27 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Week (May 1-7)

THURSDAY 02

MUSIC: New Kids on the Block
Boy band supergroup New Kids on the Block are bringing their MixTape Tour to the U.S. Bank Arena with special guests/iconic ’80s/early ’90s chart-toppers Salt-N-Pepa, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson and Naughty by Nature for what a press release is correctly calling “the ultimate lineup for a once-in-a-lifetime live show experience.” NKOTB even released a new single, “80s Baby,” featuring all four touring partners. Yes. All four. The boys are also marketing the MixTape Tour as the 30th anniversary of their break-out album Hangin’ Tough, which spawned such classics as: “Please Don’t Go Girl,” “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” “Cover Girl” and the titular track “Hangin’ Tough.” So, if you happen to be a Cincinnatian of a certain age who wants to hear such hits, sing very loudly and do your “Right Stuff” leg dance in a place where you will not be judged, this is probably the tour for you.6 p.m. doors; 7:30 p.m. show Thursday. $29.95-$159.95. U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, usbankarena.com.
Photo: U.S. Bank Arena

THURSDAY 02

EVENT: Rom Com Prom
LARPing — live-action role playing — is a term generally reserved for those interested in donning chainmail, Steampunk bustles or any variety of anthropomorphic accessories while engaging in various military or mythological campaigns. But The Video Archive is bringing the cosplay off the battlefield and into the bar with this live-action Rom Com Prom. Dress in your best themed attire and bring your favorite teen films — like 10 Things I Hate About You, Mean Girls and Pretty In Pink — to life via reenactments, singalongs and more. Awards will be given to the prom king and queen.7-10 p.m. Thursday. Free admission. The Video Archive, 965 E. McMillan, Walnut Hills, facebook.com/videoarchivecincinnati.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

THURSDAY 02

EVENT: Salsa on the Square Kick-Off
Fountain Square’s weekly Salsa on the Square event, featuring live local, regional and national Latin bands playing everything from Cumbia and Samba to Merengue, is back. Things kick off this week with music from Salsa band Son Del Caribe and food from Mazunte, plus beer, wine and limited liquor for purchase. Dance the night away downtown. And if you can’t dance yet, take a class from on-site instructors Salsannati.7-10 p.m. Thursdays. Free admission. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown, salsaonthesquare.com.
Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

THURSDAY 02

COMEDY: Bobby Lee
As a comedian, Bobby Lee has to travel a lot and he’s getting a little annoyed with airport security. “They have a big sign that says, ‘Weapons prohibited,’ ” he tells an audience. “Now they have pictures of weapons, like we don’t know what weapons look like. There was picture of a gun, a knife, then nunchucks and a Chinese star. I’m thinking, ‘Are there a lot of ninjas that fly Southwest?’” Lee is probably best-known for his stint on MADtv where he spent eight seasons as a cast member playing characters Johnny Gan, Bae Sung and “Average Asian,” as well as doing various impressions like Connie Chung and Kim Jong-il.7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday; 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday. $22-$52. Funny Bone, 7518 Bales St., Liberty Township, liberty.funnybone.com.
Photo: Provided

FRIDAY 03

EVENT: Belterra Park Derby Celebration
If you’re more serious about the races than the bourbon, kick off Derby Day early on Friday with live racing, music and a Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks Show. The festivities continue into Saturday with more races, commemorative Derby Day glasses for your beverage of choice and a live stream of the 145th Kentucky Derby. Racing starts at 12:35 Friday and Saturday. $5-$150. Belterra Park, 6301 Kellogg Road, California, belterrapark.com.
Photo: facebook.com/BelterraPark

FRIDAY 03

EVENT: Art Academy 150 Block Party
Our prestigious Art Academy has churned out successful boundary-pushing artists for 150 years now, and they’re celebrating with a blockbuster block party. The primary attraction is Cincinnati’s first installment of modular art pods — an immersive experience with 30 uniquely designed and decorated pods connecting across 8,000 square feet. Camp Washington’s Wave Pool will also be hosting immersive experiences at the parking lot on the corner of 12th and Jackson streets durings its third annual 9x18: The Parking Lot Experiment, a self-described “alternative, performative (and) experimental” art show named after the typical dimensions of a parking space. Live music will play throughout the night as well, with performers including Diane Coffee and Aziza Love, and for those interested in more experimental artistic showcases, there will be a fashion show from Lindsey Whittle, a live ASMR performance and music from DJ Coco. OTR shops and AAC students will be vending their handiwork on the street, 3 Points Urban Brewery will debut a commemorative AAC 150 beer and food will be available from Che and Red Sesame. 6-11 p.m. Friday. Free admission. Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, artacademy.edu.
Photo: Provided by the Art Academy

