The Dayton Art Institute will open its doors without charge on three weekends this year.

The first is happening this weekend from March 7–8. Other free weekends will be August 29–30, and November 14–15. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

On those days, visitors can access the permanent collection, all current special exhibitions and family activities. A 15% membership discount will also be available for new and renewing members.

Current exhibitions include Engaged: Rings from around the World (through April 19), Exploring Feminism (through January 2027) and Tony Foster, Exploring Time (through May 17).

Later in 2026, the museum will open shows covering William H. Johnson, folk art quilts, Japanese photography and alternative photographic processes, among others.

Regular admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and active military and $5 for students and youth. More information can be found on the Art Institute’s website.

The Dayton Art Institute was founded in 1919. The museum’s collection covers 5,000 years of art history and includes significant American, Ancient American, Asian, and European fine and decorative arts, totaling more than 27,000 objects.

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The largest wine festival in the Midwest returns to the Queen City this weekend, allowing you to sip wine from all over the globe right here in Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival, which started in 1991, is celebrating 35 years of operation. Beginning this Thursday and running through Saturday, plenty of exotic wines will be on hand for sampling, with proceeds from the festival going to more than 30 local nonprofits.

New this year is a 20-minute introductory course on how to properly taste wine and a class on the three biggest wine trends right now, with samples included. The main event this year is The Slam on Saturday night, which puts sommeliers head-to-head in a live, timed challenge as the audience watches and sips the same wines they’ll be tested on.

To date, the festival has raised more than $8 million for local nonprofits.

Tickets are available now on the festival’s website by clicking here.

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For the first time since 1994, the United States will become the global capital of soccer — or football if you live anywhere other than America.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, making it the first edition of the tournament to be organized by three countries together. The competition will expand to 48 teams, who will compete in 104 matches held in 16 cities across the three host nations between June 11 and July 19, 2026.

Footy fans in Cincinnati don’t have to look too hard for their watch party spot. Just head downtown to The Banks, which will transform into the 2026 FIFA World Cup Viewing Village this June and July—a free, fan-friendly destination packed with energy, a giant screen, food, beverage and supporters cheering together from kickoff through the final whistle.

Every moment of the world’s biggest tournament will be shown at the Viewing Village, like the most exciting matches featuring top national teams including the United States, Spain, England, France, Brazil and Argentina.

Fans can enjoy live match broadcasts on the giant outdoor screen, food and drinks from local favorites at The Banks, a football supporter-driven atmosphere, and evening and weekend watch parties for the most popular matches.

Whether you are cheering for Team USA or celebrating global soccer culture, the Viewing Village is the place to be. Bring your friends, your flags, your jerseys and your passion as Cincinnati joins the world in celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For some matches, there will be split-screen viewing with FIFA matches and Reds games.

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The 65th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Cavalcade of Customs will return to the First Financial Center in downtown Cincinnati, March 13 to 15.

There will be hundreds of custom cars, classics, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles and race cars on display. For tickets and a list of events and featured guests, click here.

The First Financial Center was previously known as the Duke Energy Convention Center, which reopened in February after an 18-month renovation project costing more than $260 million.

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If you asked creative director and Newport resident Josh Jacob what he does in his free time, he might wryly explain his talent for making “fake watches.” But his watches are very real—and way more interesting than most of what you’d find in a jewelry store.

Faux Wrist, the timepiece brand Jacob created for his project, can make you the watch of your dreams. Everything about his watches—from obvious components like the bracelet or the hands of the clock to tiny details like the indices, the dial, and the crystal—is fully customizable to your liking.

He sources his watch components from the same manufacturers that major brands do, but without the hefty price tag that comes with a brand name. It’s part of his goal to make affordable watches that are “just as good, if not better” than the ones crafted by well-known names, but fully customized to fit anyone’s look.

“In my opinion, it’s cooler than wearing a Rolex, because you’re not just flexing that you own an expensive timepiece,” he said. “I like to think the person who wears the watches I make is more interested in curating their own personal aesthetic, not just choosing what someone else thinks is cool.”

It all started when a friend of his won an Instagram giveaway for an Omega Speedmaster, a watch that normally retails for close to $8,000. Jacob became enamored with the mechanical construction of the watch, citing a prior love for analog technology in an age where everything is digital.

