BLINK has announced plans for possible cancellations and closures for Saturday night as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move into the region.

While some shows have already been canceled, most of the exhibits will remain open as long the weather doesn’t become severe, and BLINK Executive Director Leslie Mooney is encouraging “everyone to come experience BLINK rain or shine.”

“BLINK is an outdoor festival, and we’ve prepared for changing weather conditions,” said Mooney. “Our teams are monitoring the forecast and have plans in place to respond as conditions develop.”

Check out a list of affected programming below. The numbers correspond to sites on official BLINK maps, which you can see here.

The following programming has been cancelled due to the weather:
• Asha AMA Fashion Show
• Skatepark Popup
• Brett Bolton Drumming Performance at Music Hall (remaining pieces will be active)
• Live performances at Installations 31, 33 & 36

The following installations may also be affected by the weather:
• Drone Show
• Corner Mapping (49)
• Kroger (29)
• Elm Street Plaza UC Lighting (46)
• All inflatable installations (20, 40, 61, 84)

You can sign up for for safety and traffic notifications by texting BLINK2026 to 77295 to connect with Cincy Alert. BLINK will also be releasing updates on its Facebook page.

“If a shower sends you inside for a bit, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy one of the many restaurants and bars in Cincinnati and Covington before heading back out to explore,” said Mooney.

The post BLINK announces weather plans for Saturday appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

The votes are in: CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week is Alex Pham.

Pham was nominated by Xavier Henderson because “Alex, better known as AP, consistently brings a unique vibe to the city. He puts on parties at the top bars and clubs and sells them out!

His team of security, DJ, and production are always professional in giving the best experience to his audience. Need a good party with unique themes? Come to an AP party!”

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat has Culture Maker of the Week, a contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you, and our editors pick the three up for voting. Nominate a Culture Maker here!

The post Meet CityBeat’s Culture Maker of the Week: Alex Pham appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.

Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.

That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.

Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.

You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Oct. 16. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.

Emily Jane

Nominated by: Lauren Hughes

Why Hughes nominated Jane:

Emily Jane is a talented local fantasy fiction writer. Her recent books, Mr. Yay, American Werewolves, Here Beside the Rising Tide & on Earth as it is in Television, are all perfect for escaping the stress of life into a new world that expands your imagination beyond what you may expect to see coming.

She has a way of using her words to bring some goofy, carefree, childlike fun right into your adult life, and make it feel like you relate to it too! She is also personally a great friend, mom, gardener & community member. If you see her hosting a book event or attending a theme party, you know she will be dressed for the occasion …with accessories for others too! We appreciate Emily!

Roger Ruffen

Nominated by: Kyle Root

Why Root nominated Ruffen: Roger Ruffen, a former WWE referee from the 80s-90s, is also a former wrestler and current owner of the Northern Wrestling Federation (NWF). For 30 years, he has brought family-friendly professional wrestling to the greater Cincinnati area. Having grown up as a lifelong fan, he went from being a child earning money to pay for tickets to watch wrestling in person at the historic Cincinnati Gardens to eventually cutting his teeth in the business as a teenager and working in the ring there.

For over 40 years, he’s been involved with professional wrestling, and he’s still going strong, hosting weekly affordable live wrestling events while training the next generation of young talent at his training facility, BoneKrushers, hoping to make it big as he did! He’s trained notable international names including Abyss, Karl Anderson, Jillian Hall, Lord Crewe, current WWE superstar Lexx King FKA Brian Pillman Jr, and his wife and current NWA superstar, Big Mama. To this day, his goal is to spread the same joy he felt as a small kid to the children of Cincinnati through the action and drama of professional wrestling. In 2019, a documentary was released about his life in wrestling titled “I’m The Man: The Story of Roger Ruffen and the Northern Wrestling Federation”. He is an avid, lifelong Pete Rose fan and enjoys the taste of Cincinnati chili more than anything.

Ana Log Stix

Nominated by: Sydney Napier

Why Napier nominated Stix: Ana Log Stix is a local drag performer who has been incredibly active in Cincinnati’s LGBTQIA+ community for years.

