'Wicked'
The national Broadway tour of beloved musical “Wicked” returns to the Aronoff Center this week with multiple performances through Oct. 15. The musical tells the story of how two young girls grow up to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Multiple performances through Oct. 15. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Tickets start at $42.50. cincinnatiarts.org
End of Summer Bash
Say one final goodbye to summer on Thursday at Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar inside the Hotel Covington. The hotel will unveil its first collaboration with MadTree Brewing, a beer made in New Riff Distilling bourbon barrels. There will be small bites and other drinks, along with live music by Motherfolk and Kelsey Mira.
6-11 p.m. Thursday. Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave., Covington. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
The Kaplan New Works Series
The Cincinnati Ballet’s New Works series celebrates modern choreographers and showcases the athleticism, strength and versatility of ballet dancers. This year’s series will feature four world premieres and includes choreographer Travis Wall from “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Various showtimes Thursday through Sept. 24. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. $66-$75. cballet.org
16 Lots Brewing Co. grand opening weekend
Celebrate Mason’s first craft brewery all weekend long. 16 Lots Brewing Co. will start festivities with a 1 p.m. Friday ribbon cutting. The brewery will offer its six flagship beers, Mad Monks Pizza made in-house and giveaways.
1 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday; noon-7 p.m. Sunday. 753 Reading Road, Mason. Free. 16lots.com
Brantley Gilbert
Brantley Gilbert’s “Devil Don’t Sleep Tour” will heat up Riverbend Music Center on Friday. The self-described renegade of country music will be joined by Tyler Farr and Luke Combs.
7 p.m. Friday. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. $29.75-$59.75. riverbend.org
Oktoberfests
Break out the lederhosen, chicken hat and plastic beer stein. This is a big weekend for Oktoberfests in Greater Cincinnati.
The 41st annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is expected to draw 650,000 people Downtown with 116 varieties of beer, traditional German food, competitions and live entertainment. Cincinnati Bengals Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will lead the World’s Largest Chicken Dance on Sunday.
5 -11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Second and Third streets, between Walnut and Elm streets, Downtown. Free. oktoberfestzinzinnati.com
The St. Timothy Oktoberfest in Union might not draw as big a crowd, but it’s still a lot of fun with live music, food, drinks and raffles.
6 p.m.-midnight Friday; 5:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday; 12:30-6 p.m. Sunday. St. Timothy Parish, 10272 U.S. 42, Union. saint-timothy.org
City Flea
September’s outdoor urban flea market takes place Saturday at Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine. Find a variety of locally made, handcrafted items at the monthly market.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Beats, Arts & Eats
The name of this outdoor festival says it all. Craft beer, wine, food, local art displays and live music will be the focus of this Blue Ash event. The free entertainment starts at 3 p.m. Saturday with John Ford and continues until 9 p.m. with Green Light Morning. Featured artists include Adornments by Diana, the Bathing Goddess, Cam's Crochet and Someday Soaps. Just Jerks, Blue Ash Chili, Bangkok Terrace and Slatt's Pub will be on-site to serve delicious food.
3-9 p.m. Saturday. Blue Ash Towne Square, 9520 Towne Square Ave., Blue Ash. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
The Grand Opener of Taft's Brewpourium
The owners of Taft’s Ale House are hosting a big bash on Saturday to celebrate the opening of Taft’s second location, the Brewpourium. The Cincinnati Circus Co., the Rumpke Mountain Boys, Keenan Date, Electric Son and Strange Mechanics will entertain. The Brewpourium will serve New Haven-style pizza and other dishes from a variety of food trucks, and Taft’s full lineup of beers will be on tap. A shuttle will transport guests from Taft’s Ale House in Over-the-Rhine to the Brewpourium throughout the day.
1 p.m.-midnight Saturday. Taft’s Brewing Co., 4831 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
