All Greek to Me

If your knowledge of Greek culture starts with alpha and ends with Zorba, you need to visit the 48th Annual PANEGYRI Greek Festival.

Panegryi 2023

Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Church
7000 Winton Road

Friday, June 23, 5 – 11 p.m
Saturday, June 24, 3 – 11 p.m.
Sunday, June 25, 1 – 8 p.m

www.htsnchurch.org/event/panegyri/home

Admission: $3 per person, Children 12 and under free. New this year, weekend pass $5. A portion of admission is donated to the Freestore Foodbank, The Good Shepherd Food Pantry and The Holy Transfiguration Community Garden.

Parking: FREE parking and shuttle bus service available at St. Xavier High School.

When the festival began in 1975, it was a way to share Greek culture and heritage with the larger community. Loosely translated, Panegyri means “festival for everyone.” At this year’s event you’ll find food, dancing, music, and history.

In their agora (open-air market), you’ll find a cultural exhibit centered around three pivotal figures of world history: Pericles, Alexander the Great, and Constantine the Great, and their contribution to our civilization.

Developed by the Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Church’s Greek language school, the exhibit also includes items of folklore such as traditional costumes and the contributions of contemporary Greek culture.

The market­place also includes jewelry, fine linens, Byzantine icons and other religious items, and Kofinas Greek Olive Oil.

Traditional Greek dancing takes center stage, literally, throughout the weekend. But when the dancers aren’t performing, they will be teaching “Learn to Dance Greek” lessons. So if the bouzouki music moves you, you can try out Greek dance steps!

But perhaps the biggest draw to the Panegyri is the food. From delectable appetizers to full-course dinners, you’ll enjoy every bite prepared by volunteers from the best ingredients and following traditional recipes. Dinners include your choice of four entrees –chicken, moussaka, pastitsio, or tiropita/spanakopita – served with rice, Greek-style green beans, Greek salad and bread. You’ll also find gyros, Greek pizza, and even Skyline, which was founded by Greek immigrants. And don’t miss the saganaki – flaming cheese – for a real thrill!

Of course, no Greek meal is complete without dessert. Inside the Main Hall, you’ll find a variety of authentic Greek pastries including baklava (fillo dough, layered with walnuts, sugar, and spices, then drenched with honey syrup), Kataifi (finely shredded fillo wrapped around a filling of grounds nuts, then dipped in honey syrup, and Pasta Flora (a delicate shortbread crust, filled with either apricot or raspberry preserves).

If you’re interested in bringing the secrets of Greek food home, you can attend one of their cooking demonstrations offered throughout the weekend.

Father Time

Father’s Day is Sunday – THIS Sunday.

Instead of settling for a boring card, go for the gold and grab the dad or father figure in your life, a great gift or experience you know he’ll love.

Consider a day trip on the river: Loveland Canoe & Kayak lets choose your own adventure along the river. When you return to dry land, enjoy a walk through Downtown Loveland and refuel a one of the many restaurants or bars.

Hit the links, in AC: 5 Iron Golf, which recently opened in The Foundry across from Fountain Square, has a Father’s Day special, offering 15% off sim rentals and hitting packages, golf lessons, and more. With half off on sims and apps on Fridays and Saturdays after 7 p.m., you can give it a try before Sunday!

Play that funky music! It’s always a party at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. With a summer lineup the includes The Beach Boys, KC & The Sunshine Band, and Live (with Bush just announced!), you can spend time rocking out together.

Yes, Chef! If dad is manning the grill this weekend, give him everything he needs to create the Jeff Ruby Experience at home with their cook-at-home Family Meal Kits. Carefully packaged with full cooking and preparation instructions, they are available for pick-up and deliver.

Is he more of a car guy? Pull up to Gears and Beers at MadTree in Oakley. He cab bring his own classic, foreign, or sports car to show off or walk through and enjoy talking shop with other gearhead, then watch the Formula 1 race. Add in Catch-a-Fire Pizza, and a dog- and kid-friendly patio, it promises to be a hit with the whole family.

Stop by the city’s newest “City within a City” at Factory 52: If dad loves to be among the first to visit the newest spots in town, this is a good one. Factory 52, once the site of the historic United States Playing Card Company, is now a 20-acre community with shops, restaurants, and even picklebaball! Check out Gatherall, an open-concept space with a brewery, taproom and of course, good eats.

Get back to nature! Does spending time in the great outdoors sound like the perfect gift for dad? Check out Cincinnati Parks’ newest list of the city’s six best parks to hike!

At Full Strength

If you’re looking to be your best self, look no further than Anchor Wellness Center.

The company, which prides itself on employing experts in physical therapy, nutritional therapy, strength training and more, is opening its second location in Evendale.

Anchor Wellness Center
10400 Reading Road, Suite 200

The new Evendale location has an open house on June 17, 10 am to 1 pm. Refreshments served. Free.

More about Anchor Wellness.

Anchor Wellness invites you to join them this weekend as they celebrate the grand opening of this new location!

“We are thrilled to finally open the doors of the Anchor Wellness Center to the community of Evendale,” said Dr. Sarah Crawford, founder of the center and WAVE Physical Therapy + Pilates, included in the Evendale and Kenwood locations.

