Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 14-16

Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati Enquirer
·3 min read

Here are the biggest and best events happening around Cincinnati this weekend. Note: With the on-again, off-again nature of the pandemic, it's always best to call ahead to make sure event plans have not changed before you go.

If you haven't heard, the Bengals play the Raiders in an NFL playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday, but you already knew that, didn't you?

Boats moved into Duke Energy Convention Center in preparation for "The Boat Show" in 2020.
Boats moved into Duke Energy Convention Center in preparation for "The Boat Show" in 2020.

1. Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show

From travel destinations to morel mushroom hunting and training hunting dogs, there's something for every outdoors lover. See Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel and participate in a turkey calling contest.

Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. Runs Jan. 14-16 and Jan. 19-23. cincysportshow.com.

2. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: La Valse and Simpson Premiere

Grammy-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti gives the U.S. premiere of Mark Simpson’s dazzling new violin concerto. Finished during the pandemic, the work “explodes with all those feelings of frustration, anger, restlessness, confusion and uncertainty that have had nowhere to go during the lockdowns.

Details: 11 a.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatisymphony.org.

3. Connecting Past With Present: The Never-Ending Struggle for Civil Rights

Portraits of influential African Americans by Fairfield artist John Wiehe. Exhibit continues through Feb. 27. John Kiesewetter signs copies of "Joe Nuxhall: The Old Lefthander & Me" book during Friday reception.

Details: opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive. Gallery hours: Monday-Wednesday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

4. Chili Fest

Sample chili and foods from merchants around the market. Live music by Everything Jake. Ticket packages run $10 for 5 samples, $20 for 12.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Findlay Market, 1801 Race St. Over-the-Rhine. eventbrite.com.

5. British Arrow Awards - POSTPONED

Featuring a bold and eclectic mix of resonant drama, dazzling spectacle and much-loved comedy from the creative world of British advertising. POSTPONED to Feb 4-6, 11-13.

Details: Friday-Sunday, Garfield Theater, 719 Race St. Downtown. Runs Friday-Sunday Jan. 14-23. cincyworldcinema.org.

Honorable mentions

Home Brew V, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, The Drama Workshop, 3716 Glenmore Ave., Cheviot. Features full productions of 10 short plays by local authors, followed by a "Meet the Artists" reception with great local beer. Runs Jan. 14-16. $18. thedramaworkshop.org.

The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular, Saturday, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Concert celebrating the music of Elvis era by era. Features acclaimed Elvis tribute artists Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter and Ryan Pelton. cincinnatiarts.org.

Findlay Market's Chili Fest returns for 2022.
Findlay Market's Chili Fest returns for 2022.

Evanescence and Halestorm, Friday, Heritage Bank Center. With Lilith Czar.

Vince Neil, Saturday, Lawrenceburg Event Center.

Cincinnati Cyclones v Toledo Walleye, 3 p.m. Sunday, Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. First 1,500 kids ages 2-12 receive a free youth Cyclones hockey jersey. cycloneshockey.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 14-16