Zoogeist
Who doesn't like a happy hour? This Thursday, Rhinegeist Brewing will host Zoogeist, a special happy hour benefiting the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Living Classroom Education Access Fund. The fund provides opportunities for students to participate in various zoo education programs. Zoogeist will feature animal encounters with the zoo from 6-7:30 p.m. and raffle off items such as animal paintings, behind-the-scenes zoo visit opportunities, education programs and Rhinegeist swag. Raffle tickets will cost $6.50 or five for $30. There also will be children's games during the event and special event pint glasses for sale for $3.
6-9 p.m. Thursday. Rhinegeist Brewing, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Director's Cut: Musical Masters
Let your spirit soar during this special Cincinnati Ballet event. "Director's Cut" will include "Fancy Free," choreographed by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein; Balanchine’s "Rubies," with music by Stravinsky; and Garrett Smith’s "Facades," with music by Vivaldi, Handel and Philip Glass.
7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. $20-$125. www.cballet.org
March Madness
There is no doubt about it: Our region is a hotbed of college basketball. Luckily, there are plenty of great sports bars to watch Xavier University, University of Cincinnati and University of Kentucky play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. That's why we created a list of some of the best places in the region to gather with friends for March Madness. Click here to see the list.
Rufus Wainwright
Fans of acoustic music will not want to miss Rufus Wainwright's solo performance at the Taft Theatre on Friday. Wainwright has collaborated with Elton John, David Byrne, Robbie Williams, Mark Ronson and Joni Mitchell during his career. The multi-talented artist and composer is also preparing to debut his second opera this fall.
8 p.m. Friday. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. $36.50-$47.50. tafttheatre.org
Fashion Meets Hip-Hop
If you are looking to do something a little different, then head over to the Mad Frog on Friday for a special event that blends fashion, art and hip-hop. Organizers describe the evening as one that will put the future of local creative talent center stage.
8-11 p.m. Friday. The Mad Frog, 1 E. McMillan St., Mount Auburn. Early admission: $11.42. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Stout Fest
The night before St. Patrick's Day is the perfect time to find that new favorite stout beer. That's probably why Molly Malone's in Covington is hosting its seventh annual Stout Fest on Friday night. The event also will include live music by the Missy Werner Band and Floyd and the Walkmen.
6-11 p.m. Friday. Molly Malone's, 112 E. Fourth St., Covington. $25. Ages 21 and older. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
St. Patrick's Day
A few short hours after Stout Fest ends, Molly Malone's in Covington will reopen for its annual St. Patrick's Day party. The bar will fill with kegs, eggs and music at 7 a.m. Saturday. Dozens of other bars and restaurants around Greater Cincinnati will be celebrating the holiday as well. That's why we've rounded up as many kegs and eggs events, daylong parties and community celebrations that we could find. Whether you want to grab a pint of green beer at dawn, or venture out later in the evening, click here to plan your St. Paddy's Day festivities.
The 2018 Heart Mini
Join thousands of fellow runners and walkers to raise money and awareness for heart health this weekend. The local chapter of the American Heart Association will host its 41st annual Heart Mini 15K and half-marathon beginning 7:30 a.m. Sunday. There also will be a kilometer walk, 5K race, 2K children's run and 5K heart walk during the day. Onsite race registration and packet pickup will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Duke Energy Convention Center, located at 525 Elm St., Downtown.
Don't forget to celebrate your run or walk at the Extra Mile After Party, which will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at the Schmidlapp Event Lawn next to the Moerlein Lager House.
Heart Half-Marathon and 15K Heart Mini begin at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. Heart Mini start, 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Fifth Street, Downtown. Race prices vary. www.heart.org
Art on Vine
After running the Heart Mini, or cheering runners to the finish, why not make your way up to Rhinegeist in Over-the-Rhine? The brewery will once again host the monthly gathering of local vendors and merchants that make up Art on Vine. Sartre will have food available and Rhinegeist's delicious taps will be flowing, too.
Noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
