

“Educating ourselves and connecting with one another is an essential step in realizing Dr. King’s dream of freedom and equality,” said Woodrow Keown, Jr., president and COO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “We are grateful to Fifth Third Bank for creating a free and accessible entry point for the public on MLK Day to visit the Freedom Center, see our exhibits and engage with our programming.” 

The annual MLK Coalition Freedom March starts at the Freedom Center on Monday, Jan. 19 at 10:30 a.m. Participants are welcome to gather in the warming station inside the southeast corner of the building, courtesy of The Kroger Company. 

University of Cincinnati professor Dr. Holly McGee will give the keynote address at Music Hall, Dr. McGee specializes in U.S. History and African American History, with an emphasis on black women’s activist and intellectual history, comparative political activism in the United States and South Africa, and popular culture in the twentieth century.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the opening of the Freedom Center’s newest exhibit about the Fisk Jubilee Singers®, learn how to get involved with many Cincinnati service organizations, hear engaging speakers and participate in a community blood drive hosted by Hoxworth Blood Center.

A highlight of the Freedom Center’s MLK Day activities is a conversation between Gen Z historian Kahlil Greene and Megan Gerhardt, PhD, Professor of Management at the Farmer School of Business at Miami University. Greene and Gerhardt will discuss ways people across generations can come together and collaborate for social justice. 

“Each generation inherits a different understanding of justice, one that is shaped by the struggles they witnessed and the tools they were, or were not, given,” said Shawnee Turner, VP Education and Interpretation at the Freedom Center. “However, we are all are asking the same question: how do we make the world more fair than we found it?”

Additionally, Freedom Center Social Justice Curator Trudy Gaba will present the history and contributions of Historically Black Benevolent and Mutual Aid Societies. Visitors will also get to drop in on a home ownership symposium presented by Union Savings Bank and Guardian Savings Bank between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Service organizations tabling throughout the Freedom Center include Poverty Liberation Collective, The Zonta Club of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI), Ignite Peace, Groundwork Ohio River Valley and Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME). Hoxworth Blood Center is once again hosting their MLK Day blood drive from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Freedom Center. 

Going Green

As a space for education and artistic development for more than 150 years, the Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) has always been focused on the future. With a recent grant, AAC is also working to make that future more sustainable.

This week, AAC was awarded a $922,212 grant through the Ohio Department of Development’s Advanced Energy Fund to partially complete a comprehensive series of energy-efficiency upgrades at its campus facilities in Over-the-Rhine, located in Hamilton County.

“By significantly lowering long-term utility costs, the Art Academy of Cincinnati will be able to redirect operational savings toward its core mission of educating and supporting emerging artists and designers, while also advancing sustainability goals that benefit the broader Cincinnati community,” said Joe Girandola, president and CEO of the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

The investment will support the replacement of the Academy’s HVAC system, upgrades to water heaters, and improvements to building controls and chillers. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce the Academy’s annual utility energy usage by an estimated 46 percent, one of the highest projected savings rates among recipients in this funding round.

“The Art Academy is actively seeking additional funding from foundations, private donors, and the City of Cincinnati to reach the full capacity of its capital campaign, which focuses on campus improvement in OTR.”

The Advanced Energy Fund provides grants to help educational institutions, nonprofits, municipalities, and businesses reduce energy consumption and operating costs through measurable efficiency improvements. All funded projects must demonstrate a minimum 15 percent reduction in energy usage.

“This investment from the state of Ohio strengthens the Art Academy of Cincinnati for the long term,” said Joe Girandola, President and CEO of the Art Academy of Cincinnati. “By dramatically reducing our energy usage, we are lowering operating costs while making smart, sustainable improvements to our campus that allow us to focus more resources on our students, faculty, and academic programs.”

“What makes the Advanced Energy Fund so unique is that it allows us to help organizations across all sectors stretch their dollars further,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Department of Development. “Whether it’s a school, nonprofit, or a local business, these upgrades mean real savings that can be redirected toward supporting the people and communities they serve.”

“By significantly lowering long-term utility costs, the Art Academy of Cincinnati will be able to redirect operational savings toward its core mission of educating and supporting emerging artists and designers, while also advancing sustainability goals that benefit the broader Cincinnati community,” said Girandola. “The Art Academy is actively seeking additional funding from foundations, private donors, and the City of Cincinnati to reach the full capacity of its capital campaign, which focuses on campus improvement in OTR.”

