Photograph courtesy Cincinnati Museum Center
Summer may be almost over, but weekend events are still in full swing. Here are just a few to check out around town.
If the Ohio Renaissance Festival’s September 5 opening is too far away, get an early taste of immersive historical fun at the River Valley Viking Festival. Attendees will get to experience live combat by the Vatnsdal Vikings, games and activities including ace and spear throwing, museum displays, a historical encampment, costume contests, music, food trucks, artisan vendors, a kids area, a mead hall, and the Ultimate Viking Challenge. Ticket prices vary by day, age, and group size. Fri, Aug 21-Sun, Aug 23, Kenton County Fairgrounds, 2836 Harris Pike, Independence
Enjoy live entertainment, river views, and some of the best margaritas in town—all on the Purple People Bridge. For $50, you’ll get 10 drink tickets, food samples, a People’s Choice vote for best margarita, and a front row seat to see DJ Boywife, White Lighter, and Floyd and the Walkmen. You must be 21+ to attend. Fri, Aug 21, 5:30 p.m., Purple People Bridge, One Levee Way, Newport
TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue
Three of the most important R&B girl groups of the 90s are hitting up Riverbend for the “It’s Iconic” tour. The bands known for massive hits like “No Scrubs,” “Shoop,” and “Free Your Mind” among many others will each be performing some of their most seminal songs. Tickets start at $50. Fri, Aug 21, 7:30 p.m., Riverbend, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.
Hip-Hop Orchestra in Cincinnati
Thee Phantom and the Illharmonic Orchestra are bringing their signature blend of classical and hip-hop to Music Hall. Famed for being only the third ever hip-hop act to perform at Carnegie Hall, Illharmonic’s performance will include a DJ, MC, and female vocalist all backed by traditional orchestral accompaniment. Tickets start at $40. Fri, Aug 21, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
Cincinnati Museum Center 1940s Day
CMC’s beloved living history day returns with tours, live music, lectures, demonstrations, classic cars, costumes, vintage vendors, film screenings, and much more. Check the official schedule for special activities like a live radio show recording, a costume contest, and a 1940s spelling bee. The event is included with museum admission. Sat, Aug 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate
Gaden Samdrupling Buddhist Monastery is welcoming in the community for an open house and authentic Tibetan culinary experience. For a suggested donation of $15, you’ll get to enjoy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes cooked by Tibetan monks alongside some Tibetan tea. There will also be guided tours of the temple. Sat, Aug 22, 2-5 p.m. open house; 6 p.m. dinner, GSL Monastery, 3046 Pavlova Dr., Colerain Twp.
FC Cincinnati is honoring the city’s Black community starting at Prematch in the Park where attendees can get exclusive Black Heritage Night posters and giveaways and enjoy performances by DJ Arie, Q-Kidz, and Cincinnati Drum Camp. There will also be food trucks, live painting by ZJ Vision, community organizers, and games. Then head to TQL Stadium for a 7:30 match against Seattle where there will be celebratory prematch rituals, a pyro display, and music by DJ NOVA. Game tickets start at $39. Sat, Aug 22; Prematch 4-6:30 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine; Match 7:30 p.m., TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Pkwy., West End
Cincinnati Children’s Walk for Kids
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s biggest fundraiser of the year will be taking off from Great American Ballpark. Walkers will trek an easy and scenic 1.7 mile route around Smale Park while raising money for the hospital. After the walk, participants can enjoy a kid-friendly part with food and fun inside the stadium. Registration is $30 for walkers 12+ and $10 for walkers age 11 and under. Sun, Aug 23, 9-11 a.m., Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, downtown
Collectors of all ages will be descending upon the Fretboard taproom in Blue Ash for the brewery’s fourth annual vintage toy show. Vendors will be set up selling and showcasing toys and collectibles, primarily from the 60s-90s. Admission is free. Sun, Aug 23, noon-5 p.m., Fretboard Brewing, 5800 Creek Rd., Blue Ash
