Spring has finally arrived!!! And with the warmer temperatures there’s so much fun stuff going on this May in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, from butterflies to art experiences, there’s a little something for everyone. Check out this list we put together of family friendly events happening in May, and be sure to keep checking back, as we will be updating the post throughout the month!
Family Friendly Things to Do in Cincinnati & NKY {May 2015}
May 1 ~ 9 ::
Meet Whatever After Series Author Sarah Mlynowski May 1, 2015 I 4:00-5:00 Page Seck, blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com blue manatee children’s bookstore Free New York Times best-selling author Sarah Mlynowski will be here reading from and signing the newest addition (Book #7) to the magical Whatever After Series: Beauty Queen! In this latest adventure, the magic mirror sucks Abby and Jonah into the story of Beauty and the Beast. Can Abby and Jonah help Beauty and the Beast fall in love in time? Find out in the 7th magical installment of this ever popular series!
Clay Alliance Spring Pottery Fair May 2, 2015 DeSalesa Corner, Madison Rd. And Woodburn What could be better than getting outside on an early spring day in the newly revitalizing East Walnut Hills area to view and buy the latest creations of the city’s best potters? There will be food and great music, but more important, there will be great work, great prices, and great demos. Maybe you will be inspired to get a little muddy too! www.clayalliance.org
German Story Time Saturday, May 2, 2015 I 10:30-11:00 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 Free Wilkommen! Learn simple German vocabulary through stories and song.
Music Making with Madcap: The Story of the Ugly Duckling May 2, 2015 (10am & 11:30am) Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions www.lintonmusic.org Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church 6312 Kennedy Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213 $5 for an individual ticket or $15 for a book of 4 tickets; Children under 2 are free! The clarinet, cello, piano and Madcap Puppets tell the story of The Ugly Duckling through the music of Beethoven! Don’t miss the music, storytelling, and warm and fuzzy fun! During PB&J performances, children are invited to sit on the floor, close to the performers, allowing them to be “part of the action.” An educational coordinator hosts each 40-minute concert, leading dances, beat patterns, songs, and question & answer sessions to guide and enhance the experience for children and their families. At the end of the concert, we invite you to meet the performers and get an up-close introduction to their instruments.
CTF Spring Craft and Vendor Market 5/2/2015 Van Gorden Elementary 6475 Lesourdsville West Chester Rd, Liberty Township, OH 45011 CTF Spring Craft and Vendor Market benefiting the Children’s Tumor Foundation, NF Walk Cincinnati 2015. An array of handmade crafters as well as all of your favorite vendors are here to make your Spring shopping a breeze while supporting this great cause. Come join us from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/403189593174971/
Dixie Heights High School Band Spring Craft Show May 2, 2015 Dixie Heights HS Gyms Edgewood, KY Handcrafted items for the home! Wreaths, wood crafts, hand crafted beaded & silver jewelry, candles, soaps and lotions, doll clothes, quilted and crocheted pieces, pet related items, purses, photography, matted pictures, pottery, ceramics, apparel/sewn items, folk art, hand painted items and much more! www.dixiecraftshow.com
Incline District Street Fair Saturday, May 2nd 3001 Price Ave Cincinnati, OH 45204 A collection of local artisan vendors in support of the community. www.facebook.com/InclineDistrictStreetFair
Wabash Valley Flea Market /Craft Show May 2-3 Terre Haute Indiana 2nd Annual Show at The Wabash. Valley Fairgrounds Over 100 Vendors Spaces available 15×15 for 60.00 for the weekend 812-239-7940
Story Time with Miss Alicia Thursdays, May 7 2015 10:00-10:30 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 Free Join blue manatee’s Miss Alicia for stories and fun! Ages 2 and up.
ArtReach presents The Wind in the Willows Friday, May 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m Fitton Center for Creative Arts www.fittoncenter.org Fitton Center for Creative Arts Adult tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Children (16 and under) are FREE! “Hamilton, Ohio – Join us on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. as ArtReach: A Division of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents The Wind in the Willows. This event is part of the Fitton Family Fridays series.
