Friday, May 6
First Friday at Ernie’s Yard
Ludlow, Kentucky, is ready to bring the community together for some outdoor fun the first Friday of every month at Ernie’s Yard, the neighborhood’s food truck park. Enjoy free live music courtesy of Ben Goldschmidt along with Alex Salcido of The Harmed Brothers. Expect lots of food and drinks from Wild Side Experience, Ignite Your Tastebuds, Taqueria Domingo and Bircus Brewing Company Beer, along with an array of local vendors selling their wares. 4-8 p.m., May 6. Free to attend. Ernie’s Yard is across the street from Bircus Brewing Company, 322 Elm St., Ludlow, facebook.com.
“Why We Wear Red” at Peaslee Neighborhood Center
From the event’s website: “A workshop with Leilani Clark, Afro-Indigenous poet and activist to build awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The goals of the workshop are for participants to be able to understand the historic legacy that European colonization has played in enforcing, condoning and normalizing violence against Native women and girls; understand the federal policies today continuing to inflict violence against Native women and girls and which also hinder the abilities of tribal communities to seek justice for their citizens and also see ways in which Indigenous communities and allies are raising awareness around this issue and creating solutions.” Hosted by the Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition and MUSE, Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir. 6:30-8 p.m., May 6. Free. Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 E. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, eventbrite.com.
Wokstar Tapping at Rhinegeist
Rhinegeist teamed up with Oriental Wok to make their Asian Style Lager. “A comprehensive collaboration, the team at Oriental Wok had a hand in every stage of the beer’s development: they co-wrote the recipe, chose the name, and brewed it alongside our team,” says the event’s page. “The result is a fresh, fragrant, straw-colored lager with plenty of crisp malt notes and a clean, effervescent finish. Designed to pair perfectly with a range of Asian cuisine, Wokstar is also at home next to a burger or on a sun-soaked patio.” Rhinegeist will donate $1 from each pint to Asianati, a local nonprofit celebrating Asian food, stories and culture in the Greater Cincinnati area, while Oriental Wok will donate $1 from each pint to the Midwest USA Chinese Chamber of Commerce. This beer should start appearing on local bar and restaurant’s tap lists soon, if you can’t make it to the tapping event. 4-8 p.m., May 6. Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com.
Free Market at Tikkun Farm
This free market offers farm-fresh food — no documentation required. Tikkun Farm is an urban farm in Mt. Healthy that, according to its website, “hopes to be a place of healing, repair and restoration cultivated through meaningful work and spiritual practices for the restoration of the individual, the community and creation.” The farm offers free food pickup on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website to learn more about volunteer opportunities to help give back to the community. The farm allows you to choose what food you take home, unlike other free markets that assemble parcels with pre-selected foodstuffs. 1-4 p.m., every Friday. Free, but requires preregistration. Tikkun Farm, 7945 Elizabeth St., Mt. Healthy, tikkunfarm.com.
Leon Bridges at the Andrew J Brady Music Center
Leon Bridges, who comes to Cincinnati on May 6, is the answer to every surly soul in the world who has ever lamented that “they just don’t make music like they used to anymore.” Bridges’ warm version of R&B and Soul feels straight out of the 1960s while still being firmly planted in the modern world. There’s not a song on his most recent album, Gold Diggers Sound, that won’t make you feel. Bridges is bringing all those throwback sounds and warm vibes to Cincinnati and, quite honestly, there doesn’t seem like a better way to kick off summer. Read CityBeat writer Deirdre Kaye’s love letter to Bridges. 6 p.m. doors; show begins at 7:30 p.m., May 6. Tickets start at $59.50. Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St., The Banks, bradymusiccenter.com.
Saturday, May 7
Asian Food Fest
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for foodies, as Asian Food Fest returns for its 11th celebration of various Asian cultures and cuisines in the Queen City. Presented by Kroger and Procter & Gamble and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber in partnership with the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati, the festival brings together 35 local restaurants that offer dishes representing 13 different Asian nations. The small plate offerings range in price from $2-$8, and attendees can also expect live music from headliners Kiyomi, JamieBoy, Katherine Ho and The Slants, among other performers. There will be local craft and Asian beers flowing, and this free-to-attend event has all sorts of family fun planned over the weekend. Read CityBeat‘s detailed guide to the many culinary delights available at the festival. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., May 7. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., May 8. Free. Court Street Plaza, Downtown, asianfoodfest.org.
Impact Wrestling’s “Under Siege” at PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation
Regardless of whether professional wrestling is fake or not, the spectacle itself is undeniably real. This Saturday, Newport is getting swole and oiled up for Impact Wrestling’s Under Siege event, where Josh Alexander and Tomohiro Ishii will go head to head for the Impact World Title. This battle is accompanied by more than half a dozen other bouts, as the new generation of wrestling superstars compete for glory in tag-team matches among other hardcore exhibitions of muscular mayhem, making this a night to remember for wrasslin’ fans in the area. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., May 7. Tickets start at $25. PromoWest Pavilion at OVATION, 101 W. 4th St., Newport, impactwrestling.com.
