Upcoming Festivals & events Cincinnati Fall & Winter 2024-2025

As autumn’s vibrant colors paint Cincinnati, we’re filled with excitement for a season full of festivals and events. Last year, a friend of ours went downtown for the Blink Cincinnati festival. It drew over two million visitors and brought in $126 million¹. His stories of the stunning lights left us eager to experience it this year.

This autumn and winter, Cincinnati will be alive with culture. With 1,136 events planned², every corner promises new adventures. Whether it’s thrilling rides at Kings Island or intimate concerts, there’s plenty to explore.

So, let’s get ready for a season of emotion, community, and memories with friends and family. It’s a chance to celebrate our city’s spirit together.

Key Takeaways

• Fall & Winter 2024-2025 promises a diverse lineup of festivals and events.
• Over 2 million visitors attended Blink Cincinnati in 2022, showcasing the event’s popularity.
• 1,136 unique events are scheduled, enriching Cincinnati’s cultural offerings.
• Economic impact forecasts suggest a substantial boost to the local economy.
• Families can enjoy events tailored specifically for all ages.

Blink Cincinnati: Light Up the City

Blink Cincinnati is back to light up our city in a new way. This year, the Light Map Art Installation will dazzle us from October 17-20, 2024. It will cover 30 blocks, linking Over-the-Rhine and Covington’s lively areas.

Event Dates and Locations

Get ready for a walk through lights that will change our city’s look. Here are the main details for Blink Cincinnati 2024:

• Dates: October 17-20, 2024
• Locations: Over-the-Rhine, Covington

What to Expect This Year

Over 2 million people are expected to join us for this big event. Blink Cincinnati has boosted our economy by about $126 million before, helping our community¹. This year, look forward to new features and artists showing off their skills with the lights³.

Bourbon & Belonging: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Culture

From October 2-6, 2024, join us at the Bourbon & Belonging LGBTQ+ Festival in Kentucky. This event is the first of its kind, focusing on bourbon and welcoming the LGBTQ+ community. It will take place in eight cities across Kentucky, offering a unique experience.

The festival aims to bring people together, creating a sense of belonging. It’s a chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through engaging activities.

Event Highlights and Activities

At the festival, you can enjoy:

• Bourbon tastings with local distilleries.
• Cultural gatherings that focus on storytelling and community.
• Workshops that blend bourbon with LGBTQ+ culture.
• Live performances by queer artists and leaders.

By joining, we support Queer Kentucky and celebrate our culture. Whether you love bourbon or are new to it, there’s something for everyone.

How to Participate

It’s easy to join the celebration. Here’s how:

1. Buy festival passes early to ensure you don’t miss out.
2. Support local businesses that back the festival, helping the community.
3. Join workshops and events to learn more about bourbon and LGBTQ+ heritage.
4. Share the event on social media with #BourbonAndBelonging to invite others.

Let’s celebrate pride, unity, and joy in October 2024 with the Bourbon & Belonging festival⁴.

Clive the Alien: A Family-Friendly Attraction

In Covington, Kentucky, Clive the Alien is a big hit for families. This 30-foot tall Art Sculpture lets everyone have fun. Created by artist Marc Phelps, Clive is a favorite in the community. It’s perfect for both kids and adults to take photos together.

About the Clive Sculpture

Clive the Alien is right at Scott and Fifth streets, easy for families to find. This giant green alien is not just art; it sparks the imagination. Families love taking selfies with Clive and sharing them online with #clivethealien.

Visiting Tips for Families

Planning a visit to Clive the Alien can be part of a bigger adventure. Here are some tips for a great family day:

• Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
• Bring a camera to capture fun moments with Clive.
• Combine the trip with a visit to nearby parks or museums.
• Check for local events that may be happening during our visit.

Clive the Alien is a great addition to Covington’s Family Attractions. It’s all about creativity and making memories in Kentucky⁵.

Kings Island: New Rides and Attractions

We’re super excited about the new stuff coming to Kings Island, especially Camp Snoopy. This area is all about fun for families in 2024. It’s getting new rides just for the little ones, making it a great place for making memories.