This award is part of a fourth round of funding totaling more than $8.3 million statewide to support energy-efficiency projects across nine Ohio counties. The Ohio Department of Development administers the Advanced Energy Fund as part of its mission to empower communities by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and institutions.

Block Buster

At a glance

Every element of the Convention Center was designed with the experience in mind, featuring:

• Gross Square Feet: 750,000, including setup and support space

• Exhibition Space: 200,000 contiguous square feet

• Grand Ballroom: 40,000 Square feet, one of the largest in the Midwest

• Additional Ballroom: 17,400 square feet to comfortably host smaller groups

• Meeting space: 30 deluxe breakout rooms with flexibility to accommodate 24 to 4,100.

• Loading Dock: 17 berths and three semi-truck portals that lead directly to exhibition space

• Full-service banquet kitchen: 5,000 served in a single seating

• Levels: 3, multi-level concourse provides easy access to exhibit space, meeting rooms, and ballroom levels.

• Skywalk access to the brand new, 700-room Marriott Headquarters Hotel

Following a $264 million development, the Cincinnati Convention Center has been completely reimagined with modernized meeting rooms, upgraded ballrooms and renovated exhibit hall and pre-function space. In addition, a new expansive rooftop terrace on the third level offers stunning views of Cincinnati's downtown skyline.

The development will pours over to Elm Street Plaza, a new, two-acre park and outdoor convention area convenient for event activations and relaxing breakouts.  The doors facing the Plaza can open up,

The convention center takes its place in Cincinnati’s skyline by welcoming meeting delegates and visitors with its brand-new iconic CINCINNATI sign

The iconic "Cincinnati" sign on the west side of the convention center has been upgraded with LED lights that offer enhanced opportunities. The 10 letters can each have a unique display, with motion graphics, animations or video.

Located in the heart of downtown, the convention center is within a fifteen-minute walk to 3,200 hotel rooms and 5,000 parking spots. Attendees and exhibitors alike will be energized by dozens of new restaurants, nightlife options and destination shopping just steps away from the Center. Four new hotels have opened within the past couple of years, and a future 700-room downtown HQ hotel is planned. 

The first event in the new space will be the return of RedsFest, Jan. 16 and 17.

Watch This

Over the holidays, you probably watched “A Christmas Story” 40 times. You never miss a chance to catch “The Shawshank Redemption” on cable. And you definitely hum along with the Suspension Bridge like you saw in “Rain Man.”

Those are just a few of the films shot in Ohio, which will be honored and celebrated by Ohio Goes to the Movies, an America 250-Ohio Signature Event, with film screenings and events through 2026.

Ohio Goes to the Movies, an America 250-Ohio Signature Event, has released its calendar of 2026 film screenings. The calendar of events is now available at OhioGoesToTheMovies.org and will continue to be updated throughout the celebration.

Ohio Goes to the Movies is a statewide cinematic celebration that officially kicks off on Feb. 11, delivering more than 250 free movie events hosted by local venues in all 88 counties through October as part of Ohio’s official commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. This first ever initiative showcases Ohio’s long-standing influence on American film, its nationally recognized actors and directors and the iconic movies filmed across the state.

Ohio has produced some of the most distinguished talent in Hollywood history, including Halle Berry of Cleveland, Paul Newman of Shaker Heights, Doris Day of Cincinnati, John Lithgow of Akron, Clark Gable of Cadiz, the Russo Brothers of Cleveland and Sarah Jessica Parker of Nelsonville. Their contributions have shaped American cinema for decades and underscore the creative strength rooted in Ohio communities.

The 2026 series also recognizes many of the most popular films made in Ohio. Screenings across the state will feature films such as “The Shawshank Redemption” filmed in Mansfield and Upper Sandusky, “A Christmas Story” filmed in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, “The Avengers” shot in downtown Cleveland and “Rain Man” filmed throughout Cincinnati. These films and others serve as anchor titles for the statewide series, drawing audiences who want to experience Ohio’s storytelling legacy on the big screen.

“Ohio has played a significant role in the history of American film and continues to attract talent, productions and storytelling that resonate around the world,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Ohio Goes to the Movies ensures that residents in every community can participate in the America 250 celebration and rediscover the films that connect us.” 