By bringing together a diverse group of independent health and wellness entrepreneurs under one roof, Anchor Wellness Center hopes to revolutionize the healthcare landscape in Evendale. All of these professionals share a common vision of providing highly specialized, collaborative and client-centric care, focusing on empowering individuals to take ownership of their health and wellness journeys.

“Our mission is to provide a truly holistic and personalized approach to health and wellness,” says Dr. Crawford. “By bringing together and supporting independent practitioners who are leaders in their respective fields, we aim to offer a unique and comprehensive healthcare experience that is tailored to the individual needs of our clients.”

The open house on Saturday will offer residents of Evendale and the surrounding areas the opportunity to discover the range of services offered by the Anchor Wellness Center. Attendees can expect to meet passionate and dedicated practitioners who are committed to delivering top-notch care. In the spirit of collaboration, trusted and highly vetted local businesses will be on site as well showcasing their businesses with giveaways including B12 shots, treats and more.

To date, options for collaborative health and wellness services have been limited for Evendale residents, and Anchor Wellness Center is excited to fill this void by bringing its high-quality, concierge-like services, all under one roof, to the area. The center offers a wide range of services, including physical therapy, nutrition therapy, massage therapy, health coaching, pilates rehab, yoga therapy, strength training and mental health therapy.

This multidisciplinary approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their well-being.

During the open house event, guests will have the opportunity to tour the space, meet practitioners and learn about the various services available as well as get to know other locally owned community businesses. There will be raffle prizes including a Grand Raffle of an Annual All-Access Pass to the Anchor Wellness Center which include annual services to all of the providers in the center values at over $12,500!

“This is an opportunity to explore what out-of-network care and whole-body health looks like and its positive impact on your life. We look forward to being part of the Evendale community and bringing collaborative care to the northwest region of Cincinnati.”

Mangiamo!

Eating is a must – and completely unavoidable anyway – at Newport’s Italianfest, which kicks off this weekend along Riverboat Row.

The festival celebrates and honors Italian culture, food, music and more.

2022 Newport Italianfest

Thursday, June 8, 5–11 p.m.
Friday, June 9, 5–11 p.m.
Saturday, June 10, 12–11 p.m.
Sunday, June 11, 12–9 p.m.

Riverboat Row, between the Taylor-Southgate and the Purple People Bridges (below Newport on the Levee/Aquarium).

For more info on Italianfest, click here.

The event began in 1991, when then Mayor Thomas Guidugli and Commissioner Jerry Peluso saw a need for the community to celebrate the region’s rich cultural history and reflect the pride that Newport citizens have for their community. That commitment evolved into the the annual Italianfest.

The city-sponsored event is produced by a core of dedicated volunteers. Over the years, Italianfest has evolved from a small event with five food vendors and 5,000 visitors into one of the region's liveliest, family-oriented festivals nThis year, more tha n120,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Concrete Jungle

Saturday, June 10, 1 p.m.
Holy Grail Tavern & Grille 161 Joe Nuxhall Way

Get tickets!

Bengal Jim and friends celebrate the induction of Ken Riley into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Bengals aren’t the only ones training for the season; the fans are warming up, too!

This Saturday, Bengal Jim and friends are prepping their WHO DEYS for Round 3 of the Jungle to the Hall, an events to honor Bengal greats.

Bengals fans, players and legends will join together to celebrate the induction of Ken Riley into the National Football Hall of Fame this August. Bengals fans are invited to share the hashtag #JungleToTheHall, as the organizers make a push for Bengal legends, Kenny Anderson, Willie Anderson and more to join him in Canton.

Bengals legends scheduled to appear include Ken Riley I, Ken Anderson, Dave Lapham, Dan Hoard, Geoff Hobson, David Fulcher, Jim Breech, Eric Thomas, Soloman Wilcots Glenn Bujnoch and Joe Kelly, as well as current Bengals RB Chase Brown and OL Ted Karras.

At Jungle to the Hall, fans can pick up Bengals merchandise from Black Owned, Koch’s Sporting Goods, Cincy Bobs, Bengals Bids, and more.

Bursting with Pride

Pride month, which starts today, honors the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a huge tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.

This year, Cincinnati Pride celebrates 50 years, with events planned at the Zoo, a Reds’ game, and Kings Island, and special Pride night swims, movie nights, and more.

Celebrate Cincinnati Pride!

This month, organizations around the region are celebrating Pride!

The celebration starts at Rhinegeist on Thursday, June 1 from 4–7 p.m. with PRIDEGEIST and Miss Major release party featuring a clothing drive hosted by Transform Cincy. Everyone who contributes to the clothing drive will receive a coupon redeemable for a $1 pint.

The new beer is named in honor of trans woman activist and community leader Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. A Berliner-style sour ale with lemon andsStrawberry, this is Rhinegeist’s annual brew celebrating PRIDE!

A portion of each pint sold of Miss Major 2023 will go to Transform Cincy, a non-profit that provides free wardrobes, with everything they need head to toe, to transgender and gender non-conforming youth.

On June 2, join The Oakley Soap Co. and Transform Cincy for a melt-and-pour soapmaking class at Creative House Art and Design in Covington. 

Each participant will get to make and take home their own bar of soap, and enjoy a mocktail or cocktail at their “secret bar.” The event is also a fundraiser, with $4 from every bar donated to Transform Cincy.

Multiple sessions are available, starting at the top of each hour.  Walk-ins are welcome but sign-ups are encouraged! Sign up here!

