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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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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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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The ultimate family motorsports experience roars back into Cincinnati as Monster Jam takes over Heritage Bank Center on July 11-12.

The event will feature 12,000-pound trucks, world champion drivers and gravity-defying stunts. Monster Jam delivers an “unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable weekend of full-throttle fun,” according to a release.

The Monster Jam Pit Party is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., with an event ticket and Pit Party Pass required. Families can get up-close access to the trucks, meet drivers, collect autographs and take photos before the engines fire up.

Fans can expect to see iconic trucks, including Grave Digger, driven by Weston Anderson; El Toro Loco, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026 and driven by Fernando Martinez; and Bailey Circuit, inspired by Ringling’s robotic pup.

Event Schedule:
Saturday, July 11– 12 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Pit Party: 9:30–11 a/m/

Sunday, July 12, 2026 – 12 p.m.
Pit Party: 9:30–11 a.m.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, with general public sales beginning March 3. Fans can sign up as Monster Jam Preferred Customers for exclusive pre-sale access.

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Cincinnati Reds fans will have a brand-new, exclusive beer option at Great American Ball Park this season.

Local favorite Braxton Brewing Company will develop a co-branded lineup of new craft beers available for purchase at Reds games. The first, Ballpark Beer, is exactly what you’d expect based on the name—a crisp German-style light beer crafted for nine innings, summer nights and the timeless tradition of baseball in Cincinnati.

With the partnership, Braxton becomes the Official Craft Beer Partner of the Reds.

“To become the first Official Craft Beer Partner in Reds history is incredibly meaningful for our team,” said Jake Rouse, co-founder and CEO of Braxton Brewing. “Braxton was built on community, and this partnership represents a full-circle moment – bringing locally brewed craft beer to Reds fans at the ballpark and beyond.” 

Fans itching to try out Ballpark Beer before it hits GABP can head to any Braxton location on March 7 at 1 p.m. for a sneak peek. At the brewery’s flagship location in Covington, several Reds Hall-of-Famers will be present to celebrate the partnership.

Throughout the season, several new co-branded beers from Braxton and the Cincinnati Reds will be released for fans to enjoy.

The partnership brings together two hometown favorites, celebrating Reds Country’s shared passion for baseball and locally crafted beer. 

“We’re excited to welcome Braxton Brewing Company as our Official Craft Beer Partner,” said Doug Healy, Reds CEO and COO. “Their beers have been featured at Great American Ball Park since 2015, and we can’t wait for fans to experience this new lineup of co-developed flavors while cheering on the Reds.”

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The Cincinnati Reds are once again hosting a concert series at Great American Ball Park.

This summer, fans can enjoy post-game concerts from country star Jon Pardi, EDM icon Marshmello, and rap legends Rick Ross and Ludacris in the Ohio Lottery Post-Game Concert Series.

Anyone who attends the Reds game prior to the concert can watch the show for free.

Fans who simply wish to attend the concert or who want to be up close and personal with their favorite artist can purchase a Field Pass from the Reds.

More details on each performer are below, provided by the Reds.

Jon Pardi – Wednesday, July 8 vs. Philadelphia Phillies (7:10 p.m. game time)
MCA Nashville artist Jon Pardi began careening down the highway over 10 years ago, leading the charge to modernize honkytonk with roaring guitars and a good-time spirit. Pardi’s reputation for punchy, against-the-wind bravado has only grown, with his just-released fifth studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood. The 17-track album is the spiritual successor to his fearless breakout hits, once again showcasing his commitment to staying true to himself, yet giving his signature sound a new spark. With four Top 5 albums under his belt – including 2016’s Platinum #1, California Sunrise – Pardi has solidified his place in country music.

