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
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