The region’s official pride Pride celebration is June 24. The parade through downtown Cincinnati steps off at 11 a.m. and is followed by the Cincinnati Pride Festival, a family-friendly event at Sawyer Point Park. The parade’s grand marshal and the full line-up of entertainment at the festival should be released soon!

School's in Session

Attention, students!

Bigger Than Sneakers
2643 Erie Ave.

www.biggerthansneakers.org

Bigger Than Sneakers Academy is in session!

BTS Academy is a FREE two week summer program that connects area youth to leaders in the fashion merchandising and footwear industries. These connections are enhanced with hands-on activities that foster their creativity and entrepreneurial aspirations.

Though the summer session is full, BTS works with youth in the community throughout the year.

This program also serves to create a cohort of upcoming 10th–12th grade students to promote youth empowerment and workforce development. BTS works with a number of community partners offering great opportunities to students.

“In addition to accessing mentors, workshops, and activities at BTS Academy, receives a FREE iPad loaded with state-of-the-art technology to use during the program and beyond,” a BTS spokesperson explained. “We'll also be awarding stipends to top students in the program, which can be used toward higher education or for students to start their own brands.”

Roll on in

Kings Island is kicking off the summer this Memorial Day weekend by honoring the nation’s military with free admission.

Beginning Friday through Monday, active and retired military members can receive free entry into the park simply by showing their military ID at the front gate. 

Discounts also are available online for friends and family.  The park will also open its 35-acre Soak City water park, and debut the brand-new nighttime fireworks and drones spectacular. All the details are online at visitkingsisland.com. 

A Place in the Sun

Coney Island
6201 Kellogg Avenue
www.coneyislandpark.com

2023 Weekend Daily Ticket
$17 for Juniors / $24.50 for General Admission

2023 Weekend After 4 p.m. Ticket
$8.99 for Juniors / $12.99 for General Admission

You may know Coney Island as the home to Sunlite Pool, but this summer you can dive into a lot of new attractions!

The park’s new expansion includes pickleball, soccer pool, fowling and more, just a five-minute walk from Sunlite Water Adventure. 

Coney Island is keeping up with the nation's fastest growing sport with four new pickleball courts. Court rentals will be available hourly, with discounts available for Adventure Passholders. 

“Coney Island is a great place for families and friends to connect, have fun, and make memories together,” says Tricia Mullin, a marketing consultant with Coney Island. “The same can said for pickleball. More and more people are giving it a try and are finding the game to be a lot of fun, just like Coney Island. It’s a perfect fit.”

The all new Sports Alley dares kids to make friends and play outside all afternoon! Open daily from 1 to 6 p.m., the space is monitored by an attendant.

At Sports Alley guests will find

Soccer Pool

Soccer Pool, a unique mash-up of soccer and billiards, levels the playing field for athletes and non-athletes alike. Players compete on a large, ground-level billiard table and strategically kick a white soccer cue ball to knock their team’s colored soccer balls into side pockets. Rental is free by leaving a season pass or ID with an attendant. 

Street Curling

No ice needed! Street curling brings Olympic-sized fun to Coney Island, Players slide heavy stones across a synthetic surface toward a target to win points over their friends. Rental is free by leaving a season pass or ID with an attendant. 

On weekends, 12– 6 p.m., guests can also enjoy

Fowling

Try your hand at this unusual combination of bowling and football. Fowling dares guests to throw a football a cornhole distance to knock down 10 bowling pins. Coney Island will offer three “lanes” of this popular, unpredictable, and often comical game. Rental is free by leaving a season pass or ID with our attendant. 

Disc Golf

Current players and newbies alike will enjoy the lush green playing field of Coney Island’s expansive, park-like property.

Guests are welcome to bring their own discs and enjoy four practice holes at their leisure. A limited number of discs will also be available for free rental by leaving a season pass or ID with our attendant. 

The all new fun joins classic attractions which are FREE weekends

Storybook Paddleboats

Passholders and guests are welcome to take a short jaunt to beautiful Lake Como to make their storybook imaginations come alive as they enjoy paddleboats adorned with five-foot-tall swans and dragons.! Storybook Paddleboats are available from noon – 6pm on weekends. Rentals are free to season passholders by leaving a season pass or ID with an attendant. 

Cincy Mini-Golf

Passholders and guests have an opportunity to relax and enjoy a friendly golf game under a cool canopy of trees. Players of all ages will recognize popular Cincinnati icons at every hole, including Fiona the Hippo, Union Terminal, Skyline Chili, a Flying Pig, and Coney Island’s lighthouse. Miniature golf is free to season passholders by leaving a season pass or ID with an attendant during play.  

Sunlite Water Adventure water park is the focal point of summer at Coney Island. Measuring more than a football field and holding more than 3 million gallons of crystal clear water, Sunlite Pool is the nation’s largest circulating swimming pool. It offers more than an acre of shallow water for newer swimmers, while the poolside attractions include ¼ mile of water slides, Cannonball Cove dive pool, Typhoon Tower kids’ splash area, dining, private cabanas, and more. 