Ana strives to bring the community together by way of outreach, hosting events that celebrate the community, ensuring we have a safe space to gather, and using her voice to educate people about the queer community and the very real struggles faced daily. Not only does Ana bring joy, but she also gives us a sense of hope that one day, we may attain true harmony without judgment.

Cast Your Vote

Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.

Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?

Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.

The post Vote for the CityBeat Culture Maker of the Week appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

At Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, one of Halloween’s most iconic stories has once again been injected with fresh blood.

Following a sold-out run last season, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” returns to the stage with a comedic take on Bram Stoker’s classic tale from Oct. 9 through Halloween.

“This was one of our most successful productions of all time, and we loved welcoming so many new faces to the theater during the Halloween season,” said the organization’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips, who returns to direct the production for a second time. “We knew we had to bring it back for another year!”

Filled with “outrageous twists, playful innuendo, and more laughs than you can count,” the play promises to show a side of the Prince of Darkness that you’ve never seen before.

“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” premiered Off-Broadway at New World Stages on September 4, 2023, where it quickly gained popularity with critics and audiences for its fast-paced farce and campy spin on Bram Stoker’s classic. The production became a viral sensation and went on to enjoy strong success across the globe.

Every performance of “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” at Cincy Shakes will feature Blood Bag Cocktails, Halloween candy, spooky surprises and killer music before the show. But because it’s Halloween season, the acting company couldn’t stop there. Most nights are packed with costumes, prizes, themed treats and even more frighteningly fun surprises. Below is a list of each night’s special promotions:

BLINKULA
Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9
Dracula is getting the BLINK treatment! Both performances start early at 6:30 PM, so you can see the show first and then head out to experience BLINK throughout the city. Grab a free BLINKULA Goodie Bag filled with glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth, bat rings, temporary tattoos, candy and more. Plus, pre-paid parking is available nearby so you can park before the BLINK crowds arrive. It’s the perfect spooky start to your BLINK night! 

Insights: Behind the Bite
Thursday, October 15
Sink your teeth a little deeper into “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors!” Before the performance, join John Getz, Professor Emeritus of English at Xavier University, for a special Insights discussion exploring Dracula, comedy and what happens when one of literature’s most famous monsters gets played for laughs. 

Costume Nights:

Friday, October 16 – Villains After Dark
Tonight, the villains take over! Dress as your favorite Halloween villain, from classic monsters and movie baddies to your own devilish creation. We’ll crown our favorite villain of the night and award a themed prize. Evil has never looked so good! 

Friday, October 23 – Bard Bash 
Huzzah! It’s time to get fantastical. Come dressed in your best Renaissance, Shakespeare-inspired or fantasy look. Think kings, queens, fairies, knights, witches, woodland creatures and more. Our favorite look of the night will take home a themed prize! 

Friday, October 30 – Double, Double, Toil & Trouble Night
Calling all witches, wizards and magical mischief-makers! Dress in your best witch or wizard-inspired costume for a chance to win a themed prize. We’ll also have exclusive spooky cocktails and drinks on the menu for the evening. Consider it your Halloween Eve warm-up! 

Saturday, October 31 – Ultimate Halloween Costume Double Header
It’s Halloween, and which means the cast is going all in with two performances at 2 and 7:30 PM! Come in costume for the ultimate Halloween celebration at CSC, with themed prizes, candy in the lobby and plenty of spooky fun. Everyone who comes dressed up can stick around after the performance for a special group photo with the cast.

“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” runs October 9 through 31, 2026 at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in Over-the-Rhine. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday matinees take place on October 10, 17, 24, and 31, with a Sunday matinee on October 18 and 25 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Cincy Shakes website.

The post Cincy Shakes brings back comedic take on ‘Dracula’ this spooky season appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Cincinnati’s biggest show is happening now!

BLINK, the exclusive Cincinnati light and art festival, lit up the night sky Thursday for its first of four nights. More than two dozen streets shut down to vehicular traffic, letting people walk all over the city without fear. Expect to see art from Findlay Market all the way down to Covington. Just pick a spot on the map and go.

