Top 13 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 26-28

Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati Enquirer
Updated ·6 min read
Krohn Conservatory's spring show features the interactive installation Oscillation, which uses sight, sound and movement to spark community activity and social interaction. The installation acts somewhat like a theremin; as you walk toward it, it plays different sounds and pitches.
Krohn Conservatory's spring show features the interactive installation Oscillation, which uses sight, sound and movement to spark community activity and social interaction. The installation acts somewhat like a theremin; as you walk toward it, it plays different sounds and pitches.

1. The Shape of Nature, featuring Oscillation

Krohn Conservatory's spring show is a world where wonder and science meet. Discover the patterns that surround us in nature and interact with the giant crystals of Oscillation that come alive through movement and social interaction. The installation acts somewhat like a theremin, an unusual instrument you can play without touch. As you walk toward Oscillation, it plays different sounds and pitches, and the more you move and dance around it, the more the colors reflect and refract light.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Runs Jan. 27-April 21. $10, $7 ages 5-17, free ages 4-under. cincinnati-oh-gov.

2. Art After Dark: A Little Higher

Kick off the new year with the return of Art After Dark, the monthly art-centric soiree held at the Cincinnati Art Museum. This month's theme celebrates the exhibition Charles White: A Little Higher. Enjoy music from DJ Apryl Reign, live performance from Pones, docent-led tours and more. Cash bar, food for purchase.

Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Free admission. Cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Manifest Gallery opens four new exhibitions on Friday night. Pictured: A recent work by artist Paula Damm of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, as part of the Paperwork exhibition.
Manifest Gallery opens four new exhibitions on Friday night. Pictured: A recent work by artist Paula Damm of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, as part of the Paperwork exhibition.

3. Exhibition openings at Manifest Gallery

Four new exhibits open Friday at Manifest Gallery. Foodstuffs explores food, hunger, fulfillment and food-related practices as subject, form or content. Waxworks is art made of, using or about wax. Paperwork is an exhibition of works on paper, of paper and about paper in all of its uses. Printed Landscapes is a solo exhibition of works by Kathy McGhee.

Details: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Manifest Gallery, 2727 Woodburn Ave., Walnut Hills. Runs Jan. 26-Feb. 23. Manifestgallery.org.

4. Crafting Conversation: Art as Protest

Another exhibition opening nearby is Crafting Conversation: Art as Protest. Under the guidance of Cincinnati-based artist Ciara LeRoy, this exhibition delves into ways that art, handicraft and activism work together toward positive and sustained change.

Details: 5-7 p.m. Friday, ArtWorks V2 Gallery, 929 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. Runs Jan. 26-March 14. Free. Artworkscincinnati.org.

5. Other Final Friday events

  • CAC@21c: Enjoy docent-led tour of 21c exhibitions followed by tour of CAC exhibitions. Arrive early to Metropole for a complimentary cocktail.

    • Details: 6 p.m. Friday, 21c Museum Hotel, Walnut St., Downtown. Free. Cincycac.org.

  • Final Friday: The world's largest collection of artists under one roof is located at Pendleton Art Center. More than 250 local artists open their studios to the public on the last Friday of the month to browse and buy.

    • Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. Free admission. Valet parking available at the door for $10. Pendletonartcenter.com.

Renowned local artist Cynthia Lockhart opens a new exhibition Sunday at the Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati.
Renowned local artist Cynthia Lockhart opens a new exhibition Sunday at the Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati.

6. Cynthia Lockhart: Fibercations That Sing

Renowned local artist Cynthia Lockhart creates fiber arts in vibrant colors and curvilinear shapes inspired by her African heritage, love of music and dance, and her faith and family. In 2022, the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery acquired her quilt "Created to Be Me." See her latest work in this exhibition.

Details: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati, 4870 Gray Road, Spring Grove Village. Free. weaversguildcincinnati.org.

Looking for new-to-you outdoor and adventure gear? Swing by MadTree Brewing on Saturday for Adventure Crew's Outdoor Gear Swap.
Looking for new-to-you outdoor and adventure gear? Swing by MadTree Brewing on Saturday for Adventure Crew's Outdoor Gear Swap.