Overview of Camp Snoopy Expansion

The Camp Snoopy area is getting a big upgrade with new attractions for families. We can’t wait to check it out and see how it will make our visits better. This update shows Kings Island’s dedication to being a top spot for families in the area. For the latest on these improvements, check here.

Exciting Roller Coaster Details

The new Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers roller coaster is a big deal. It goes both forward and backward on a 672-foot track. It’s perfect for kids who want some fun but aren’t ready for super scary rides. We’re really looking forward to trying it out in the 2024 season!

Cincinnati Zoo: PNC Festival of Lights

The Cincinnati Zoo is getting ready for its amazing PNC Festival of Lights. This event is a top pick for December 2024. It turns the zoo into a magical winter wonderland.

Festival Features and Attractions

The PNC Festival of Lights is celebrating its 42nd year with over 4 million LED lights⁶. Families will find lots of fun things to do, like:

• Over 50 larger-than-life animal lanterns
• The North Polar Express train ride, available for an extra fee
• Nightly performances of a black light puppet show at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM
• Sasmore’s Stations for extra holiday fun
• Access to the Reptile House, Gorilla World, and more

We can check out magical areas perfect for making memories. Don’t forget to share them on social media with #cincyzoopic. The festival is a feast for all the senses!

Event Timing and Admission

The festival will be open from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025⁶. Here are the visiting hours:

1. Sunday – Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM
2. Friday – Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM

December 23rd is the last night to see Santa. Don’t miss the Happy Zoo Year celebration on December 31. With special Santa dates to be shared, it’s a great choice for family fun⁷.

Special Exhibit: Pompeii at Cincinnati Museum Center

We’re thrilled to share that the Cincinnati Museum Center will host “Pompeii: The Exhibition” from February 16 to late July 2024. This exhibit is a chance to learn about the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time by volcanic ash. With over 200 artifacts, including beautiful mosaics and jewelry, we’ll explore the life and history of Pompeii.

What to Expect from the Exhibit

Visitors will get an up-close look at art and history. We’ll see artifacts that show us what daily life was like in Pompeii. This exhibit is a great way to learn about the culture and customs of the Pompeians.

It’s a chance to see artifacts and understand how a disaster affected people’s lives. The Cincinnati Museum Center’s exhibit is perfect for those who love art and history. It shows how we’re all connected through our experiences, even in hard times.

Don’t miss this amazing journey into the past⁸¹⁹!

New Year’s Celebrations in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is getting ready for its big New Year’s events in January 2025. The Happy Zoo Year at the Cincinnati Zoo is a highlight. It’s perfect for families, with live shows, decorations, and fun activities for everyone.

Happy Zoo Year Activities

At the Happy Zoo Year, there’s a lot to do, like:

• Interactive animal encounters
• Festive performances throughout the day
• Specialty food vendors showcasing local cuisine

This event is more than just animal fun. It’s a celebration of community, discovery, and happiness.

Where to Celebrate

There are many ways to celebrate in Cincinnati besides the Happy Zoo Year. Parks, squares, and venues will have fireworks, concerts, and parties. These events bring people together, helping us start the new year with joy and unity.

2024 Solar Eclipse: A Celestial Experience

The 2024 Solar Eclipse is set to amaze us on April 8, 2024. Cincinnati will be right in the path of totality, offering over four minutes of total eclipse. This is longer than the two minutes and 42 seconds we saw in 2017¹⁰. Total eclipses happen every 15 to 20 years in the U.S¹⁰.

Viewing Locations in Cincinnati

In Cincinnati, great spots for watching the eclipse include:

• Miami Whitewater Forest
• Crosby Township Park
• Locust Lake State Park

These spots are perfect for enjoying the eclipse with friends and other astronomy fans. Don’t wait to book your spot, as places will fill up fast!

Events Surrounding the Eclipse

Local events will celebrate the 2024 Solar Eclipse, bringing our community together. There will be educational workshops and stargazing for all ages. The last total solar eclipse in Ohio was in 1806, and the next won’t be until 2099¹¹. Keep an eye on announcements to join in this amazing event.