Based on the 1908 children’s tale by Kenneth Grahame, the peaceful lives of Mole and Rat are interrupted when Toad finds a new, exciting invention—a motorcar! When the fate of Toad Hall hangs in the balance, the friends enlist the help of the reclusive Badger, who lives deep in the Wild Wood. A classic story of friendship, keeping up with the times, and conquering one’s fears, this new musical adaptation will take you on an adventure by the river that you’ll never forget. Fitton Family Fridays feature entertainment geared to kids of all ages, from preschoolers to teenagers – including parents and grandparents who are still kids at heart. Kid-friendly drinks and an assortment of light appetizers will be served before the show and are included in the ticket price. This series is sponsored by Vaden Fitton. The reception is sponsored by G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc.
Garden Mart at Trinity Episcopal Church ~ 4th & Madison in Covington May 8 from 9am until 8pm and May 9 from 9am until 2pm. Visit the plant sale, find some Mother’s Day gifts and on Friday evening from 5-8 you can listen to live music from the Turkeys.
Appalachian Festival ~ May 8 thru 10 Coney Island Amusement Park Appalachian Community Development Association produces the Appalachian Festival every Mother’s Day Weekend. The Festival is an educational event for everyone that teaches thru great music and storytelling, crafts, Living History, demonstrations, displays, and food for every taste. The Festival opens on Friday morning and goes thru Sunday evening rain or shine. Visit us on the web for more information or call 513-829-1790. Appalachian Festival .org
Duveneck Memorial Art Show ~ Saturday, May 9, Noon to 5pm. Over 65 artists, food trucks and fun. George Rogers Clark park on Riverside Drive in Covington
Music Making with Madcap: The Story of the Ugly Duckling May 9, 2015 (10am & 11:30am) Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions www.lintonmusic.org Lakeside Presbyterian Church 2690 Dixie Highway, Lakeside Park, KY 41017 $5 for an individual ticket or $15 for a book of 4 tickets; Children under 2 are free! The clarinet, cello, piano and Madcap Puppets tell the story of The Ugly Duckling through the music of Beethoven! Don’t miss the music, storytelling, and warm and fuzzy fun! During PB&J performances, children are invited to sit on the floor, close to the performers, allowing them to be “part of the action.” An educational coordinator hosts each 40-minute concert, leading dances, beat patterns, songs, and question & answer sessions to guide and enhance the experience for children and their families. At the end of the concert, we invite you to meet the performers and get an up-close introduction to their instruments.
Spanish Story Time Saturday, May 9, 2015 I 10:30-11:00 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 Free Hola! Learn simple Spanish vocabulary through stories and songs.
Harrison Elementary PTA’s 2nd Annual Yard Sale/Vendor/Crafter Fundraiser May 9, 2015 9am-1pm Behind Harrison Elementary School, 600 E. Broadway, Harrison, OH 45030 “Fundraiser proceeds allocated to Harrison Elementary Student’s playground & track upgrades/maintenance. Come browse, shop, eat, listen to music & have fun!
*Street parking or parking lot in front of school. Then walk thru playground to get behind school where event is to take place.
*Some parking in back of school, closer to event. From Broadway turn onto Elm Street & turn Left into school entrance.
May 10 ~ 16 ::
2015 Clifton House Tour Sunday, May 10, 2015 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Clifton Town Meeting http://www.cliftoncommunity.org/ 3711 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 $18.00 in advance (from April 6 to May 9) / $22.00 on the day of the tour Every third year on Mother’s Day, a group of Clifton homeowners open their doors to Greater Cincinnati. This year there will be homes from the 1800s to 1970s highlighting several different styles, including mid-20th century modern, Italianate and early Shingle Style. Free shuttles will escort visitors from two locations: Clifton Cultural Arts Center at 3711 Clifton Ave. and Clifton Plaza at 333 Ludlow Ave.
