Top 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Nov. 3-5

Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati Enquirer
·6 min read
Authentic German steins are one of the many items available for shoppers this weekend at the Germania Society's Christkindlmarkt.
Authentic German steins are one of the many items available for shoppers this weekend at the Germania Society's Christkindlmarkt.

1. Christkindlmarkt

Cincinnati’s oldest and most authentic German Christmas market, based on markets popular in Germany. Vendors and activities are under a covered pavilion, heated tents and outdoors. Enjoy German beer, Gluhwein, unique gifts and crafts, live music and more. All Germania Society-operated booths are cashless; some outside vendors may accept cash. No ATM on grounds.

Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Colerain Township. $5, free ages 12-under. Germaniasociety.com.

Brick Fest Live comes to Duke Energy Convention Center this weekend.
Brick Fest Live comes to Duke Energy Convention Center this weekend.

2. Brick Fest Live

See life-sized Lego models, shop hard-to-find Lego merchandise and enjoy hands-on attractions like the Minecraft Zone, Glow Zone and Graffiti Wall. You can also compete in derby races, get photos in the giant brick pit and create art in the Mosaic Gallery. VIP includes event-exclusive build, badge and collectible pin.

Details: 9 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. $38 VIP, $20 general. Brickfestlive.com.

The UC Health Ice Rink at Fountain Square opens for the season Saturday. The rink features bumper cars on weekends. Pictured: Olanna Donaldson, 5, rides in a bumper car at UC Health Ice Rink at Fountain Square in 2020.
The UC Health Ice Rink at Fountain Square opens for the season Saturday. The rink features bumper cars on weekends. Pictured: Olanna Donaldson, 5, rides in a bumper car at UC Health Ice Rink at Fountain Square in 2020.

3. UC Health Ice Rink

Fountain Square's ice rink opens for the season Saturday. The rink features rental skates, full-service concessions tent, warming tent and, on the weekends, fan-favorite bumper cars. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, the rink offers split ice skating with bumper car option; otherwise, full rink is available for open skating. This year, the rink returns to walk-up-only format with no reservations required.

Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, 4-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, noon-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. $10 open skate sessions include skate rental. $6 split ice session, $10 bumper car punch cards are valid for 5 rides each. Credit, debit or mobile payments only; no cash accepted. Myfountainsquare.com.

The Cincinnati Museum Center's annual party with a purpose takes place Nov. 3. Tickets include access to all museums, the Omnimax Theater, plus silent disco, special cocktails, food and more.
The Cincinnati Museum Center's annual party with a purpose takes place Nov. 3. Tickets include access to all museums, the Omnimax Theater, plus silent disco, special cocktails, food and more.

4. Layers of Discovery

This annual adults-only night at the Cincinnati Museum Center features custom cocktails, light bites from local restaurants, live DJ, silent disco and exclusive access to world-class exhibits, including the newly opened exhibit Ancient Worlds Hiding in Plain Sight. The event benefits CMC’s Champion More Curiosity campaign.

Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. $225. Cincymuseum.org/layers.

5. 'The Prom'

After a scathing review closes their latest show on opening night, a couple of brassy Broadway performers embark on a mission to change the world. Their chosen cause is a small-town teen whose prom was canceled because she wanted to bring her girlfriend.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Runs Nov. 3-11. $24-$27. Cincinnatiarts.org.

One of the longest running shows in U.S. theater history, "Late Night Catechism" is a one-nun comedy that's part catechism class, part stand-up routine. It runs Nov. 4-Dec. 17 at Cincinnati's Playhouse in the Park.
One of the longest running shows in U.S. theater history, "Late Night Catechism" is a one-nun comedy that's part catechism class, part stand-up routine. It runs Nov. 4-Dec. 17 at Cincinnati's Playhouse in the Park.

