Photo: cntraveler
Even though fall is just a few weeks away, the weather feels more like the 4th of July, and there are certainly plenty of summertime pleasures to enjoy currently around the NKY and Cincinnati region. You can still sip a cold craft beer on one of our area’s many charming patios or rooftop bars, take in a Reds game, head to the Mainstrasse Bazaar for their last outdoor Sunday sales, and more. But in less than a week it will be September. So along with the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte at local coffee shops, you’ll be able to enjoy the first fall festivals and events! Here are a few highlights:
Riverfest and the Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks – Sept. 2
We’ve already written about how to enjoy Riverfest and where to watch the fireworks, but no compilation of festivals in Cincinnati and NKY in September would be complete without mentioning our region’s fond and fun farewell to summertime. It’s a great day of kicking back with family and friends and having a last summer blast—that goes out with a bang!
Vinoklet Art and Wine Festival – Sept. 7-9
Join Hamilton County’s only working vineyard as they celebrate their 20th Art and Wine Festival! Free to attend, it features wine tastings—of course! Also, there will be great live music, beer, an assortment of delicious food, and more than 60 art booths.
Southgate Roots Revival – Sept. 8
For a taste of even more live music, head south that weekend to Southgate House Revival for their Fall Folk Festival. The doors open at 5 and the music lights up the place at 6 on 3 stages featuring Bluegrass, Americana, and Folk.
Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival – Sept. 26-30
Our Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati region has long been a haven for film aficionados, not to mention a location for the shooting of many movies. If you’re a movie buff, don’t miss the OTR International Film Fest. With their focus on diversifying film and “a celebration of our shared humanity,” it will be a stimulating, enriching weekend of films.
Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest!
You may have heard that with Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, our region has the biggest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich. But did you know that in addition to that famous and fun beer, sausage and dance party, there are two more Oktoberfests to enjoy in town? Mainstrasse Village in Covington is celebrating their 40th year of Oktoberfest! And later in the month, Newport’s Oktoberfest will fill Newport on the Levee with authentic German music, food, and beer. Oktoberfest dates:
Mainstrasse Village Oktoberfest – Sept. 7-9
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – Sept. 21-23
Newport Oktoberfest – Sept. 28-30
So you can make it a whole month of Oktoberfest!
But wait! There’s Even More Festival Fun near our NKY and Cincinnati Region!
There are a few nearby festivals too big and fun not to mention. They’re a short drive away, but well worth it.
One of the best Renn Faires in the U.S. kicks off Labor Day weekend, just about an hour’s drive north of Cincinnati in Harveysburg, OH. Watch a joust, eat a giant turkey leg, toast the Queen, and shop for unique wares. It runs every weekend through Oct. 28.
If cowboys, saloon girls, and High Noon shootouts are more to your liking than knights in shining armor, head to Williamsburg, OH, east of Cincinnati, to an authentic Old West town, filled with entertainment for the whole family. It starts the weekend of Sept. 8 and runs every weekend through Oct. 14.
Swingtime on the River - Sept. 8
Take the scenic drive down to Augusta, KY for their 14th annual Swingtime on the River street dinner. It's sure to be a memorable evening of great food and gorgeous views!
Bourbon and Beyond – Sept. 22-23
September is Bourbon Heritage Month and the whole state of Kentucky will be celebrating “Our Nation’s Native Spirit” –as declared by the U.S. Congress in 1964. One of the biggest bourbon bashes will be in Louisville. Bourbon and Beyond features too many amazing music acts to list, incredible bourbon and dining experiences, and some of our very own partners from NKY’s bourbon tour, The B-Line. New Riff Distilling and Boone County Distilling will both be there, in addition to Cincy and NKY’s bourbon ambassador, Molly Wellmann.
