May is jam packed with an incredible line-up of fun and family friendly events happening all month long. The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon returns to the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, welcoming guests from all over the world! The region will also host an array of events for the Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day, the return of our annual Taste of Cincinnati and so much more! Here are just a few incredible events happening in May.  

Festivals in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Region

Image is a poster featuring a male and female with the 20th Anniversary Cincy-Cinco information on it.

Cincy-Cinco

Cincy-Cinco returns May 4 – 5 to Cincinnati’s Fountain Square for a weekend of incredible Latino music, dance, and cuisine. Bring the entire family to try a variety of Hispanic dishes, watch the parade and play games. Looking for more Latino inspired events? Salsa on the Square returns every Thursday night beginning May 2 – September 26.

Image is a poster that say's Maifest, Covington, KY , May 17-19, Food, Drinks, Crafts and more.

Maifest

Goebel Park in Covington, KY’s Mainstrasse Village hosts the return of Maifest on May 17 – 19. Come and experience Cincinnati’s German culture as we celebrate warmer days, beer, food, music, and maypole dancing! After, head over to Main Street where you can shop, eat and drink locally!

Image is of the Taste of Cincinnati in Downtown Cincinnati from the sky.

Taste of Cincinnati

The Taste of Cincinnati returns for its 45th year, celebrating local vendors, food, beer and live entertainment. Head down to 5th Street in Downtown Cincinnati May 25 -27 for a fun weekend featuring over 300 menu items. Come hungry!

Cincinnati May Festival (photo: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra)

Cincinnati May Festival

This May, experience Cincinnati's world-renowned May Festival! Founded in 1873, this iconic event is the oldest and one of the most prestigious choral festivals in the Western Hemisphere. With four different concerts over two weekends (May 17 - 18, May 23 and May 25), there really isn’t anything else like it.

Recreation and Sports

Image is of the starting line of the Flying Pig Marathon.

Flying Pig Marathon

The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon returns for a full weekend of family friendly events and races from May 3 – 5. Come and cheer on runners from all over the world as they complete relays, 5K, 10K and the half and full marathon on Sunday. Are you in need of accommodation? Check out our Places to Stay page for a full listing of hotels, campgrounds and more!

Image is of a Florence Y'alls Baseball player looking over his shoulder and pointing at the camera.
Florence Y'alls 

The Florence Y’alls are back and kick off their 2024 season on May 9 against the Quebec Capitales at Thomas More Stadium. Grab tickets to any one of their Friday night games for Firework Fridays! All season long Rozzi Fireworks will light up the sky following the end of every Friday night game. Tickets are on sale now!

Kentucky Derby Day Events

Image is of thousands of people inside the Turfway Park Racing and Gaming viewing room.

150 Kentucky Derby Watch Party

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming is hosting their 150 Kentucky Derby Watch Party on May 4, to celebrate the Derby and its 150th Anniversary. There will be family friendly activities including a petting zoo, face painting and games, as well as Churchill’s Bourbon & Brew VIP Watch Party Experience that includes all-day table reservation, brunch, dinner and a live performance by the Naked Karate Girls. Visit their website for ticket information and age requirements.

Image is of 4 ladies dressed in Derby attire at Newport on the Levee.

Run for the Roses on the Levee

Grab your friends, put on your finest hat and sip a cool and refreshing Mint Julep as you watch the Kentucky Derby at Newport on the Levee's Run for the Roses on the Levee event on May 4. Levee vendors will have specials on the classics like Mint Juleps and Old Fashioneds. After the race, visit the local vendors on the Levee for great eats and shopping!

Mother’s Day Events

Image is of a mother and daughter hugging on a BB Riverboat.

Mother’s Day Cruises at BB Riverboats

Celebrate Mom with a delicious brunch or dinner aboard BB Riverboats! Spend quality time taking in the incredible view of the City of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Be sure to purchase your tickets now!

Image is of a painting of a bird and baby birds with the words "Paint Sesh, paint & sip event."

Mother’s Day Paint and Sip at Urban Artifact

Want to get mom out and do something artsy for Mother's Day? Head over to Urban Artifact as they are hosting a special Mother's Day Paint and Sip Event on May 12. Bring some friends, have some drinks, and relax as you paint “Birds of a Feather” featuring a mama bird and baby birds. Ticket is required.

Looking for more Derby and Mother’s Day events? Or do you just want to know what else our incredible region has to offer? Visit our events page, updated daily, to showcase all the exciting events happening in the Cincy Region all month long and our outdoor activities page for a full listing of parks, trails and more for you to discover and explore. And be sure to get a copy of your Visit Cincy Visitors Guide here!

 

Book your stay now!