Memorial Day Weekend officially kicks off the summer season and there are so many ways to celebrate in the Cincy Region. Whether you’re traveling with kids, ready to play ball, or enjoying a grown up weekend, this guide highlights some of the great Memorial Day Weekend offerings in in the region.

Taste of Cincinnati

A person wearing a black shirt that says 'The Arepa Place" tends to food on a griddle at Taste of Cincinnati.Taste of Cincinnati is the crown jewel in the Queen City's Memorial Day weekend. This 3-day celebration showcases the region's best culinary delights spread along 4 blocks in Downtown Cincinnati. This festival features 100+ delectable dishes from more than 70 local restaurants and food trucks and continuous live entertainment on multiple stages. Taste of Cincinnati is free and can’t-miss fun for the whole family. Get our insider tips to make the most of your time at the Taste of Cincinnati! May 25th, 26th, and 27th.

Family Fun

International Butterfly Show at Krohn ConservatoryThe Newport Aquarium Mermaids return starting May 25th. Watch the mermaids swim with tropical fish, enjoy meet and greet times, and explore the enchanted Mermaid Cove where you can touch Stingrays and the mermaids can swim right up to meet you. Can't make it Memorial Day weekend? No worries, the mermaids will be here until June 23. 

One of Krohn Conservatory's most anticipated events, the annual butterfly show, begins in May. This year's theme is "Butterflies in Space", inspired by the butterflies of the International Space Station, and it runs through August 18th. Walk through the blossoming plants while butterflies swirl around you. Open all Memorial Day Weekend.

History Buffs

A black iron stove in front of a fireplace in the center of the photo. To the left is a door and to the right are shelves.The White Water Shaker Village will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The community was established in 1823 and is one of 24 Shaker communal villages in the United States. Enjoy this free open house where you can explore this 200 year old village and its learn about its history.

Lunken Airport will be hosting the iconic B-25 Berlin Express, one of the most iconic planes of World War II May 24-26. Book your seat for a once in an lifetime flight experience. 

Sports Fans

Mr. Redlegs Cincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds will be in town Memorial Day Weekend playing the LA Dodgers May 24th, May 25th, and May 26th. Friday the 24th will have a fireworks display after the game. On May 27th The Reds take on the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Florence Y'alls, Northern Kentucky's Frontier League team, will also be in town Memorial Day weekend. Friday the 24th, Saturday the 25th, and Sunday the 26th they will be playing the Evansville Otters. Friday the 24th stick around after the game for a fireworks display.

Culture Aficionados

Two people stand against a grey cinderblock wall. On the left has an elaborate, tall hairstyle and is holding a multicolored fan. On the right is wearing a multicolored jumpsuit and blue lipstick.

Discover the pulse of creativity at the AfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show, a leading cultural hub for hair competitions and fashion displays in Cincinnati, on May 25th. This annual extravaganza draws national participants and celebrates the ingenuity and skill of African-American and African fashion designers, hair artists, visual artists, dancers, singers, musicians, crafters, multimedia artists, models, and more. Held at the Contemporary Arts Center.

Vietgone is the partially true and entertaining tale of how playwright Qui Nguyen's parents met in a refugee relocation camp in Arkansas during the Vietnam War. They navigate their very new lives as very new Americans with irreverent humor, hip-hop and heightened theatrical storytelling, this original story reinvents the romantic comedy genre and captures your heart. At the Playhouse in the Park May 24th, 25th, 26th.

Music Lovers

An orange background with a white outline of Rosie the Riveter surrounds a photo of seven femmes standing, facing the camera. They are looking distinguished and serious.

Mayfestival is a 150 year old event that celebrates music and culture. Her Story by Julia Wolfe invokes the words of historical figures and the spirit of pivotal moments in history to pay tribute to the centuries of ongoing struggle for equal rights and representation for women in America. The Lorelei Ensemble joins the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for this immersive and visual presentation on May 25th at Music Hall.

Fifth and Vine Live is a recurring Fountain Square dance party from 5/18 to 10/5 2024. This FREE concert series features fan-favorite cover or tribute bands from across the region. On May 25th come grove and sing along with Soul Pocket!

Devotees of the Unique

A group of 5 people all looking at a camera and smiling. They are wearing velvets, satins, and fur/feather trims. The picture implies opulence.

Cin City Burlesque has been providing outstanding burlesque and drag entertainment since 2009. The troupe will be performing at Bogarts on May 25th at the Midwest Undressed Spring Fling 3. Featuring local and national stars, this 18+ show is selling out quickly so be sure to grab your tickets. 

North by Northside (NXNS) is a walkable festival occurring all around Cincinnati's favorite neighborhood - Northside! The 2024 edition of NXNS is taking place over May 25th & 26th and will feature over sixty local and regional bands at twelve venues, including Hoffner Park. The best part? It's all free! Come get a "Taste" of Northside. For a full festival lineup and info about other summer events in Northside, visit NorthsideRocks.com

 
Whether you're a history buff, a sports fan, a foodie, or just looking for a good time, you’ll find it over Memorial Day weekend. With food festivals, amusement parks, and more, summer fun is just getting started in the Cincy Region, start planning your trip.