Special highlights for this year include a skatepark set up on the corner of Liberty and Elm, Asianati’s “Night Market” featuring all sorts of Asian food and culture at Court Street Plaza, a light-based fashion show at the Black Music Walk of Fame and a polka dot-themed block party at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

The post PHOTOS: Cincinnati comes alive as BLINK takes over the streets appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

It’s finally here. We’ve talked extensively about BLINK here at CityBeat, as our first issue in October is all about the festival. But now the event is just days away, so you’re probably wondering: what do I actually need to know?

We’re glad you asked.

So what is it?

BLINK is a light and art festival that’s only in Cincinnati. Over two million people are expected to attend the four-day event, which has slowly become Cincinnati’s signature showcase and one of the region’s most significant economic drivers. Streets shut down to vehicular traffic, letting people walk all over the city without fear. Expect to see art from Findlay Market all the way down to Covington. Just pick a spot on the map and go.

When does it start?

Thursday! An Olympics-esque opening ceremony titled ‘Ready, Set, BLINK!’ will gather everyone on a five-block stretch of Central Parkway just outside TQL Stadium, with plenty of live performances and interactive art stations scattered about. As the sun goes down, festival organizers will do a live countdown where they “flip the switch,” and the crowd will see the Queen City light up around them.

What should I expect to see?

Honestly, everything. BLINK is a one-of-a-kind experience where you never know what lies just around the corner. You might see a field of fluorescent yarn, a light show utilizing 1,750 recycled paint cans, or a giant pyramid covered in 360-degree cameras.

Special highlights for this year include a skatepark set up on the corner of Liberty and Elm, Asianati’s “Night Market” featuring all sorts of Asian food and culture at Court Street Plaza, a light-based fashion show at the Black Music Walk of Fame and a polka dot-themed block party at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

Wait, so how do I get there?

Good question. All parking garages outside the BLINK area will be open for business, but good luck finding a spot without showing up hours in advance. Thankfully, Cincinnati Metro and Kentucky’s TANK will once again be running their usual “Park and Ride” service all over the area. Just park far away and hop on a bus to get right to the action. (More info on that here.)

So what streets are closed?

A whole lot of ’em.

These streets are closed the entire week:

• Freedom Way- closed between Race Street and Marian Spencer Way (Rosa Parks Street will remain open during non-event hours)
• Plum Street- closed between Ninth Street and Eighth Street
• Court Street- closed between Race Street and Walnut Street (Vine Street will remain open during non-event hours)
• Jackson Street- closed between Twelfth Street and Thirteenth Street
• Elder Street- closed between Campbell Street and Elm Street

On Tuesday, October 6, the list is as follows from 6 to 9 p.m. to allow for the BLINK marathon:

• Elm Street- closed between Fourth Street and Fifth Street (Closes at 4:30 p.m. for start/ finish line construction)
• Elm Street- closed between Fifth Street and Mehring Way
• Fifth Street- closed between Central Avenue and Race Street
• Fourth Street- closed between Race Street and Plum Street
• Third Street- westbound closed between Race Street and Plum Street
• Second Street- closed between the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and Race Street
• Central Avenue- southbound closed between Seventh Street and Fifth Street
• Central Avenue- northbound closed between Third Street and Fifth Street
• Freedom Way- closed between Elm Street and Race Street
• Mehring Way- closed between Central Avenue and E Pete Rose Way
• Johnny Bench Way- closed
• E Pete Rose Way- closed west of Broadway.

And on Thursday, the following streets will be closed for the opening ceremony:

• Central Parkway- closed between Liberty Street and Ezzard Charles Drive (closes at 6 a.m. for block party construction)
• Central Parkway- closed between Liberty Street and Elm Street
• Fourteenth Street- closed west of Elm Street
• Magnolia Street- closed west of Elm Street (Local access maintained but no access to the Central Parkway)
• Fifteenth Street- closed west of Elm Street (Local access maintained but no access to the Central Parkway)
• Odeon Street- closed west of Elm Street (Local access maintained but no access to the Central Parkway)
• Wade Street- closed west of Elm Street (Local access maintained but no access to the Central Parkway).

