Top 9 weekend things to do in the Tri-State

Weekend of 9/2

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Posted: 09/02/2010

By: PJ O'Keefe

Looking for something to do this weekend other than the big Labor Day celebration on the river? WCPO and CityBeat have teamed up to bring you the top 9 weekend things to do in the Tri-State.

1. Eat Bacon. A Lot Of Bacon:
The Beggin, Bark & Bacon Bash arrives in Blue Ash this weekend. What more could one ask for then a pork-slappin chowdown and some complimentary bacon? Let me translate: This Saturday, you can witness the World Bacon Eating Championship that features some of the fiercest competitive eaters around and get some complimentary bacon. This is a unique festival that doesn't have quite the feel other Tri-State festivals have had, but it is not to be missed. Oh and bring your dog, there is a bacon maze for canines in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for loudest bark. You can't miss this. Read the sizzling details by clicking here .

2. Joust!
The Ohio Renaissance Festival will transform the Harveysburg fairgrounds this weekend into the land of long ago. Cometh with ye olde tights, ye straw hat and thine's tightest corset to partake in this fair of fairs. With over 100 shows, including favorites like the Pirate Comedy Stunt Show and Full Armor Joust, ye won't find thine mind doth wandering. Also, do not forgetteth opportunities to show up thine kin in many a game of yesteryear. Getteth thy notes and needings on thus fair here .

3. Witness Oil-Free Oysters:
Too soon? Not for the Guinness Oyster Festival Saturday night on Fountain Square. The celebration of Irish heritage sports, what else, an oyster eating competition, Celtic merchandise, a create your own Bloody Mary bar and live music from the likes of the Unlucky Charms and Duppy a Jamba. And don't worry, in true Irish fashion, there will be Guinness and it's free admission. Suck down the details here .

4. Speaking Of The Gulf Coast:
Several area bands are teaming up with the local chapter of the United Way to present a benefit concert for the clean-up process in the oil-stricken Gulf Coast. Friday at the Southgate House, multiple local talents will play their hearts out with a mission to clean up pelicans and make beaches white again. Door prizes are available thanks to donations from local businesses, but come with your hearts and wallets open to help a region very much in need. Get the details here .

5. Laugh At Dutch Comedy:
Comedian Tom Rhodes spent the last five years in the Netherlands and it was completely by accident. Rhodes had a sitcom on NBC before turning to the Dutch show, but now ventures back to the States for a stand-up go-round. Rhodes will be at Go Bananas this weekend and brings much of the same feel that Johnny Carson or David Letterman offers, but in a more intimate, camera-trick less atmosphere. Get the details on how he ended up in Holland and specifics about his show here .

Next page: Catfish music on a plate in your closet

6. Celebrate A Catfish:
Phelps "Catfish" Collins recently passed away and Bootsy Collins, Catfish's younger brother, has assembled a major party to pay tribute. At the Madison Theater this Saturday, The Catfish Nation Celebration features appearances by Freekbass, drummer Steve Jordan, Ray Parker, Jr. and many others. So show up, honor a great musician and have a fun time in only the way that Bootsy Collins knows how. Catch the details here .

7. Sample An Intimate Closet:
The late Cincinnati arts supporter and philanthropist Patricia Corbett knew how to wear a dress. The Weston Art Gallery at the Aronoff Center hosts a one-night only event Friday to feature the vintage clothes worn by Corbett herself. Celebrate an important member of the Cincy community and awe at the intricate weavings of her clothes that double as art. Wear the details here .

8. Sample Unified Music:
The Cincy Unity Jam features more types of music than you listen to in a year. Okay, maybe I'm assuming that, but I'd bet its true for most of you. Rock, jazz, R&B, hip hop, reggae, celtic, gospel and afrobeat are just part of the styles that the wildly eclectic group of 12 performers will put on display. The Blue Wisp Jazz Club hosts the fourth annual event put on by Cincinnati-based African musician Baoku Moses. Why not try something new? And then something else new and then something else new and something else and something else... Open your eyes to the details here .

9. Eat A Delicious Replacement:
New flavors are popping up everywhere in Cincinnati's dining scene and with the departure of Red from Hyde Park Square, Poco a Poco took the opportunity to dive right in. This new energetic restaurant features tapas and an authentic Latin flair to spice up the square. Everything you could imagine can be bought, shared and cooked to order in a fashion many have not had the pleasure of tasting. A trendy spot in town mixed with a new experience of food and fun, you're promised to enjoy your night out at Poco a Poco. Eat up a full review of the spot here .