CliftonFest
Fall festivals must go on, even if temperatures feel more like summer. Cliftonfest kicks off Friday with live art drawings on sidewalks, two stages of music and local artists selling their crafts. The festival, located on Ludlow Avenue in Clifton, is free and continues through Saturday.
6-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. Ludlow Avenue, Clifton. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Bend in the River Art & Music Festival
Let’s hope Saturday's slight chance for rain holds off for this event. The fourth annual Bend in the River Art & Music Festival will put Lower Price Hill on center stage with live music from the Tillers, Fairmount Girls, Ben Knight and The Welldiggers, Saving Escape, Charlie Smith, Whitewater Ridge and MUSE, Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir. The Sanctuary, a renovated church built in 1847, is the backdrop for the free event.
Noon-10 p.m. Saturday. The Sanctuary, 2110 St. Michael St., Lower Price Hill. Free. www.cmcincy.org
Cincinnati Music Hall Grand Opening Weekend
This two-day event is a must for anyone who loves the Queen City’s sense of architectural style, rich history and arts. The fully renovated Cincinnati Music Hall opens to the public with a grand celebration this Friday and Saturday after more than a year of work. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will host an opening night celebration 5:30 p.m. Friday, followed by homecoming performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mixologist Molly Wellmann will serve her famous cocktails at Friday’s celebration. ArtsWave is sponsoring a free community celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Friday and Saturday. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Prices for the symphony events vary. cincinnatisymphony.org
Black Owned anniversary
Help locally owned BlaCk OWned celebrate six years in business Saturday evening during its anniversary party at JACK casino. The clothing line proprietors, located at 822 Elm St. in Over-the-Rhine, will mark the occasion with music and drink throughout the night.
10 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. JACK Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Downtown. $30-$75. www.blackowned19xx.com
Second Century: Photography, Feminism, Politics
This day-long symposium takes a slightly more serious turn with its topic. FotoFocus will present a diverse group of speakers, who will discuss issues that explore feminist approaches to photography and art in today’s society. Consider symposium mind food to balance out the diet of eats, music, drink and other forms of art consumed this weekend.
8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Cincinnati Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. www.fotofocussymposium.org
Rhythm Brew: Art & Music Fest
A weekend in the Queen City would not be complete without a festival centered on craft beer and music. So hop across the Ohio River for the inaugural Rhythm Brew: Art & Music Fest at Wooden Cask Brewery in Newport. The free festival will feature more than 50 local artists, live music, craft brews and local food. The lineup of craft beers include those from Against the Grain, Mash Cult, Wooden Cask and Bircus breweries.
Noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Wooden Cask Brewery, 629 York St., Newport. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Oktoberfests
Say what?! Oktoberfests that are actually in October? There are actually two this weekend.
• Donauschwaben Oktoberfest: The Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society claims its Oktoberfest is the most authentic of all local Oktoberfests with 25 beers on tap, live entertainment, homemade food and a car show on Sunday. 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday; 1 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, 4290 Dry Ridge Road, Colerain Township. $3 admission; children 12 and under free. www.cincydonau.com
• St. Agnes Church Oktoberfest: This Catholic church festival returns for its fourth year this weekend with German food, drink, entertainment and a raffle. 6 p.m.-midnight Friday; 5 p.m.-midnight Saturday; 3-9 p.m. Sunday. Free. school.saintagnes.com
Sunflower Festival at Gorman Farms
Fun is in full bloom this weekend at Gorman Farms. The annual Sunflower Festival returns with a focus on the giant yellow flowers. Enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, live music, food trucks, vendor booths, pumpkin picking and don’t get lost in the sunflower maze.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gorman Farms, 10052 Reading Road, Evendale. $8 adults; $5 children ages 3-17; free admission for children under 3. gormanfarm.org
Fall Food Fest at Findlay Market
Findlay Market will present a cornucopia of fall’s bounty this Sunday. Pumpkin painting, cooking demonstrations, a children's scavenger hunt, live music, craft cocktails, seasonal beers and merchant specials are all part of the market’s Fall Food Fest.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
