1. Ohio River Paddlefest
The nation's largest paddling celebration sees more than 2,000 participants cruising the river in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft. Choose from two paddling distances: the classic 9-mile, or the 4.5-mile mini paddle.
On Friday, visit the Outdoors For All Expo, where you can check out exhibits from local parks, outdoor outfitters, adventure experts and environmentally minded organizations, hear live music from Maria Carelli, Ma Crow and more, enjoy food trucks and cold beverages, and mingle with other Paddlefest participants.
Put-in takes place Saturday at Schmidt Recreation Complex (2944 Humbert Ave., East End). The 9-mile paddle ends at Gilday Riverside Park (3540 Southside Ave., Riverside) and the 4.5-mile mini concludes at the Public Landing (Mehring Way). The finish line festival runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Gilday.
Details: Expo: 4-9:30 p.m. Friday, Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Humbert Ave., East End. Paddlefest: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Ohio River. The 9-mile costs $75, $25 youth; 4.5-mile is $70, $20 youth. Fees do not include rental boats. The expo and finish line festival are free. ohioriverpaddlefest.org .
2. Lebanon Blues Festival
This year's festival highlights Women in Blues. Friday's lineup includes Lil Red & the Rooster, Authorized Personnel, Shaun Booker Dammit. On Saturday it's Cheryl Renee, Sharon Lane, Novena, Amy McFarland, Gina & Johnny, Tempted Souls Band, Lady Joya Band, and Teeny Tucker Band. You'll also find a nice selection of food, a deluxe beer garden, artisan and craftsman row, and a classic car show with over 150 vehicles. Lawn chairs, blankets and small coolers are permitted, but pets and carry-in alcohol are not.
Details: 5:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Bicentennial Park, Lebanon. Free. Lebanonbluesfestival.com .
3. Riverdays Festival
Enjoy games, rides, food, gambling tent, live theater, live music and more at this family-friendly festival. Saturday highlights include the Cardboard Boat Regatta at 1 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. There is also a Run on the River 5K race at 9 a.m. Saturday, which starts at the bandstand (116 Susanna Ave.). The top 25 male and female finishers receive medals.
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Front Street, New Richmond. Free; 5K is $25. riverdaysfest.org ; runsignup.com .
4. Lagerfest
Explore the city’s rich brewing history and enjoy exclusive beers from local breweries. Admission gets you an official tasting glass and 25 tasting tickets. For an additional fee, you can take a guided tour of the nearby pre-prohibition lagering tunnels.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Northern Row Brewery, 111 W. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine. $35; $30 guided tunnel tours. Tickets: eventbrite.com .
5. David Shaw's Big River Get Down
David Shaw of The Revivalists created this annual music festival as a nod to his Hamilton roots, and it continues to be one of summer's highlights. On Friday there's a special acoustic performance scheduled at the Fitton Center for VIP ticketholders, and it's already sold out. Saturday's general admission show at RiversEdge Amphitheater features The Revivalists, Nolan Taylor, The Heavy Heavy, J & the Causeways, and Harbour.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, RiversEdge Amphitheater, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton. $55; VIP is sold out. bigrivergetdown.com .
6. Always for the Culture Festival
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this arts and culture festival, which features a hip-hop showcase with local artists and DJs, a performance by Mark Lomax II and the Urban Art Ensemble, an art exhibit with works by local artists, and activities for the whole family. Food will be available for purchase.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Eden Park, Seasongood Pavilion, 1600 Art Museum Drive, Mount Adams. Free. facebook.com .
7. Sunshine Sessions House Music Festival
This family-friendly day party celebrates house music – a genre that blends electronic beats with influences from soul, funk, disco and hip-hop. This month features Las Vegas DJ producer Bruno Browning, plus locals Beat Poet, the Double Mix Twins, Ben & Shake, St. Christine and Matt Ice. You'll find vendors on site, as well as food and drinks for purchase.
Details: 2-9 p.m. Sunday, Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Free. facebook.com .
8. 'Kindred Spirits'
In this world premiere sequel to Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, the whimsical chaos of the spirit world collides with the realm of the living. Written by Alice Scovell – the playwright behind the Oscar Wilde sequel "The Rewards of Being Frank" – the play brings to life many of Coward's beloved characters and introduces some new, memorable ones as well.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Cincinnati Shakespeare Co., 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Aug. 2-18. $14-up. Cincyshakes.com .
9. Taste of Lebanon
This Mediterranean food festival features authentic, homemade Middle Eastern delights such as kibbee (fried or raw), tabouli, stuffed grape leaves, spinach pies, meat pies, rice dishes, hummus, pita bread, falafel sandwiches, chicken tawook sandwiches, a variety of pastries, ice cream and Lebanese coffee. Most items are served inside the large hall at St. Anthony, although some items will be available outside. The festival also includes traditional dancing and Lebanese souvenirs and keepsakes.
Details: noon-7 p.m. Sunday, St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Church, 2530 Victory Parkway, Walnut Hills. Free parking and admission. Thetasteoflebanon.com .
10. Everything Thomas
The most popular blue tank engine in the world rolls into EnterTrainment Junction for one final visit. The beloved family entertainment center is scheduled to close at the end of the year, so don't delay in taking the kids to see the Thomas wooden train layouts, HO scale electric train display, Thomas & Friends scavenger hunts, videos and even an outdoor Thomas train ride for the whole family. A special Thomas Fandom Meet-Up is scheduled for Saturday, where Thomas enthusiasts and collectors and meet up to share their collections of memorabilia. All other attractions will also be open, including the circus-themed A-Maze-N FunHouse, the train museum, hand-built replica of historic Coney Island, and large interactive play area.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, EnterTrainment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester. Runs Aug. 1-Sept. 15. $9.95-up. entertrainmentjunction.com .
Honorable mention: Worlds Longest Yard Sale
Spanning six states, nearly 700 miles and thousands of stalls selling second-hand goods, this event is a bargain hunter's bonanza. The sale follows State Route 127 from Michigan to Alabama. Locally, it runs through Seven Mile, Hamilton, Fairfield, Mount Healthy, North College Hill, College Hill, Northside, Clifton, Over-the-Rhine, Downtown, Covington, Park Hills, Fort Mitchell, Lakeside Park, Erlanger, Elsmere, Florence, and Union. Major Vendor Stop locations have a guaranteed minimum of 25 or more resellers and include Pleasant Treasures (4020 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton), Mainstrasse Village (500 W. Sixth St., Covington), and Heritage Fellowship (7216 State Route 42, Florence).
Details: 8 a.m. Thursday-Sunday, State Route 127. For a list of major vendor stops and an interactive, printable map, visit 127yardsale.com .
Honorable mention: Other bargain-hunting opportunities
- Community Wide Garage Sale : A garage sale treasure map with a complete listing of all sale locations is available at Montgomery City Hall (10101 Montgomery Road) beginning Wednesday, July 31. City Hall is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Art on Vine : You'll find dozens of local artists selling unique works. A portion of sales benefits a different local nonprofit each month.
- Details: noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Court Street Plaza, Court St., Downtown. Free. artonvinecincy.com .
- Tri-State Antiques Market : This market is a great source for collectors, renovators, decorators and those with an eye for the chic and unique to find vintage furnishings, decorative arts, jewelry, historical artifacts, architectural/industrial salvage and pop culture memorabilia. Early birds welcome during vendor set-up at 6 a.m.
- Details: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, 351 E. Eads Parkway, Lawrenceburg. Admission: $5. lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com .
- Flea in the Fort : Shop makers and crafters and enjoy live music and food trucks. Pet friendly.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Aug. 2-4
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