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.

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 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

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

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 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: Wild Card

Cincy 6: A Look Ahead

Cincy 6: The Big Events