Outdoor entertainment really ramps up in the month of May as lots of fun festivals, races and shows compete for your attention. Waterparks are opening, the Flying Pig Marathon turns 25, live music returns to Riverbend and strap on the feedbag because you'll find something delicious to taste every weekend of the month.
May 1-31: Zoo Babies
See big babies and little ones throughout the zoo this month.
- Details: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale.
- Cost: Admission cost varies.
- Information: cincinnatizoo.org.
May 2: Florence Y'alls
The Y'alls take on the Washington Wild Things to open the 2023 Frontier League baseball season.
- Details: 6:32 p.m., Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence.
- Cost: $11-up.
- Information: florenceyalls.com.
May 2: Snail Mail
Indie rock singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan performs under the moniker Snail Mail. She's touring in support of her new album "Valentine." Dazy and Water From Your Eyes open.
- Details: 7:30 p.m., Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.
- Cost: $30, $26.50 advance.
- Information: cincyticket.com.
May 3: Father John Misty
Indie folk artist Joshua Tillerman, aka Father John Misty, returns to Cincinnati on the back of his latest album "Chloe and the Next 20th Century." Butch Bastard opens.
- Details: Doors open 6:30 p.m., Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville.
- Cost: $40.
- Information: bogarts.com.
May 4: Kamasi Washington
Los Angeles saxophone virtuoso Kamasi Washington wowed the crowd at Midpoint Music Festival in 2016 and the audience at Taft Theatre a year or so later. His albums are among the most acclaimed of the past decade.
May 4-6: Sam Jay
This standup comedian and Emmy-nominated writer stars in the HBO series Pause with Sam Jay. She also appears in the Netflix film "You People" along with Jonah Hill, Eddie Murphy and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
- Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Go Bananas Comedy Club, 8410 Market Place Lane, Montgomery.
- Cost: $20-$25.
- Information: gobananascomedy.com.
May 5-7: Flying Pig Marathon
It's the 25th anniversary of this race, which features a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 50 West Mile, 4-person relay, kids' races, PigAbilities 1-miler and the Flying Fur race for humans and their dogs. Don't miss the Flying Pig Expo on Friday and Saturday, where you can shop for fitness gear and more.
- Details: Expo runs noon-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. The 50 West Mile is at 7 p.m. Friday; races start at 7 a.m. Saturday and 6:30 a.m. Sunday.
- Cost: Free for spectators.
- Information: flyingpigmarathon.com.
May 5-7: Cincy Cinco Latin Festival
The sounds of Latin America will fill the air this weekend with live music and dance, a conga parade, pinatas, and authentic Latino food from a variety of vendors and merchants.
- Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown.
- Cost: Free
- Information: cincy-cinco.com.
May 6: Kentucky Derby
Stay tuned for a list of Derby Day parties happening around town.
May 6: Billy Idol
This British musician started his career as a punk rocker with the bands Chelsea and Generation X before going solo with a string of hits in the 1980s, including "Dancing With Myself," "White Wedding," "Rebel Yell" and more.
- Details: 8 p.m., PNC Pavilion, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township.
- Cost: $50-up.
- Information:riverbend.org.
May 6-7: Geo Fair
This gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry show boasts more than 50 vendors, plus demonstrations, educational programs, swap areas, door prizes and more. Lots of family activities, and all kids ages 12-under can collect free minerals and fossils.
- Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville.
- Cost: $18 2-day pass, $12 single day, $5 children. Scouts in uniform get in free.
- Information: geofair.com.
May 8: The New Pornographers
This Canadian indie rock supergroup boasts members Neko Case and A.C. Newman. The band is currently touring for the latest album "Continue as a Guest." Wild Pink opens.
- Details: 8 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
- Cost: $41-$66.
- Information: memorialhallotr.com.
May 9: The Nude Party
This 7-piece band formed in the freshman dormitories of North Carolina's Appalachian State University and is known for its electrifying live shows and a sound that blends garage rock, psychedelic blues, '60s pop and Americana. They won't be nude, but they'll definitely bring the party. Fonteyn opens.
- Details: 8 p.m., Southgate House Revival, Sanctuary, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport.
- Cost: $25, $20 advance.
- Information:southgatehouse.com.
May 10: Richard Thompson (solo acoustic)
Richard Thompson co-founded legendary folk rock band Fairport Convention in the late 1960s and is considered one of the most respected guitarists of all time.
May 12: Brit Floyd: 50 Years of Dark Side of the Moon
Billed as "the world's greatest Pink Floyd experience," this show features an immense light show and exceptional musicianship that covers all eras of Pink Floyd's discography.