SATURDAY 04

EVENT: Cincy Cinco 2019
Surround yourself in Latin culture at the 16th-annual Cincy Cinco celebration on Fountain Square. The family-friendly weekend event features music from Tropicoso and Orquesta Kandela; traditional dances from Mexico, Colombia and Panama; and plenty of food, including the return of Tacopolis, featuring restaurants like Che, Emapandas Aqui, Mashed Roots, The Arepa Place and more. Activities for children include crafts, games, a pinata smash and a parade. Noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown, cincy-cinco.com.
Photo: Mark A. Bender

SATURDAY 04

EVENT: Muttstache Dash 5K
Dog owners and mustache owners — and especially owners of dogs with mustaches — are invited to Summit Park for this 2019 race/walk. Hosted by United Pet Fund, this one-mile walk/run and a 5K walk/run raises funds for regional animal shelters and rescues. Fretboard Brewing will be serving cold beer for people and Fido’s Freezzys will serve dog-friendly frozen treats for any hungry hounds. Even if you don’t have a dog, you can show a shelter dog a great day by donating $25 and “test driving” a pooch. 8:30 a.m. packet pick-up and registration; 9:30 a.m. race Saturday. $30-$45; $15 children 5-12. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, muttstachedash.org.
Photo: facebook.com/unitedpetfund

SATURDAY 04

ART: May the Fourth Be With You Episode IV: A New Hope - An Art Tribute Show to a Galaxy Far, Far Away at Brew House
In celebration of May the Fourth — aka Star Wars Day — an art show in honor of George Lucas’ iconic franchise will take over the Brew House in Walnut Hills. May the Fourth Be With You Episode IV: A New Hope - An Art Tribute Show to a Galaxy Far, Far Away will showcase over a dozen local artists’ Star Wars-themed art, which can also be bought. This year marks the show’s fourth annual run. “It is bigger every year,” says Christina Wald, a local artist on the planning committee. “We are so excited by the quality of art we get each year and I think we all like to play in the Star Wars playground.” On opening night, that ‘playground’ includes live art, with artists creating original pieces in front of guests. Plus, cosplayers in various costumes will be available for photo-ops. Art included in the show ranges in medium, style and depictions from Princess Leia, Rey and Kylo Ren to Darth Vader slaying with his lightsaber and a very cute Poe hugging BB-8. Opening reception 5-11 p.m. Saturday. Through May 31. Free admission. Brew House, 1047 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, facebook.com/maythefourthcincy.
Photo: Barry Munden

SATURDAY 04

EVENT: Derby Day at Laurel Court
The College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation is celebrating Derby Day with themed catering, live and silent auctions, a hat contest and other Derby games and a complimentary cocktail hour featuring beer, wine and mint juleps. 5 p.m. Saturday. $75-$85. Laurel Court, 5870 Belmont Ave., College Hill, chcurc.com.
Photo: Provided

SATURDAY 04

EVENT: Elementz Notorious 2019 Urban Derby
Celebrate all of “the fashion, food and fun of the Kentucky Derby with an urban twist.” With drink specials from Revel OTR, Rhinegeist and Jack Daniel’s, this Derby party-turned-fundraiser helps support Elementz Hip Hop Youth Center’s mission to help kids foster creativity and community ties through the power of Hip Hop, dance, art and poetry. In addition to a viewing of the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby, the party will also feature a “flyest kicks” and “freshest hat” contest and a silent auction. 4-8 p.m. Saturday. $85; $100 at the door. Union Hall, 1311 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, elementz.org.
Photo: Provided

SATURDAY 04

EVENT: Covington Trifecta Derby Party
In honor of the Derby, Braxton Brewing Co. is tapping Our Kentucky Home, a mint julep-style ale aged in bourbon barrels with mint. Hats, bowties and other appropriate attire is strongly encouraged here: Braxton gift cards will be awarded for Best Tie, Best Hat and Best Couple, so dress to impress and be in the taproom at 7 p.m. sharp to enter. Braxton is partnering with Hotel Covington, The Hannaford, Sapphire Room and Rich’s Proper Food and Drink for a Derby Day extravaganza: Get your program stamped at any three locations to be entered to win swag and gift cards, a Woodford Reserve barrel head and a one-night stay at Hotel Covington. Noon-11 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Braxton Brewing Company, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, braxtonbrewing.com.
Photo: Hotel Covington's Derby party // provided

