23 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Week (June 12-18)

WEDNESDAY 12

MUSIC: Josh Groban
Singer/songwriter/actor/musical theater performer Josh Groban says that he’s aware that, for as many hardcore fans who come to his concerts, there are also a lot spouses and significant others who might just be coming along for the ride. While his primary focus is on his dedicated followers, he works hard to reach everyone in attendance. Doors 6 p.m.; show 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets starting at $49.50. U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, usbankarena.com.
Photo: Brian Bowen Smith

WEDNESDAY 12

EVENT: Sun Hunny Release Party
Meet Sun Hunny, a small-batch blonde ale from Rhinegeist. Brewed with local honey from Queen City Bee, the specialty brew is more than a beer — it’s a community effort and it came to be from a stroke of fortuity. The brew will be released at the Civic Garden Center June 12, where they’ll tap the first keg of the sudzy concoction. Plus, there will be performances from Indie rock band Slymar and live comics, as well as grub from local food trucks. If you want to catch a buzz, you can also take a tour of their observation hive, which has a glass pane for easy view of its inner-workings. 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Free; donations toward CGC’s beekeeping classes and activities are welcome. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Avondale, civicgardencenter.org.
Photo: Provided by Rhinegeist

WEDNESDAY 12

MUSIC: K. Flay
AltPop singer/songwriter K.Flay has one of the more magnetic voices in music right now, moving between a creeping soulfulness and silky raps that flow together seductively in her Trip Hop-adjacent sound. Born Kristine Flaherty, K.Flay began releasing singles and mixtapes while in college and DIY-released her debut full-length, Life as a Dog, which helped earn her considerable attention. Imagine Dragons’ frontperson Dan Reynolds was one of the people captivated by K.Flay’s music, making her the first signing to his Interscope-distributed label, Night Street, and also taking her on his band’s arena tour as an opener. She’s continued her ascent in the music world with regular headlining tours and getting her music into a lot of people’s ears via commercial placements. She’ll be showing some love to a couple of local acts: Synth Pop duo Moonbeau were booked as direct support and she put a call out on Twitter last week to find another artist to kick off the show. 8 p.m. Wednesday. $22. Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, bogarts.com.
Photo: High Rise PR

WEDNESDAY 12

ONSTAGE: The Wolves
Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves was a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s production makes it easy to see why. The play opens with the girls conversing about the widest array of topics possible. From mundane high school gossip about periods and boyfriends to serious discussions about Cambodian dictators and the death penalty, The Wolves clearly and decisively tackles the safeness of suburbia and the transformational experiences of sports, women’s friendship and unexpected tragedy.Through June 29. $55 adult; $38 preview; $31 student; $27 child. Ensemble Theatre, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, ensemblecincinnati.org.
Photo: Ryan Kurtz

WEDNESDAY 12

ART: L’affichomania: The Passion for French Posters
L’affichomania: The Passion for French Posters debuted at the Taft Museum of Art June 8, kicking off a seven-stop nationwide tour. Featuring five artists — Jules Chéret, Eugène Grasset, Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, Alphonse Mucha, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — the exhibition gathers the era’s iconic prints while demonstrating surprising stylistic diversity. The vibrant celebrity portraits of Chéret and Toulouse-Lautrec are instantly recognizable, making Mucha’s intricately detailed Art Nouveau works and Grasset’s vaguely Medieval forest scenes worth extra examination. Through Sept. 15. $12 adult; $10 senior; free members, military and 18 and under. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.
Photo: "Le Chat Noir" Photograph by John Faier // © 2015, The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

THURSDAY 13

EVENT: House Party x Pride at the Taft Museum of Art
Explore your creative side and drop by the Taft Museum of Art for a night of crepes, cocktails and camaraderie. Below Zero Lounge will be co-hosting a courtyard cabaret, Caveman Crepes will have food for purchase and DJ Bjorg will supply the music. In addition, there will be aerial artists and drag performances. 5-8 p.m. Thursday. Free admission. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.
Photo: Provided by the Taft Museum