Eventually, he started learning “as much as I possibly could about watches and watch culture,” found a DIY watch kit online, and decided to try his hand at making his own timepiece. The box said it could be built in an hour, but it actually took him closer to four or five.

“Setting the [watch] hands requires a really steady wrist. You’re operating off feel. Unless you’ve got a really good magnifying lens, you can’t see what you’re doing,” he said.

Over the course of his research, he discovered that his favorite watch brand, Seiko, sells its movements (the engine inside a watch that powers the clock) wholesale, and realized with time and effort that he could make his own retail-quality watches from the same parts.

Finding the hobby came at exactly the right time for Jacob. Over the previous seven years, his mother was dealing with Alzheimer’s but it affected her differently than most. His mother initially suffered from aphasia, a disorder that removes the ability to speak, write or communicate, although it does not affect intelligence.

“You could see her eyes get wide during conversations like she wanted to participate, but she literally couldn’t talk… I like to think it’s similar to when something’s on the tip of your tongue, but you’re like that forever,” he said. “Her voice was taken away from her, but her mind was very much still there. It was heartbreaking.”

Over the “soul-crushing” period where his mother was at the end of her life, he got to a mental state where he “didn’t do anything but work and drink, constantly.” It reached a breaking point where he realized if he didn’t make some drastic changes, and fast, he wouldn’t “have anything to live for.”

He went sober, started making watches to occupy his time, and then got hit with a triple whammy: the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of his dog, King—who he’d owned for 14 years—and the death of his mother all in a few short months. Watchmaking became a “vehicle for grief” for Jacob and a distraction to keep his mental health in check.

“It was extremely important to have something to do when I was—what is the term now, crashing out? You have to give your brain something to focus on so you’re not just thinking about how everything sucks,” he said. “I literally made like seven watches based just off my dog, and called it the King series. The black dials on the watches reflected how I felt, like when people wear a black armband to acknowledge tragedy. It almost felt like I was paying homage to him.”

But then people started noticing his work. They’d find him online and send over pictures of their dad’s old watches, or a style of watch they like but couldn’t afford, or even just send over some art they like and ask for a watch based on it.

“It’s evolved into this cool thing now where I have a client base of family and friends and people I’ve never met who reach out and go, ‘Hey, can you make me a watch?'” he said. “It’s extremely rewarding, because I never even cared if it became that. I just needed it to be a distraction, right?”

Realizing that he’d have to “put some kind of brand” on this if he was going to turn watchmaking into a real hobby, he combined his B.A. in graphic design and dry sense of humor to come up with the logo for Faux, a tongue-in-cheek name that he knew “absolutely nobody would copy.”

“It was almost like, what is the worst possible name you could give a watch brand, and how can you take ownership of it to make it so cool and interesting that the name wouldn’t be a factor?” he said.

Jacob’s biggest goal for the future is to create parts himself instead of sourcing them from other countries so he can fabricate a watch entirely from scratch—a goal he’s made headway on, as he’s already in talks with manufacturers. It’ll be a higher-end version of what he does now, and these watches will tout the name of his “insanely amazing” new dog, Scout.

He knows that your average Rolex or Omega-obsessed watch fiend probably won’t care for his products, but that’s okay, as “there’s a really big gap in the market” for people who are interested in well-crafted timepieces but don’t want to drop thousands of dollars on one. For him, it’s all about making watches that reflect their owner.

“I would say it’s for people more my speed, who like the music I’m into, or the style of design I’m into, or things that are just interesting and cool… what would that look like if a watch brand did that?,” he said. “Overall, my goal is to continue to share this with people because they genuinely want to be a part of it.”

You can learn more about Faux Wrist by visiting the website.

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This past Saturday, the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ basketball team took a beating at the hands of the Cincinnati Bearcats. UC won 91-68 in a dominant performance that leaves the Bearcats tied for 8th in the Big 12 (with a conference record of 8-8) and sends the Cowboys even further towards the bottom.

The Bearcats shot well throughout the matchup, especially from deep—they sunk 41% of their 34 attempted three-pointers, including a career-high seven from Day Day Thomas. The team was physically dominant inside as well, with 26 points in the paint and 43 rebounds.

Photographer Ron Valle was on-site at the game, capturing the action. View his photos below.

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The latest exhibition at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center features the work of a husband and wife.

