THINGS TO DO IN BLACK CINCINNATI: MAY 27 – JUNE 2
Crystal Kendrick
Award-winning marketing consultant, entrepreneur, social influencer and community leader
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Monday, May
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Arlington Memorial Gardens (Mt. Healthy)
Free Admission
See flags commemorating the final sacrifice of our servicemen and women. Attendees can purchase a custom flag to be displayed.
The parade kick-off will be at 10:15 a.m., and the ceremony will be at 11:30 a.m.
Blue Ash Municipal Building (Blue Ash)
Free Admission
Immediately following patriotic displays and music, enjoy a keynote with Major General (Ret) Leonard M. Randolph, Jr., M.D. He was the first African American to be promoted to General Officer in the United States Air Force Medical Service and hold the position of Deputy Surgeon General in any military service. At 7 p.m., visit the Blue Ash Nature Park for a Memorial Day Symphony Orchestra concert.
10 a.m.
Evanston Recreation Center (Evanston)
Free Admission
Enjoy live entertainment and local organizations showcasing their talents during an event honoring U.S. military personnel who died while serving. The route will go from the center to Woodburn, Fairfax, Evanston, and Hewitt Avenues.
4:10 p.m.
Great American Ball Park (Downtown)
Starting at $13
All active, retired, reserve, and veteran military and first responders receive special pricing during Military Appreciation Day. Witness a pregame on-field ceremony and activities honoring the armed forces. Former Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett will also be signing autographs at the Reds Hall of Fame.
PLANNING AHEAD
June 6
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Woodward Theatre (OTR)
Starting at $75
Advance NOW is a 12-week intensive professional development training program for African American women in Metro Cincinnati. It offers soft skills, leadership development, financial literacy, and life skills. The program’s Second cohort will graduate 28 young professional Black women.
Tuesday, May 28
Showtimes are 2:50 p.m., 5:10 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
Esquire Theatre (Clifton)
$5
The film follows inseparable childhood best friends Eden and Dawn, who grew up together in NYC and are now firmly in different phases of adulthood. When carefree and single Eden decides to have a baby on her own after a one-night stand, their friendship faces its greatest challenge. Starring Michelle Buteau.
Showtimes are 2:50 p.m., 5:10 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
Esquire Theatre (Clifton)
$5
The film follows inseparable childhood best friends Eden and Dawn, who grew up together in NYC and are now firmly in different phases of adulthood. When carefree and single Eden decides to have a baby on her own after a one-night stand, their friendship faces its greatest challenge. Starring Michelle Buteau.
I Can’t Breathe Panel Discussion
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Community Action Agency (Roselawn)
Free Admission
Hear from local leaders as they talk about the unique experiences of Black men with police violence. Limited spaces available.
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Andrews Episcopal Church (Evanston)
Free Admission
Hamilton County residents experiencing food insecurities are welcome to stop by —open Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Call 513-531-4337 for more information. Check out our list of other Cincinnati pantries and soup kitchens.
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Word of Deliverance (Forest Park)
Free Admission
Fruits, vegetables, and baked goods are available to anyone experiencing food insecurity on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 513-924-2021. Check out our list of Cincinnati pantries and soup kitchens.
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Experience the soulful sounds of R&B and jazz brought to life by Mandy Gaines in a captivating live performance. Grab your favorite drink and get ready to sway to the beat of an enjoyable time. The series runs through October 8.
8 p.m.
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Starting at $20
The legendary funk collective will bring down the house with some classic hits. Hear jams like “Atomic Dog,” “Flashlight,” “We Want The Funk” and more.
PLANNING AHEAD
June 7
7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $40
Do not miss out on this intimate experience; the duo brings captivating R&B and neo-soul sounds to the stage. Get your tickets now for a special evening of rhythm and connection.
Wednesday, May 29
Netflix (PG-13)
After witnessing Jesus' power, the cynical hustler schemes to improve his fortunes by pretending to be the Messiah. Explore a story of faith, wealth, and fate. Starring LaKeith Stanfield.
8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Findlay Market (OTR)
Free Admission
Early detection is crucial. Women 35 and up are encouraged to prioritize their health by booking a complimentary 3D mammography. Call 513-569-6565 to schedule.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mercy HealthPlex (Western Hills)
Free Admission
Enjoy complimentary blood pressure screenings, chair massages, step classes, reflexology, and more.
1 p.m.
Starting at $33.50
Discover the partially true and endlessly entertaining tale of how his parents met in an Arkansas refugee camp during the Vietnam War. With irreverent humor, hip-hop, and heightened theatrical storytelling, this original story reinvents romantic comedy and captures your heart. Stay after for a behind-the-scenes chat with the cast. Runs through June 2.
3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Starting at $105
The program will address many issues affecting the region's overall health, including the complexities between payers and providers, strategies to advance health equity, and new initiatives to improve health.