Coney Island also hosts a number of great events throughout the summer, including, Summerfair coming up June 2–4 and the Annual Balloon Glow, this year on Monday, July 3. After a day of fun in the sun, music from 1990s Something starts at 6 p.m. At 8 p.m., balloons will begin their glow and hover, while safely tethered, above the crowd. This visual gorgeous display continues until the Rozzi’s Fireworks Finale over shimmering Lake Como

“Coney Island truly is Cincinnati’s best seasonal, family-friendly gathering place,” says Mullin. “It’s an optimal location for festivals and group events, like Balloon Glow, that brings families and friends together for a day of fun, food, friends, and fireworks.

In Full Swing

During the 2023 season, members of the LPGA Tour will play for more than $100 million across 33 official events. The Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, held in Cincinnati this September, has increased its purse to to $2 million, up from $1.75 million in 2022.

“The Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G is more than a professional golf tournament,” said Kate Meyer, Kroger vice president of Health & Beauty Merchandising. “It’s also a game-changing platform to advance women in sports, business, and education. This effort includes the Queen City Game Changers Leadership Program that recently graduated 135 Cincinnati-based women from both corporate and entrepreneurial backgrounds. Additionally, this September the Kroger Foundation and P&G’s Always® Brand will award 23 scholarships to diverse female students from across the country – expanding our reach from the 5 scholarships awarded the prior year.”

The second annual tournament will be hosted from Sept. 6 to 10 at Kenwood Country Club, featuring a field of 144 of the world’s best golfers. The event is broadcast domestically on Golf Channel with more than 12 hours of live coverage and is distributed around the globe to more than 220 countries.

“P&G is excited to join Kroger in increasing the purse of our tournament to $2 million as part of our joint commitment to elevate the game changers of tomorrow – both on and off the course,” said Pat Cady, P&G senior vice president of sales. “We look forward to seeing the world’s best golfers competing in our hometown with amazing fan experiences onsite, brought to you by P&G brands like Pampers, Secret, Dawn, Febreze, Swiffer, Mr. Clean, Tide, Gain, Gillette and many others.” 

The inaugural Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G welcomed over 50,000 fans at Kenwood Country Club in 2022. More than 70 local and national partners supported the tournament, and 700 volunteers served in a variety of roles throughout the week.

“The additional purse support from Kroger and P&G is continuing to drive the LPGA forward and provide opportunities for these incredible women to showcase their talent,” said Casey Ceman, vice president of Tournament Business Affairs, LPGA. “This is setting an example for other tournaments and showcasing how co-title sponsors can raise the bar for support of the LPGA Tour.”

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Ticket and hospitality packages are available now at queencitylpga.com.

Building Hope

Cincinnati Canstruction
Can-Do Celebration

Friday, May 19
5:30–7:30 p.m.

Black Box Theater at the Aronoff Center
Corner of Seventh and Main Streets

Tickets $20, includes admission and light appetizers provided by Cincinnati COOKS!. Cash bar available.

Categories are Best Original Design, Structural Ingenuity, Best Use of Labels and Best Meal.

 Get tickets now!

If you’ve ever built a fort out of pillows, a secret lair from a giant box, or a wall out of canned goods, Canstruction is made for you!

This is the first year since 2019 the Canstruction has been held in Cincinnati.

An international community service project of the design and construction industry to benefit community food banks, local teams design and build incredible structures from canned good. In Cincinnati, teams from BHDP, Champlin Architects, CSA, Danis, FFE Engineering and Architecture, GBBN, HDR, Hixson, Huseman Group, MA Design, MSA Design, SHP, and Turner are participating in this year’s competition.

Photos by Shae Combs

The 2023 Canstruction locations are

• The Weston Gallery, 650 Walnut St.

• Hertz Center, 600 Vine St.

• The Scripp Center, 312 Walnut St.

• Atrium 1 and 2, 221 E. Fourth St.

• First Financial, 255 E. Fifth St.

• GBBN Lobby, 332 E. Eighth St.

The architects, engineers, designers and contractors build fantastic giant-sized structures made entirely out of canned foods. The creations are on view to the general public as a giant art project. But at the close of the competition, all of the food used in the structures is donated to the local food bank for distribution to community emergency feeding programs.

Through the generosity of volunteers, celebrity jurors and members of the community, Cincinnati Canstruction has contributed 817,000 pounds of food to the Freestore Foodbank, enough to provide over 681,000 meals to people in the Tristate.

Mom's Day Out

Mother’s Day weekend is just days away (Sunday to be exact!) and if you’re still looking for the perfect gift, look no further! We’ve got you covered, with awesome ideas and activities!

For the homebody:

Does mom have a green thumb?

Pick up her favorite perennials at your local garden center. Even better? Take her there this weekend. (Pro tip: Stop by on Saturday to avoid the Sunday crowds!)

A few of our favorites are Benken Garden Center, Fern and White Oak Gardens.

Say it with flowers! Or plants.

For the bookworm:

Remember all that time your mother spent reading to you? If she still loves a classic novel, inspiring biography, or even a cozy mystery, repay her for instilling her love of reading in you.

Grab a gift card, her favorite book, or locally made wares that show off er Cincinnati pride at Joseph Beth Booksellers.

If you mom is a fan of local history and architecture, buy her a membership to The Mercantile Library. This charming space –which is getting ready for a major expansion – is a great place to work, explore, and meet other book lovers.

For the social butterfly:

Stroll, sip, and shop along Madison Road.

There’s no shortage of great shopping around the Tristate.

Take mom out for the day for shopping, lunch, and maybe even a little treat!