Sculptors Jan & Mark Wiesner came together to create Sculptural Storylines, a new gallery of sculptures about the power of the image, belief in the power of the story, and the human need for both. Each tells a distinctly different version of the same story through their own artistic mediums—Jan using clay, Mark using cardboard.

The exhibition will run from March 20 through May 16, 2026.

The free Opening Reception is on March 20, from 6-8 p.m., and is open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Jan & Mark Wiesner will be giving an Artist Talk on Saturday, April 18, starting at 1 pm.

The arts center’s gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

A sampling of the pieces in the exhibition can be found in the gallery below.

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Just days before Ohio will ban them, two of Cincinnati’s biggest names want you to try THC seltzers.

Rhinegeist Brewery is partnering with the Contemporary Arts Center for “The (High) Art of Seltzers,” a guided tasting and museum tour about the craft, science and cultural conversation surrounding THC seltzers. The event takes place at the CAC on March 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Led by Nick Brehm, director of Innovation and Raw Materials and Tracey Ireland, vice president of Marketing at Rhinegeist, the evening will feature Fuzzy Bones, an alcohol-free sparkling beverage crafted with hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and real fruit juice.

Rhinegeist’s team will guide participants through the formulation, production and evolving landscape of hemp-derived beverages, offering insight into how hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legally defined, nanoemulsion technology and its role in onset timing, what “quick onset” means in practice, understanding 5mg dosing and pacing consumption, and the influence of minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN.

Guests will sample three flavors–Blood Orange Tangerine, Lemon Blueberry, and Blackberry Hibiscus–and receive one 12 oz. 5mg can to take home.

“CAC’s ‘The Art of…’ series is about exploring creativity in all its forms, and we’re excited to partner with Rhinegeist to examine the craft, science, and sensory experience behind this evolving field,” said Carolyn Hefner, Chief of External Affairs at CAC. “Programs like this invite people into the museum in new ways—connecting contemporary art with everyday experiences and encouraging curiosity, conversation, and discovery.”

Following the tasting, participants will join CAC Adjunct Curator, Maria Seda-Reeder, for a guided exploration of the galleries. Slowing down with a work of art invites a different kind of awareness. This portion of the evening encourages guests to consider how perception shifts when we tune into our senses more intentionally.

The event is only available to guests 21+, and a valid ID is required. Tickets are $30, although members of the museum get a discount. For more information, click here.

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Ohio River Paddlefest will mark its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 1.

The event draws more than 2,000 people to the river in kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards for a weekend of events, races and a finish-line festival.

Paddlefest is organized by Adventure Crew and begins with the Outdoors for All Expo on Friday, July 31. The expo is a free community event focused on outdoor recreation.

Paddlers can choose between a 9-mile and a 4.5-mile route on the Ohio River during a temporary closure to motorized traffic.

The 9-mile route ends with a finish-line festival at the Gilday Recreation Complex in Riverside. The 4.5-mile route concludes at the Public Landing. Both routes begin at the Schmidt Recreation Complex in the East End.

The Outdoors for All Expo runs from 4 to 9:30 p.m. July 31 at Schmidt Recreation Complex. Organizers said more than 70 exhibitors are expected, including local parks, outdoor retailers and environmental groups. Musical performers scheduled to appear include Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle, Jake Speed & the Freddies and Ma Crow & Co. The event will also include demonstrations, raffles, food trucks and beer sales. Groups interested in exhibiting can apply through the event website.

Participants in Paddlefest may use their own boats or rent equipment in advance. Rental availability is limited.

Registration is open online. Proceeds from the event support Adventure Crew, which provides outdoor programming for teens in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Event organizers are also accepting sponsorships.

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Cincinnati has plenty to do this weekend, including art shows, raves, a symphony, a musical, a soccer watch party, and some visits from famous comedians, dancers and musicians.

If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to CityBeat readers.

John Mulaney: Mister Whatever

Friday, Taft Theatre, downtown, 7:30 p.m.

The wildly popular comedian brings his latest tour, “Mister Whatever,” to Cincinnati. The two-time Emmy winner and former SNL alum is best known for his Netflix specials and shows, the most recent of which was the 2024 live talk show John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA.

Bloodrave at Madison Theater

Saturday, Madison Theater, Covington, 9 p.m.

