Top 12 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: March 22-24

Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati Enquirer
·6 min read
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Cirque Italia brings its Water Circus to Greater Cincinnati March 21-24 under its big top tent set up at Florence Mall.
Cirque Italia brings its Water Circus to Greater Cincinnati March 21-24 under its big top tent set up at Florence Mall.

1. Cirque Italia Water Circus

Experience this unique circus under the big tent. You’ll see high-energy acts swing from ropes, flip over trapezes, zip by on BMX bikes and roller skates, and much more.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Florence Mall, 2028 Mall Road, Florence. $15-$60. Cirqueitalia.com.

2. HorrorHound Weekend

Meet celebrities including Juliette Lewis, Eli Roth, Sam Raimi, Jane Levy, Lars Frederiksen of Rancid, NWO's Kevin Nash and many more. Musician and author Henry Rollins performs Friday night. You can also enjoy Q&A sessions and panel discussions, shop more than 70 unique vendors, participate in a cosplay costume contest, and more. The Ink Fusion Tattoo Festival and HorrorHound Film Fest are also included with admission.

Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville. $70 weekend pass, $40 Saturday only, $30 Friday or Sunday only. Horrorhoundweekend.com.

Michaela Longden as Melissa and Lyndsey Craine as Beth in "Eating Miss Campbell." See the film Friday night at Humble Monk Brewing and meet the producer, Lloyd Kaufman.
Michaela Longden as Melissa and Lyndsey Craine as Beth in "Eating Miss Campbell." See the film Friday night at Humble Monk Brewing and meet the producer, Lloyd Kaufman.

3. 'Eating Miss Campbell'

In addition to HorrorHound, producer Lloyd Kaufman will be swinging by Humble Monk Brewery for a screening of his horror comedy "Eating Miss Campbell," which centers around a vegan-goth high school student whose life takes a turn for the bizarre when she falls for her new English teacher and develops a problematic taste for human flesh.

Details: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Humble Monk Brewing Co., 1641 Blue Rock St., Northside. $20. Humblemonkbrewing.com.

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum's new exhibit features the greatest home run hitters and most unforgettable home runs in Reds history. A Bobblehead series featuring iconic home runs kicks off in May. Pictured: The George Foster Bobblehead.
The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum's new exhibit features the greatest home run hitters and most unforgettable home runs in Reds history. A Bobblehead series featuring iconic home runs kicks off in May. Pictured: The George Foster Bobblehead.

4. The Long Ball: A Home Run History of the Reds

This exhibit features the greatest home run hitters and the most unforgettable home runs throughout Reds history. Beginning in May, the Reds HoF is releasing five bobbleheads depicting an iconic Reds home run and its hitter, given free with regular price paid museum admission on Saturdays and Sundays each month of release, while supplies last.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Opens Friday. Redsmuseum.org.

The Po' Ramblin' Boys will perform two sets on Saturday at the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival in Wilmington.
The Po' Ramblin' Boys will perform two sets on Saturday at the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival in Wilmington.

5. Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival

Bluegrass fans, rejoice. This music festival is stacked with three days of quality bluegrass from nationally known groups – including pioneers of the genre – as well as up-and-comers. Scheduled to appear: Dailey & Vincent, Michael Cleveland, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Po Ramblin' Boys, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Authentic Unlimited, High Fidelity, Donna Ulisse, Jerry Salley, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Denison University Bluegrass Band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road. There are also add-ons like a fan feast charity brunch (Saturday), and a songwriting workshop (Wednesday-Friday).

Details: 4 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Roberts Convention Center, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington. $105 3-day reserved seating, $95 3-day general admission, $75 Friday-Saturday general admission, $30 Thursday only, $40 Friday or Saturday only. Add-ons: $300 songwriting workshop, $15 charity brunch. industrialstrengthbluegrass.com.

6. The Original Italian Dinner

One of Cincinnati's oldest continuous traditions, this dinner features delicious handmade ravioli, meatballs and sauce made by the members of the church and the Sons & Daughters of Italy. The event is carryout only, and all items except cheese are frozen for you to enjoy anytime.

Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 2733 Massachusetts Ave., Camp Washington. Prices: Ravioli $15 per box of 50, meatballs $10 for 10, sauce $10 per quart, grated cheese $8 per container. Cash/check only, no credit cards. Information: 513-541-4654.