• O’Bryonville

• Hyde Park Square

• Rookwood Commons

• Newport on the Levee

• Mainstrasse Village

For the artist:

Indigo Hippo repurposes “old” materials and “give them a second life”

Maybe going to a museum was boring when you were a kid.

But as an adult you’ve come to appreciate the importance of the vibrant cultural institutions we have, including many that support working artists and help create the next generation of artists and arts lovers.

Why not buy your mom a membership or make a donation in her honor at one of these great places?

• Cincinnati Art Museum

• Contemporary Arts Center

• Indigo Hippo

• RedTree Art Gallery

• Taft Museum of Art

For the one with a sweet tooth:

The Bon Bonerie

• Aglamesis Brothers – Ice cream, sodas, and chocolates made the “sincere way.”

• The BonBonerie – The “Afternoon Tea to Go” is the perfect gift for all the moms and mother figures in your life!

• Graeter’s – From doughnuts to the world-famous black raspberry chip, there’s nothing sweeter in Cincinnati than this hometown ice cream.

• Mt. Washington Creamy Whip – Old-fashioned ice cream parlor meets 21st century toppings in this neighborhood favorite.

For the outdoor mama:

Take a bike ride or a stroll on the Loveland Bike Trail or Wasson Way!

Both offer the chance to stop in restaurants and shops, so you can grab a snack, relax, and enjoy the trip.

For the quality time planner

Spend some quality time together this weekend!

Cincinnati Zoo: Free admission for all moms on Mother’s Day!

Coney Island: The 52nd annual Appalachian Festival

Covington Plaza: Smoke on the River BBQ Fest

Krohn Conservatory: Butterflies of the Meadow

Loveland: 10th annual Food Truck Rally

Maker Markets: Hamilton Flea and City Flea!

Washington Park: Art on Vine

–Lauren Artino

Ready to Fly

Pigs may not fly, but for 25 years, they’ve been racing through the streets of Cincinnati and this weekend, The Flying Pig Marathon celebrate the race’s 25th anniversary in style.

The race team is expecting near record crowds and participation during weekend – almost all of the race events are sold out! But there are still plenty of ways to get in on the fun.

The P&G Health and Fitness Expo at Duke Energy Convention is free and open to the public. Jeff Galloway, former Olympian and founder of the Run/Walk/Run training method, and Dave McGillivray, famed Boston Athletic Association Race Director, will both be available for photos at the Expo. 

25th Annual Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon Weekend presented by Prysmian Group

Friday, May 5

Noon to 7 p.m: P&G Health & Fitness Expo and packet pick-up
Duke Energy Convention Center
525 Elm St.

5 p.m.: Fifty West Mile Packet pickup begins for

7 p.m.: Fifty West Mile, Riverfront Transit Tunnel

Saturday, May 6

5:30 a.m.: Registration and packet pickup for all Saturday events

7 a.m.: Toyota 10K, Mehring Way

7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.": Family Fun Festival
Smale Riverfront Park

9 a.m.: Champion Windows 5K

10 a.m.: Start Flying Pig Mascot Race
Smale Park

10 a.m.: First Watch Flying Piglet
Smale Park

10 a.m.–5 p.m.: P&G Health & Fitness Expo Duke Energy Convention Center

11 a.m.: Cincinnati Children’s 26th Mile

Noon: PigAbilities presented by Goodwill Industries

1 p.m.: Flying Fur Dog Run

Sunday, May 7

All divisions start by Paul Brown Stadium,

6:25 a.m.: Wheelchair Marathon (26.2 miles/42K)

6:30 a.m.: The Flying Pig Marathon powered by P&G (26.2 miles/42K)

6:30 a.m.: CityDash 4-person Relay

6:30 a.m.: Paycor Half Marathon.

While at the Expo, you can also see the new Coughlin Family Cup by Rookwood Pottery. The top male and female marathon winners names will be added to the cup base each year. Winners will receive their own smaller replica of the keepsake to commemorate their achievement.  

Every year the race prints a poster, but a limited-edition 25th anniversary collectors’ poster that shows all 25 posters together will be available at the Expo. A portion of proceeds supporting Flying Pig Charities. 

You’ll also see downtown Cincinnati buildings lit up as part of the 25th anniversary celebration. Prominent buildings and stadiums will “go pink” from May 5 to 7, as a show of support for all the Flying Pig fun.

The fun doesn't stop there! There’s a whole slate of parties and events planned for the weekend. Check out the Spectator Zones or join one of the Viewing Parties taking place Sunday here.

This year, the Flying Pig organizers are inviting everyone to be a part of their “Flying Pig Community Monday” celebration by wearing their Flying Pig shirts and medals with pride – at school, at the office, or wherever they happen to be.

The Flying Pig Mascot will be watching for folks wearing Pig shirts and passing out prizes to community members wearing 2023 shirts and medals. Prizes include free 2024 Flying Pig race entries and gift certificates to partner restaurants and retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, LaRosa’s, Skyline, and more.

Plus, if you visit a Graeter's ice cream shop while wearing your pig gear, you'll receive a 10% discount on your ice cream purchase!

There’s so much to be excited about this weekend to celebrate 25 years of the Flying Pig. Whether you're running, volunteering, or just cheering from the sidelines, go hog wild and enjoy the weekend!

