Cincinnati has all kinds of festivals and parties--here are the ones not to miss.
Camp at the Valley Vineyards Wine Festival: 2276 East U.S. Highway 22, Morrow. This annual September event welcomes more than 50,000 people from around the world for wine, tours, food, music, camping, arts, crafts and activities. Admission and camping is free. (513) 899-2485.
Visit the Italian Festival: Newport Shopping Center, Newport. This annual June event celebrates Newport Italian history and heritage. Games, food and music. (859) 292-3666.
Check out the Celtic Lands Culture Fest: Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., downtown. This annual March festival includes storytelling, dancing, food, music and crafts. Admission is free. (513) 287-7000.
Celebrate spring at Bockfest: Main St. downtown. Bockfest celebrates the end of winter, the coming of spring, and the beginning of the outdoor beer drinking season. Oh, and sausage, too. Main St. restaurants offer specials, live music and parades during the early March festival. More about Bockfest.
See the Opening Day parade: April, downtown. Opening Day in Cincinnati might as well be a holiday. It signals the start of the Reds season, and lots of Cincinnatians head downtown to celebrate.
Party at Mardi Gras in MainStrasse: MainStrasse Village, Covington, KY. After Mardi Gras 2000 got a little out of control, the city of Covington said no more. But MainStrasse restaurants, shops and bars are banding and creating their own, tamer February Mardi Gras celebration.
See the annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival: Christ Church Cathedral, downtown. The Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival has been a tradition in Cincinnati since 1940. More about the Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival.
Enjoy the Zoo's light extravaganza: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. The Zoo is sparkly with holiday delight from now until January 7. The show event features special live Nutcracker characters, two million lights, animated displays, and more. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. seven days a week. $11 adult, $8.50 senior. $5.50 child. (513) 281-4700.
Dress up Poochie for the annual Reindog Parade: Mt. Adams. This year's dressed-up dog romp is December 9. More than 500 dogs dressed up and paraded around the neighborhood last year; 2001 will be the Reindog's 10th anniversary. Proceeds benefit the SPCA. (513) 381-2878.
Be ye merry at the Ohio Renaissance Festival: State Route 73, Harveysburg. Where else can you lug around a big chicken leg and greet passersby with "What, ho!" The 16th century village closes shop on October 15. More info
See Balluminaria at Eden Park: Mirror Lake, Eden Park. The early December event lights up hot-air balloons near Mirror Lake for an incredible light and reflection display. Ceremonies begin around dusk, but nearby Mt. Adams throws a Christmas festival later with carriage rides, late shopping and luminaries.
Dance like a chicken at Oktoberfest: Fountain Sqaure, every October. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati features a huge chicken dance/kazoo band, and 30,000 show up to take part. Ex-Monkee Davy Jones and Weird Al have led the fray.
See the Harvest Home Fair parade: Cheviot. The 141-year-old Harvest Home Fair started out as a simple farmer's harvest celebration. Now, it's a huge Westside party...or more. One Simply Cincy reader called it the "unofficial political campaign cook-off." This year's parade is on September 7 at 6 p.m. More about the Harvest Home Fair
Hit the Appalachian Festival - Coney Island - the annual spring Appalachian Festival has mountain crafts, live music, dancing, storytellers and an expansive historic area. More about the festival
See the Labor day fireworks - Sawyer Point, downtown - Revelers sit all along the river for the spectacular fireworks and Riverfest shows on the Sunday before Labor Day. The day is crowded and expensive to park, so an all-day downtown excursion is necessary to make it worthwhile.
Revel at a summer Catholic school festival - various locations - The summer festival season is upon us, and the neighborhood schools throw some fun parties. Carnival games (like Big Six), food, raffles, and good for the communities.
Go to a Party in the Park/Party at the Point - Sawyer Point, downtown - Held every Wednesday in the summer, these outdoor concerts feature local bands and an interesting mix of people. Free. Party in the Park Dates
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Germania Park - 3529 West Kemper Rd. Not the big Oktoberfest downtown---the more authentic party on the west side. Admission is $2. August 25, 26 and 27.
Visit the Juneteenth Festival at Eden Park - June 16 - A celebration of African-American freedom, this annual event provides diverse music, food and an estimated 10,000-15,000 people.
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