CINCINNATI – This is the weekend to recognize dear, old Dad and everything that he does. With that in mind, check out this list of fun things to do this weekend.
'La Traviata'
The Cincinnati Opera will perform "La Traviata," an opera by Guiseppe Verdi that tells the story of a woman who forgoes love in favor of wealth. True love finds her anyway in this opulent production filled with ball scenes and beautiful costumes.
7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $35-$195. cincinnatiopera.org
Luke Bryan
If you're a fan of country music, you probably won't want to miss Saturday's Luke Bryan concert at Great American Ball Park. The country music superstar will be in town with Sam Hunt, Jon Pardi, Morgan Wallen and DJ Rock as part of the "What Makes You Country Tour."
7 p.m. Saturday. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. $51.25-$102.50. mlb.com
John Fogerty & ZZ Top: Blues And Bayous Tour
Legendary rockers John Fogerty and ZZ Top will jam along the Ohio River Thursday evening at Riverbend Music Center. Be ready to sing along with some of your favorite tunes by these iconic performers.
7 p.m. Thursday. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. $17.25-$141.50. riverbend.org
Suits That Rock
"Toga! Toga! Toga!" Fans of the movie "Animal House" will recognize the chant from the classic 1979 college comedy starring John Belushi. The movie is also setting the stage for the 11th annual Suits That Rock benefit concert, which will take place Saturday at the Carnegie in Covington. Forty-five business and community leaders from Greater Cincinnati will rock the stage with songs from the "Animal House" soundtrack during this year's "Toga Party"-themed show. The theme also celebrates the movie's 40th anniversary. Money raised from the concert will help fund the Carnegie's arts education programming. Light bites and a commemorative mug are included in ticket prices.
8 p.m. Saturday and June 23. The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. $60 mezzanine or $85 orchestra. thecarnegie.com
Bridge Folk Music & Arts Festival
You're sure to find your groove during the inaugural Bridge Folk Music & Arts Festival. This free event will feature 12 hours of music from 10 local, national and international music acts. Genres will span from bluegrass to folk to jazz and funk. The festival also will showcase the works of visual and local artists. Food, spirits, beer and organized activities will be available throughout the day.
10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. Piazza Rivercenter, 50 E. Rivercenter Blvd., Covington. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
CFTA Food Fest
Eat up and get down during the Cincinnati Food Truck Association's Food Fest at Summit Park in Blue Ash on Friday. This free event will feature dishes for sale from area food trucks and music throughout the day. The entertainment lineup will include DJ Nate the Great, Katie Pritchard, Erin Coburn and Sweep the Leg Johnny. The festival is also kid- and pet-friendly.
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Jungle Jim’s International Craft Beer Festival
Take a trip around the world this weekend without ever leaving Fairfield. Jungle Jim's International Market will host its annual beer festival at its Oscar Event Center on Friday and Saturday. The festival will showcase more than 100 breweries featuring more than 400 beers. Tickets to the festival include a commemorative glass, 25 beer samples, food and other pub grub.
7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Jungle Jim’s, 5440 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield. $55 general admission; $65 early admission; $25 non-drinker; $65 Eastgate bus. junglejims.com
Braxton Brewing Co. Goettafest 2018
Goetta town! Is it really already time for Goettafest at Mainstrasse Village? This year Covington's own Braxton Brewing is sponsoring the weekend-long festival dedicated to that local German breakfast delicacy. The annual food festival will feature goetta, goetta balls, goetta dogs, goetta bier cheese slammers, goetta-loaded tater tots, fresh goetta omelets, goetta chili, "goetta chedda" sandwiches, goetta burritos, goetta nachos, goetta quesadillas and, well, you get the idea, more goetta along with a variety of other food. There will be beer and entertainment served during the event, too.
5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Mainstrasse Village, 636 Main St., Covington. Free. mainstrasse.org
Father's Day Eve
Treat dear old Dad to a delicious beer in a commemorative Father's Day beer mug a day early this weekend. West Side Brewing will sell the mugs for $8 on Saturday. The price includes one West Side Brewing beer.
Noon Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday. West Side Brewing, 3044 Harrison Ave., Westwood. $8. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Father's Day BBQ Beer Pairing at MadTree
Is the father in your life a craft beer lover? How about barbecue? If you answered yes to one or both questions, this Father's Day event at MadTree is a must. The brewery will pair a full menu of snacks, entrees and desserts with one of MadTree's specialty beers. There's a special menu for children, too.
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Road, Oakley. $54.84 adults; $12.61 children. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate freedom this weekend during Cincinnati's annual Juneteenth Festival in Eden Park. The festival commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the former southern Confederacy on June 19, 1865. Cincinnati's festival will include historical exhibits, food, live entertainment, contests, a children's area, peace march, games and a special Father's Day concert on Sunday.
Noon-9 p.m. Saturday; 2:30-6 p.m. Sunday. Eden Park, 950 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Free. juneteenthcincinnati.org
Tusculum Street Fest
Come out and celebrate Cincinnati's oldest neighborhood with craft beer, food, kids' activities and performances by the Flip Cup All-Stars, Rickey Nye Inc. and the8hearted. Proceeds from this Columbia Tusculum festival will benefit student programs at Riverview East Academy and the 3 East Business Association Beautification Initiative.
2-10 p.m. Saturday. Tusculum Street Fest, Eastern Avenue between Delta and Stanley avenues, Columbia Tusculum. tusculumstreetfest.org
City Flea
The City Flea will return to Washington Park this Saturday. More than 100 local vendors will be on hand to sell finely made products.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
