Elizabeth Miller Wood

Spring is (finally!) in the air. And after an especially long, cold, and snowy winter this year, there are more than a few reasons to get out and enjoy the new season. These spring-themed events will fuel your Spring Fever.

1. CincItalia: May 13–15
The “Cincinnati Italian Festival” kicks off with an adults-only party on Friday night, complete with plenty of grown-up beverages. Saturday and Sunday offer live entertainment (including The Remains and Michael Sutherland), cooking demonstrations (headlined by Buddy LaRosa!) and, of course, lots and lots of authentic Italian food from regional favorites such as Pompilios and Dolce Vita. Fri 6 pm–midnight, Sat 3–11 pm, Sun 1–9 pm. Harvest Home Park, 3961 North Bend Rd., Cheviot, cincitalia.org

1. Cinco de Mayo at Mount Adams Pavilion
Famed for its multi-tier cityview decks, this Mt. Adams mainstay is a tried-and-true place to party. So, it naturally fits the criteria for a good Cinco de Mayo locale. Three-buck Coronas and buck-fifty Coors Lights are just a couple of the thrifty specials you’ll find. May 5. Cover: $5 after 10 pm. Thurs 7 pm–2:30 am. Mount Adams Pavilion, 949 Pavilion St., Mt. Adams, (513) 744-9200

1. April 26: An Evening with Crosby & Nash
Once part of folk-rock superstar group Crosby, Stills & Nash (and also Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young), this classic 1970s duo presents fan favorites from the past four decades. While times have changed since their politically charged tunes of previous years, their musical brilliance (and Crosby’s awesomely bad rocker hair) has not. Tickets: $27.50–$53.50. Tues 8 pm. Taft Theatre, 317 Fifth St., downtown, (800) 745-3000

1. April 20: Ancient Office of Tenebrae
Tune in to the sounds of Holy Week with Gregorian chants and choral music sung by the Cathedral Choir. Admission: free. Wed 7:30 pm. St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, 325 W. Eight St., downtown, (513) 421-2222

1. April 16: Earth Day Hike for Your Health
Bask in Mother Nature’s beauty on a self-guided exploration to identify native species, or join in on the guided wildflower walk. Registration includes a reusable tote. Registration: $20 individual, $50 family. Sat 9 am–noon. Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, (513) 831-1711.

1. April 5: Bob Ross Painting Lessons
Learn the famous Bob Ross landscape painting method (of PBS fame) and you’ll be painting frame-worthy masterpieces in no time. A mountain range landscape painting is just what your living room walls needed. All skill levels are welcome, ages 16 and up. Tues 6-9 pm. Registration: $45-$50. Beech Acres Park RecPlex, 6915 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Twp., (513) 388-4513, andersonparks.com

1. Saint Michael Parish
Feeling hungry? Like, really hungry? Then don your best elastic-waist pants and stop by this all-you-can-eat fry. For just $8, you’ll get limitless platefuls of fish, shrimp, oysters, and sides galore. Fridays during Lent 4:30–7:30 pm. 300 Market St., Ripley. Call (937) 392-1356 for carry-outs.

1. Ault Park Benches
Shaded beneath a large trellis, the Heekin Overlook offers three wooden benches overlooking deep valley grounds formed by the Preglacial Ohio River.

FUN FACT: 2011 commemorates Ault Park’s 100th Anniversary. Check out the website for event information. 3600 Observatory Ave., Mt. Lookout, www.aultparkac.org.