CINCINNATI – Summer is in full swing with concerts, street festivals and at least one knock-out event this weekend.
'The Flying Dutchman'
The Cincinnati Opera will bring new life to the classic folktale of "The Flying Dutchman" in two incredible performances this weekend. The production will use stunning light projections and the soaring voice of soprano Marcy Stonikas to tell the tale of the cursed Dutchman who wanders the sea until he finds a wife.
7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $35-$195. my.cincinnatiopera.org
Weezer & Pixies with The Wombats
Fill your weekend with alternative rock and great memories as Weezer, the Pixies and the Wombats play at Riverbend Music Center. All three bands are guaranteed to play catchy, upbeat tunes that will have you dancing in the lawn or from your seats.
7:30 p.m. Friday. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. $25-$79.50. www.riverbend.org
The Pretenders
If peppy alt-rock isn't your thing, how about classic rock instead? The Pretenders will visit the Taft Theatre this Friday evening. Nearly 36 years after the band released its first album, lead singer Chrissie Hynde continues to deliver a high-energy show with classic and new tunes. The Pretenders will be joined by the Rails for this very special show.
7:30 p.m. Friday. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. $39.50-$99.50. tafttheatre.org
First Friday with DJ Diamond
Sit back and enjoy the music being spun by DJ Diamond this Friday on Fountain Square. The evening is part of Fifth & Vine Live, a weekly event featuring national, regional and local acts on the square. There will be a full bar as well as a lot of great places to eat nearby.
7-11 p.m. Friday. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Soul Pocket at Moonlite Gardens Dance Party
Dance the night away when Soul Pocket performs at Moonlite Gardens this Friday. This 12-piece band is sure to keep everyone moving during this event, which is part of monthly series of dance parties organized by Coney Island Amusement Park.
7 p.m.-midnight Friday. Coney Island Amusement Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. $8 advance; $10 day of event. coneyislandpark.com
Independence Festival
Continue your Fourth of July festivities into the weekend with the Independence Festival hosted by the city of Independence. Enjoy two days of live music, food and rides. On Saturday there will be a car show, parade, more music and a fireworks display at about 10 p.m.
5-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. Memorial Park, 5409 Madison Pike, Independence. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Second Sunday on Main
It's back. The July edition of Second Sunday on Main kicks off at noon in Over-the-Rhine. This month's event is themed "Pride on Main" and will feature drag races, dancing, big bike racing, the Red Hot Dancing Queens, a drag queen show and all of the usual vendors present each month at this monthly street party.
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Second Sunday on Main, Main Street between 12th and Liberty streets, Over-the-Rhine. Free. secondsundayonmain.org
Punch Out: Round Three
Punch Out is perhaps the most unique summer event hosted by a brewery. For the third year in a row, Fifty West Brewing Co. has convinced other craft breweries from around Greater Cincinnati to pit employees against one another inside a boxing ring. Those employees lace up their gloves after spending months training for the event. About 2,500 people are expected to attend Punch Out: Round Three this Saturday. New this year: Cincinnati Bell will be providing interactive polling and streaming each bout online. There will also be beer and food to compliment the fun as well.
4-10 p.m. Saturday. Fifty West Production Works, 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township. $20 advance; $25 day of the event. fiftywestbrew.com
Brunch Squared
End your weekend with an outdoor brunch on Fountain Square. The Dapper Doughnut, PretzelFuls and Sunny Side Brunch will be among the food trucks offering delicious eats. The Hanky Panks band will perform a live set and cocktails will also be served at this Sunday Funday event.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