Ewok this Way

From drinking blue milk in a wretched hive of scum and villainy to showing your true power in Star Wars trivia, this is the way to celebrate May the 4th.

Galactic Cantina, 1834 Race St., is the perfect spot for hardcore Star Wars fans. On May the 4th, the featured beer is Grain Works “Luke I Am Your Lager” and you can enjoy their galaxy-themed cocktails and mocktails.

They will also have 10% off all of the Star Wars merchandise in their Comic Book shop. On May 5, they will offer a free comic book, with purchase.

 Want to break out your Jedi robes?

“We anticipate we’ll have lots of cosplayers and costumes that day as most of my inquiries this week have indicated that,” says Kylie Seward from Gorilla Cinema.

The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has a number of ways to use the force.

The Wyoming branch, 500 Springfield Pike, has a full month of activities asking “Can You Find Baby Yoda?”

Use the Force and test your Jedi skills to locate where Baby Yoda is hiding in the library and receive a small prize! He’ll move to a different spot each day, all month long, so you can play each day! 

From 3:30 to 5 p.m. on May the 4th at the Wyoming branch, kids, tweens, and teens are invited to use their Jedi skills to feed Jabba, destroy the Death Star and bowl over a squad of stormtroopers. Other activities include designing a droid, creating a Baby Yoda/Grogu pod, painting a Star Wars-themed ceramic pot, and more art-related fun.

The Greenhills branch, 6525 Bridgetown Road, is celebrating with Star Wars Bingo from 4:30 to 5 p.m. on May the 4th.

Test your strength in the force with the Star Wars Trivia Night against other fans in Jeopardy-style game at the Sharonville branch, 10980 Thornview Drive, from 7 to 8 p.m. All ages welcome. Registration required.

The Reds are out of town on May the 4th, so Star Wars Night at Great American Ball Park is on Friday, May 5. Their limited edition Mandalorian bobblehead is only available through the ticket package. But plenty of cosplayers will be at GABP, adding to the night’s fun, whether or not you have a bobblehead!

So Matcha More

2023 Asian Food Fest

Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Court Street Plaza, Downtown

Participating vendors:
* Denotes Secret Menu

Angie Tee's Kitchen
Asian Youth Alliance/ Asian Community Alliance*
Banh Lao & Thai Cuisine
Blesame International Catering
Boba Cha
Bridges Nepali
Chhnganh*
Chinos Street Food
Christine’s Casual Dining
CinSoy Foods
CM Chicken
Deme Kitchen
Desi Plaza / Desi Bites
Dine-In Hawaiian
Eden's Kitchen and Grill
Evolve Bakeshop
Fortune Noodle House
Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association*
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati - YouYu
Inday Nezzy's Kitchenette*
Kona Ice
Kung Fu Tea
LALO
Little Chef Medy
Lotus Street Food
Mahope
Mangan*
Masala*
Mena Pastry Collaborative - Sponsored by Dean's*
Milk Jar Cafe
Neko Sushi
Nou Street Food
OH！Boba
Olive Tree Catering
Ono Turo Turo
Pho Lang Thang
Red Sesame
Roll on In
S.E.A. Cuisine Foodtruck
Sago
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
Smiles n’ Spice*
Stone Bowl Korean
Streetpops
Taste of Lebanon–St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Church*
Tea n Bowl
Thai Express
Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Group – Cincinnati*
Wendigo Tea Co.

The region’s largest celebration of Asian food and culture continues returns to Court Street Plaza this weekend.

With a record 39 restaurants and food trucks, plus the expansion of the fan favorite “Secret Menu” – Asian Food Fest will have nearly 50 food vendors representing 15 countries – the largest number in the event’s history.

“We are so excited about the variety of vendors and countries represented at Asian Food Fest for 2023,” says JP Leong, senior food procurement specialist at Asian Food Fest. “This year, we received a record number of applications and had the difficult task of narrowing it down to this incredible offering of vendors that shape and define this unique cultural event.”

Celebrating its 12th year, The festival promises a mouthwatering tour of Asian foods in the form of small plates, priced from $2 to $10, plus live entertainment, local craft and Asian beer, fun family activities, and more.

“The growth of this event has truly been remarkable,” says Rob Weidle, lead event manager for Asian Food Fest. “Asian Food Fest is becoming known as a cultural destination. We are seeing attendees from across the country come to the Cincinnati region to indulge in some amazing food and experience this one-of-a-kind event.”

The festival will have more than 100 performers and entertainers across the two-day event. Comedy, cultural activities, and karaoke are highlights of the entertainment line-up, with national and local acts.

The first-ever “Eastern Eats and Vocal Beats Karaoke” Contest, presented by Tokyo Kitty, will take place on Saturday, April 29, at 8 p.m. A total of 15 participants will be selected and all styles of music will be accepted. Winners will be determined by fan vote (so bring your friends) and will receive prizes from Tokyo Kitty and other Asian Food Fest participants. Those looking to show off their singing skills are asked to sign up.

Cultural Experiences

An expanded lineup of activities has been added to enhance the event’s cultural experience, such as calligraphy writing and chopstick workshops.