On top of those, the following streets will be closed nightly from 7 to 11 p.m. while the festival is running:

• Roebling Suspension Bridge
• Elm Street- closed between Central Parkway and Findlay Street (Liberty Street remains open to east-west traffic)
• Race Street- closed between Central Parkway and Findlay Streets (Liberty Street remains open to east-west traffic)
• Vine Street- closed between Third Street and Central Parkway (Third Street, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Ninth Street remain open for east-west traffic)
• Walnut Street- closed between Third Street and Central Parkway (Third Street, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Ninth Street remain open for east-west traffic)
• Main Street- closed between Second Street and Twelfth Street (Second Street, Third Street, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Ninth Street and Central Parkway remain open for east-west traffic) (Main Street will close to maintain the streetcar)
• Jackson Street- closed between Twelfth Street and Central Parkway
• Fourth Street- restricted between Main Street and Race Street. The street will remain open as long as possible but may close due to crowd congestion.
• Seventh Street- restricted between Main Street and Race Street. The street will remain open as long as possible but may close due to crowd congestion.
• Charles Street- closed between Central Parkway and Elm Street
• Twelfth Street- closed to through traffic between Main Street and Central Parkway
• Fourteenth Street- closed between Central Parkway and Vine Street
• Grant Street- closed to through traffic between Central Parkway and Elm Street
• Magnolia Street- closed to through traffic between Central Parkway and Elm Street
• Odeon Street- closed to through traffic between Central Parkway and Elm Street
• Wade Street- closed to through traffic between Central Parkway and Elm Street
• Green Street- closed to through traffic between Vine Street and Elm Street
• Elder Street- closed between Vine Street and Central Parkway.

In addition, these Covington streets will be blocked off:

• Roebling Way
• Park Place from Scott Street to Greenup Street (beginning Oct. 3)
• Court Street (beginning Oct. 3)
• Tobacco Alley from Madison Avenue to Scott Street (beginning Oct. 5)
• E. 3rd Street from Scott Street to Greenup Street
• Electric Alley from E. 4th Street to E. 5th Street
• W. Pike Street from Washington Street to Madison Avenue
• E. 4th Street from Madison Avenue to Greenup Street
• Scott Street from E. 3rd Street to E. Fifth Street
• Madison Avenue from E. 4th Street to E. 8th Street
• W. 7th Street from Washington Street to Madison Avenue

Where can I learn more?

You can keep reading our coverage here at CityBeat, which will run all week long, or visit the official BLINK website.

The post Your guide to BLINK: attractions, special events street closures and more appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

The start of Cincinnati’s biggest event is just hours away. Roughly 30 blocks will soon be shut down for BLINK, the nation’s largest display of light and art, but unless you’re good at reading a map, getting around can be confusing. There’s no official app yet for BLINK. But that’s where BLOOP comes in.

BLOOP, a brand-new app from local developer Nathan Bolender, provides an interactive map of BLINK installations and attractions along with event and music information, search and filtering tools and walking directions. In addition, the app works offline when cell reception is poor, allowing users to navigate through the festival regardless of how busy it gets.

But BLINK is only the beginning. Unlike other apps created for the festival, BLOOP is designed to remain useful long after BLINK ends. The app already includes a guide featuring more than 180 public murals from 1001 Colors, allowing users to discover Cincinnati’s murals year-round. More guides to public art and cultural attractions are planned for the app in the future, and users can submit their own art installations to be displayed on the app, as well.

“BLOOP is about making it easier to explore Cincinnati,” Bolender said. “BLINK is an incredible place to start because there’s so much to see and experience, but Cincinnati has an amazing public art scene year-round. We wanted to build something that could help people discover both the festival and the art that’s here every day.”

The app’s guide-based design allows visitors to switch between different collections of places and experiences while keeping the map focused on what they’re currently exploring.

Key features of the app include:

• An interactive map of BLINK 2026 installations and attractions
• Up-to-date event and music information
• The ability to favorite attractions and keep track of places you’ve visited
• Search and filters to quickly find specific types of art and attractions
• Walking directions and navigation between locations
• An offline-first experience, allowing users to continue exploring even when cellular service is limited or unavailable
• Regularly updated information as festival details and events change
• Guides covering past BLINK editions, public murals from 1001 Colors, and future topics such as local architecture and history.

