Summer In Cincinnati

By: Rayshuanda Bryd ~Guest Writer~

Staying in Cincinnati this summer? Here are a few events happening in the area you can look forward to:

Shakespeare in the Park:

Although Shakespeare in the Park doesn’t begin until Aug. 1, these free outdoor performances are worth keeping in mind. Put on by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, the productions are held at various locations in the area such as the Ault Park Pavilion and Washington Park Lawn. Attendees can relax on a blanket outside or bring lawn chairs to watch the performances.

This year, the tour will be producing “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” and “Macbeth.” For those who wish to see performances year round, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company offers discounts to Xavier students.

Summer Fair:

Summerfair Cincinnati is an organization that helps support artists in the Greater Cincinnati area. For the past 47 years, it has hosted an annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair, a nonprofit fundraiser where over 300 artists, craftsmen and performers are featured. The event will take place May 30 through June 1 at Coney Island.

Summerfair is expanding its entertainment options to include “Summerfair After Hours,” a concert featuring urban folk artist Jen Chapin. It’s an event for those looking to purchase new art and those who have an appreciation for it.

Salsa on the Square:

Every Thursday from May to Aug. at 7 to 10 p.m. at Fountain Square, PNC Summer Music Series hosts Salsa on the Square. Hundreds of people will gather to learn basic salsa dancing steps from expert instructors, while enjoying traditional salsa music.

This free event is for young and old, expert and novice dancers alike who are interested in expanding their dance knowledge.

Bunbury Music Festival:

Hosted by Cincinnati-based Bunbury Music Festival, LLC, this weekend full of various alternative and indie rock bands returns to Cincinnati for a third summer from July 11-13. Attendance for the festival increased by 50 percent from 2012 to 2013, and even more tickets are being sold this year.

Headlining artists for 2014 are the Flaming Lips, Fall Out Boy, Paramore and Empire of the Sun. Other bands that will be playing include Young the Giant, Cage the Elephant and New Politics. Whether you go for one day or all three, Bunbury is sure to not disappoint.

Goettafest:

Glier’s Goetta began what originally was a small “goetta gathering” in 2001 that has grown into a large festival attracting people from all corners of the country. It’s a celebration of food and family togetherness with putt-putt, corn hole, free live music, face painting and rides as a few of the many activities offered. The food is provided by various restaurants around the area such as the Cincinnati Grill, Chili Rocks and Busken Bakery. The festival takes place Aug. 7-10 at Newport on the Levee.

Queen City Sausage Festival:

Queen City Sausage, founded in 1965, will be hosting a festival in order to celebrate the traditional “Porkopolis” from July 11-13 in Newport. At this free event, there will be over 27 different ways to enjoy Queen City Sausages, ranging from creative dishes, brats and metts. Live entertainment will be provided for the entirety of the festival along with a beer garden and a brat eating contest.