April 29 and 30

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Learn to Write (Asian Calligraphy)

1–4 p.m. – Chopstick Workshop

4–6 p.m. – Sand Rangoli (sand art)

6–8 p.m. – Play-Doh Mooncakes and Dumpling

“When looking at the entertainment line-up this year, we wanted to find new ways to engage the crowd,” says Vikas Sondhi, entertainment coordinator for Asian Food Fest. “The addition of comedians, activities, and karaoke adds an element of connectivity and gives the audience an opportunity to be a part of the event.”

Entertainment Schedule

Saturday, April 29

Main Stage

12 p.m – Rongrong Li

1 p.m – Taiko Drums - Dayton

2 p.m – Pamama Dance Group

2:30 PM - Freya Dance Studio

3 p.m – Bing Yang Chinese Performing Arts Center

4 p.m – Anaya Belly Dance

4:30 p.m. – Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association

5 p.m. – Mark Joshua

6:30 p.m. – World Dance Cincy '23

7 p.m – Asian Food Fest Comedy Hour with Ayriana Kasper | Pinak Patel

8 p.m – Tokyo Kitty presents, Eastern Eats and Vocal Beats Karaoke! with DJ Hi David

DJ Stage

12 p.m – Samnang

1 p.m – | V |

2 p.m – Hi David

3 p.m – Ani Cheng, B2B, Lokeez

5 p.m – Jibbs

6:30 p.m. - World Dance Cincy '23

7 p.m – Bhangra X Bollywood Block Party with DJ Vikas & DJ Mowgli

Sunday, April 30

Main Stage

12 p.m. – Sarah Gorak

1 p.m. – UC's Korean Culture and Dance Club

1:30 p.m. – Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Group - Cincinnati

2 p.m. –Bing Yang Chinese Performing Arts Center

3 p.m. – Gajdi Jawani

4 p.m. –Cincinnati Opera

5 p.m. – Filipino American Association of Southern Ohio

6 p.m. – Asian Food Fest Comedy Hour with DJ Rybski, Ayriana Kasper, Pinak Patel

DJ Stage

12 p.m. – Silbak

1 p.m. – Spam

3 p.m. – DJ Mowgli

5 p.m. – Kim L

6 p.m. – Vusive

Asian Food Fest, presented by Kroger and Procter & Gamble, and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber in partnership with the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati.

New Kids on the Block

If You Go

Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Block Party
Saturday, April 29, 12–4 p.m.
Emery Theater
1112 Walnut St.

Program at 1 p.m.

More Info

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati hosts a family-friendly Block Party on Saturday to celebrate its future home at the Emery Theater. 

The whole community is invited to join the party, that will feature: 

• Food from LaRosa’s, Graeter’s, Ché OTR, and Kroger's On-The-Rhine Eatery 

• Signature Cocktail from Northside Distillery 

• Music from Q102 

• Face painting 

• Balloon animals 

• Temporary tattoos 

• Character meet-and-greets 

• Tours of the Emery Theater 

A short program hosted by Local 12’s Bob Herzog, will begin at 1 p.m, featuring Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. 

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) has embarked on a campaign to purchase, restore, and reimagine the historically significant Emery Theater. This partnership will revitalize the theatre, a treasured cultural asset, and provide a permanent home for children’s theatre in Cincinnati’s vibrant urban core.

What TCT envisions is not simply a restoration, but a reinvention of the theater into a modern and memorable venue equipped with the latest technology that inspires and teaches diverse audiences. And TCT’s plans to incorporate the most modern technology, stage lifts and projection mapping, will enliven the audience experience and overcome backstage and wing limitations.

Through this remarkable technology and planned expanded programming, TCT will revitalize an icon, return to its original home, and put Cincinnati on the map as a family theatrical destination. 

Down to Earth

The adage “every day is Earth Day” rings especially true given the current state of the environment. Many local organizations are offering ways to commemorate the occasion through Earth-friendly events this weekend.

Gratitude to the Woods with Julia Orquera Bianco
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m,.
Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Ave.
FREE
www.cincycac.org/gratitude-to-the-woods

The Contemporary Arts Center joins UC Students for Burnet Woods, the Sierra Club Miami Group, Permabuds, and other organizations for Spring Fest in the Woods – An Earth Day Celebration.

The CAC’s Summer 2022 CoLAB artist Julia Orquera Bianco, whose projects were rooted in Burnet Woods and its community, will lead an artmaking and reflection table, along with CAC Community Programs Manager and artist/writer Pedal Miranda.

The art-making project is just one part of Spring Fest which also includes

10 a.m. – Yoga with World Peace Yoga

11 a.m. – Music by Comet Bluegrass All-Stars

12 p.m. – UC Environmental Studies picnic

1 p.m. – Nature Walk with Cincinnati Wildflower Preservation Society

Earth Day Party
HighGrain Brewing & Kitchen, 6860 Plainfield Road
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
highgrainbrewing.com

The brewery is on a journey toward carbon neutrality! Join HighGrain for the Silverton Community Trash Pickup at 8 a.m., with gloves and trash bags. Then reward yourself with brunch at 10 a.m. Live music starts at 11 a.m., with afternoon activities that include Potting Seeds & Plants with Benkens (bring a reusable container), dogs from Save The Animals Foundation, the Longbottom Farm Ducks, and local vendors and partners all day lon.