Molly Kreuzman, program director for Ohio Goes to the Movies, said the initiative reflects the state’s creative depth and community pride. “This celebration honors Ohio’s filmmakers, in front of and behind the camera, and the towns and cities that brought some of America’s most beloved stories to life. By offering more than 250 free events across all 88 counties, we are making the America 250 celebration accessible and meaningful for every Ohioan.”

The calendar of events is now available at OhioGoesToTheMovies.org and will continue to be updated throughout the celebration.

A Look Ahead

BLINK! Oct. 8-11, 2026....Need I say more?

– Leslie Mooney

BLINK is returning in October next year and I cannot wait to see what they have planned for our city! And personally, I want to keep making steps towards becoming a full time content creator and keep using my platform to highlight all the beautiful people and businesses that make our city great.

– Melissa Lewis

BLINK,  Oct. 8–11, 2026. It's already blocked off in my calendar!

– Linsey Kraeling

I think in 2026, Im most looking forward to continuing to grow my brand and build my business and continue to amplify Cincinnati, the city I love so much! Not for fame or money, but because I truly do love our city and I want people to put some respect on our name!

We are a city with so much to offer and I can’t wait to see how BLINK is going to be transformed this year and how our sports teams do in 2026 (a championship of some kind would be amazing!) I am excited to continue to be here to help assist brands and experiences in their growth and development and be the go to guy for people to see what is happening in Cincy! And it will be even better surrounded by friends and family! 

– Andrew Maloney

A World Series in Cincinnati, a Super Bowl Parade at The Banks and an MLS Trophy at TQL Stadium! (Editor’s note: From your lips to God’s ears.

–Jackie Reau

The Children’s Theatre is bringing the Brush Theatre of Seoul’s production of “Doodle Pop” to The Emery this June 2026. The interactive animation projections and live whiteboard drawings are going to be incredible, so unique, and not to be missed!

– Krista Katona Pille

Growing the Pig! I’m looking forward to (hopefully) our biggest Flying Pig Marathon field ever and another year of building community, movement, and joy across Greater Cincinnati.

– Doug Olberding

Opening Day parade and game!

– Bridget England

Cincinnati Opera’s production of “Lalovavi,” set for July will be the is the first work in their three-opera commissioning initiative, The Black Opera Project. With sci-fi influences and the Opera’s usual high standards in production values, it’s not to be missed. It’s also a great reminder that Cincinnati is still home to groundbreaking and innovative arts, with tremendous community support to do new things and inspire change.

– Tricia Suit

I'm doing a beer collaboration for St. Patricks Day!

– Michelle Jones

What do you get when you combine, Art on the Streets, The Cincinnati Parks and Skate Downtown Cincinnati? One crazy amazing and super fun, crowd sourced, wild artistic and a dream come true explosion of art, community, parks and ROLLER SKATING!

I have always dreamed of painting the Sawyer Point Roller Rink, YES! We have a very cool outdoor roller rink right on the riverfront. When Margy Waller of Art on the Streets asked me to be part of the team with Rick Wolf and so many others. to design and paint this roller rink, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Morgan Rigaud worked her magic and we have a fun design that you can come help us paint in April! No roller skating of art experience necessary. Now, that is definitely something to look forward to in 2026!

– Pam Kravetz

I am looking forward to more time with my kids this year, an incredible team that I get to work with and the events and impact we plan on making in 2026!

– Rachel DesRochers

I'm looking forward to seeing which poster wins the Summerfair poster competition for 2026. I love working with the winner and creating all the advertising and merchandise for Summerfair 2026. Save the date: May 29–31, 2026.

– Jayne Utter

The literary scene in Cincy!

– Holly Brians Ragusa

 “Swan Lake” by Cincinnati Ballet with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

– Debbie Brant

In 2026, I’m looking forward to various projects and new opportunities that center storytelling, education, and machine learning in ways that are practical, human, and community-focused. I’m excited to keep building work in Cincinnati across film, technology, and music, collaborating with people who care about craft, clarity, and impact, and staying open to opportunities where those skills can be put to meaningful use.

– Yemi Oyediran

This April, we will name this year’s YWCA Career Women of Achievement and I can’t wait to introduce you to the new class!  Each year, 10 women honored, increasing community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and in the region. Since the program began, almost 400 women have been recognized, creating a powerful academy of past honorees.