Do you wanna dance till you bleed? Are you tired of vibeless themed dance nights? Welcome to BLOODRAVE, a new goth/techno/industrial dance night that puts you at the center of your favorite neo futuristic dystopian rave scene. Killer DJs, special vampiric drinks, the occasional wailing guitar, and fiery cage dancers are just some of what you can expect for a night of debauchery you will never forget.

Created and curated by Grammy-nominated producer duo NOWHERE2RUN, BLOODRAVE brings together EDM regulars, metal showgoers, and anyone with a kinship for the darker side of night life. Put on some leather and get ready to live your ultimate BLADE and THE MATRIX goth rave fantasy. This is not your uncle’s goth night and you weren’t born for the light. So meet us in the dark. Featuring DJ Boywife, Flores Negras, Skylinn, Dahlia Parton, and ViciousWishes.

Cincinnati Home & Garden Show 2026

February 27–March 1, First Financial Center, downtown

The 56th annual Cincinnati Home + Garden Show returns to the newly renovated First Financial Center featuring 350+ home improvement, kitchen and bath, outdoor living, landscaping and gardening experts, all under one roof. This massive show is the region’s largest and includes immersive garden experiences and home improvement inspiration galore. Attendees will discover the latest trends, score exclusive show-only discounts, and gain expert advice by connecting directly with industry professionals.

Miguel: CAOS Tour

Friday, Andrew J. Brady Center, downtown, 8:30 p.m.

The beloved R&B singer is coming to Cincinnati on the tour supporting his latest album, CAOS. He’s best known for his 2017 triple-platinum single “Sky Walker” and his 2010 hit “Sure Thing,” which recently had a public resurgence thanks to TikTok.

Art After Dark at the Cincinnati Art Museum

Friday, Cincinnati Art Museum, Mt. Adams, 5-9 p.m.

Dance the night away to music from DJ K. Chantà, help create a collaborative mural with Not Your Average Paint & Sip, and take a self-guided tour of artworks that celebrate love and belonging, curated through a queer lens. (You might even find “pop-up” artwork displays, on view this night only!) Enjoy cash bars, food for purchase from the Terrace Café and Carl’s Deli, and free admission to the museum’s two ticketed exhibits: What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine and Longing: Painting from the Pahari Kingdoms of the Northwest Himalayas.

Dancing with the Stars: Live!

Saturday, Andrew J. Brady Center, downtown, 7:30 p.m.

Dancing with the Stars is hotter than ever — and now it’s hitting the road with a 74-date tour across North America! After a sold-out tour earlier this year, DWTS returns in 2026 with a brand-new live show, visiting Cincinnati, OH at The Andrew J Brady Music Center® on Saturday, February 28 and May 7. This year’s stage spectacular will feature fan-favorite professional dancers from the #1 hit television series in a mix of standout routines from DWTS’ record-breaking Season 34 and fresh performances created just for the stage.

LEGO: Art of the Brick

Feb. 27-March 1, W. 4th Street, downtown

After touring several cities and entering CNN’s list of “Must-See” exhibitions, the best-known LEGO® art exhibition in the world arrives in Cincinnati. Critically acclaimed, the collection features works by artist Nathan Sawaya which are made from millions of LEGO® bricks. This is the second-to-last weekend the exhibit will be in town.

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven and Ravel

Feb. 27-March 1, Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine

Samuel Lee, winner of the prestigious Malko Competition and former Associate Conductor of the CSO, returns for a sublime evening of music. Louise Farrenc’s Overture No. 2 opens the program with a brief glimpse into the musical world of 19th-century France, which flows into the delicate dances of Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, laced with a tender homage to the French Baroque.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical

Saturday, Emery Theatre, Over-the-Rhine

In the winter of 2026, one of the most beloved children’s book series of all-time jumps from the page to the stage! Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical brings Jeff Kinney’s iconic characters to life in a hilarious and heartfelt production. The show will also feature original illustrations and animations by Kinney himself.

FC Cincinnati: Away vs. Minnesota

Watch parties all over the city, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

FC Cincinnati heads to Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota for an away game. Watch parties will take place at just about every sports bar in the downtown area. (If you need a suggestion, might we suggest official FCC bars Rhinehaus or Queen City Radio in Over-the-Rhine?)

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