Mother’s Day Tea Party May 10, 2015 Elisha Morgan Mansion Mother’s Day Tea Party with grab bags, and over 30 crafters. For more information call: 513-376-5871
Sensory Sunday May 10, 2015 | 2PM Shalom Family www.myshalomfamily.org Gymboree In Mason Free with advance RSVP These private interactive play groups take place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, featuring the popular Miss Shana, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. Play dates are open to families in the Jewish community with children two years and younger in which at least one parent is Jewish. The programs are free and always include a snack. Plus, two families will each win a $50 Target Gift Card at every event. Dates and times are subject to change, please check myshalomfamily.org for updates and to RSVP. Sensory Sunday is a program of Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation.
Miss Meghan’s Music Thursdays, May 14 2015 I 9:45-10:15 and 10:30-11:00 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 $10 Perfect for kids under the age of four and a grown-up!
French Story Time Friday, May 15, 2015 I 10:30-11:00 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 Free Bonjour! Learn simple French vocabulary through stories and songs.
Buckeye BBQ Fest ~ Friday May 15 5pm-11pm Saturday May 16 12N-11pm 9285 Centre Pointe Drive West Chester OH 45069 “The 2015 Buckeye BBQ Fest presented by UCBMA; a Rotary Club of WC/L Event, will be held on May 15th & 16th at the Union Center Square. We anticipate 15,000 attendees will sample lots of Blues, Brews and BBQ. Our Fest is a Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) sanctioned event and is designated an official State BBQ Championship by Governor John Kasich. 40 Professional BBQ Teams will welcome you into Pit Row while they vie for prize money and ranking by KCBS certified Judges. Competitors will also compete for the “”Peoples Choice Award””; the winner is voted on by the public.
We’ve teamed up with the Cincy Blues Society to book the top blues bands in the tri-state area and beyond. Some of our sponsors include Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association, Park National Bank, The Butler County Visitors Bureau, Walgreen’s, Tide Dry Cleaners, Baker Chiropractic and Ohio Eagle Distributors with their Budweiser Double-Decker Outdoor Pub. 12 BBQ Specific Vendors will sell pulled pork, ribs, brisket and wings. 50 other vendors will offer up; hot dogs and burgers, funnel cake, pie ala mode, grilled cheese, Pepsi, Coke, flavored waters, lemonade, shaved ice and more. Check out our new Artisans Row, with local handcrafted fair. We are also expanding the very popular KidsZone; featuring 3 bouncy houses, a children’s petting zoo, face painting and other family oriented activities. www.buckeyebbqfest.org
CincItalia May 15-17, 2015 Harvest Home Park in Cheviot Cincinnati’s true celebration of Italian heritage, CincItalia showcases Italian culture never before experienced at a Cincinnati festival. Drawing attendees from the entire tri-state area, CincItalia offers entertainment from national music acts, cooking demonstrations, activities for all ages, and authentic cuisine prepared by Italian restaurants and Cincinnati’s Italian cultural societies. Bring your family to enjoy an Italian feast and try your luck at carnival games. It is family friendly with lots of games, activities, and rides for children. www.CincItalia.org
MainStrasse Village Maifest May 15, 16, 17 406 West 6th Street Covington KY 41011 Maifest celebrates spring with arts/crafts, music, food, an amusement midway and a Kinderplatz with rides for the and activities for the younger children. mainstrasse.org
Maifest at Germania 5/15-5/17 Germania Park w Kemper Rd Cincinnati A traditional Getman Miafest with local crafters, May Pole dance, German Food, Misic and festivities for the whole family http://www.germaniasociety.com/site2007/main.html
Monarch Story Time May 16, 2015 I 10:30-11:30 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 Free Join a naturalist from Cincinnati Nature Center for this special story time all about monarch butterflies. We’ll read stories, sing songs, and learn what makes these animals so special.
Family Class: Teas & Tonics May 16, 2015 | 10:30 am – Noon at the Civic Garden Center http://www.civicgardencenter.org/classes-events/classes/ 2715 Reading Road Cincinnati, OH 45219 $5 Tea has a rich, ancient culture that comes from both western and eastern traditions. Learn how to grow, create and serve tea during this fun program.