– Rickell Howard Smith

Cincy 6: Wild Card

Along with great performances, delightful meals, and milestone events, we asked folks to share the one-of-a-kind experiences – large and small – that made this year truly unforgettable to them.

Rickell Howard Smith with John Pepper and Barbara Turner.

The highlight of my year was opening the Francie Garber Pepper House of Healing. This trauma-informed, pet-friendly shelter that doubled YWCA Greater Cincinnati’s capacity to serve survivors of domestic violence. This new space will ensure survivors have the dignity, support and resources they need to thrive.

The shelter is at the heart of YWCA’s Mission Forward campaign, which supports critical investments in shelter renovation, expanded racial justice and gender equity advocacy as well as long-term sustainability. Years planning and development, the shelter buildd hope, resilience, and a future free from violence. 

– Rickell Howard Smith

Personally, it was an incredibly exciting year as I was named the Executive Director of BLINK in July 2025. Leading the nation's largest projection mapping festival, and one of Cincinnati's biggest tourism drivers and beloved traditions, is a big challenge and a huge honor.

– Leslie Mooney

Getting nominated by the “Cincinnati Enquirer” as a Top 50 Content Creator, being interviewed by Michelle Hopkins for her show “Come Have Coffee with Michelle” for my content creation work, and having the opportunity for a period to go on “Now on the Nati” on Fox19 monthly with my husband to talk about our favorite small business in the city were HUGE highlights for me. It is such an amazing experience to be able to love on your city and for your city to love on you back and to show recognition for your hard work. It's incredible!

There is no other city like Cincinnati, where they scoop you up, embrace you, and make you one of their own and that means the world to me.

– Melissa Lewis

The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade at The Banks.

– Jackie Reau

The Banks goes Green!

The response to the release of “King of Them All.” Watching people locally and beyond connect to the story of King Records and Cincinnati’s role in shaping American music has been humbling. It reinforced something I believe deeply: when stories are rooted honestly in place, they find their own momentum.

– Yemi Oyediran

Doug Olberding on the run with East Side Running Club.

The Pig on Tour, without question. I ran with 36 different running groups between January and early November 2025, and what I learned is that running has become one of the most powerful ways people create community in a sometimes disconnected world. There’s something special about showing up, moving together, and realizing how many different kinds of people find connection through running.

– Doug Olberding

I think there were a few really incredible experiences in Cincy this year that I got to experience! I think The FIFA Club World Cup was really remarkable and made a great name for Cincy worldwide compared to some of the other cities who hosted and how Cincy was walkable and fun and safe and how the stadium was central to everything, unlike cities hosting the 2026 World Cup!

I also really enjoyed the Savannah Bananas coming to Cincinnati! My family went for my birthday and it was so much fun, I even got to run the bases with the Bananas! Definitely a highlight!

– Andrew Maloney

Bridget and crew on Opening Day.

Opening Day Parade with Bronson Arroyo, 96 Rock, and the Business Courier.

– Bridget England

Opening Day, quite rightly, gets a lot of attention. But this year the only Reds game I made it to was their final home game. You remember, the game with THAT catch by Marte? It was amazing to see it in person, with a mostly full house of other people shirking their responsibilities to cheer for the home team, together.

–Tricia Suit

Attending the James Taylor concert with my niece who knew al the words and wasn't born when they were recorded.

– D. Lynn Meyers

Hiking at Bender Mountain Nature Preserve.

– Linsey Kraeling

At the end of last year I got to be in the performance of Giselle.  I was on stage with the Cincinnati Ballet on Music Hall’s stage with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra playing. Can you say EPIC?!

I'm still relishing in that.

– Michelle Jones

I have to say hosting Katie Couric was an absolute highlight of my year, building an entire market across the purple people bridge- I mean, come on how cool, but I also have to give a nod to Luminary in New York City for having me come speak at their women's summit this year! A 30 hour whirlwind trip to speak to an incredible group of women!

– Rachel DesRochers

Seeing Elder High School and St. Xavier High School play for the GCL title in front of 23,000 at Paul Brown Stadium was a thrill. The community energy was unforgettable.

More events like that in that space, please!

– Krista Katona Pille

Contributing two chapters to “Tarbellpalooza” – a book curated and edited by Greg Hand, that recognizes Jim Tarbell and the event on Dec 9 at the Mercantile Library celebrating a double book launch along with Buck Niehoff’s biography, “Tarbell.”