Marshmello – Friday, July 31 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (6:10 p.m. game time)
Marshmello is a Grammy-nominated, genre-defying artist and producer whose influence spans the global music landscape. With more than 16.8 billion Spotify streams, over 68 million monthly listeners, and top-tier status on both Spotify and YouTube, he remains one of the world’s most-streamed artists. His collaborations include Khalid, Kane Brown, Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, P!NK and Sting, among many others. Career highlights include a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album, the Billboard Hot 100 hit “Numb,” the Latin album Sugar Papi, and the historic chart-topping crossover “Miles On It.”

Rick Ross – Friday, Aug. 14 vs. Miami Marlins (6:10 p.m. game time)
Rick Ross exploded onto the global stage with Port of Miami (2006), debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 and instantly redefining modern luxury rap. Built one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires by founding Maybach Music Group (MMG), launching and elevating careers of stars like Meek Mill and Wale. Delivered a run of commercial dominance, with 11 consecutive top 10 Billboard 200 albums and multiple #1 debuts across two decades. Rick Ross has earned multiple Grammy Award nominations, including Best Rap Album (God Forgives, I Don’t) and Best Rap Performance, placing him among hip-hop’s elite peer group.

Ludacris – Friday, Sept. 4 vs. Milwaukee Brewers (6:10 p.m. game time)
The career of three-time GRAMMY Award-winning musician, actor and philanthropist Chris “Ludacris” Bridges can best be described as remarkable. As a recording artist, he has sold more than 24 million albums worldwide, thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker,” and “My Chick Bad.” All these records were accompanied by ingenious videos that demonstrated Bridges’ far-reaching imagination and his willingness to stretch the boundaries of what rap videos should look and feel like. This past October marked the 25th anniversary of Ludacris’ groundbreaking debut album, Back for the First Time — a milestone that not only celebrates his legacy but also sets the stage for what’s next.

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In Olympic curling, the target where stones are thrown toward is called ‘the house,’ but Cincinnati Curling Club is doing their best to create a true home for its athletes.

“It’s a recreational sport unlike any other,” said Brody White, vice president of the club’s board. “One of the great things about curling is that there are so many ways to adapt to curling [for individuals]. You can always play to the best of your abilities. It doesn’t matter how good you are. We can all be on the ice and playing to our abilities.”

It’s that openness that attracted Justin Swann, who moved to the U.S. from Australia in 2023, to join the Cincinnati Curling Club last month.

“I saw the Olympics on TV, and I always enjoy watching it,” Swann said. “But when my parents came from Australia to visit, we thought it’d be a fun sort of activity to do one of these learn to curl classes. It is something you don’t really get to do in Australia. So we took a class, and we really enjoyed it.”

Brody said this year’s Winter Olympic Games has helped the club see rapid growth. 

The Cincinnati Curling Club hosts five two-hour Learn to Curl classes, which teach the essentials of curling, including ice safety, etiquette, basic skills development (delivering a stone, sweeping, etc), and scoring and strategy. Equipment is included before classmates play a game together.

“One of the best things about being an Olympic sport is that every four years we see surges in participation,” he said, adding that their classes are fully booked until early March.

In their curling club rules, there’s a mandate for the winning team to buy the losing team a drink. White said this helps create community amongst the players.

“They get to meet other people who they may not know much about other than they like curling,” he said. “This rule helps them meet new friends and create new bonds.”

Swann agreed. He and his husband have gone from taking the Learn to Curl class and enjoying the class to taking the four-week Instructional League to learn more about curling.

“Anyone who struggles to meet people should give this a try,” Swann said. “There’s no pressure here.  Everybody is enjoying themselves, having a good time, playing a weird sport, and it’s fun. I think that’s the main thing: there’s no pressure. It’s just for a fun place to sport together and hang out.”

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It’s a new day for the Cincinnati Reds—sort of.

Phil Castellini, the current president and CEO of the Reds, has assumed full control of the team, according to a report from the Associated Press. Previously, his father, Robert “Bob” Castellini, was in charge.

This transition began in July 2024, when Phil became president.