2022 Spring Pottery Fair
From the event’s page: “More than 40 of the area’s top clay artists come together for our 21st Annual Spring Pottery Fair. At this highly anticipated Cincinnati event, you’re sure to find a piece you just can’t live without. A talented group of both functional and decorative artists will have items that include anything from mugs and dinnerware to one-of-a-kind art and garden pieces. It is the perfect opportunity to get that unique Mother’s Day gift or take her on a special shopping trip to kick off Mother’s Day weekend.” 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 7. Free. Located one block west of the intersection of Woodburn Ave and Madison Road, 1523 Madison Rd., East Walnut Hills, facebook.com.
Market Bleu
Market Bleu is a curated artisan market held quarterly at the Contemporary Arts Center. The market showcases elevated handmade products and fine arts from vendors across the region, ranging from Greater Cincinnati makers to those from Cleveland, Columbus and Louisville as well as Lexington, Philadelphia and Virginia. The artisans are selected by co-founders Beth Kalinsky, the maker behind hand-dyed textile brand Eliza Dot Design, and her partner Mathew Frantz. The more streamlined approach to a modern market brings a focus to high-quality works from working artists — think an upscale flea with vetted vendors. Expect to see glasswork, ceramics, upcycled and ethical jewelry, small-batch candles, paper art and the like. 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Free admission. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, marketbleu.com.
WestSide Market
Now in its fifth season, WestSide Market will once again be offering visitors a chance to browse a diverse collection of Cincinnati’s best mobile boutiques, artists, vintage sellers and food trucks on the first Saturday of every month from May through September. More than 80 vendors will be on-site during this popular open-air pop-up market. Free fitness classes will also be offered at 10 a.m. More information about the vendors appearing at WestSide Market can be found on WestSide Market’s Facebook page. 10 a.m.-3p.m., May 7. Free. Westwood Town Hall, 3017 Harrison Ave., Westwood, facebook.com.
Sunday, May 8
2022 Cincy-Cinco on Fountain Square
Cincinnati has seen a large influx of latino residents in the past decade, which means the city is embracing and celebrating their cultural heritage with renewed fervor. Cincy-Cinco is a two day festival that aims to highlight all the wonderful aspects of Latino life, including food, music and handmade goods produced by local vendors. According to the event’s website, its guiding principles for the family-friendly festival are to promote the interaction of the Latino community with the community at-large, along with showcasing aspects of latino culture, values and traditions. All proceeds will benefit tri-state charities that support the Hispanic population. The event also will feature a conga parade, piñatas and mascots, and there will be various food vendors and entertainment provided by Cincy Brazil Samba Dance, Al Son del Iya, Kumbia Latina, Tropicoso and many more. Sponsored by founding partners Kroger and Procter & Gamble, this fest also features a Latino job fair. Noon-11 p.m., May 7 and noon-6 p.m. May 8. Free to attend. Fountain Square, Downtown, hispanicchambercincinnati.com.
Art on Vine
This Mother’s Day, give your mom a unique shopping experience at the first summertime iteration of the popular Art on Vine festival at Washington Park, where more than 80 artists will be selling their art. “Art on Vine was created to provide a unique, fun, one-on-one art buying experience while celebrating and supporting artists’ financial independence,” reads the event’s description on the Art on Vine’s website. Food will also be available at the event, though specific food vendors have yet to be announced. Noon-6 p.m., May 8. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, artonvinecincy.com.
Appalachian Festival at Coney Island
After taking two years off due to COVID, the Appalachian Festival is returning to Coney Island for its 51st iteration on May 7 and 8. Guests can immerse themselves in the food, crafts and traditions of Appalachia with events ranging from live music and storytelling to a living history “Mountain Village.” Vendors will be selling everything from pottery and woodworking to jerky, jewelry and leather goods. Watch artisans demonstrate seat caning and weaving. Live music will take place on three stages, with Bluegrass acts The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Appalachian Grass and The Tillers headlining. For a taste of Appalachia, enjoy traditional eats like biscuits and gravy, country ham, Blue Ridge bangers, wooly-wooly potatoes, corn bread, fudge and even chocolate moonshine. A special Mountain Village will take guests back to the 1800s and will feature re-enactors in period dress showcasing historic mountain life. Read CityBeat‘s Appalachian Festival guide to learn about other activities taking place during the popular event. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 7 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 8. $12; $6 seniors (55+); $3 children (6-11); free 5 and under. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, appalachianfestival.org.
“From Darkness to Light: Mosaics Inspired by Tragedy” at Cincinnati Skirball Museum
From the museum’s website: “The Tree of Life Synagogue Mosaic Project is the brainchild of Susan Ribnick, co-chair of the Austin Mosaic Guild in Texas. Just days after the horrific attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Ribnick was inspired to use her skills and passion as an artist to help her heal. She reached out to fellow mosaic artists and brought together 36 people from around the country and the world to create a collection of mosaics that react and respond to the Tree of Life massacre.” The gallery’s last day is Sunday, May 8. 1-4 p.m., May 8. Free. Current government issued photo ID required for security. Cincinnati Skirball Museum, 3101 Clifton Ave., Clifton, csm.huc.edu.
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