The app is completely free to download now on BLOOP’s official website.

The post Wanna get around BLINK easier? Try BLOOP appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

If you haven’t heard — and how haven’t you, if you’re a CityBeat reader? — BLINK, the city’s largest event, is this weekend. As far as “things to do” go, it’s hard to top 30 blocks of the city being shut down for a giant festival. But that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to do in Cincinnati this weekend.

If you’re looking for even more to do on every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar.

BLINK

All weekend, all over the city

It’s finally time. Every night this weekend, the city will transform into a dazzling display of light and art as two million people descend on the downtown Cincinnati area. For your guide on getting around BLINK, click here. To find out what’s new this year, click here. And for the rest of our extensive coverage, click here.

Asianati Night Market

All weekend, Court Street Plaza

While this is technically part of BLINK, it feels like it’s special enough to warrant its own mention. Asianati’s “Night Market,” which showcases Asian food vendors, cultural entertainment, local makers, art installations and family-friendly activities, will begin Oct. 8 and run nightly throughout the festival. The market will open each night on Court Street Plaza at 5 p.m., two hours before BLINK turns the lights on. For more information, click here.

The Beach Boys

Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, Anderson Township

The now Mike Love-led Beach Boys are touching down in Cincinnati this weekend. Regardless of how you feel about his overall contributions to the band — “Kokomo” and “Surfin’ USA” aren’t awful, right? — you’ll still get to hear some of the best songs ever written played live, even if he had no hand in the matter. Attendees can enjoy two free hot dogs for showing up to the concert area early, too.

HallZOOeen

Saturday-Sunday, noon – 5 p.m., Cincinnati Zoo, Avondale

The Cincinnati Zoo’s Halloween event returns. Get some trick-or-treat candy. Ride the Pumpkin Express. Maybe you’ll even get to see Fiona crush a pumpkin in her jaws- who knows?

Queen Bee Half-Marathon

Saturday, 7:30 a.m., Reading and Pendleton Street, downtown

The little sister of the Flying Pig returns this weekend. Run a half-marathon or a four-mile race through the city, and claim your victory medal at Sawyer Point.

Mary Poppins JR

Friday – Saturday, Children’s Theatre, Over-the-Rhine

Audiences can head to the Emery Theater in Over-the-Rhine for a new adaptation of the Broadway and West End hit. The production promises “colorful characters, an irresistible score, high-flying theatrical effects and the Emery Theater’s immersive stage technology” for an all-ages show that brings the unforgettable Banks family and the magic of Cherry Tree Lane to the stage. Read more here.

Mike Epps

Friday, 8 p.m., Hard Rock Casino, Pendleton

Legendary comedian Mike Epps performs a set at Hard Rock Casino this weekend.

Vinoklet Wine Festival

Sunday, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Road, Colerain Township

One of the largest wine festivals in the region continues. Head up to Vinoklet Winery to see several different performers and shop various vendors as you drink wine to your heart’s content.

Heist

Friday – Sunday, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Rouse Theatre, 962 Mt. Adams Circle Dr., Mt. Adams

Inspired by movies like “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Now You See Me” and “The Usual Suspects,” this theatrical caper is a high-tech mystery for the stage. When Marvin assembles a team of professional thieves to pull off one last job, the heist goes sideways into a web of danger, betrayal and double crosses. What follows is a high-octane production that will keep you on the edge of your seat with lasers, aerial stunts and state-of-the-art projections.

Cincy Whiskey Fest

Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m., Northern Row, Over-the-Rhine

If you’re a whiskey fan, there might not be a better place to go this weekend than Northern Row. The Over-the-Rhine brewery and distillery is hosting a whiskey festival this weekend inside the taproom, which will bring together 11 local and regional distilleries for an afternoon of whiskey tasting, judging and celebration of the growing distilling scene across the region. Read more about it here.

The post 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend (Oct 9 – 11) appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Stacker compiled a list of projects casting right now in Cincinnati and which roles they’re looking to fill, using listings from Casting Networks. Read on to see what is filming in your area and could be your breakout role.

