THINGS TO DO IN CINCINNATI: JULY 17 – 23
Crystal Kendrick
Award-winning marketing consultant, entrepreneur, social influencer and community leader
Things to do in Black Cincinnati this week!
Text VOBC to 513-270-3880 to receive an updated weekly calendar of Black events in Cincinnati!
When: July 18, 2023 - July 23, 2023
Can you believe it’s Music Festival Week already? Make sure to have a week full of fun and take advantage of everything happening in the city. Check out this 2023 Music Festival Guide.
Monday, July 17
Family
Black travel journalist Jeff Jenkins travels the world testing the limits of his physical abilities; throughout his global odyssey, Jeff makes deep connections with locals and learns about the world and himself.
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hamilton County Board of Elections (Norwood)
Free Admission
Issue 1 proposes to amend the state constitution to increase the votes required to pass legislation from a simple majority of 50 percent plus one to 60 percent. The Voice of Black Cincinnati supports the Women’s City Club in voting NO on Issue 1 for these reasons:
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Bond Hill Recreation Center (Bond Hill)
Free with membership
Get your groove on by learning the latest moves and songs. All skill levels are welcome.
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (Evanston)
Free Admission
Food, clothing, and hygiene products are available to Hamilton County residents—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.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy Transatlantis, a jazz quartet featuring skillful guitar playing and a rhythm section of acoustic bass and hand percussion. Runs through October 30.
6:30 p.m.
Forest Park Senior Center (Forest Park)
Prices vary
This all-new, beginner-friendly class will have you burning calories and making friends. Your first class is always free.
From dining-in to food trucks and more – check out Cincinnati’s favorite Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, cafes, takeaways, and eateries this week and every week. Try something new and support a local business today!
Tuesday, July 18
Various times
$5
See Black Ice, a documentary about the history of racism in hockey through the untold stories of Black hockey players.
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Xscape Theatre (Colerain)
Free Admission
Spend time with family during an animated showing of Puss In Boots, a spin-off of the Shrek film series. No reservation is needed. If you miss this showing, catch a replay on July 20.
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Starting at $14.99
More than 3,000+ anticipated attendees, 100+ speakers, and 50 + workshops. Events include workshops, speakers, career development, happy hours, networking, fitness, and a keynote with Issa Ray. Runs through July 20. Check out the public events.
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Hear rich, soulful jazz from vocalist Grace Lincoln. Her Gospel-inspired sound has entertained audiences all over the country. Enjoy laid-back, soulful covers anywhere from Adele to Lauren Hill, Etta James to Amy Winehouse, Bonnie Raitt to Stevie Wonder. Runs through September 26.
6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Union Hall (OTR)
$50
Pull up on The Cliquė for a night of building community with a fried chicken dinner, champagne, and cocktails powered by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, sounds from DJ Wavy Moe, and access to the rooftop.
Early vote for the August 8 Election in Ohio at any County Board of Election Office. The Voice of Black Cincinnati supports the Women’s City Club to Vote NO on Issue 1.
Wednesday, July 19
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Action Agency (Bond Hill)
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.
The Penthaus (OTR)
$25
Network with Black professionals living, working, and visiting Cincinnati on the rooftop. The first hour includes a round of free drinks.
5:30 p.m.
Union Hall (OTR)
Free Admission
Meet new people and discuss interesting topics about business. Free food and drinks will be provided.
5:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays
Hirsch Recreation Center (Avondale)
$7 (non-members); $5 (members)
Spin to your favorite R&B and hip-hop tunes with Black fitness instructor Carmen Sanders. Call 513-751-3393 to reserve your bike.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Sign up to showcase your talents with Black spoken word and music artist Siri Imani. The 15 available slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Court Street Plaza (Downtown)
Starting at $2
Let the good times roll: skating, music, food, and drinks. Rent outdoor roller skates or bring your own. Sponsored by METRO. Runs through July 23.
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Burnet Woods Bandstand (Clifton)
Free Admission
Celebrate everything great about summer outdoors with live salsa music from the Dayton Salsa Project, food from We Do BBQ, and family-friendly art activities such as creating salsa prints using peppers, onions, and limes. Runs through August 9.
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Mango’s Tropical Oasis (Sharonville)
Free Admission
Unleash your inner singer or rapper as you belt out some of your favorite R&B, old-school, or rap tunes to various soundtracks provided by Ms. Ebony J and hosted by Bigg Booman.
From blowouts to braids, get your hair laid in time for the Festival Book your appointment with one of many Black-Owned natural hair salons. Natural, relaxed, curled, colored, cut, shaped, or styled. Get ready, get ready!
Thursday, July 20
African Animated Series (TV-G)
Netflix
Four teens are trying to survive secondary school when an ex-spy recruits them for her superhero team. Their newest assignment? Saving the world. It’s the network’s first African animation series, so tune in!
6 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
The crew interacts with listeners during and between the live broadcast by bringing them on the stage, telling jokes, and giving prizes. Do not miss out.
10 a.m.
