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What’s Hot
Looking for something hot to do in Ohio? There are always exciting, live events to see with your girlfriends, fun and cultural entertainment happenings to enjoy with the family, and year-round weekend getaways for you and your sweetie.

From nights out on the town at new restaurants, to days at the state’s many parks and recreation areas with the kids, you’ll find that because there’s so much to do,  you will always be “Livin’ for the Weekend in Ohio!”

Central Ohio

“The Whipping Man,” Jewish Community Center, Columbus, May 4-12
Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, this stirring play tells the story of a Jewish Confederate soldier who returns home after the war to find his beloved home abandoned by everyone but two of his former slaves. As the trio comes together to celebrate Passover, they begin to uncover damaging secrets about their lives.

Visual Voices: The African American Experience, King Arts Complex, Columbus, May 9-August 23
Experience some of the best art Columbus has to offer. This exhibit showcases 17 African- American artists from Dayton and the Miami Valley.

Jazz and Juleps, German Village Garten Club, Columbus, May 10
Enjoy a buffet, juleps and music at Jazz and Juleps, the signature event of the German Village Garten Club.

Taste for Summer Wine & BBQ Fest, Clary Gardens, Coshocton, May 18
Sample drinks and food from wineries, breweries and barbeque vendors at Clary Gardens. Listen to live music, artwork, craft and retail vendors, grape stomping, and a live auction throughout the day.

Granville Art Affair & Wine Festival, Bryn Du Mansion, Granville, June 7-8
The Granville Art Affair & Wine Festival is Licking County’s largest juried art festival. This festival features art projects, live entertainment, an auto display, fine food vendors and wine tasting.

15th Annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, Gahanna, June 14-16
The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival is a three-day cultural celebration featuring hundreds of musicians, artisans, delicious cuisine, amusement rides and family activities.

Rhythm on the River, Bicentennial Park, Columbus, June 14
From bluegrass to blues to ballet and more, Rhythm on the River is a great family- friendly way to spend a summer evening.

JuneteenthOhio Festival, Franklin Park, Columbus, June 14-16

All around the country, June 19th is a significant holiday, as it represents the day that Texas slaves were finally notified that the Civil War ended and they were free. In Ohio we celebrate with Juneteenth festivals all around the state.

Northeast Ohio

The O’Jays, State Theatre, Cleveland, May 5
The O’Jays return home to Cleveland as they celebrate five decades in the music industry. Come see them sing some of their timeless hits like “Backstabbers,” “She Used to Be My Girl,” “For The Love of Money” and “Livin For The Weekend.”

Wine N Bloom, Geneva, May 3-11
Become an oenophile and venture along the Vines & Wines Wine Trail in Northeast Ohio. Sample wines, enjoy delicious appetizers and collect souvenirs at the wineries.

King Solomon Lives” starring Eric Benet, State Theatre, Cleveland, May 11-12
King Solomon Lives tells the love story between the wise and wealthy King Solomon and the beautiful Queen of Sheba. A must see play!

Earthquake, Cleveland Improv, Cleveland, May 17-19
Join the very funny Earthquake as he makes way to the Cleveland stage. The former enlisted sergeant for the U.S. Air Force and father of three, is sure to deliver a sidesplitting performance.

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, Akron Civic Theatre, Akron, May 24
The longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, which has delighted audiences worldwide, sings and dances their way into Akron as they perform a thrilling collection of the King of Pop’s most iconic songs.

Crowns,” Karamu House, Cleveland, May 24-June 16
Crowns is a moving musical in which hats act as an exploration of black history and identity seen through the eyes of a young black woman who moves to the South.

A Night of Classic Funk featuring Con Funk Shun, Palace Theatre, Cleveland, May 25
A Night of Classic Funk features five of the most iconic funk bands in the business. Con Funk Shun will headline the evening with special guests Zapp, Cleveland’s own Dazz Band, Brick and Taste of Honey with Janice-Marie Johnson.