Music Making with Madcap: The Story of the Ugly Duckling May 16, 2015 (10am & 11:30am) Linton Music’s Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions www.lintonmusic.org Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church 6474 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230 $5 for an individual ticket or $15 for a book of 4 tickets; Children under 2 are free! The clarinet, cello, piano and Madcap Puppets tell the story of The Ugly Duckling through the music of Beethoven! Don’t miss the music, storytelling, and warm and fuzzy fun! During PB&J performances, children are invited to sit on the floor, close to the performers, allowing them to be “part of the action.” An educational coordinator hosts each 40-minute concert, leading dances, beat patterns, songs, and question & answer sessions to guide and enhance the experience for children and their families. At the end of the concert, we invite you to meet the performers and get an up-close introduction to their instruments.
The City Flea ~ May 16 / Washington Park 10a-4p: The City Flea is one of the most interesting and unique markets around. Check out the works of awesome crafters and vendors while chowing at the food trucks and listening to fine tunes by the DJ. Take the whole family! Read more in this post: http://www.familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2014/06/08/city-flea-washington-park/
Cincinnati Library Comic Con 2015 Main Event: This five-hour program at the Main Library features artists, writers, game creators, event partner booths, free comic books*, the CLCC15 Drawing Contest awards, a Cosplay contest, Lego robotics, superhero and geek crafting, comic book trivia, face painting, a board and card gaming area hosted by Gateway Games, and more! Comic Con happens Saturday, May 16, 2015, from noon to 5 p.m.
More info here: http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/news/2015/comiccon/
May 17 ~ 23 ::
Story Time with Miss Alicia Thursdays, May 21, 2015 10:00-10:30 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 Free Join blue manatee’s Miss Alicia for stories and fun! Ages 2 and up.
Family Festival: Portraitpalooza May 23, 2015 1:00-4:00pm Contemporary Arts Center http://contemporaryartscenter.org/calendar/2015/05/23/family-festival-portraitpalooza 44 East Sixth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Free with Admission or Membership The artist Albano Afonso often works with and alters well known portraits. Let’s explore the many ways your face can be a work of art! Stop by the UnMuseum to create your own selfie stickers, design a light portrait and have your face painted!
City of North College Hill Memorial Day Parade Saturday, May 23, 2015 11 a.m. This is a great opportunity to begin the Memorial Day weekend with one of the few parades held on Saturday. Visit the City of North College Hill Website for more details.
CCAC Recital Day Saturday, May 23, 12 – 1pm Join us for a celebration of a spring classes! CCAC class participants have come together to showcase all they’ve learned this year. Students from the Classical Guitar for the Lifelong Beginner class, Tap I & II classes, Fiction Workshop and more are ready to share their talents with the community! Come for an afternoon of entertainment and be inspired to try something new at CCAC. Suggested admission donation is $5.
Mommy and Me Fashion Show: Saturday, May 23, 11:00am – 2:00pm at Girls’ World in Montgomery (7819 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242). Join us for a “Mommy & Me” party with yummy treats, face painting, princess visits, fashion show, photo booth, fun crafts, shopping, visiting with cute pets, and more! $2 admission donated to the Animal Friends Humane Society. Spots are limited!
Face painting
Runway show
DJ
Food and drinks
Crafts
Princess characters
Games
http://www.eventbrite.com/
May 24 ~ 31 ::
Sensory Sunday May 24, 2015 | 2PM Shalom Family www.myshalomfamily.org Gymboree In Mason Free with advance RSVP These private interactive play groups take place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, featuring the popular Miss Shana, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. Play dates are open to families in the Jewish community with children two years and younger in which at least one parent is Jewish. The programs are free and always include a snack. Plus, two families will each win a $50 Target Gift Card at every event. Dates and times are subject to change, please check myshalomfamily.org for updates and to RSVP. Sensory Sunday is a program of Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation.