Ken Boggle of Hulu's "Living for the Dead" is one of the featured guests at the Sacred Journey Market this weekend.
Ken Boggle of Hulu's "Living for the Dead" is one of the featured guests at the Sacred Journey Market this weekend.

7. Sacred Journey Market

This family-friendly metaphysical market is filled with tarot readers, psychics, crystals, metaphysical gifts and décor, reiki healers, free seminars and more. Special guests include Ken Boggle of "Living for the Dead," Paul Bradford of "Ghost Hunters International," Misty Conner, Ashley Conner, Pat O'Keef of the documentary "Season of the Witch," and Spirit Mechanix.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Holiday Inn, 4501 Eastgate Blvd., Union Township. $15 both days, $10 single day, free ages 12-under. Sacredjourneymarket.com.

Astronomer Dean Regas hosts Telescope Fest Saturday at Ault Park.
Astronomer Dean Regas hosts Telescope Fest Saturday at Ault Park.

8. Telescope Fest

Cincinnati's favorite astronomer and eclipse expert Dean Regas, along with a dozen of his fellow stargazers, show off their telescopes at this fun event. You can learn about telescope designs, ask questions and see what equipment to use to view and photograph astronomical events. There will also be safe solar viewing of sunspots and solar flares. It's the perfect precursor to the upcoming total solar eclipse in April.

Details: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Circle, Mount Lookout. Free. aultparkac.org.

Lecrae, a Grammy nominated hip-hop artist, will perform at Winter Jam 2024 Sunday at Truist Arena in Highland Heights.
Lecrae, a Grammy nominated hip-hop artist, will perform at Winter Jam 2024 Sunday at Truist Arena in Highland Heights.

9. WinterJam 2024

This family-friendly music event features live performances by Crowder, Lecrae, Cain, Kathy Nichole, Seventh Day Slumber, New Song. There's pre-Jam worship with SEU Worship, John Wesley, and Lin D, tour pastor Zane Black, and special guest Joseph O'Brien.

Details: 4 p.m. Sunday, Truist Arena, 500 Louis B. Nunn Drive, Highland Heights. $15 at the door, cash or check only. jamtour.com.

Robert Porco is in his 35th year as the Director of Choruses for the Cincinnati May Festival. He is photographed in front of Music Hall in Over-the-Rhine on the occasion of his 25th year.
Robert Porco is in his 35th year as the Director of Choruses for the Cincinnati May Festival. He is photographed in front of Music Hall in Over-the-Rhine on the occasion of his 25th year.

10. Bob’s Big Sing: A May Festival Reunion

Celebrate Bob Porco's birthday and 35th year with the May Festival in a gathering of good food, conversation and memories this weekend at Music Hall. Tickets include an Italian feast at noon in the ballroom, followed by an informal rehearsal of beloved choruses by Bach, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Handel at 2 p.m. in Springer Auditorium.

Details: noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Music Hall, 1245 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $35. mayfestival.com.

Find new-to-you treasures at the SPCA rummage sale Saturday in Sharonville.
Find new-to-you treasures at the SPCA rummage sale Saturday in Sharonville.

11: Go shopping!

  • Vendor and Craft Show: Shop local vendors and crafters. Raffles, split the pot.

    • Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, American Legion Post 513, 7947 Hamilton Ave., Mount Healthy.

  • Casey’s Crazy Craft Show: Around five dozen local crafters sell wares.

  • Rummage Sale: Shop used household, clothing, tools, lawn and garden, toys, sporting goods, small furniture, electronics and more. Benefits SPCA Cincinnati.

    • Details: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, SPCA, 11900 Conrey Road, Sharonville. facebook.com.

  • Games & Comic Market: Local vendors sell tabletop games and comics.

    • Details: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Northwood Cider, 2075 Mills Ave., Norwood. Free. northwoodcider.com.

  • Community Arts & Crafts Swap: Bring arts & crafts supplies, materials and creations to swap.

    • Details: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Fibonacci Brewing Co., 1445 Compton Road, Mount Healthy. Free. eventbrite.com.

The Big Dig event in 2021.
The Big Dig event in 2021.

12: The Big Dig

Kids ages 5 and older get the chance to drive, ride and play on more than a dozen heavy construction equipment machines under the supervision of construction experts. For the littles under age 5, there will be lots of stationary machinery to climb and play on.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. $10, free ages 4 and under. www.thebigdignky.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 12 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: March 22-24