The younger Castellini has had a rough reputation during his time with the Cincinnati Reds. It’s true that the Reds have been to the playoffs once during his tenure as president—something that hasn’t happened since 2013—but he’s had plenty of public gaffes while he’s worked with the organization.

The most notable was his infamous “Where ya gonna go?” comment on Opening Day 2022, where he bashed Reds fans who had publicly declared that the Castellini family should spend more or sell the team. He later apologized, but Reds fans still haven’t forgotten; as recently as Jan. 14, he was booed by the crowd at a Xavier University basketball game.

Bob Castellini is apparently not retiring just yet, though. Even though his son is now running the ship, he is still expected to attend spring training in the coming weeks as he has done every year since he purchased the team in 2006.

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A glampground and retreat center in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is offering a peaceful spot to kick back and relax in nature, or even host an event, this spring.

Dappled Light, located in Beattyville, features 50 acres of forests and hiking trails, plus 10 glamping sites and The Rookery, a brand-new indoor/outdoor event space that can be utilized for company off-sites, yoga retreats, micro-weddings and more. The retreat center said while it initially opened as a campsite in 2021, in the second half of 2025, it shifted its focus to include large, unique events that embrace its belief in “wild hospitality,” meaning retreats don’t have to mean two days of being trapped indoors under fluorescent lights.

“We’ve hosted over 500 individuals/families and dozens of retreats over the four years we’ve been open to the public. We love both styles of hosting.” Izaac Rains, co-owner, said. “The thing that calls to us about group retreats is the potential for groups to form deep connections, have fun together, and get into a more creative headspace. We’ve seen these benefits show themselves to groups of many styles; that fired us up. We knew we were onto something good.”

The Rookery offers 1,500 square feet of space, with a slide-open glass wall that offers sunset views, a large kitchen and serving area, multiple bathrooms and a spacious cliffside deck, perfect for enjoying drinks as the sun sinks behind the valley. The event space can seat up to 40 people, and you can book retreats here.

The Dappled Light team says it has also been making improvements to its accommodations, which include nine glamping tents that sleep between four and six people, as well as its Cliffside Cabin, which can host up to six and offers cliffside views, a fully stocked kitchen and a private bathroom. Each tent offers a private front porch, plus canopy views and outdoor play nets, plus an on-site bathhouse and grill. Select tents also have private fire pits. 

If you’re interested in booking a stay at one of Dappled Light’s glamping tents or the cabin, you can do so here. 

Keep scrolling to see everything Dappled Light has to offer.

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If getting outdoors more was one of your 2026 resolutions, a special market in Oakley this weekend can help you find new-to-you gear to get you on the trails or in the water this year. 

Adventure Crew, a local nonprofit that helps connect Greater Cincinnati teens with nature and each other, is hosting the Gear Sale and Donation Day at MadTree Brewing from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The nonprofit says it’s a sustainable and affordable way to prepare for your upcoming outdoor adventures, with gently used items like paddle crafts, bikes, hiking equipment, outdoor apparel and more for sale. 

If you have gently used gear you’d like to sell at the event, you can sign up to be a seller for free here. Registration must be completed in order to sell your gear, and signups close on Jan. 20, or when space is filled. 

Adventure Crew is also accepting gear donations for its teens or for resale. The nonprofit says it needs these items the most:

• Snow pants (child size L, XL; adult sizes S-XXXL)
• Winter coats (child size L, XL; adult sizes S-XXXL)
• Backpacking stoves
• Hiking boots (any size)
• Tennis shoes (any size)
• Backpacking sleeping bags (lightweight, packs down small, 20 degrees)
• Sleeping pads (not inflated by mouth)

For resale, the nonprofit is also accepting larger items like kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and bikes. Sales of donated gear will help support Adventure Crew’s mission to get city teens outside in nature. 

If you’re interested in donating, but can’t attend the sale, you can contact sam@adventurecrew.org to arrange a drop-off. 

MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Road, Oakley. More info: adventurecrew.org.

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