Park Hills Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25th and is wonderful for families. They have a wide variety of participants including local police & fire departments, political officials, antique cars, boy & girl scouts, veterans groups, and other fun entries. Candy is tossed and afterwards the city hosts a very nice flag raising ceremony to recognize our town’s fallen military heroes. They have a historical military reenactment with gun salutes, a soloist singingperformance, and a speech by a local resident who is elected Grand Marshall of the parade based on his/her contributions to the community over the years. There is a bake sale and other refreshments available. The parade begins at 11:30AM and ends at the flag raising ceremony.
The 2014 City of Fairfield Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 25. The parade will feature veterans groups, military units, the Fairfield High School Marching Band, community groups and organizations, the Fairfield Police Department, and Fairfield Fire and EMS units. The parade begins at 10am. The parade concludes with a brief ceremony at 11:00 am to pay tribute to our veterans, both past and present at Veterans Memorial Park.
Homeschool Poetry Group Tuesday, May 26, 2015 I 2:30-3:00 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 Free Join other homeschooling families as children read favorite poems or ones they’ve written on the LePage stage.
Miss Meghan’s Music Thursday, May 28, 2015 I 9:45-10:15 and 10:30-11:00 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 $10 Perfect for kids under the age of four and a grown-up!
DCCH Music Festival May 29 & 30, 2015 75 Orphanage Rd., Ft.Mitchell, KY 41017 Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual DCCH Music Festival May 29 & 30! Live music on Main Stage featuring The Menus on Friday night, and Jamison Road on Saturday night! Even more music from local musicians on our Acoustic Stage! Same great eats in our Food Court! Expanded Craft Beer Garden featuring local favorite Madtree & more! Friday & Saturday, May 29 & 30 from 6-11:30 PM. Concerts benefit Victims of Child Abuse. For more information, please call 859/331-2040 ext. 8555. Check out our Facebook page for the latest band lineups, food vendors, pictures, and more! https://www.facebook.com/DcchMusicandArtsFestival
Ongoing Events in May ::
Kings Island is offering FREE entrance MAY 22 – 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) to the park for all military personnel, both active and retired all weekend long! Bring your Military ID with you to get in FREE and to purchase discount tickets for your family. Check out theKings Island Website for more details.
Artists Reaching Classrooms ~ Through May 14, Normal Library Hours Taft Museum of Art http://cincinnatilibrary.org/programs/exhibits.html Main Library, 800 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 Free Students from area high schools will exhibit a variety of artwork, including painting, photography, digital design, and ceramics. The Artists Reaching Classrooms is an educational program offered by the Taft Museum of Art that immerses high school students in Cincinnati’s visual arts community and exposes them to art careers and professionals. The exhibit will be on view in the atrium of the Main Library from April 22 to May 14.
International Butterfly Show at the Krohn Conservatory: Butterflies of the Philippines ~ April 3 – June 21, 2015 Open Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm $7 adults • $4 children • 4 & under are FREE! $12 Unlimited Admission Pins Join the Krohn as they celebrate their 20th Butterfly Show! It’s a real treat for the family every year! Visit the Krohn Conservatory website for directions, coupons and more: http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/butterflyshow/
ManaTots Story Time Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in May 10:00-10:30 blue manatee children’s bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com 3054 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209 Free The blue manatee tradition of great books, easy laughs, and sweet songs!
Where the Wild Things Play: Sundays, April 12 – May 17 at Washington Park Kids and adults alike will love the stories and songs, art activities and creative movement, “Where the Wild Things Play” at Washington Park. Take a LOOK at some of the fun we had last spring. – See more at the Washington Park Website.
The Cincinnati Reds are back in town, and you can watch their games for FREE on the big screens at Fountain Square! Visit the Fountain Square website for more details
Farmer’s Markets: With the warmer weather it’s the perfect time to visit a local Farmer’s Market! We have a HUGE list of local Farmer’s Markets you can check out: Farmer’s Markets in Cincinnati & NKY ~ cook fresh, cook local!
