Cincinnati hosts a number of large annual events. From flower shows and arts festivals to food events and sporting celebrations, there’s something for everyone, and those moving to Cincinnati won’t struggle to find things to do over weekends and holidays.
Here are just a few of the most popular events in Cincinnati.
Annual events in Cincinnati
Bockfest (March)
Celebrate Cincinnati’s brewing heritage at Bockfest, held on the first weekend in March each year. Two of the festival's biggest attractions are the opening street parade – traditionally led by a goat pulling a keg – and the brewery tours that run throughout.
Flying Pig Marathon (May)
Runners from around the region flock to Cincinnati to take part in this 26-mile (42km) marathon. But new residents don’t need to be elite runners to take part in this festive annual event, which also includes a half marathon, as well as shorter fun-run distances – and even a two-mile race for dogs and their owners.
Taste of Cincinnati (May)
Held every Memorial Day weekend in downtown Cincinnati, this is the country’s longest-running culinary arts festival. Attendees can enjoy the fare of more than 50 fine-dining restaurants against the backdrop of live music at one of the festival's five stages.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September)
This annual event celebrates Ohio's German heritage with German-style music, food and beer. More than 500,000 visitors attend each year, making it the largest Oktoberfest in North America.
Festival of Lights (November/December)
For a magical start to the holiday season, expats can't go wrong with a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to see the Festival of Lights. More than 3 million LED lights are used to create all sorts of striking displays in dazzling colours.