THURSDAY 13

CLASSICAL: Cincinnati Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s masterpiece is one of the best comic operas ever written thanks to its cat-and-mouse plot that centers on “disguises, dupes, desire and disorder.” Widely considered the earliest member of the “standard repertory” of operas regularly performed across the world, this story from 1786 is still delightful and relevant today. Baritone Andrew Wilkowske returns as Figaro and promising young Soprano Janai Brugger debuts as his fiancé Susanna. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. Tickets start at $35. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiopera.org.
Photo: Kelly & Massa Opera Philadelphia

THURSDAY 13

EVENT: Newport Italianfest
The 28th annual Newport Italianfest is a great way to experience all things Italian without crossing the Atlantic. The festival features authentic Italian food and performances from chefs and musicians who will travel to Newport from both across the U.S. and the “old country” itself. There will also be Italian food from vendors including Pompilios, LaRosa’s, Trotta’s, Alfio’s, Pagano’s and more; cooking contests; wine tastings; an Italian heritage tent; Friday night fireworks; and kid-friendly games. 5-11 p.m. Thursday; 5-11:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Riverboat Row, Newport, italianfestnewport.com.
Photo: Newport Italianfest Facebook

FRIDAY 14

MUSIC: Wilder Maker
Wilder Maker may hail from Brooklyn and have traits that would be at home in Greenwich Village — like wiry, Velvet Underground-esque guitar lines — but they’re not just stuck in an urban mindset. The band, led by founder Gabriel Birnbaum, melds together influences from Dr. John (R.I.P.) to ’70s Bob Dylan to Debo Band, the renowned Ethiopian music group in which Birnbaum plays tenor saxophone. 7 p.m. doors; 8 p.m. show. Friday. $10 advance; $12 day of show. Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, woodwardtheater.com.
Photo: Annie Del Hierro

FRIDAY 14

EVENT: Second Annual Big Bourbon Toast
Newport distillery New Riff is celebrating National Bourbon Day on June 14 with its second annual big ass bourbon toast on the Purple People Bridge. The distillery is inviting anyone and everyone who likes bourbon to head to the bridge to reenact last year’s World’s Biggest Bourbon Toast, which it held to honor the release of its first long-awaited batches of New Riff brand bourbon. This year, the first 500 guests will get a commemorative Big Bourbon Toast shot glass filled with New Riff bourbon to toast. If you aren’t one of the first 500 — or if you just want more than a shot of booze — there will be cash bars set up along bridge for additional cocktails. In addition to the toast, this year will also feature a tug of war between Kentucky and Ohio. For ages 21 and up. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday. Free admission. Purple People Bridge, 1 Levee Way, Newport, newriffdistilling.com.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

FRIDAY 14

EVENT: Jungle Jim’s International Craft Beer Festival
Father’s Day weekend is about to get boozy. Jungle Jim’s International Market is hosting the 14th annual International Craft Beer Festival. Showcasing over 100 local and national craft breweries and more than 400 beers, the festival is an ode to the classy beer drinker. And MadTree and Jungle Jim’s have even created their own craft brew for the event. This year, attendees will receive a commemorative six-ounce beer glass with up to 25 samples. Each ticket includes a picnic-style meal. 7:30-10:30 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. early admission Friday and Saturday. $55; $65 early admission; $25 non-drinker. The Oscar Event Center, Jungle Jim’s, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, junglejims.com.
Photo: Jungle Jim's Event Page

FRIDAY 14

EVENT: Celtic Fest Ohio
Celtic Fest Ohio features tons of live Celtic Rock bands, plus other entertainment, like the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance, the Columbus Celtic Dancers and other cultural entities. There will also be traditional Scottish, Irish and English fare (plus some American) and drinks including Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s, Woodchuck Hard Cider and more. For an extra fee, you can participate in Shamrock Shenanigans, a field day full of obstacles, games and puzzles. 6-10 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. $5 Friday; $12 Saturday or Sunday; $20 Saturday and Sunday; $24 three-day admission. Renaissance Park, 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, celticfestohio.com.
Photo: Brimstone and Fire LLC