Aida,” Ohio Theatre, Cleveland, May 31 - June 2
Aida is a tale of destiny, duty and devotion set among Egypt’s ancient pyramids. When the forbidden love between a soldier and an enslaved Nubian princess is discovered, the young couple is forced to part forever or face death.

24th Parade the Circle and Circle Village, University Circle, Cleveland, June 8

Delight in Cleveland’s signature summer event. This fabulous, fun celebration features a parade that incorporates the drama and artistry of colorful floats, puppets, costumes, dancers and musicians.

Cleveland Wine Festival, Voinovich Bicentennial Park, Cleveland, June 14-15
Listen to live music, sample wine and enjoy food prepared by area chefs and restaurateurs at the annual Cleveland Wine Festival. The festival provides an opportunity to sample from more than 350 wines from around the world.

Juneteenth, Oberlin, June 13 - 15
All around the country, June 19 is a significant holiday, as it represents the day that Texas slaves were finally notified that the Civil War ended and they were free. In Ohio we celebrate with Juneteenth festivals all around the state.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Cain Park, Cleveland, June 30
This classic band comes together with special guest The James Hunter Six to bring their blended gospel, funk and soul sounds to Cleveland.

Northwest Ohio

Loni Love, Toledo Funny Bone, Toledo, May 16-19
One of the most hilarious and lovable comics out there, Loni Love, makes her way to Toledo. You may recognize her from “Chelsea Lately,” "I Love the 70’s/80’s/90’s," and “Premium Blend.” This is sure to be a must-see performance.

Gospel Concert, Sauder Village, Archbold, June 9
The sounds of beautiful gospel music will fill the air as Calvarymen Quartet from Burton, Michigan, and Shane Brothers Quartet from Bluffton, Indiana, take to the stage in Founder’s Hall for the annual Gospel Music Concert.

Southwest Ohio

Cincy Cinco Latin Festival, Fountain Square, Cincinnati, May 4-5
Celebrate the “Fiesta de Pueblo” in Cincinnati Latino style. Enjoy authentic Latino art, music, food, costumes, dancing and fun, family-friendly activities.

The Little Mermaid,” presented by Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, Woodlawn Community Center, Cincinnati, May 23-25
Enjoy a reimagining of this classic Disney hit. “The Little Mermaid” tells the story of a young mermaid who longs for a different life as she falls in love with a handsome prince.

Taste of Cincinnati, Downtown Cincinnati, May 25-27
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend in downtown Cincinnati at the Taste of Cincinnati. It is the nation’s longest-running culinary arts festival with three days of nonstop food.

PNC Summer Music Series, Fountain Square, Cincinnati, May 28-August 30
This summer, have fun every week at a trivia night, salsa on the square, reggae Wednesdays, artist jam sessions and a happy hour at Fountain Square in Cincinnati.

Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam, Proctor & Gamble Hall, Cincinnati, June 1
The basketball giant brings his comedy team to Ohio this summer. This comedy jam features some of the most talented and hilarious comics around. Don’t miss this hilarious performance.

Dreamgirls,” Schuster Center, Dayton, June 4-9
Tony and Academy Award-winning musical “Dreamgirls” tells the story of a 60s girl group trying to make it in the music industry. Famous for its alums like Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson, this musical is one of the most popular Broadway hits.

Never Could Have Made It: The Cincinnati Reunion, Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati, June 22
Send up praise with a night of gospel music in Cincinnati. Join the community as they bring together choirs, communities, ages and ethnicities to rejoice.

LL Cool J with Public Enemy, Doug E. Fresh and De La Soul, Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, June 27
Some of the best old school hip-hop artists are making their way to Cincinnati. Join LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Doug E. Fresh and De La Soul as they perform some of their classic hits.

Sommore, Dayton Funny Bone, Dayton, June 28-30
The Queen of Comedy is back! Sommore lights up the Funny Bone stage with her unique style of comedy that has won her so many fans.

Living Room Music: Live with Anthony Hamilton, Eden Park, Cincinnati, June 30
Listen to one of R&B’s smoothest voices, Anthony Hamilton in Cincinnati as he performs from his wide collection of hits.