Paycor Stadium (The Banks)
Free Admission
On Saturday, July 29, fans will get a first-hand look at the team practicing in Paycor Stadium with activations for all ages – including a photo booth, miniature golf, Play 60 area, balloons/face painters, and more! All tickets are free, mobile, and general admission (first-come, first-served) in the 100 level. Tickets can be reserved today starting at 10 a.m.
Noon – 4 p.m.
Cintas Center (Norwood)
Free Admission
Youth between the ages of 13-19 will have the opportunity to speak up and speak out about their vision for their communities. Participate in workshops discussing financial literacy, mental wellness, improving relationships with law enforcement, and much more.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Forest Park Library (Forest Park)
Free Admission
Drop in for an informal breastfeeding support group for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and share experiences while engaging in open forum discussions led by trained lactation specialists. Call 513-870-7883 for more information. Runs through December.
6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Central Park (Forest Park)
Free Admission
Relax at a night of fun for the entire family. Grab a meal from food trucks, including Cheez The Day, Foster Foodies, Minton’s Ducking Good BBQ, MA DUKES Street Food, Victory Lane Pizza of Monroe, and desserts from Turkeysrus, Newells WADA ICE. Enjoy music, games, crafts, and a visit from the beloved Bengals mascot, Who Dey!
6:30 p.m.
Hard Rock Casino (Downtown)
Starting at $99
“Stand up” and shake your “money maker” at one of the hottest hip-hop concerts of the summer, full of dynamic performances and timeless hits. The venue is standing room only. First responders can unlock extra deals!
7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Pirate’s Den Bar and Grill (Western Hills)
$20
Spend the evening in laughter with Black comedians Karinne Turnbow, Young Maine, Dusty Lewis, and Dionte Allen. Get ready for a side-splitting night of laughter. It’s gonna be a riot!
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Enjoy Son Del Caribe, an 11-piece band with exciting, energetic, eclectic, and very danceable pan-Caribbean, pan-American sound that includes salsa and other styles of Latin dance music such as merengue, cumbia, son, bomba, plena, and bachata. Learn basic and intermediate Latin dancing. Runs through September 28.
7:30 p.m.
The Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Starting at $89
The first night starts with Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Rakim, and Big Daddy Kane. Start the festival off right and have a fun night of classic hip-hop!
7:30 p.m.
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Walton Creek Theater (Mariemont)
$24
Dive into a time when Manhattan nightclubs like the Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom were the playgrounds of high society. Five performers present an evening of rowdy and raunchy songs that portray the era and reflect Jazz Musician Fats Waller’s view of Life. Runs through July 30.
8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Cinema OTR (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy dancing to classic R&B cuts played live by DJ EZ and DJ Stone, along with champagne and wine specials. Wear your favorite outfit.
Time for a manicure or a mani-pedi? Perhaps you want to refresh your polish. Whether you desire acrylic, gel, powder dip, or a natural look, these African American Cincinnati nail techs can help you make a statement.
Friday, July 21
Sci-Fi Comedy (R)
Netflix
An eerie series of events leads an unlikely trio down a rabbit hole into a sinister neighborhood conspiracy. Starring John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx.
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Revel (OTR)
Free Admission
Put in your PTO and party to live music from the Cool Kids crew and drinks from Uncle Nearest.
6 p.m.
MegaCorp Pavilion (Newport)
Starting at $50
Kick off the weekend with Def Jam recording artist and television sensation Coco Jones, Liyah Katana, Ro James, J Vaughn, Fixx Band Cincy, and DJ Fresh on the ones and twos!
6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Freedom Way (The Banks)
Free Admission
Cincinnati’s premiere merchant festival returns for its 17th year to coincide with the Cincinnati Music Festival. Shop a centralized vending area featuring nearly 100 merchandise and food booths. Runs through Saturday.
6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Fountain Square and 5th Street (Downtown)
Free Admission
Support local Black-owned restaurants, caterers, and food trucks while enjoying live R&B music performances. Runs through Sunday.
7 p.m.
Arts Center at Dunham Lawn (Price Hill)
Free Admission
A family separated in a shipwreck reunites when two sets of identical twins find themselves in the same place at the same time with the same face decades later. The only problem is that they don’t know what’s before them. What follows is a series of mistaken identities, love triangles, and misadventures. Laugh at the errors of comedy in The Comedy of Errors, this absurd and fun story is perfect for the whole family. Runs through September.
7:10 p.m.
Great American Ballpark (The Banks)
Starting at $14
Featuring Black players Elly De La Cruz and Will Benson, fans can purchase a special ticket package with an exclusive Pride-themed Reds cap. A firework show will take place after the game.
7:30 p.m.
Paycor Stadium (The Banks)
Starting at $75
Enjoy a relaxing night of live R&B with a fire lineup featuring Al Green, Jill Scott, Jodeci, Midnight Star, and Gerald Albright.
7:30 p.m.
The Carnegie (Covington)
Starting at $35
Factory owner Charlie struggles to save his business when he meets Lola, a drag queen with a wildly exciting idea that might save the day. Inspired by actual events, the musical tells the story of a mismatched pair of friends who together learn that sometimes, the best way to fit in… is to stand out. Runs through August 19.