“Healthy Competition [wt]” Rom-Com Scene Demo Re

– Project type: short film
– Roles:
— Lauren (pay not available)
– Casting: Cincinnati
– Learn more about the short film here

MAJOR PROTEIN BRAND

– Project type: commercial
– Roles:
— YOUTH FEMALE, Age 7-12 (OCP) ($500/day + $1,300/usage,exclusivity + 20%)
– Casting: Cincinnati
– Learn more about the commercial here

Complete Strangers: Submission

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Tyler (50$ per worked day)
– Casting: Cincinnati
– Learn more about the feature film here

Major Tv Network: Couples Casting Call

– Project type: reality TV
– Roles:
— Unique Couples (pay not available)
– Casting: Cincinnati
– Learn more about the reality TV show here

Spokesperson

– Project type: commercial
– Roles:
— Cowboy ($45,000+20% AF (See PDF for specifics) )
– Casting: Cincinnati
– Learn more about the commercial here

New Ongoing Unscripted Series

– Project type: web series
– Roles:
— Participant (TBD)
– Casting: Cincinnati
– Learn more about the web series here

Home Cook Competition Show

– Project type: reality TV
– Roles:
— Real Home Cooks in the US (TBD)
– Casting: Cincinnati
– Learn more about the reality TV show here

DOOMSCROLL

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Female Reporter — (REMOTE VO ROLE) (pay not available)
— REMOTE EMOTIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA CREATOR — PUBLIC STATEMENT (pay not available)
– Casting: Cincinnati
– Learn more about the feature film here

The post Movies and TV shows casting this week in Cincinnati appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

While The Birdcage may have flown the coop, the building will finally return to its roots when a new LGBTQ+ bar opens at the same address later this month.

The Corner, as the bar is now called, plans to open near Halloween at 927 Race Street downtown. It is owned by Pride Holdings Group, a publicly-traded company that specializes in LGBTQ+ hospitality venues.

As queer Cincinnatians likely remember, The Birdcage closed without warning on Christmas Eve 2024.

The closure came after a failed expansion attempt into the former 7,000-square-foot Rebel Mettle Brewery space downtown on Central Avenue in June 2023; that space closed shortly after opening in February 2024, and The Birdcage returned to its original location.

The bar’s final closure was announced on Christmas Eve 2024 via a Facebook post, and despite many rumors of acquisitions and reopenings, the building has sat unused — until now.

CityBeat toured the space on Monday night with Pride Holdings Chief Operating Officer Joshua Cooper, who was hard at work on construction to get the space in tip-top shape.

He shared that the bar would be open on afternoons and most weekdays, unlike many other queer spaces in the area. Two major differences between The Birdcage and The Corner will be a larger stage for performances and a giant LED screen placed on the back wall — although those two elements won’t be ready in time for the bar’s opening.

Currently, there are already plans for karaoke, drag bingo, movie nights, special Bengals watch parties and more.

“The Corner represents the first of many organic openings by Pride Holdings Group,” said Tim Majors, the company’s CEO, in a statement. “Joshua Cooper has done a wonderful job getting this location ready for opening and demonstrating our commitment to creating thriving and inclusive LGBTQ+ spaces.”

After Cooper completes “phase 1” of opening — that is, getting the main bar up and running — he’ll transition to work on a second phase in the winter, where he’ll transform The Birdcage’s former dressing room into another bar.

This bar will be a small, speakeasy-style lounge with couches. He joked that since his husband is a DJ, he’s constantly surrounded by music and likes having a place to relax that isn’t so loud. He hopes that this second bar will provide something similar for people who want to go to a queer space but aren’t necessarily interested in a ‘club’ vibe that night.

While it’s anyone’s guess whether The Corner will reach its projected opening date of “October 2026,” Cooper was brimming with confidence that the bar will be open by then —and even if it doesn’t, whenever it arrives, it’ll be filling a major hole in Cincinnati’s LGBTQ+ community.

CityBeat will have more information on The Corner later this month. In the meantime, visit The Corner’s official Instagram page.

The post Former Birdcage space to get new life as LGBTQ+ bar The Corner appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.