Upcoming Concerts and Live Music Events

Cincinnati’s concert scene is buzzing with excitement for Winter 2024. We’ll see a lineup of major acts that promise unforgettable Cincinnati Concerts. The city will come alive with a mix of Live Music Events for all music fans. Fans can look forward to seeing both local and national stars at famous venues across the city.

Major Acts Performing This Winter

One highlight is Luke Combs at Paycor Stadium for two nights in August 2024. He’s part of the Grown’ Up and Getting’ Old Tour. Kenny Chesney will also perform at TQL Stadium on June 29, 2024, with The Zac Brown Band and Megan Moroney¹ as special guests. The city is buzzing with excitement for these concerts and what Winter 2024 has in store.

Venues to Keep an Eye On

Don’t miss out on shows at the Taft Theatre and Riverbend Music Center. These venues are known for hosting top-notch Cincinnati Concerts. Keep up with upcoming concerts through trusted sources. These venues are key to our city’s thriving music scene, bringing amazing talent to the stage.

Art Exhibits: Taft Museum of Art Highlights

The Taft Museum of Art is set to dazzle us with its Winter 2024 exhibits. We’ll see a mix of historical and modern art that will spark deep conversations. These events will make us appreciate art more and encourage us to share our thoughts with others.

Upcoming Art Shows

“African Modernism in America” kicks off on February 10 and runs until May 19. It explores how modern African artists connected with their American counterparts. Then, “Moment in Time: A Legacy of Photographs” will showcase works by famous photographers. These exhibits let us dive deep into the world of art.

We invite everyone to join us at the Taft Museum of Art for these exhibits. By exploring these art pieces, we support our local culture and learn about the common themes that connect us. Don’t miss out on these enriching experiences in our community this Winter 2024¹².

Cincinnati’s Theatre and Performance Scene

Cincinnati is known for its vibrant theatre and performance scene. As we look ahead to Fall 2024 and Winter 2025, many groups are gearing up. They’re bringing to life both classic and modern stories across various venues.

One highlight is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. at the Taft Theatre from October 12 to 21, 2024. It’s a story we’ve loved since 2009 and 2014¹³. This production marks its grand return.

These performances aim to spark conversations and engage the audience. After the show, we can meet the artists and explore the themes more deeply. The fall lineup offers a mix of shows, with options for everyone. Large print or Braille playbills are available upon request¹⁴.

Our local theatre community thrives. It celebrates creativity and welcomes everyone. Expect shows with witty dialogue and stories that resonate with us. They tackle big issues in a way that feels real.

Throughout the year, we see a mix of amateur and professional talent. As Winter 2025 approaches, look forward to new and exciting performances. They’re sure to leave a lasting impression.

Community Events This Fall and Winter

As Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 approach, our city will buzz with Community Events Cincinnati for families. We can join in on fun activities that bring us closer together. These events make the festive season more enjoyable for everyone.

Family-Friendly Events

Families will find many events suited for all ages. There are local festivals and outdoor workshops that keep everyone happy. We can look forward to:

• Exciting outdoor movie nights
• Seasonal festivals featuring crafts and games
• Workshops to ignite creativity among children and parents

Statistics reveal that 49 great events are planned, with an average of 2.8 per day¹⁵. This variety means there’s always something fun for our family to do.

Finding Local Fun

Finding Family Activities at community events is easy. We can use local resources to discover hidden spots in our city. Events range from rural, where 61% take place, to suburban, making up 34%¹⁵. These activities are perfect for bonding and making memories that last.

Food and Drink Festivals in the Fall

October 2024 is coming, and with it, a wave of Cincinnati Food Festivals. This season, we celebrate our culinary scene with a mix of Fall Festivals. They highlight local tastes and kitchen creativity. These events are not just for eating. They’re also about community and supporting local chefs and artisans.

Must-Try Festivals

• The Cincinnati Food & Wine Festival offers a mix of local dishes and fine wines.
• Oktoberfest Zinzinnati brings the taste of Germany with its beer gardens.
• Harvest Home Fair is a fun event with food, farm produce, and artisanal goods.

What’s On the Menu?

At these festivals, we’ll find a wide range of dishes that show off Cincinnati’s best. You’ll see everything from tasty barbecue to gourmet vegetarian dishes. Local breweries will have their top craft beers, perfect with the food. And don’t forget seasonal treats like pumpkin dishes and apple desserts, adding a festive touch to our October 2024 celebrations.