ArtWorks has designed and installed more than 50 public art exhibits that tell the untold stories of African Americans’ contributions to the rich history and vibrancy of the greater Cincinnati region. Check out these Public Art and History Tours for African Americans in Cincinnati as you stroll through our neighborhoods this weekend!
Saturday, July 22
8 a.m.
Starts near Paycor Stadium (Downtown)
$40
Walkers and runners can participate in raising funds to help provide programs, resources, and scholarships for youth. Official parking is at Longworth Hall.
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Central Park Basketball Court (Forest Park)
Free Admission
Enjoy some morning yoga with Gaby MYT. A Great way to start your weekend! Take advantage of this summer fitness series.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Freedom Center (Downtown)
Starting at $11.50
Explore new works by 18 of the region’s Black and Brown artists focusing on healing and building upon the current artistic commentary on health and race. Visitors can see films from Black artists, including Desirae Hosley, Michael Coppage, and Brent Billingsley. Runs through September 10.
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Contemporary Art Center (Downtown)
Starting at $30
Immerse yourself in a captivating experience featuring live old-school and hip-hop music by Cincinnati’s Cool Kid DJs, speaker Grandmaster Caz, and artist Napoleon Maddox. Enjoy cocktails by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and light bites.
Noon
The Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Free Admission
A historic grand opening ceremony recognizing great Black musicians from Hamilton County with a celebration performance by the Ohio Players. Wear white.
Noon – 5 p.m.
Avondale Business Center (Avondale)
Free Admission
Children ages 14-18 can participate in workshops and gain hands-on experience in filmmaking, screenwriting, and production. Hear directly from a panel of Cincinnati filmmakers as they speak about their film and media programs.
Noon – 2 p.m.
blaCk Coffee Lounge (Downtown)
Free Admission
Hear the story of a Black man facing various adversities, including his relationship with a transgender woman, a custody battle, and suicidal thoughts. Discuss the book with a licensed social worker and author Malcolm Varner-Brown.
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrations Riverboat (Ludlow, KY)
$60
An all-white party sailing on the beautiful Ohio River and dance to live R&B, soul, and old-school music by the boat’s band.
2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
BB Riverboats (Newport, KY)
Starting at $60
Enjoy a multi-level boat ride while listening to the livest of Hip-Hop and R&B music from not one but two DJs. Enter the onboard raffle to win a trip to Urban Ski Weekend 2023.
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Riverfront Live (East End)
Starting at $34.50
Enjoy live reggae outdoors at the Grammy Award winner’s Babylon by Bus summer tour featuring a powerful acoustic set accompanied by Hirie. The event is rain or shine.
7:30 p.m.
Paycor Stadium (The Banks)
Starting at $60
On the third and final night, Saturday’s lineup is Snoop Dogg, Babyface, P-Funk Connection, Avery Sunshine, and Norman Brown. Enjoy a fun night of hip-hop and rap.
7:30 p.m.
The Carnegie (Covington)
Starting at $30
In a riveting portrait of Billie Holiday in a captivating story and song, experience the gritty Philadelphia bar where the legendary jazz singer gave one of her final public performances in 1959. The hard-hitting musical chronicles her life story – both humorous and heart-wrenching – and celebrates the music she gave the world, including “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do.” Runs through August 20.
7:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $33
As the all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team envisioned, this production frames Puccini’s opera from a wholly inventive perspective. The opera transports Butterfly’s story to a modern-day realm where fantasy and reality intersect. Runs through July 29.
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
StudioZ (Blue Ash)
$40
Women ages 18 and older can enjoy a relaxing evening of wine tasting, vision boards, refreshments, and R&B choreography by Black instructor Mecca Freeman.
Cincinnati played a considerable part in abolitionism. In the 1800s, an influx of free African Americans, newly freed slaves, and escaped slaves found Cincinnati appealing. Learn more about your heritage with these Cincinnati Black historic sites as you stroll through our neighborhoods this weekend!
Sunday, July 23
7:30 a.m.
Free Admission
Check the Facebook page for this week’s location
Hike approximately two miles and enjoy nature with fabulous people.
1:40 p.m.
Great American Ballpark (The Banks)
Starting at $12
See Elly De La Cruz and Will Benson. Fans in attendance will receive free Reds baseball cards while supplies last.
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Spot on West Fifth (Downtown)
Starting at $10
An empowering brunch for women. Enjoy mimosas and brunch with like-minded women.
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Somerset Bar (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy soul food, cocktails, and live R&B and hip-hop music by DJ Moodyy and DJ Rah D.
5 p.m.
Urban Artifact (Northside)
Free Admission
See the movie Event Horizon, the story of a rescue crew investigating a spaceship that disappeared into a black hole and has now returned…with someone or something new on board. Starring Laurence Fishburne. The movie is rated R.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Rock West (Westwood)
Free Admission
Sing your heart out to R&B, old school, and everything else. Hosted by Rai Wynn and Ms. P. Ann Everson-Price.