Enjoy this list of the best local events and things to do this weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Who’s ready to get out of the house this weekend? I know we are! This list includes January events, fun shows, tours, family friendly things to do, and more!
All event details were accurate at the time of this posting but event details do occasionally change. You should always double check with the event source before you head out the door.
Things to Do This Weekend in Cincinnati, January 17-19:
FRIDAY, JAN. 17:
Cincinnati Observatory hosts Astronomy Evenings on Friday, 7pm. This 90 minute long, family-friendly program features an Astronomy themed presentation on the different things you can experience in the night sky. Tours of our historic buildings and viewing through our telescope takes place during the second part of the evening (weather permitting). Tickets required.
SATURDAY, JAN. 18:
Sharon Woods is home to a Winter Hike Series and the next installment is on Saturday at 10am (registration required by Jan. 17). Various hiking groups are available including Tree Hike, Bird Hike, Fast Hikes, Family Hike, Leisurely Hike, and Standard Hike. All hikes last about two hours and conclude with soup, cookies and camaraderie. Registration required. To find this event, click the link above and then click on Jan. 18 on their calendar.
Head to the Cincinnati Art Museum for Flash Canvases: Tattoos at CAM, Saturday, 11am-5pm. Join artists in the Marek-Weaver Family Commons to browse flash tattoos inspired by artworks in the museum’s collection—and maybe get one for yourself! Tattoo costs vary. All proceeds benefit the participating tattoo artists. First come, first served.
Clermont County Parks is hosting multiple spots for the Winter Bird Count on Saturday, 8:30am-12:30pm. Enjoy some fresh air and spend the morning in the field identifying birds, learning about their habitats, and join in for hot soup after your hard work having fun with others! All ages. Free but registration is required. Just select your preferred location when registering. Teams will be at Chilo Lock 34 Park/Crooked Run, Kelley Nature Preserve & Shor Park, and Pattison park & Clingman Park.
Burnet Woods hosts Nature Encounters with a theme of Winter Survival, 1-2pm. We’re all bundled up inside this winter, staying cozy by the fire. But what would we do if we were lost in the woods in winter? Join in to hone your survival skills and learn a little bit about weathering nature at its worst.
Maple Sugaring Hikes are happening at Cincinnati Nature Center this weekend. Hit the trail for a guided interactive maple hike. Check the sap buckets in the sugarbush and see the steaming evaporator as they boil sap down to “liquid gold” maple syrup. They are offering multiple timeslots on Saturday and Sunday. Pre-registration is required.
SUNDAY, JAN. 19:
Maple Sugaring Hikes are happening at Cincinnati Nature Center this weekend. Hit the trail for a guided interactive maple hike. Check the sap buckets in the sugarbush and see the steaming evaporator as they boil sap down to “liquid gold” maple syrup. They are offering multiple timeslots on Saturday and Sunday. Pre-registration is required.
Head to Withrow Nature Preserve on Sunday for a hike. An interpreter will guide you on the hike through the preserve. Free. Meet at the Highwood Lodge at 1pm. To find this event on their site, click the link above and click on Jan. 19 on their calendar.
HighGrain Brewing Co. (Winton Rd. location) hosts a Makers Market on Sunday, 11am-6pm.
Performing Arts:
Broadway in Cincinnati: Les Miserables, Jan. 7 – 19, 2025
Tours Offered This Weekend:
Take a free Public Tour of the Cincinnati Art Museum, offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. No need to register – meet in the lobby.
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours are offered by Heritage Program docents at Cincinnati Museum Center on Fridays – Sundays. During a 45-minute tour of the 1933 train station, docents explain the architecture, construction and art of one of the finest examples of the Art Deco style. Hear details about the world-famous mosaic murals. These limited capacity public tours are first come, first served and will depend on availability. Tours are free; there is a charge to park.
Rookwood Pottery offers Behind the Scenes Tours of Rookwood on most Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets required.
Take a tour with Cincinnati Food Tours and savor some local food and culture. Times vary, but tasting tours are offered weekly at Findlay Market and in other delicious neighborhoods. Information and reservations at www.cincinnatifoodtours.com.
Special Exhibitions and Season-Long Events:
Winter Discount Days are happening at the Cincinnati Zoo, Jan. 6 – Feb. 28, 2025.
Krohn Conservatory hosts its newest floral show, Emerge, a celebration of the New Year and the coming of Spring. January 18 – April 20. Tickets required.
Cincinnati Art Museum: Discovering Ansel Adams, now thru Jan. 19, 2025
NOTE: The Contemporary Arts Center, 21C Museum Hotel, and the Weston Art Gallery (events listed below) are all within walking distance of one another. Make a day of it!
Contemporary Arts Center: Barbara Probst: Subjective Evidence (thru Feb. 9), Terra Futura (thru Feb. 10)
21C Museum Hotel Galleries: Revival (thru Sept., 2025), and FotoFocus Biennial, backstories (thru Sept., 2025)
Weston Art Gallery: Richard W. James: No True Scotsman (Nov. 15-Jan.19), Julie Byrne: My Boat (Nov. 15-Jan.19), Pamela Hignite: Memory Keepers (Nov. 15-Jan. 19)
All events were accurate at the time of this posting but things do happen and events do occasionally get canceled or postponed. You should always double check with the event source before you head out the door. Links for each event are provided so that you can be sure the date is still accurate before you head out.
