Whether you're runnin', drinkin' or playin' ball, downtown will be packed this weekend

Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer
·4 min read

The Flying Pig Marathon, Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo are all this weekend – creating the perfect storm for a bustling weekend in the Queen City.

Head downtown (or avoid it completely?) to find marathon events, Derby watch parties and Cinco de Mayo festivities. The Cincinnati Reds also play at home this weekend, Billy Idol performs and don't forget about May the Fourth (yes, may it be with you).

Here's your one-stop shop for all the big events happening around town this weekend.

More to do: Here's our list of the biggest events you need to know about

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Flying Pig Marathon Weekend

The 25th annual Flying Pig will take over downtown this weekend with events starting Friday. Here's a breakdown of what's happening each day:

Friday

  • Fifty West Mile: One-mile race near The Banks, starts at 7 p.m.

  • Other events: The P&G Health and Fitness Expo, where you can shop for fitness gear and more, takes place Friday and Saturday at Duke Energy Convention Center.

Saturday

  • Flying Pig 10k: Starts at 7 a.m. on Mehring Way.

  • Flying Pig 5k: Starts at 9 a.m. on Mehring Way.

  • Flying Piglet: Kid-friendly, starts at 10 a.m. at Smale Park.

  • The 26th Mile: For school-aged kids. Starts at 11 a.m. on Freedom Way.

  • PigAbilities: One-mile event starts at noon on Freedom Way.

  • Flying Fur: Starts at 1 p.m. on Mehring Way.

  • Other events: The Family Fun Festival will be held at Smale Park from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Flames erupt at the start of a running group at the starting line of the 2022 Flying Pig Marathon.
Flames erupt at the start of a running group at the starting line of the 2022 Flying Pig Marathon.

Sunday

  • Wheelchair start: 6:25 a.m. on Elm Street.

  • Four Person Open Relay: Starts at 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street.

  • Flying Pig Half Marathon: Starts at 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street.

  • Flying Pig Marathon: Starts at 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street.

  • Other events: The Victory Party with food, drinks and live music will be held at Smale Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Kentucky Derby

A couple of hours down Interstate 71, this weekend means the return of the event of the year: the Kentucky Derby. The most exciting two minutes in sports will take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday, with other races and events happening Friday and earlier this week.

You don't have to travel too far to celebrate. Here's a look at some events happening in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky:

  • Hopefest Thurby Party (Thursday): Fundraiser for Boys Hope Girls Hope of Cincinnati at Covington Yard. 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more on Facebook.

  • Derby Day at Dinsmore (Saturday): Live simulcast of race, hat contests, silent auction, dinner, drinks and more at Dinsmore Homestead. Runs from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Purchase tickets and learn more at dinsmorehomestead.org.

  • Run for the Roses (Saturday): Watch the race with fans at Newport on the Levee from 4 to 8 p.m.

  • Jockey and Juleps Derby Party (Saturday): Watch party, painting, drink and food specials, Derby bingo, music and bourbon tasting at Oakley Kitchen Food Hall. Starts at 4 p.m.

When is the 2023 Kentucky Derby? Here's what to know

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo lands on a Friday this year. Keep your eyes peeled for specials and deals at local Mexican restaurants. Plus, the 19th annual Cincy Cinco Latin Festival takes place this weekend at Fountain Square.

Here's what to know:

  • What: Celebrate Latin culture with food, live music, shopping, dance and more while benefitting local Hispanic charities.

  • When: From noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

  • Tickets: Free to attend. Learn more at cincy-cinco.com.

Sports: Cincinnati Reds winning streak ends with walk-off loss to Oakland Athletics

The Cincinnati Reds play the Chicago White Sox Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Great American Ball Park.
The Cincinnati Reds play the Chicago White Sox Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Great American Ball Park.

Sports

  • Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago White Sox: Starts at 6:40 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4:10 p.m. Sunday at Great American Ball Park. Fireworks Friday, Johnny Bench Funko Pop giveaway Saturday and kid's sticker sheet Sunday.

  • Florence Y’alls vs Lake Erie Crushers: Starts at 7:03 p.m. Friday at Thomas More Stadium in Florence. Florenceyalls.com.

  • FC Cincinnati vs D.C. United: Starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at TQL Stadium. Fccincinnati.com.

Concerts

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati events this weekend: Flying Pig, Cinco de Mayo, Derby, Reds