Caroline RitzieCincinnati Enquirer
July 16, 2026Updated July 17, 2026, 10:22 a.m. ET
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As summer heats up, Cincinnati’s event calendar is getting hotter, too, packed with A-list headliners and festivals you won’t want to miss.
Immerse yourself in African culture at AfriFest, indulge in delicious foods at the Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival, and score deals during Cincinnati Burger Week. Plus, don’t wait too long to snag tickets for the John Mellencamp and Benson Boone concerts.
Check out our list of the 10 most exciting things to do this weekend.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
1. AfriFest
At this family-friendly festival, enjoy Afrobeats, African cuisine, performances and more, showcasing the vibrant heritage of the African diaspora.
Details: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Sawyer Point Park, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown. Free. myapnet.org/afrifest.
2. John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp is bringing his “Dancing Words Tour” to Cincinnati this week.
Details: 8 p.m. Sunday, Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
3. Whiskey City Challenge Bike Race
Get your bike ready for the Whiskey City Challenge. This is a competitive high-speed professional cycling and celebrity tricycle races. Bluegrass and Americana music will be playing all day and night along Walnut Street, and be sure to sample some whiskey.
Details: noon-11 p.m. Saturday, Parkside Market, 98 E. High St., Lawrenceburg. Free admission and parking. thinklawrenceburg.com.
4. Bastille Day Celebration
Grab a bite to eat from your favorite food trucks, such as Graeter’s and Montgomery Inn, listen to live music and enjoy performances such as a magic show and dance groups.
Details: 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Historic Downtown Montgomery, corner of Montgomery and Cooper roads, 9440 Montgomery Road, Montgomery. montgomeryohio.gov.
5. Bacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival
If you love the three Bs (bacon, bourbon and beer), this is the place to be (rhyme intended). In addition to getting some good eats, listen to live music from a lineup of bands that changes each day. Bourbon lovers especially can enjoy the bourbon experience tent with award-winning mixologist Molly Wellmann.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Festival Park, 100 Riverboat Row, Newport. Free admission. thingstodocincinnati.com.
6. Ohio Challenge
Get ready for hot air balloon races, tethered rides and night balloon glow. Stay for fireworks, drone, skydiving and antique car shows and much more.
Details: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Smith Park, 2301 Wedekind Drive, Middletown. $10 adult, free ages 12-under. $20 per carload, $40 per carload premium parking. ohiochallenge.com.
7. Benson Boone
Benson Boone is bringing his “Wanted Man Tour” to Cincinnati this weekend.
Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com.
8. Cincinnati Water Lantern Festival
Personalize a lantern, and at sunset, release your lantern across the water in a powerful shared moment with other festival goers. Enjoy live music, food and activities.
Details: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Mirror Lake, Eden Park Drive and Fulton, Walnut Hills. $58. waterlanternfestival.com.
9. Ohio River Sweep
Volunteer to pick up all types of litter that ends up in the water or on the riverbanks. You’ll be doing your community (and the critters) a big favor.
Details: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Fernbank Park, 50 Thornton Ave., Sayler Park. greatparks.org.
10. Cincinnati Burger Week
Through Sunday, participating restaurants, including your favorite burger joints, will serve up $8-$9 burgers. Download the Cincinnati Burger Week app for details on participating restaurants.
Details: Various venues across greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Runs July 13-19. cincinnatiburgerweek.com.
