CINCINNATI – Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with a monster truck invasion, plenty of parties, festivals and the 42nd annual Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks.
Replicas of Christopher Columbus' Ships: Explore replicas of the same ships Christopher Columbus used to sail the ocean blue in 1492. Life-sized reproductions of the Niña and Pita are moored along Riverboat Row in Newport now through Sept. 16. Visitors are welcomed aboard to learn about the ships that lead to the colonization of North and South America. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sept. 16. 305 Riverboat Row, Newport. $8.50 for adults; $7.50 for seniors; $6.50 for students age 5-16; children under 4 are free; $5 for groups of 15 or more. http://www.thenina.com/
Monster Truck Invasion!: Get your motor running this Labor Day weekend at the Florence Speedway. For the first time ever, the speedway is hosting a monster truck invasion with the Monster Truck Racing League featuring Bigfoot. This two-night event also includes Rozzi fireworks both nights. 7:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Florence Speedway, 12234 US 41, Walton, Ky. $20 for those 13 and up; $10 children 4-12; children 3 and under free. florencespeedway.com
Last Blast of Summer at Kings Island and Soak City: Don't miss your last chance to float down the lazy river or catch some waves at Soak City. Kings Island is saying goodbyes to its regular 2018 season this Labor Day weekend. Soak City will be open for the last time this year from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Kings Island will then after Labor Day until its Halloween Haunt begins on Sept. 21. The park is discounting select food items, games and merchandise to just $1 to say farewell during the weekend. Food items include LaRosa's pizza slices, hot dogs, the park’s famous blue ice cream, popcorn, chocolate dipped Oreos & pretzel rods and fountain soft drinks. 5-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. $44 general admission. www.visitkingsisland.com
SkyStar Observation Wheel: Take in a spectacular view of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky skyline while riding the 150-foot-high SkyStar Observation Wheel. Touted as one of the world's largest mobile Ferris Wheels, SkyStar will begin offering rides Saturday at the Banks. The observation wheel was originally scheduled to open Friday, but the opening was delayed due to storms earlier in the week. SkyStar will be in town to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Banks through Dec. 2. 6 p.m.-midnight Saturday; 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday; Noon-10 p.m. Monday. SkyStar Observation Wheel, across from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Freedom Way, Downtown. $12 per passenger. www.skystarwheel.com
Introducing: Continuance: Help kick off Continuance, the latest art installation to be featured inside People's Liberty's Globe gallery. Attendees will have the option to write or record audio responses to the prompt, “tell us about a place you cannot return to.” Featured artists will then select memories and respond to them with a drawing or writing on a "response wall." 6-9 p.m. Friday. People's Liberty, 1805 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
WestSide Market: Browse the creations of more than 70 vendors during this month's WestSide Market in Cheviot. The event features food, baked goods, kid-friendly activities and beer by West Side Brewing. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
39th Annual Old Timer's Day Festival: If you've never been to Rabbit Hash, why not? The quaint little community along the Ohio River has a charm that is hard not to enjoy. Its character will take center stage this Saturday during the 39th annual Old Timer's Day Festival. Nine bands will perform as you enjoy local food vendors, artists and general merrymaking throughout the day. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. The Rabbit Hash General Store, 10021 Lower River Road, Rabbit Hash, Ky. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Lincoln Court Laurel Homes West End Reunion: Celebrate African American heritage in the Queen City during this reunion taking place Saturday at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Enjoy an evening of catching up with familiar faces and having fun. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
25th Cincinnati Hispanic Fest: The Hispanic Cultural Society of Cincinnati will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a day-long celebration at the Hamilton County Fair Grounds. The 25th annual Cincinnati Hispanic Fest will feature Latin American music, folkloric dance, and traditional Latino food. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. Hamilton County Fair Grounds, 7700 Vine St., Carthage. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