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Festivities include music, many vendors to interact with, various food trucks serving delicious grub, inflatable baseball games, the inflatable FCC slide, and much more.
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Each week, a new, talented Blues artist will take the stage, delivering a performance that will leave you wanting more. This week features CF & Family. The series runs through August 28.
6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Game On! Sports Complex (North College Hill)
$10
Rejuvenate yourself and start the week by enhancing your flexibility with yoga, low-intensity workouts, and stretching with Aniyah Janae. Yoga mats are provided. The class runs on Mondays and Wednesdays.
PLANNING AHEAD
June 8
7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $35
With chart-topping albums and countless guest appearances, now is your chance to experience the duo's high-energy performance live. Secure your tickets today!
Thursday, May 30
Noon – 1 p.m.
Taft Museum of Art (Downtown)
Starting at $10
Explore Cincinnati's past, present, and future with Lowery Joseph Clark, an avid collector of African art for more than 25 years. He will speak about his curation process and a few artists he has been able to display works by over the years.
Noon – 5 p.m.
Kennedy Heights Arts Center (Kennedy Heights)
Free Admission
The exhibit displays the varied creations of 20 skilled artists, each of whom has dedicated their time and talent to curating, teaching, outreach programming, jurying, crafting public artworks, and volunteering, all contributing to the center's success, expansion and influence. It runs through July 18.
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse (Evanston)[CK2]
Starting at $65
Learn the fundamentals of wine tasting and the origins of four key grape varieties over delectable desserts and savory bites. Admission includes a branded wine glass and journal.
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Household Books (Walnut Hills)
$30
Join ArtsWave YP and Summermusik (Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra) for a nostalgic musical trip. Enjoy cozy vibes and jam to iconic hits from the '90s to the '10s. Sing along to songs like "Baby One More Time," "Crazy in Love," "Hips Don't Lie," and more. Play Singo and reminisce about your favorite hits.
7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Move your hips to live salsa and merengue music by Mambo Combo. Elevate your evening further by immersing yourself in the art of Latin dance, taught by expert local instructors, ranging from beginner to intermediate levels.
PLANNING AHEAD
On Freedoms Doorstep: A Celebration of Black History
June 9
1 p.m.
Heritage Village Museum (Sharonville)
Starting $5
Celebrate the lives and contributions of Black Cincinnatians from the city's chartering through the end of World War I. Planned activities include fine and performing artists, historical demonstrations, children's games, a simulated underground railroad experience, storytelling, and more. Children 3 and under are free. SNAP discounts are available. Interested sponsors, food trucks, vendors, and volunteers can email crystal@thevoiceofyourcustomer.com.
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Friday, May 31
4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Aqua On The Levee (Newport)
$35
Engage with the Woman-to-Woman Collaborative while enjoying drinks and a tutorial from a professional mixologist, light bites, and music.
7 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Starting at $35
Hear from the darkly hilarious and brutally honest comedian, author, radio host, podcaster, and Emmy-nominated actress during an evening of laughter.
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Know Theatre (OTR)
Starting at $18
Experience over 170 performances, 35 theatre productions, displays from art galleries, movie screenings, concerts, classes, workshops, and parties during a 14-day celebration of theatre, art, music, film, and dance. Wear your best black outfit. Passes available. Runs through June 15.[CK3] [la4]
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Relive music from the early 2000s during an outdoor R&B concert featuring Chris J. Series runs weekly through August 30.
7 p.m.
Bugatti's Ultra Lounge (Springdale)
Free Admission
Meet and greet the Greater Cincinnati Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, to kick off the action-packed weekend celebration. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
7:30 p.m.
Aronoff Center (Downtown)
Starting at $37
Join the talented resident company for the final concert of a season focused wholly on celebrating womxn dance artists crafted for the discerning audiences of Cincinnati. Experience a collection of four audacious and enthralling compositions. Discount codes are available. Runs through June 1.
7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Funny Bone (Liberty Township)
Starting at $37
See the hilariously charismatic and energetic comedian take the stage while enjoying appetizers, salads, and house favorites like spiced pulled pork, funnel cake fries, frilled shrimp BLT, and more. Runs through June 2.
8 p.m.
Radio Artifact (Northside)
Starting at $15
Join hosts Hay J Thompson and Cassonia Brunson for a night of laughter and live music. Enjoy performances by Jei Chandler, Kris Bullock, Marc Fazon, Aisha Brown, DJ Butch Gibson, Diamond Star, and Josie.
8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt. Lookout)
Starting at $10
Enjoy live R&B and neo-soul cover music from artists like Jill Scott, Musiq, Marvin Gaye, and more. Indulge in appetizers like buffalo chicken egg rolls, southern fried shrimp, and stuffed mushrooms.
8 p.m.
Second Story Bar (Covington)
Free Admission
DJ TizieB, DJ YMS, and DJ SeamLes are featured on the 1’s and 2’s, keeping you entertained. Food by Mama V's Kitchen.
