Cincinnati is more than the Reds, the Bengals and quirky WKRP –the cult TV comedy of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Look for the essence of this heady river city in its festivals and its people.
There are legions of free and near-free things to do in Cincy this time of year. Here are a few:
- Hang out at the PNC Summer Music Series on Fountain Square. Seven days a week the square is filled with music. Depending on the night hear roots, reggae, acoustic, salsa, indie inventions and poets, rappers and writers. Fountain Square is a gathering place for the city, an artistic touchstone. Get in tune with the town in an intimate fashion and see how the locals live.
- Music’s not the only art that emanates from this community gathering space. Through Aug. 26 grab a blanket, a lawn chair and settle in for Movie Night on Fountain Square.
- Cincinnatians love their suds. Come see just how much. Aug. 24 and 25 comedy and beer rule at Brew Ha-Ha at Sawyer Point. On tap are 50 comedians performing on three stages, and some 100 beers. The comedy is free, and the brew won’t cost a bunch. Be warned: the jokes may be funny, but sometimes they’re not suitable for kids.
- By contrast, Gliers Goettafest Newport is a decidedly kid- and family-friendly affair. Set for Aug. 2 – 5 down at the Newport Levee, the festival is replete with tons of food booths, as well as rides and games for the kids. Live music and cloggers get the top bill here. To help ward off the summer heart (it can get steamy along the banks of the Ohio this time of year) there are a pair of commodious cooling stations.
(Image: 5chw4r7z)