7. Swap your goods

Whether you're in the market for outdoor gear or indoor fun and games, you may just find what you need at these cool swap meets.

  • Outdoor Gear Swap and Donation Day: Adventure Crew’s annual gear sale and donation day helps you find paddle crafts, bikes, hiking equipment, outdoor apparel and gently used adventure gear.

    • Details: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, MadTree Brewing, 3347 Madison Road, Oakley. Free to attend. No cost to sell, but you must register: adventurecrew.org/events.

  • Community Book & Game Swap: Declutter your shelves and swap your old books and games for something new.

    • Details: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Fibonacci Brewing Co., 1445 Compton Road, Mount Healthy. Free. facebook.com.

Torie Wiggins stars as Margaret in "The Amen Corner" by James Baldwin, directed by Candice Handy Jan. 19-Feb. 11 at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.
Torie Wiggins stars as Margaret in "The Amen Corner" by James Baldwin, directed by Candice Handy Jan. 19-Feb. 11 at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

8. 'The Amen Corner'

In a small, God-fearing church on a Harlem street corner, pastor Margaret Anderson is confronted with her complicated past. James Baldwin’s scalding and exultant masterpiece of modern American theater proves it is faith and the love we have for our community that sees us through.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Cincinnati Shakespeare Co., 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Jan. 26-Feb. 11. $14-up. Cincyshakes.com.

Thriller "Wait Until Dark" opens this weekend at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts.
Thriller "Wait Until Dark" opens this weekend at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts.

9. 'Wait Until Dark'

In 1944 Greenwich Village, blind but capable Susan is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. She discovers that her blindness may be the key to her escape, but she must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., West Price Hill. Runs Jan. 25-Feb. 18. 513-241-6550; cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

10. 'Vincent'

This multi-image dramatic staging will make you see Vincent Van Gogh in a new light as his life unfolds through letters he shared with his brother, Theo.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Falcon Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport. Runs Jan. 26-Feb. 10. $28. Falcontheater.net.

Students from School of Rock Mason’s Youth Performance Program will present a concert featuring the music from the famed Talking Heads concert movie Stop Making Sense, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It happens Saturday at Memorial Hall.
Students from School of Rock Mason’s Youth Performance Program will present a concert featuring the music from the famed Talking Heads concert movie Stop Making Sense, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It happens Saturday at Memorial Hall.

11. School of Rock Mason: Stop Making Sense

Hey, Gen X, listen up. The Youth Performance Program at School of Rock Mason will be "Burning Down the House" Saturday night with a concert featuring the music from Talking Heads famed concert film “Stop Making Sense." The independently produced film, directed by Jonathan Demme, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $15, $10 advance. Memorialhallotr.com.

12. Police vs. Firefighters Chili Cook-off

The battle of the badges pits community police and firefighters in a fiery competition for chili dominance. Judging starts at 2:30 p.m. and people's choice voting ends at 4 p.m. Benefits The Chip Terry Fund for First Responders and the Police Unity Tour. Additionally, there will be some K9 officers with Amberley Village and Norwood visiting to raise funds for ballistic vests for police dogs.

Details: 1 p.m. Sunday, March First Brewery, 7885 E. Kemper Road, Blue Ash. marchfirstbrewing.com.

Wake Forest pitcher Rhett Lowder is one of the pitching prospects slated to appear at The Reds Caravan visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force this Saturday.
Wake Forest pitcher Rhett Lowder is one of the pitching prospects slated to appear at The Reds Caravan visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force this Saturday.

13. Cincinnati Reds Caravan

Meet current and former players, coaching staff and broadcasters, enjoy a Q&A and autograph session, and get the chance to win two tickets to the 2024 Opening Day game. The Reds Caravan visit is scheduled to include major league pitcher Frankie Montas, pitching prospects Rhett Lowder and Ty Floyd, manager David Bell, former catcher Corky Miller, Reds on Radio broadcaster Tommy Thrall, Reds/Bally Sports broadcaster Sam LeCure, and Vice President, Player Acquisition & Strategy Jeff Graupe.

Details: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Fairborn. Doors open at 9 a.m. Free. reds.com/caravan.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 13 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 26-28