Top 9 things to do in the Cincinnati-area this weekend

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Cars aren’t just a means of transportation, and at the Cavalcade of Customs, cars meet lifestyle. Photo provided.
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Posted: 01/11/2013

CINCINNATI - Looking for something fun to do this weekend? 9 On Your Side has teamed up with CityBeat to bring you the top nine picks.

1. 2013 Cavalcade of Customs

Cars aren’t just a means of transportation, and at the Cavalcade of Customs, cars meet lifestyle. You’ll find yourself in the middle of all sorts of automobile fanatics with enough vintage cars, motorcycles and trucks to burn up the ozone layer, including muscle cars, racecars and bat cars.

Yes, BAT CARS. Well, Batmobiles to be precise. Aside from the many awesome cars, the event will also feature a three generations of Batmobiles exhibit, toys, classes, stunt shows, celebrity appearances from WWE star Sheamus and Disney’s Stefanie Scott from the show Ant Farm and much more.

Get details on the event here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/event-2013-cavalcade-of-customs) .

2. Mascot Broomball Exhibition

The fifth annual Fountain Square Broomball Exhibition game returns to the U.S. Bank ice rink this weekend.

Watch Cincinnati's favorite mascots from Mr. Redlegs and the Flying Pig to Big Boy and Charmin the Bear compete in a broomball showdown. The mascots will be available before and after the game for a free meet and great and photos.

Find out what mascots will be at the game here ( http:// www.wcpo.com / dpp /news/local_news/ fountain-squares-annual-mascot-broomball-exhibition-game-returns-to-the-us-bank-ice-rink ) .

3. Cincinnati Bridal Show

Ah, spring. It’s the season of daffodils and tanning booths, polka-dotted rainboots and dieting. And, of course, it’s wedding season! Brides-to-be looking to get a head start on matrimonial to-dos are welcome to peruse the Cincinnati Wedding Showcase, the mammoth annual gathering in which more than 100 of the wedding industry’s top professionals gather to disseminate trendy, customizable ways to plan your big day.

Vendors include everything from honeymoon and invitation specialists to videographers and florists. We hear you can sample wedding cakes, too.

Click here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/Event-Cincinnati-Wedding-Showcase) for details.

4. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals return to the Tri-State

Cincinnati has been good to Grace Potter. She has performed here many times, usually as an opening act.

In 2010, after years of work in on the jam band circuit, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals pushed their way into the mainstream with their eponymous third album for Hollywood Records and the hit single, “Paris (Ooh La La).” With their latest album, "The Lion The Beast The Beat," Potter and her team seem to have their sights set on taking things to an even higher level.

The group returns to the Tri-State this weekend to perform at the Taft Theatre. Find out more here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/from-jam-band-frontwoman-to-chart-star-grace-potter-and-her-band-keep-focus-on-their-craft) .

5. Eddie Ifft performs at the Funny Bone

Eddie Ifft is one of America’s most popular comedy exports. Perhaps that has something to with the political science degree he earned from the University of Pittsburgh. “I didn’t really consider what I did in college,” he explains. “I don’t remember much of it. I did manage to squeeze a major in there.” While a fixture on TV here (Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, NBC’s Late Friday Night, BET’s Comic View, ABC’s Comics Unleashed and NBC’s Last Comic Standing), he tours the U.K. and Australia extensively.

He performs at the Funny Bone in Newport on the Levee this weekend. Get more details here ( http:// www.wcpo.com / dpp /entertainment/ citybeat / comedy-eddie-ifft-performs-at-the-funny-bone) .

6. Shakespeare's "Richard II"

England’s first King Richard, “the Lionhearted,” spent much of his 12th-century reign away from home on Crusades. The third of that name is famous as the murderous, 15th-century hunchbacked villain of Shakespeare’s "Richard III." But Shakespeare also wrote a play about King Richard II, the 14th-century king known more for his vanity and ineptitude than for his prowess as a leader, a ruler forced to give up the throne.

In fact, Shakespeare’s Richard agonizes about why he, a man supposedly empowered by God, is so ineffective. But who among us doesn’t have some self-doubt? Although Richard II is rarely produced — Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is finally staging it during its 19th season — actor Brent Vimtrup told me he’s relishing the title role in a play suffused with gorgeous poetry.

The show is only around for three weeks. Get information on tickets and times here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/onstage-richard-ii).

7. David Bowie Birthday Bash

It’s time to celebrate David Bowie’s ch-ch-change from 65 to 66, meaning The Drinkery is honoring his legacy with its annual full-fledged Bowie blowout. Things are wont to get extra-weird this year, as his Jan. 8 birthday also marked the release of a new single, “Where Are We Now” and a forthcoming album, The Next Day, his first break from musical silence in 10 years.

That means all you millennials might just get the chance to see Bowie (or Ziggy) live. Costumes — ahem, visual homage — to the great Sir Bowie are highly encouraged. We recommend finding some sweet pants like those ones he wore in Labyrinth. If you’re in a pinch, anything glittery and Spandex should do.

Visit http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/event-david-bowie-birthday-bash for details.

8. Penguin Days at the Cincinnati Zoo

The holidays have come and gone, but your family doesn't have to stay cooped up inside until spring returns. The Cincinnati Zoo is now offering half-price admission to customers every day through Feb. 28 as part of the Penguin Days celebration.

On the weekends you can see a variety of animal encounters and enjoy heated indoor animal exhibits throughout the park. If you feel like bundling up, you can also watch the penguins, polar bears, snow monkeys and elephants enjoy the cold weather.

And you don't miss the Penguin Parade which takes place every day at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

For more information visit http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/antique-quilt-exhibit-at-the-heritage-village-museum.

9. Ice skating on the Square

While our summertime version of Fountain Square holds its charm with its warm-weather hoopla of constant live music and dancing, wintry Fountain Square comes alive in its own rite with an ice rink rivaling the size of the rink at the Rockefeller Center. It’s a classic feel-good, family-friendly Cincinnati tradition that’s worth keeping up.

Warm up at any number of nearby establishments; there’s hot chocolate at Graeter’s, pizza at Via Vite, coffee at Tazza Mia and too much else to list. On-site amenities include skate rental, lockers, benches and a heated tent with snacks and drinks.

For details click here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/event-ice-skating-on-fountain-square) .