Upcoming Festivals & Events Cincinnati Fall & Winter 2024-2025

Cincinnati is getting ready for an amazing Fall and Winter with its festivals & events in 2024-2025. We have a lot of Seasonal Highlights that will show off our city’s culture, creativity, and community spirit.

Blink Cincinnati will be back, drawing over 2 million visitors in October 2022. It will fill the city with art and installations that everyone will love¹. This event will go hand in hand with the new Bourbon & Belonging festival. It celebrates LGBTQ+ culture in eight cities and regions in Kentucky¹.

Families will enjoy Clive, a 30-foot alien sculpture, and the new Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers at Kings Island. This ride will let kids speed up to 36 mph¹. The Cincinnati Zoo is also opening a new Elephant Trek Habitat. It will be 5 acres big and home to 8-10 Asian elephants¹.

The Kentucky Faith Trail will feature 11 faith-based experiences, with four in Cincinnati¹. As April comes, we’re looking forward to the solar eclipse. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, the 21st total solar eclipse to cross the lower 48 states¹.

Don’t miss out on art at the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Taft Museum of Art. They have cool exhibits like Pompeii and African Modernism in America¹¹⁶. Our concert scene is also buzzing with big names like Luke Combs and the Red Hot Chili Peppers¹.

For the latest on Cincinnati’s events, check out this guide. With so much happening, let’s celebrate together in Cincinnati!

Conclusion

The Cincinnati Events for Fall & Winter 2024-2025 are set to be vibrant and full of local experiences. They show off our community’s spirit and the season’s unique charm. With everything from light displays to cultural festivals, we get to come together, celebrate, and make memories that last.

We’re excited for shows like Barbara Probst: Subjective Evidence, running from September 2024 to February 2025. And don’t miss the SOFTlab exhibition, starting in October 2024 and going until October 2026¹⁷. There are also performances and art shows that keep our cultural scene alive during the winter.

Let’s dive into all that Cincinnati has to offer. Whether it’s festivals, art shows, or music, we’ll find moments that enrich our lives and bring us closer together. For more on music festivals across the country, check out this comprehensive resource. Let’s celebrate the community spirit this festive season¹⁴.

References:

1. Big events and festivals coming to the Cincy Region this year – https://www.visitcincy.com/blog/post/whats-coming-to-cincy-in-2024/
2. Cincinnati Events Calendar 2024/2025 – https://cincinnati.events/
3. Best Things to Do in Cincinnati – 545travel.com – https://www.545travel.com/cincinnati/
4. Newsnotes Dance Blog – Mark Kappel – https://markkappeldance.com/newsnotes-dance-blog/
5. Social Media Posts for University of Notre Dame – https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/social-media/University-of-Notre-Dame-IN–152080
6. PNC Festival of Lights – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – https://cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights/
7. Ohio Christmas Lights – https://rove.me/to/ohio/christmas-lights
8. Community – The Department of Classics – https://www.gvsu.edu/classics/community-102.htm
9. Press Releases — PAVE – https://www.paveconsult.com/press-releases
10. Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Path of Totality Across Americas! – https://www.almanac.com/total-solar-eclipse-2024-path-totality-across-americas
11. 2024 Total Solar Eclipse – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) – https://www.nps.gov/cuva/eclipse.htm
12. Jobs – https://www.artswave.org/discover/jobs
13. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati – Behind the Curtain Cincinnati – https://behindthecurtaincincy.com/tag/the-childrens-theatre-of-cincinnati/
14. Hands on a Hardbody | Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – https://ensemblecincinnati.org/calendar/hands-on-a-hardbody/
15. PDF – https://portal.omea-ohio.org/Calendar/event_summary.php?org_id=OMEA
16. Family-Friendly Events in Cincinnati & NKY {2024} – https://cincymomcollective.com/family-friendly-events-in-cincinnati/
17. Contemporary Arts Center Unveils Exhibitions in 2024-25 Season – https://www.citybeat.com/arts/contemporary-arts-center-unveils-exhibitions-in-2024-25-season-17692891

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