PLANNING AHEAD
June 15
7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $30
Experience his unique blend of lyricism and charisma as he takes the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable night of music.
Saturday, June 1
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Central Park Basketball Court (Forest Park)
Free Admission
Start relaxing with Gaby during an evening of mindfulness and low-impact movements. All fitness levels are welcome. The series runs Saturdays through September 28.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Blush The Event Loft (OTR)
Starting at $90
Women gain knowledge and skills to improve their corporate careers, businesses, and personal growth. Network, enjoy breakfast, and participate in fireside chats featuring Tracey Artis, Dr. Anisa Shomo, and Morgan Angelique Owens.
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holloman Center for Social Justice (Avondale)
Free Admission
Network and discuss opportunities to prevent gun violence with elected officials and panelists. Hear from DeVonne Boggan, Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Mayor Aftab Pureval, and more.
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sawyer Point Park (Downtown)
Free Admission
Kick off the summer season with live music, skating, yoga, dancing, Pickleball, shopping with vendors, and more. The day will feature a dance performance by Q-Kidz, Tai Chi, and health demonstrations. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
COhatch (OTR)
$45
Learn the role of a wife, what to expect from your future husband, how to strengthen the marriage, and more while hearing firsthand experiences from Erica J Holston. The workshop is for current and aspiring wives.
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Burnet Woods Bandstand (Clifton)
Free Admission, but Taste Tickets are $15
Relax during a day of inspiration with yoga, live music, and diverse plant-sourced meal demos. Herban Vegans will exhibit an eclectic menu.
Noon – 6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
This outdoor summer kick-off has many exciting original features. The Fashion and Hair Show, the Melanated Marketplace, performances on stage, health screenings, fitness activities, food trucks and more
1 p.m.
Kennedy Heights Arts Center (Kennedy Heights)
Free Admission
Curated by Asha, the Artist, this exhibition traces the evolution of Black love from its historical roots to today. Each piece of art demonstrates how it has sustained and empowered communities through generations. The evening features light refreshments and a live DJ. It runs through June 29.
1:30 p.m.
Zion Global Ministries (West Chester)
Free Admission
Experience a trauma-informed worship service and resource fair, where you will receive biblical and scientific teaching principles. Additionally, join a session led by top leaders to learn effective ways to cope with grief.
8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Hoffner Lodge (Northside)
$20
Enjoy non-stop laughter with comedians Marvelous Marvin, David Dillinger, Daryl Black, Ms Boom, and SUPER GOT JOKES!, along with live hip-hop music by DJ Savage.
9 p.m.
Bogart’s (Clifton)
$19
¡Dame más gasolina! Turn up to the latest Reggaeton hits all night long. Party is for ages 18 and up.
10:15 p.m. - 2:30 a.m.
BB Riverboats (Newport)
$75
Join the women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, and the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, for a Caribbean-style River cruise. Enjoy three levels of entertainment, including live R&B and hip-hop music by DJ Queen Celine, DJ Stank, DJ Wellblended, and a performance by Just Vince and the Fellas.
PLANNING AHEAD
June 22
8 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Starting at $39.95
Five-time GRAMMY Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Janet Jackson and special guest Nelly will perform their greatest hits live. Get your tickets before the show sells out!
Sunday, June 2
Off-Trail Urban Hikers
7:30 a.m.
Check the Facebook page for this week's location.
Free Admission
Hike approximately two miles and enjoy nature with fabulous people. Runs every Sunday.
Noon – 2 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (Evanston)
Free Admission
Join Crystal L. Kendrick for a discussion on voter disenfranchisement's impact on Black women, the proposed Ohio Constitution amendment, and the effects of gerrymandered districts on local politics. Enjoy a BBQ with free food and hear from speakers Meeka Owens and Denisha Porter.
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Heritage Village Museum (Sharonville)
$59
Learn about Edith and Joseph Fossett, who trounced slavery to become role models for self-employment. Follow their journey of becoming Cincinnati's premier caterers specializing in ice cream and desserts.
2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Experience live DJs, browse local arts and crafts vendors, and savor delights from food trucks, all coming together for an unforgettable daytime party. Celebrating a family-friendly atmosphere. Focusing on House Music, originating from Chicago 40 years ago, blending electronic beats with soul, funk, jazz, and disco influences.
3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Second Story (Covington)
Free Admission
Enjoy an elegant evening of live music by DJ TizieB, DJ Bombos, and DJ YMS, coupled with East African cuisine by Tava Koroga.
8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Starting at $36.50
See the saxophonist, bandleader, and composer, Mr. Coltrane, renowned by critics and Grammy nominations. Across his expansive two-decade-plus career, he has lent his talents as a sideman to numerous artists while crafting remarkable albums for his repertoire and collaborative ventures.