Cincinnati Weekend Picks June 28-30

Photograph Courtesy of Cincinnati Panegyri

J uly is almost upon us which means we’re entering peak summer season. The worst of the heat is (hopefully) behind us, so Cincinnatians can experience outdoor activities this weekend without drying out like a raisin (again, hopefully.) There’s all kinds of stuff going on from the Greek Festival to a cosplay rave. Get out and have some fun while you can.

Hamilton County Fair

Grab your prize-winning produce and head to the fairgrounds for this year’s county fair. There will be carnival rides, fair food favorites like funnel cakes, and the ever-popular demolition derby. If you want a more low-key but still fun experience, there will be craft demonstrations, a cornhole derby, and petting zoo. Don’t forget to check out the exhibitors to see who’s apples, pumpkins, and even works of fine art receive the coveted blue ribbons. General admission is $10 and parking is $5. Thursday, June 27- Sunday, June 30, Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 7801 Anthony Wayne Ave., Carthage

Panegyri Greek Festival

One of the most popular church festivals in Cincinnati returns for its 49th year at Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. As always, Greek music and dance performances will run all night on the main stage while attendees enjoy a feast of dishes like gyros, pastitsio, moussaka and more. Indoors, cultural exhibits will be on display while you sip on the delicious and highly caffeinated kafenion (coffee) and munch on a selection of homemade Greek pastries like baklava, melomakarona, and pasta flora. Admission is $3, free for anyone 12 and under, and there will be free parking/shuttle service from St. Xavier High School. Friday, June 28- Sunday, June 30, Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church , 7000 Winton Rd., Finneytown

Opera Pride Night

If you like Pride parties, opera, and drag parodies of opera, this Pride night is for you. Start the evening at the Cincinnati Opera’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata . If you purchase the $60 host package, your ticket is 20% off. After the show, head to the Wilks Studio for the party. Starting at 10:30 p.m., The Opera is turning the space into Flora’s Nightclub. Stick around for the 11:15 p.m. parody performance of “Opera is a Drag: La Traviata”. Friday, June 28, opera begins at 7:30 p.m., party at 10:30 p.m., Music Hall , 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine

Sauced: A Bourbon & BBQ Festival

Factory 52 is hosting their first ever Sauced festival. This inaugural outdoor event will feature bourbon samplings from seven different bourbon houses, barbecue from Lucius Q as well as other Gatherall food vendors, and a full hog roast. Family oriented activities and live entertainment will be provided, so kids can come too. You can pre-buy bourbon tastings — $50 gets you five tickets and each ticket gives you one tasting. Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Factory 52 , 4590 Beech St., Norwood

Pickle Day

Urban Artifact is teaming up with Jungle Jim’s to create the ultimate celebration of all things pickle. Brine Buddies are encouraged to head to the brewery in Northside for a dill-ighful day of pickle vendors, pickle jar mugs, and a pickle eating contest emceed by Jungle Jim’s Podcast host Mark Borison. Anybody can sign up to compete for the belt and title of Pickle Champion. Urban Artifact will also be selling a special variety Pickle Pack of beer with the flavors of Pickle, Spicy Pickle, Bread & Butter Pickle, and Chicago Relish. Saturday, June 29, 12 p.m., Urban Artifact Brewery , 1660 Blue Rock St., Northside

All-American Birthday Bash

Get a kickstart on celebrating the 4th of July at Sawyer Point. All evening you’ll get to see a beautiful showcase of classic and cutting-edge American-made cars. As the vehicles are showcased, live bands like Crown Watts and Classic Rock experience will perform. Games, food trucks, and popsicles will also be on site. At the end of the night, the King of Classic Cars will be announced and a fireworks show will light up the sky. Admission is free. Saturday, June 29, 2-10 p.m., Sawyer Point , 705 Pete Rose Way E, downtown

Gotta Glo Fast Cosplay Rave

At Gotta Glo Fast, Northside Tavern will become a blend of anime conventions and club nights. The rave (which will be leaning more towards a Sonic the Hedgehog theme) will feature a playlist of anime and video game music curated by five different DJs, a Sonic cosplay contest, gaming popups, Beyblade arenas, vendors, and more. The emcees for the night will be Twitch streamer/professional cosplayer x0xbatgirlx0x and content creator/cosplayer The Yonn Don . Tickets are available online for $28.14. Saturday, June 29, 9 p.m.- 2 a.m., Northside Tavern , 4163 Hamilton Ave. A, Northside

Great Parks Bass Fishing Tournament

Anglers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels are invited to compete in a bass fishing showdown at Winton Woods. Teams of one or two people will see who can get catch the heaviest fish and the winner will receive 61% of the entry fees (in Great Parks gift cards.) Each team has a five fish limit, each bass must be at least one foot long, and only one fishing rod per person is permitted. Make sure to check the rest of the rules before competing. Entry is $50 per team. Sunday, June 30, 7 a.m.- 12 p.m., Winton Woods , 10245 Winton Rd., Greenhills

Make Elderflower Syrup from Scratch at Long Branch Farm & Trails

You’ll get to make delicious and complex elderflower syrup from start to finish with the help of Cincinnati Nature Center . Participants will hand-harvest the flowers and craft syrup while learning about the importance of elderflower and how to incorporate the native flora into your gardening. By the end of the morning you’ll have a full pint of homemade elderflower syrup perfect for cocktails. Tickets are $15 for Nature Center members and $25 for non-members. The event will begin at the Creekside Barn. Sunday, June 30, 9-10:30 a.m., Long Branch Farm & Trails , 6926 Gaynor Rd., Goshen

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