Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 28-30

1. Meltdown Winter Ice Festival

Enjoy wintery fun for the whole family at this free outdoor festival in Richmond, Indiana, where professional ice carvers and artists wielding chainsaws, handsaws, chisels and blow torches will transform over 20,000 pounds of ice into stunning ice sculptures before your very eyes. The Meltdown Throwdown starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, where two teams of world-class carvers do battle on stage, and you get to decide who wins.

There's plenty of family fun throughout the weekend, including a drive-in movie from 6-8 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Elstro Plaza (47 N. Sixth St.), and throughout the weekend, you'll find games made from ice, a giant ice throne for photo opportunities, hot chocolate, face painting for the kiddos, food trucks, a scavenger hunt with prizes, and live music. Get access to exclusive discounts and freebies by registering online for the Meltdown Frozen Fun Pass. 800-828-8414; richmondmeltdown.com.

Get your Who Dey on: The Banks hosting pep rally for Bengals before AFC Championship game

2. Garage Brewed Moto Show

See more than 60 sweet rides Saturday when the Garage Brewed Moto Show roars into Rhinegeist Brewery. This invitational motorcycle show features custom builds, classics, rare and odd bikes built in Midwestern garages throughout the Ohio River Valley. Some are crafted by professionals with large garages and budgets, while others are created by passionate, part-time tinkerers working out of their home garages. If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, these bikes are sure to get you revved up.

You'll also find vendors, merchandise, raffles, food and, of course, plenty of Rhinegeist beer on tap. Garage Brewed Moto Show takes place from noon-midnight Saturday. It's free to attend and awards will be announced at 10 p.m. Rhinegeist Brewery is located at 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. garagebrewed.com.

3. Jewish & Israeli Film Festival

This film festival presents a diverse, inspiring lineup of award-winning films and educational programming that connects to Jewish and Israeli stories. The entire festival is virtual again this year, so you'll be able to view all the films and participate in special events – like panel discussions and interviews with film directors – from the comfort of your own home. Each film will be available for a 48-hour period on the Eventive platform, beginning with the opening film "Persian Lessons" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. New films are released consecutively through the duration of the festival, which runs through March 5.

There are several ways to engage with the festival. You can buy a virtual festival pass, which offers access to all virtual screenings and virtual special events for $148, or opt for individual tickets to only the films or special events you are interested in. These vary in price from $10-$15 each. A full list of films and events, tickets and instructions for accessing the Eventive platform are available online at mayersonjcc.org.

4. "Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help"

The O’Sheas are just like any other family in town: middle-class, Irish, Catholic and determined not to offend the priest or the parish. It’s 1973, and with dry yet affectionate humor, 20-year old Linda O'Shea narrates the most turbulent day of her life, when a series of mishaps jeopardizes the family’s reputation. Whether you’ve grown up Catholic or you simply can relate to the craziness of family, this new comedy will leave you in stitches.

"Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help" is recommended for ages 13-up due to the adult language and taboo Catholic topics such as contraception, sex, sexuality and pregnancy. It opens Saturday in the Marx Theatre at Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams. The play runs through Feb. 27. Note that all patrons, including children, must present either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID PCR or Abbott ID Now test to attend. cincyplay.com.

5. "The Sound of Music"

One of the most beloved musicals of all time hits the Otto M. Budig Stage at the Carnegie this weekend. Set in 1930s Austria, "The Sound of Music" tells the story of an exuberant young governess who brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power. Chock full of classic tunes like "My Favorite Things," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" and "Climb Every Mountain," this family-friendly favorite shares a meaningful story for all ages.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday this weekend, and afterward runs Friday-Sunday through Feb. 13. Tickets are $32, $29 for Carnegie members, $25 for students and $15 for children. All attendees are requested to wear a mask inside the building. thecarnegie.com.

Honorable mention: Maple Syrup Making and Guided Sap Collecting Hike

Here's a way to spend some quality outdoor time with the family. Hit the trail for a guided interactive maple hike on select Saturdays and Sundays through the end of February at the Cincinnati Nature Center. You'll learn how to collect sap in the sugarbush and see the steaming evaporator as the sap is boiled down into delicious maple syrup.

This weekend, tours leave on the hour between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday from the Outdoor Learning Center at Rowe Woods (4949 Tealtown Road, Milford). Tours tend to sell out quickly, so preregistration is required. Tickets are $10, $6 for children and free for nature center members. cincynature.org.

Honorable mention: Cincinnati Cyclones: Marvel Superhero Weekend

Meet some of your favorite Marvel superheroes this weekend at the Cincinnati Cyclones games. They'll be circulating through the crowd during the game as the Cyclones take on the Wheeling Nailers Friday and Indy Fuel on Saturday. The players will be wearing special Marvel-themed team jerseys as well, and you'll have the chance to win them at the end of the game when they are auctioned off. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. Tickets are $19. cycloneshockey.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 28-30