AfroSwag ~ The Day Party: As this event description states, "Put on your flyest African Prints for Cincinnati's Culturally Fly Day Party & Fashion Experience." This day party will include Caribbean foods catered by Black Heart & Bomani Bites, Afro-Caribbean beats by DJ Jah Cutchie and DJ Solo B and spotlight designer Royal Khepri. 4-8 p.m. Sunday. Switch, 312 W. Fourth St., Downtown. $15 advance tickets; $25 at the door. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Art on Vine: Going to Riverfest and the 2018 Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks on Sunday? Swing by Fountain Square first and check out the fine arts and other crafts being showcased during this month's Art on Vine event. There will be food and other fun activities too. Noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Riverfest 2018: End summer with a bang during the 42nd annual Riverfest at Sawyer Point. There will be live music throughout the day, the 24th annual Rubber Duck Regatta benefiting the FreeStore Food Bank and the Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks at 9:05 p.m. to cap off the event. Noon-10 p.m. Sunday, Sawyer Point, Pete Rose Way, Downtown. webn.iheart.com
RELATED: 9 things to know before you go to Riverfest 2018
North College Hill “Headin’ For The Hill" Car Show: Come to check out some cool rides during North College Hill's classic car show. There will be an appearance by Elvis and awards for the best cars as well. Noon-4 p.m. Monday. City of North College Hill, 1646 W. Galbraith Road, North College Hill. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
The 2018 AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic: The largest Labor Day picnic will once again take place at Coney Island Amusement Park on Monday. Everyone is welcome to take part in a day full of rides, swimming, bingo, volleyball, corn hole, music, prizes and relaxation. Noon-5 p.m. Monday. Coney Island Amusement Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. $5 adults; $1 children; $5 parking per vehicle. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Cincy Beerfest: This event promises to be a grand slam for craft beer fans. This year's Cincy Beerfest summer session is being held inside Great American Ball Park. You'll be able to sample beer from more than 100 breweries during one of two sessions at the ballpark on Saturday. Pay a little extra and get early admission (12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.) to either session. The event is also raising funds for the Big Joe Duskin Music Foundation, which is dedicated to helping music programs in underfunded elementary and junior high schools. 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. Saturday. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. $50-$55 early admission; $45-$50 regular admission; $20 designated driver admission. www.cincybeerfest.com
All White Wine Tasting Day Party: Find your new favorite wine while mingling during this event hosted at Prvlgd. Pierre Alexander will be introducing four new flavors of his signature wine at the event. 5-10 p.m. Saturday. Prvlgd, 301 W. Fifth St., Downtown. $10 early bird. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Gears and Beers: Sip some coffee or craft beer and enjoy brunch while checking out some very cool cars during Gears and Beers at MadTree Brewing this Sunday. The event's presenting sponsor is 10/10ths Motorsports in support of ChangingGears, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide affordable vehicles to people working their way out of poverty. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday MadTree Taproom, 3301 Madison Road, Oakley. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Overcast Hip-Hop Festival 2018: How good is your rap game? If you feel confident, then check out the Overcast Hip-Hop Festival taking place Friday and Saturday at Urban Artifact in Northside. The winner of the rap battle hosted by Noah I Mean and DJ Topspeed will receive $100, plus a custom trophy, Overcast t-shirt, single album distribution deal with Grasshopper Juice Records and a paid performance slot at Overcast 2019. There will also be two days of live performances on two stages, a B-Boy Battle and free rap karaoke afterparty both nights hosted by Kill Bill at Chameleon. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday; 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday. Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock St., Northside. $30 two-day pass; $20 single-day pass. overcastfest.wordpress.com
The Counting Crows: The Counting Crows are celebrating a quarter of a century making music with a special performance at Riverbend Music Center this Saturday. The stop is part of the band's worldwide "25 Years and Counting" tour. Counting Crows gained worldwide attention with its 1993 multiplatinum breakout album "August and Everything After." The group has since produced seven studio albums. The Counting Crows will be joined by fellow popular 1990s band Live. 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave. Anderson Township. $29.50-$99.50; $89 four-pack lawn tickets special. www.riverbend.org
The Over-Tour of Broadway: Take a trip in time when the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra plays 12 overtures from Broadway's golden age at the Devou Park Amphitheater in Covington. Musical samples will include those by George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Richard Rogers, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Jule Styne and others. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday. Devou Park Amphitheater, 1201 Park Drive, Covington. $5 suggested donation. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