- Details: 8 p.m., PNC Pavilion, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township.
- Cost: $42-up.
- Information: riverbend.org.
May 12-13: John Mellencamp: Live and In Person
Singer-songwriter John Mellencamp rose to fame in the 1980s with a string of Top 10 hits, including "Hurst So Goo," "Jack & Diane," "Crumblin' Down," "Pink Houses," "Lonely Ol' Night," "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." and more. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
- Details: 8 p.m. each night, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown.
- Cost: $49.50-$139.50. Limited seating remains.
- Information: cincinnatiarts.org.
May 12-14: Smoke on the River BBQ Fest
Enjoy some of the city's best BBQ vendors, continuous live entertainment and cold beverages at this three-day festival.
- Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Covington Plaza, 144 Madison Ave., Covington.
- Cost: Free admission.
- Information: cincinnatifestivalsandevents.com.
May 13: Cincinnati Beer Run Disco Party
Participants are treated to a craft beer sampling every half mile of the 2.5-mile course, and a pint at the finish line. Gold chains and leisure suits optional. Open to ages 21-up.
- Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hofbrauhaus, 200 Third St., Newport.
- Cost: $35-$40.
- Information: facebook.com.
May 13: Crafty Supermarket
This craft show features handmade goods from local, regional and national artists. There's a live DJ, hands-on craft activities, local food and free swag bags to the first 100 shoppers through the door.
- Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Music Hall Ballroom, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
- Cost: Free admission.
- Information:craftysupermarket.com.
May 13: Loveland Food Truck Rally
Now in its 10th year, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance hosts this food truck rally, featuring 25 food trucks, a children's play area, live music and entertainment, and beverages for sale.
- Details: 3-10 p.m. Shopper’s Haven Plaza, 675 Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland.
- Cost: Free admission.
- Information: facebook.com.
May 13: Real Taco Fest
This festival showcases some of the best local taco vendors in the city. The family-friendly festival is sponsored by 50 West Brewing Co. and benefits the Ion Center for Domestic Violence.
- Details: Two sessions: noon-4 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m., Smale Riverfront Park, 166 W. Mehring Way, Downtown.
- Cost: $10 admission, free for ages 10-under. Taco tickets are $4 each and can be redeemed for tacos, sides and drinks. Super Taco Pack costs $50 and includes 11 taco tickets.
- Information: realtacofest.com.
May 13-14: Appalachian Festival
Enjoy the food, music, storytelling and dance traditions of Appalachia at this two-day festival. Don't miss the living history mountain village, where period reenactors depict mountain life in the 1800s.
- Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township.
- Cost: $15, $5 ages 5-17, free ages 4-under.
- Information: appalachianfestival.org.
May 14: Natalie Merchant
Originally the frontwoman for 10,000 Maniacs throughout the 1980s, Natalie Merchant has released nine well-received solo albums and is currently on tour for her latest, "Keep Your Courage."
- Details: 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown.
- Cost: $36-up.
- Information: tafttheatre.org.
May 18: Roger McGuinn: Songs and Stories
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn was the lead singer and guitarist for 1960s folk-rock pioneers The Byrds, and is also hailed as the godfather of jangle pop for his innovative and influential style of playing a 12-string Rickenbacker. The Grammy Award-winning artist will be sharing songs and stories from his long and fascinating career.
- Details: 8 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
- Cost: $30-$55.
- Information: memorialhallotr.com.
May 18: Rickie Lee Jones
This Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter crosses multiple musical genres, including pop, soul, jazz, rock and R&B. She's touring for her latest album "Pieces of Treasure," an entire album devoted to the American Songbook.
May 19: Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls
Anyone who experienced British musician Frank Turner's "wall of hugs" at MidPoint Music Fest knows the power and magic of his live performances. Catch him with openers The Interrupters and Bedouin Soundclash.
- Details: 6:30 p.m., Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville.
- Cost: SOLD OUT.
- Information: bogarts.com.
May 19: Otep
American singer and rapper Otep Shamaya is the founder of this band, known for an "art-core heavy metal" style and strong political stances. She's out on tour for the first time in four years, supporting her latest album "Sermons of Fire." September Mourning and Critical Khaos open.
- Details: 7 p.m. Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington.
- Cost: $22-$25.
- Information: madisontheater.com.
May 19: Rick Springfield
Grammy Award-winning musician Rick Springfield had a string of Top 10 hits in the 1980s, including "Jessie's Girl," "I've Done Everything for You," "Don't Talk to Strangers" and others. You might also remember him as Dr. Noah Drake from daytime drama "General Hospital" and multiple film and television roles.