SATURDAY 04

EVENT: Queen City Derby Party
Head to JACK Casino for a Derby party fundraiser for the Delta Gamma Lambda Foundation with signature cocktails, cigars and live entertainment from Natural Progressions and DJ Magnificent. Take your chances and “Bet the Derby” with complimentary race books and access to online wagering at the event. VIP attendees will be treated to a top-shelf open bar, gift bag and VIP lounge access with a private Jazz concert from the Kathy Wade Trio. 4 p.m. Saturday. $45-$160. JACK Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Downtown. Tickets and more info here.
Photo: Eventbrite

SATURDAY 04

EVENT: Overlook Lodge Derby Viewing Party
You probably can’t find a bar in town that’s more enthusiastic about a themed party than Overlook, and there’s no exception when it comes to Derby Day. Watch the race with a Woodford Reserve mint julep in your hand and dress to the nines for the chance to win a Woodford Reserve gift basket. 6 p.m.-midnight. Saturday. Free admission. Overlook Lodge, 6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, thatshiningbar.com.
Photo: facebook.com/Overlooklodge/

SATURDAY 04

EVENT: Maker’s Mark Derby Party
Maker’s Mark is bringing the race to Fueled Collective with Derby Day drink specials, food, games and giveaways. Dress your best; prizes will be awarded for multiple outfit categories. 4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Fueled Collective, 3825 Edwards Road. Get more details here.
Photo: Eventbrite

SUNDAY 05

EVENT: The Flying Pig Marathon
The Flying Pig, a world-class marathon and Boston-qualifier, is now in its 21st year. A weekend’s worth of events — including a health expo, fun runs and pasta pig-outs — culminates with Sunday’s 26.2-mile race that takes participants from the starting line at Elm Street and Freedom Way through Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, Mariemont, Fairfax and Columbia Township. The marathon itself starts at 6:30 a.m., and if you aren’t running, the Moerlein Lager House is opening its doors at 6 a.m. for a viewing party. The Michelob Ultra Victory Party kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. near the finish line along the riverfront with live music, awards ceremonies, food and more. The Flying Pig Marathon is a fundraiser for more than 300 charities. 6:30 a.m. marathon start Sunday. $125 full marathon registration (closes May 2). For full weekend details, visit flyingpigmarathon.com.
Photo: Provided

SUNDAY 05

EVENT: Cinco de Mayo Post Pig Roast at Fifty West
After the Flying Pig Marathon, head to Fifty West Production Works for a feast. They will be roasting a full slow-cooked piggy for guests and offering a full taco and nacho bar, in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Toppings for the bar include salsa, cheese, sour cream and black beans. Tickets get you an all-you-can-eat buffet and one beer. Noon-4 p.m. Sunday. $20 online; $25 door; $10 kids. Fifty West Production Works, 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township, facebook.com/FiftyWestBrewingCompany.
Photo: Fifty West Production Works

SUNDAY 05

MUSIC: Valley Maker
Valley Maker, the name of Seattle-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Austin Crane’s musical endeavor, brings to mind grandiose acts of nature, which probably shouldn’t come as a surprise for a guy who is also a Ph.D. student in Human Geography. Crane expands his Folk-based sonic palette on his second and latest album, 2018’s excellent Rhododendron — no doubt aided by his longtime friend and first-time collaborator, Toro y Moi’s Chaz Bear, who produced and engineered several of the new songs. 8 p.m. Sunday. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, http://motrpub.com.
Photo: valleymaker.bandcamp.com

SUNDAY 05

MUSIC: In the Valley Below
Western- and Electronic-tinged Dream Pop duo In the Valley Below formed eight years ago in Los Angeles and their latest album project has a decidedly cinematic flair, not only sonically but also in the very essence of the bold new multimedia work. As a companion piece to the pair’s just-released sophomore album, The Pink Chateau, Gail and Jacob crafted a unique feature-length film that explores stigma-defying sexual exploration. The duo’s tour for the movie/album (during which they play the music live alongside the projected film) has included a string of movie theater dates and visits to film-friendly venues like The Video Archive. 7 p.m. Sunday. Free. The Video Archive, 965 E. McMillan Ave., Walnut Hills, facebook.com/videoarchivecincinnati.
Photo: Jaimie Skriba

SUNDAY 05

EVENT: May Tea Dance
Head to the 21c Museum Hotel for May’s Tea Dance, the monthly Sunday Funday LGBTQ dance party that features House music and fun cocktails. And if you want to make a day of it, Below Zero Lounge is hosting a Big Gay Brunch beforehand. Head to the bar starting at noon for a buffet, cocktails and VJ Fuel playing music video and comedy clips. Brunch requires an RSVP; details at facebook.com/belowzerolounge. 4-7 p.m. Sunday. Free. 21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, facebook.com/teadancecinci.
Photo: Patty Salas