– Holly Brians Ragusa

Salman Rushdie at Memorial Hall through the Mercantile Library, on a Sunday morning, was such a surprising event.

– John Faherty 

Seeing Joe Jordan's first sold out concert at MOTR.

– Debbie Brant

I was over the moon excited to be invited to perform on stage at the Carnegie Arts Center in Covington as the Narrator in the production of “The Rocky Horror Show” in October. Reprising my role from 2024. I hadn't performed on stage since I was Winnie the Pooh in Indian Hill High School's production of “Winnie the Pooh,” in 1979. I still remember my line, “Tut tut, it looks like rain!”

Being on stage with this rockstar cast, lead by Dusty Ray Bottoms as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the fantastic crew led by our inspiring director, Eric Byrd was an unforgettable experience. As a theater lover and patron, to get the behind the scenes view of how all the magic comes together was wild. All the talent, the timing, the lights, the sets, the sounds, the costumes each a brilliant part of the puzzle that makes the theater come to life. I loved being part of it. Have you been to a theater production at the Carnegie? No? what are you waiting for? Come check it out lead by the visionary theater director Tyler Duncan Gabbard. And who knows, maybe they’ll do a production of “Winnie the Pooh,” right after “Carrie, The Musical.”

– Pam Kravetz

I am so lucky to have great friends and family that surround me with calm and positive vibes. Whether they are near or far I feel their love and I am so thankful.

–Jayne Utter

Cincy 6: The Big Events

Sometimes we take to the streets to celebrate the city, raising our steins each year. Other times we get together for something brand new that reminds us about the many things we love about our community.

The Saturday night of the weekend of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati was my favorite event of 2025...Hearing the fireworks go off for a big Reds victory over the Cubs next door at Great American Ballpark, selling Oktoberfest merch in the big tent, and closing out the night by belting out “Sweet Caroline” with hundreds of my newest friends, all in one of Cincinnati's best award-winning parks was a quintessential Cincinnati experience. 

A close second was the triumphant return of a beloved community tradition, CliftonFest. The all-day Art & Music festival featured some amazing local bands, craft vendors, chalk art and delicious food all organized by the Clifton Cultural Arts Center!

– Leslie Mooney

The annual Lytle Park Wine and Food Festival is a big highlight for me too. Getting to speak directly with wine makers while sipping a glass of wine in the beautiful park just makes me fall in love with Cincinnati all over again.

– Melissa Lewis

The “Iris Simpson Bush” Finish Swine at the Flying Pig Marathon.

– Jackie Reau

Sorry, but I’m biased on this one. Flying Pig Marathon Weekend, hands down. What other event draws more than 40,000 participants for a 26.2-mile celebration of the collaborative spirit of this region? Every year it feels like magic.

– Doug Olberding 

I was honored to be chosen as one of the Enquirer Women of the Year and the annual luncheon was a celebration of the number of way women serve in this region.

It was so uplifting meet each the other honorees, but also have the chance to meet Women of the Year from the past. I was inspired by their stories and how much they have done – and still do – in the community. I can’t wait for next year’s event to reconnect with so many great women!

– Rickell Howard Smith

FIREWORKS! It's never the same, it's never ordinary, it lifts my spirit and makes me feel like I can fly!

– D. Lynn Meyers

The return of Run Like Hell 5K

– Bridget Rock

KWF Gala, Contemporary Arts Center: Cuisine Art Cocktails, America’s River Roots, Oktoberfest, Christmas bars and events in Cincy, outdoor concerts .

– Michelle Jones

Power to Pursue Summit at Music Hall with Katie Couric! What an absolute blast to gather almost 900 women together for a day of connection, community and impact!

– Rachel DesRochers

America’s River Roots, Oct. 8–12, brought riverboats back to the Public Landing, along with food, music, bourbon, and beer on both sides of the river! Though new this year it felt like an established tradition in many ways.

America’s River Roots was so much fun and nostalgic! Just loved seeing all of the boats and exploring both the Kentucky and Ohio side of the river.

My annual tradition however is Opening Day! I’ve been going since I was 6 and started going with my Grandma and our family has continued that tradition! I host an Opening Day Parade party at my apartment every year for family and friends to come to and then we go watch the parade on race street and head to the game! I am a big sports fan and am even a Rosie Red and have season tickets to FCC, The Bengals and the Reds!