May 19-27: May Festival
This year marks the 150th anniversary of this Cincinnati tradition, which celebrates the marvels of the human voice. The May Festival is the longest continually running choral festival in the western hemisphere.
- Details: Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
- Cost: $16-up.
- Information: mayfestival.com.
May 20: Oxford Wine & Craft Beer Festival
Enjoy a premium wine lounge, beer garden, live music, local merchants and artisans, and a food court at a leafy park in the heart of Oxford.
- Details: 2-10 p.m., Uptown Memorial Park, 4 S. Main St., Oxford.
- Cost: $30 buys your admission wristband, five tasting tickets and a souvenir wine glass. Additional tasting tickets are $5 for two, or $10 for five.
- Information: oxfordwinefestival.com.
May 20: Straight Jokes No Chaser Comedy Tour
This comedy tour is hosted by comedian and actor Mike Epps, and features standup comedy heavyweights Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Earthquake and DC Young Fly.
- Details: 7 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown.
- Cost: $73.50-$133.50.
- Information: heritagebankcenter.com.
May 20: Demetri Martin: Joke Machine Tour
A regular contributor on "The Daily Show," Demetri Martin is known for his deadpan delivery and his satirical cartoons. Two of his books are New York Times Bestsellers, and he's taken top honors at Edinburgh's International Fringe Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
- Details: 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown.
- Cost: $38-up.
- Information: tafttheatre.org.
May 20: Koe Wetzel
This singer-songwriter blends rock, country and grunge. He's currently out on tour for his latest album "Hell Paso," along with openers The Cadillac Three and Pillbox Patti.
- Details: Doors open 6 p.m., MegaCorp Pavilion, 101 W. Fourth St., Newport.
- Cost: $44-up.
- Information: promowestlive.com.
May 21: Cincinnati Alchemy Fest
This interactive, audience participation cocktail competition, arts and music festival finds your favorite Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky bartenders making batch cocktails for you to sample and vote on. Local celebrities Molly Wellmann, Jade Colwell and Dan Altom help judge the finals.
- Details: 3-8 p.m., Smoke Justis, 302 Court St., Covington.
- Cost: $30.
- Information: eventbrite.com.
May 24: The Gilmour Project Explores Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
This group of seasoned, high-caliber session and touring musicians considers itself an interpretive ensemble rather than a tribute act. While honoring Pink Floyd's concept album "Dark Side of the Moon" in concert, the group also rearranges elements and takes liberties with the music, making each night unique.
- Details: 8 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
- Cost: $30-$48.
- Information: memorialhallotr.com.
May 27: Coney Island's Sunlite Water Adventure
Enjoy the nation's largest Aquaglide pool obstacle course, four water slides and the world's largest recirculating swimming pool, which covers more than two acres and is larger than a football field.
- Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township.
- Cost: TBA.
- Information: coneyislandpark.com.
May 27: Land of Illusion Aqua Adventures
This waterpark features a 65-piece inflatable, floating obstacle course on a private lake. Rent inner tubes and paddle boards, play ping pong, cornhole, volleyball and more, plus enjoy a brand new virtual reality ride. There's also a kids' zone for the littlest beach lovers.
- Details: Open at 11 a.m. Memorial Day weekend, closed May 30-June 2, then open daily through Aug. 13, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown.
- Cost: $15-$24. Parking is $7.
- Information: landofillusion.com.
May 27: Soak City
This water park attraction inside Kings Island Amusement Park features more than 50 water activities, including 36 water slides and two wave pools. You can also get all bougie with a cabana rental add-on.
- Details: 11 .m.-7 p.m. daily through Aug. 15, then weekends through Labor Day, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason.
- Cost: variable.
- Information: visitkingsisland.com.
May 27: Dave Matthews Band
DMB formed in Charlottesville, Virginia, back in 1991. They've sold more than 33 million albums in the United States, and seven of the band's nine studio albums have multi-platinum certifications. This powerhouse live act releases its new album "Walk Around the Moon" on May 19.
- Details: 7:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township.
- Cost: $49.50-up.
- Information: riverbend.org.
May 27-29: Taste of Cincinnati
One of the nation's largest free culinary arts festivals is right here in Cincinnati. You'll find around 70 restaurants, food trucks and Findlay Market vendors, along with several stages of live entertainment spread out along Fifth Street from Walnut to Sentinel over Memorial Day weekend.
- Details: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Fifth St., Downtown.
- Cost: Free admission.
- Information: tasteofcincinnati.com.
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