6. 'Late Night Catechism'

This playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture is part catechism class and part interactive stand-up comedy, where the audience becomes part of Sister's class. Her stories weave a hilarious tapestry that pokes gentle fun at the church while simultaneously embracing its quirks.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Playhouse in the Park, Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre, 962 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Runs Nov. 4-Dec. 17. Cincyplay.com.

Cincinnati Ballet presents George Balanchine's masterpiece 'Jewels' this weekend at Music Hall's Springer Auditorium.
Cincinnati Ballet presents George Balanchine's masterpiece 'Jewels' this weekend at Music Hall's Springer Auditorium.

7. 'Jewels'

Cincinnati Ballet opens its 60th Diamond Anniversary season with "Jewels," which has been called the first full-length abstract ballet. With live music from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the dancers bring to life glittering rubies, diamonds and emeralds, the three jewels of choreographer George Balanchine's masterpiece.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Nov. 4-5. $29-up. Cballet.org.

8. Queen City Blues Fest

This whole house event features some of the area's best blues bands on three stages. In the Lounge: Jimmy D Rogers, Micah Kesserling, Sonny Hill Trio. Revival Room: Misterman & the Mojo Band, Prestige Grease, Mojo Blues Cats. Sanctuary: Shaun Booker Dammit Band, Johnny Fink & the Intrusion, CFG & the Family.

Details: 6 p.m. Saturday, Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. $20-$25. southgatehouse.com.

Why grow a pumpkin when you can knit one?
Why grow a pumpkin when you can knit one?

9. Woolly Fest

Local fiber makers and farmers bring supplies, and knitters, crocheters, weavers and others who work with fiber share knowledge and products at this community-driven festival. Whether you're a knitter, weaver, dyer, animal raiser or someone just interested in the local fibershed, this festival is the place to meet people dedicated to keeping the fiber magic alive.

Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Hellmann Creative Center, 321 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Covington. Free. art-equals.org/woollyfest.

10. Tai Shani: My Bodily Remains

British artist Tai Shani works with painting, sculpture, installation and film to explore the politics of emancipation through a feminist lens. For her first U.S. solo museum exhibition, she has made a feature-length film, "My Bodily Remains, Your Bodily Remains, and all the Bodily Remains that Ever Were and Ever Will Be," and related immersive experience that explores emancipation and love as a device for healing and resistance.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown. Runs Nov. 3-April 14. Free. cincycac.org.

Honorable mention: Great Parks 1800s Harvest Jamboree

Venture into the past and immerse yourself in the Ohio pioneer spirit. The whole family can enjoy traditionally prepared foods at the pioneer picnic, play pioneer games, step inside a real 1800s schoolhouse, try your hand at tomahawk tossing and two-person log-sawing, and get creative by making ragdolls and candles.

Details: 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Shawnee Lookout, Cabin View Area, 2008 Lawrenceburg Road, North Bend. Free; some activities require a small fee. A valid motor vehicle permit is required to enter all Great Parks. Greatparks.org.

Get ready to dig through record crates for grails Saturday at the Northside Record Fair.
Get ready to dig through record crates for grails Saturday at the Northside Record Fair.

Honorable mention: Shopping

  • Northside Record Fair: One of the best record fairs in the Midwest features more than 40 tables of vinyl. You'll find thousands of LPs, EPs and singles in a wide variety of genres including jazz, punk, psych, indie rock, blues, classic rock, world music, classical, garage rock, hip-hop, experimental, folk, industrial, country, electronic, prog, soul and more.

    • Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 4222 Hamilton Ave., Northside. $10 early entry (10 a.m.), $5 general. northsiderecordfair.com.

  • Deerfield Handmade Market: Featuring more than 90 local and regional artists, makers and creators, you'll find everything from jewelry, painting, candles and clothing to upcycled products, food and more.

    • Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Kings High School, 5500 Columbia Road, Kings Mills. Admission is cash only at the door. $5 early bird admission (10 a.m.) with goody bags to the first 100 through the door, $3 general, free for ages 12-under. The-arts-alliance.org.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Nov. 3-5