– Andrew Maloney

America's River Roots Festival. It was so great to revisit a relic of Cincinnati past (Tall Stacks) and share in festivities and live music with the city.

– Linsey Kraeling

Taking a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez during America’s River Roots was so much fun! It was a wonderful combo of New Orleans hospitality and Cincinnati/NKY scenery. It was a great way to get reacquainted with our river and it’s past and present

– Tricia Suit

America’s River Roots!!! What a uniquely new way to bring us all together highlight the history of our region!  It was an honor to author the Freedom Journey and RiverWalk Apps!

– Holly Brians Ragusa

So many incredible yearly happenings to share, but there is one that has my heart – Visionary and Voices Double Vision Fundraiser at Memorial Hall. V&V is a non-profit and is an inclusive arts organization providing creative, professional and educational opportunities for adults with disabilities. Double Vision pairs V&V artists with professional artists in the community to create a wonderful partnership and incredible artwork for auction. I am honored to have emceed the Double Vision Fundraiser along with two cowboy auctioneers (REAL COWBOYS that are cattle auctioneers) and many of the V&V artists join us on stage to help with the bidding. It is such a beautiful, silly, creative event and a ,good people doing good things kind of a happening.' I love it!

– Pam Kravetz

We had the best time at the Rockin' the Roebling Summer Concert Series at Moerlein Lager House. It felt like a getaway in our own backyard. The view of the Bridge is second to none and hearing local bands there is a blast!

– Krista Katona Pille

Opening Day always makes me happy.

– John Faherty

Volunteering as the “Santa family,” welcoming people into Music Hall for the Holiday Pops concerts, remains one of the purest joys of the year. There’s something special about greeting strangers who are already in a good mood and helping set the tone for their night.

We rang in the New Year at the NYE Pops concert, then headed to JMR’s house for Hoppin’ John, as tradition demands. These moments aren’t flashy on their own, but together they explain why Cincinnati feels like home to me.

– Yemi Oyediran

Train of Thought

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave.

Now through Jan. 5, 2026. Open Daily 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Free for Members or included with admission.
More at www.cincymuseum.org/holiday-junction.

It’s that time of year, when I’m constantly looking for ways to keep the holiday magic alive for the kids without actually having to freeze outside in the cold.

Looking for a warm adventure, we bundled everyone up and headed to Union Terminal to check out Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains. As a mom of two littles, Rose (2) and Ruby (8 months) finding an indoor activity that entertains both a toddler and a baby is tricky, but this turned out to be the perfect morning.

From the moment we walked in, the girls were hooked. We started out playing with the interactive snow projection, which was a huge hit. Rose got right to work "building" snowmen, and honestly, I think she would have been happy staying there all day! But the sound of distant train whistles beckoned us further in.

This year marks the 79th season of the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, and the display is just spectacular. Before we even got to the main event, Rose was enchanted by the little toy trains and tracks set up for the kids to play with. It was the perfect warm-up. When we moved to the big train exhibit, Rose was absolutely mesmerized. The layout features over 300 rail cars and 50 locomotives, and seeing it through my daughter's eyes was the best part. Even 8-month-old Ruby was in on the fun! She loved watching the trains zoom by and perked up every time she heard the steam whistles and bells.

We spent a good 20 minutes just soaking it all in. Rose was running from spot to spot, pointing out tiny snowmen and the little presents carried by the trains. We even spotted a model train set that was over 100 years old! There is so much history wrapped up in this exhibit, yet it feels brand new to the kids every time.

Of course, we had to visit the Big Man himself.

Yes, Santa Claus is in the building! He’s set up by a cozy fireplace in the Ruthven Gallery, waiting to hear holiday wishes. I was a little nervous because, toddlers. But this year was a success! Rose was very timid, but there were no tears (a major upgrade from last year!). She managed to tell Santa she wanted an Elsa and Anna doll, and we wished him a Merry Christmas. Ruby was fascinated by Santa’s beard—I was holding my breath, hoping she wouldn't yank it like she does with my husband’s beard, but she kept her hands to herself!

Just when we thought the fun was over, we hit Brickopolis on the way out. This is a massive LEGO display featuring a metropolis with running trains and funny little scenes. Rose decided right then and there that she loves LEGOS (something she has never shown any interest in before that moment.) We spent another 10 minutes making little LEGO towers before we finally peeled ourselves away to head to the exit.