SATURDAY 15

COMEDY: Tim Gaither
Tim Gaither is an Arkansas-born comic who started his comedy career at the age of 5 when he cracked a joke in church. A frequent guest on The Bob & Tom Show, he hosts a podcast called, appropriately, The Tim Gaither Podcast. His live special was taped in Las Vegas in 2014. He also has an album of prank calls. 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday. $15-$45. Liberty Funny Bone, 7518 Bales St., Liberty Township, liberty.funnybone.com.
Photo: timgaithercomedy.com

SATURDAY 15

EVENT: Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate the end of legal slavery in the United States with a weekend full of festivities. Events kick off Saturday with a parade featuring flags of the African diaspora followed by free musical performances, living history reenactments, health screenings, a kids’ area with crafts and games and vendors scattered around offering food and shopping opportunities. On Sunday, bring dad to enjoy a special Father’s Day concert of inspirational music. Noon-9 p.m. Saturday; 2:30-6 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Eden Park, 950 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, juneteenthcincinnati.org.
Photo: Provided by Juneteenth

SATURDAY 15

EVENT: The City Flea
Hundreds of vendors will gather at Washington Park on Saturday to create an urban flea market that lets you meet a myriad of Cincinnati artisans and makers. Shop their wares ranging from art and vintage finds to jewelry, ceramics, plants and fancy foods. Experience it all in one place at the City Flea while supporting small and local businesses. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecityflea.com.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

SATURDAY 15

EVENT: Pride Night at the Zoo
Celebrate the Cincinnati Zoo’s first ever Pride Night. Enjoy the zoo from 4-6 p.m. and then head over to the Africa Habitat for an after-hours party. The picket price include entrance into the zoo at 4 p.m., parking, the after-hours party, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert stations, an open bar, live music, games and a Pride tote bag. Kids are welcome and there will be a special family-friendly area with animal visits, face paintings, crafts and take-home gifts. Proceeds go to ArtsWave Prode. 4-6 p.m. Pride Night; 6:30-9:30 p.m. after-hours party Saturday. $85 adult; $65 adult (no open bar); $45 child/student; $15 ages 3-13. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, facebook.com/bettertogethercincy.
Photo: Zoo Blooms by Mark Dumont

SATURDAY 15

FILM: Space Jam
In Space Jam, Michael Jordan joins the Looney Tunes team in an intergalactic basketball game against an army of aliens (the Monsters) who want to enslave Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other Tunes to become the newest attraction at a failing space amusement park. The mix of animation and live-action also features humans Wayne Knight, Bill Murray, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley, plus Danny NeVito as the voice of Mr. Swackhammer, the owner of Moron Mountain theme park. The film starts at 9 p.m., but come before to play games and catch a view of the moon and stars through Cincinnati Observatory telescopes. 7-11:30 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Olden View Park, 800 Matson Pl., East Price Hill, facebook.com/eastphab.
Photo: Olden Park by cincinnatiparks.com

SATURDAY 15

EVENT: Summer Solstice Lavender Festival
Celebrate the longest day of the year early at Peaceful acres Lavender Farm. THe farm grown several strains of organic lavender, an herb that is said to have calming and sleep-inducing properties, At the festival, you can sample lavender-infused foods, pick your own organic lavender in the fields, make wreaths and wands from the herb, practice meditation and listen to live performances. For its 11th year, the fest has added craft and personal growth workshops. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm, 2387 Martinsville Road, Martinsville, peacefulacreslavenderfarm.com.
Photo: Provided by Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm

SATURDAY 15

EVENT: Sneaky Finders
If the board Clue was a childhood favorite of yours, this life-sized, virtual murder mystery may be right up your alley. The Cincinnati edition of the British CluedUpp detective game is called “Sneaky Finders,” and it’s taking over Pendleton. The story is set in a ficitonal town called Minningham and, using an app, teams of dectives will have to work together to solve a murder, searching the neighborhood for virtual witness to darrow down suspects. 11 a.m. Saturday. $46 per team. Pendleton, cluedupp.com.
Photo: ClueddUp