Earth Day Celebration
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Events included in Zoo admission
cincinnatizoo.org/events/party-for-the-planet

Visit the Zoo to enjoy educational activities led by AmeriCorps members and local conservation partners located throughout the Zoo, including Animal Chats and enrichment with Black Rhino, giraffes, gorilla, bonobos, and cougars. Vendors includde Osmia Bee, Civic Garden Center, Gorman Heritage Farm, and Cincinnati Wildflower Preservation Society,

Earth Day @ Findlay Market with Hamilton Co. R3source
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Findlay Market, 1801 Race St.
www.findlaymarket.org/marketevents/earth-day

Hamilton Co. R3source & Findlay Market partner for fun Earth Day activities. Enjoy the “Wasted Food Stops With Us” food upcycling demos every hour at Elaine’s Kitchen. Bring your hard-to-recycle items such as oral Care Items, deodorant, plastic Cards (like gift cards, office supplies, and sock and they’ll recycle them for you.

KWA West Chester Shredding Event
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
9277 Centre Pointe Drive
www.eventbrite.com/kwa-west-chester-free-earth-day

Keller Williams Advisors hosts a FREE shredding event. Each carload can bring up to five boxes to shred for free. Each shred participant will be placed in a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card. Kids will enjoy earth day crafts and have a chance to visit with the West Chester Fire Department.

Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Festival
Saturday April 22, 12–5 p.m.
Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road
FREE
cincinnatiearthdayorg.mailchimpsites.com

With more than 125 exhibitors, music, vegetarian foods, and beer from Madtree Brewing Company, this festival is one of the best environmental education events in the region. Families can enjoy the Earth Day even if it's only at their local park, traditionally the first fun family outdoor event of the year!

Earth Day Relaxation Yoga
Saturday, April 22, 3 p.m.
College Hill Yoga, 5838 Hamilton Ave.
Cost: $15 if registered; $20 at the door
www.alternativeyoga.net

Join Alternative Yoga for a special Earth Day practice, complete with an uplifting music playlist. A yin-restorative class, with optional reiki healing, this session is meant to help people heal ourselves so they can help heal the world around us.

Enough on Your Plate

Looking for a good time this weekend?

We have just the thing! Plus, you can give back while you’re having a blast.

Check out ish Festival’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

If You Go

del-ish-us: a Celebration of Mimouna
Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
ish Garage, 4089 Langland St.

Tickets & additional info available here.

Organizers say this event, back by popular demand, offers the chance to experience a “taste” of Spain, Central and South America through delicious foods, music, all-age arts activities, and entertainment, with childcare available.

The evening includes dance performances from Cincy Brazil Samba and Pones and music from Noyse Merchants.

The event focuses on the Moroccan and Mmzrachi Jewish holiday of Mimouna.

Mimouna is a celebration, traditionally held by North African Jews from Morocco and the Maghreb, to celebrate the end of Passover. During this joyous community gathering, Jews break bread, eat sweets, and enjoy traditional culture, often with non-Jewish neighbors.

ish is a Cincinnati-based community engagement organization working to bring artists and communities.

Art for the stars

Artists have looked to the stars for inspiration for centuries.

Now the Cincinnati Observatory is asking local artists to find inspiration where they look at the stars.

To kick off the celebration of the building’s 150th anniversary, the Cincinnati Observatory wants to see your renditions of its historic Herget Building.

“The ‘Best of Show’ winner will have the honor of having their image used on new promotional materials, including merchandise to celebrate the 150th Anniversary,” says Dean Regas, astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory. “We will also display the winning submission with our Special Exhibit honoring the Samuel Hannaford building.”

A 501c3 not-for-profit organization, the Observatory is dedicated to maintaining their historic 1873 and 1904 buildings. Memberships, donations, and programing revenue help keep the National Historic Landmark facility in good working order and preserve these incredible treasures, which host more than 34,000 people each year.

The Observatory will have an art show and reception on May 20, at which 10 additional finalists and two honorable mentions will be honored. The Best of Show will be announced at that event. The children's contest will have one best in show, and three additional finalists.

Entries must be submitted by Sunday, April 30. Find more information and submit your work here.

Ready, Set, Ride!

One of the sure signs of Spring’s arrival in Cincinnati is the opening of Kings Island!

The park opens this Saturday, April 15 and inside you’ll find new attractions, new food and more ways to have fun.

The 364-acre amusement park in Mason will open its turnstiles for the first time at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.  Guests will be able to get their first rides on the legendary Beast roller coaster, their first tastes of the park’s famous blue ice cream and their first hugs from Charlie Brown and Snoopy. 

“The park also is adding a new restaurant, Grain & Grill, a fast-casual dining location that will feature Eastern European and Mediterranean flavors,” said Chad Showalter, Kings Island’s director of communications

Grain & Grill rendering

As Kings Island’s Opening Day approaches, the amusement park has named Joseph Perez as the new executive chef. He previously served as the executive chef at Ameristar Casino and Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. 

“I’m excited to join the talented food and beverage team here at Kings Island and I’m looking forward to helping the park continue to grow its menu options with fresh, locally sourced items,” said Perez. “I want families and friends visiting the park to be able to gather together around a table, have an excellent dining experience, and make lasting Kings Island memories.”

Also opening this summer, is the new Adventure Port.

The park’s newest themed area will feature two new family rides, enhanced theming for Adventure Express, a new quick service restaurant and the Mercado. This new area will be located between Coney Mall and Action Zone.

More information on the 2023 season is available at visitkingsisland.com.