The sign of a truly successful outing? Once we were in the car, both girls were napping within minutes, dreaming of trains and twinkling lights. If you need a fun spot to get the wiggles out and soak up some holiday cheer, definitely add Holiday Junction to your list!

– Shae Huth

Who’s on First?

Friday, Jan. 16, 3 to 10:30 p.m.,
Saturday, Jan. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Downtown Cincinnati Convention Center
525 Elm St.

• Two-day tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for kids 12 and younger.

• One-day tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids. Children three and under are admitted free.

• Reds Season Ticket Members will receive complimentary admission.

The first 10,000 fans in attendance each day will receive a Redsfest drawstring bag and sticker sheet.

Get tickets now at www.reds.com/Redsfest.

While we all adjust to the reality of the Bengals not making the playoffs this year, Cincinnati sports fans can take comfort that pitchers and catchers will be reporting to Spring Training in just over two months!

Even sooner, Redsfest presented by PNC is retuning Jan. 16 and 17, as the first event in the newly renovated Downtown Cincinnati Convention Center.

Among the current players scheduled to appear are 2025 All-Star pitcher Andrew Abbott, outfielder TJ Friedl, catcher Tyler Stephenson and pitcher Graham Ashcraft. There will also be Reds Hall of Famers on hand, including Sean Casey (Friday only), Danny Graves (Saturday only), Marty Brennaman (Saturday only) and Bronson Arroyo! Other alumni include outfielder Austin Kearns along with catchers Devin Mesoraco and Tucker Barnhart, among many others. Manager Terry Francona and his full coaching staff are also expected to be in attendance.

After a two-year hiatus due to the convention center’s closure, Redsfest is back with fun for the whole family, featuring autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with current and former players, interactive games for fans of all ages, game-used and authentic memorabilia, and much more.

All proceeds from Redsfest benefit the Reds Community Fund’s baseball and softball-themed outreach programs.

More than 400 volunteers per day are needed to help make Redsfest a fun and successful experience for all fans. Volunteers will receive a meal voucher, parking stipend, and a ticket voucher good for two tickets to a 2026 Reds game.

On the Bright Side

Cincinnati Nights of Lights

Clermont County Fairgrounds
1000 Locust St., Owensville
Gates open at 5 p.m., close at 10 p.m.

Tickets: $30 (+$3 service fee) per carload
up to 8 people
No limos, RVs, buses longer than 21 feet.

Tickets at queencitylightshow.com.

The holiday season is officially upon us, and if you're anything like my husband, Eli, and I, you're constantly on the lookout for fun, family-friendly activities that also allow for maximum coziness (especially with little ones in tow!). Well, let me tell you, we found a winner: the Cincinnati Nights of Lights in Owensville!

We decided to kick off our festive celebrations by heading to opening night, and it was everything we hoped for and more. Imagine this: you're snuggled up in your car, toasty warm, with big travel mugs of hot chocolate (Eli and I highly recommend this part!), and your favorite people by your side. That's exactly how we rolled into the light show.

Our littlest, Ruby, who's 8 months old, was already in dreamland by the time we arrived. She completely snoozed through the entire magical journey – a testament to how smooth and relaxing the experience is! Rosie, our two-year-old, was perfectly content, happily munching on snacks and bundled up in her favorite blanket.

Upon entering, we were instructed to tune our car radio to a specific station, and then the real magic began! The music was perfectly in sync with all the dazzling lights, creating an immersive and enchanting atmosphere. Lighted arrows throughout the show made navigating a breeze, so we could just sit back and soak it all in.

Rosie was absolutely mesmerized, especially by the light tunnels! Each one felt like we were driving through a kaleidoscope of color, and the jolly holiday music playing along made her little feet want to dance.

But the absolute most magical moment of the evening happened right at the very end. As we were driving past a giant, shimmering lighted Elsa display, Rosie's favorite song, "Let it Go," started playing on the radio! You should have seen her eyes twinkle with pure excitement and wonder. It was a picture-perfect moment that truly encapsulated the joy of the holidays.

The Cincinnati Nights of Lights was a fantastic start to our holiday season, offering a delightful and super cozy way to experience the festive spirit. If you're looking for a low-key, high-magic outing with your family this year, we wholeheartedly recommend it! Get those hot chocolates ready, grab your coziest blankets, and prepare for a twinkling good time.