Whether you’re visiting for the first time or enjoying an evening out in your neighborhood, summer in Cincinnati is full of diverse and engaging things to do. Each area has its own unique energy, and these 4EG venues are ready to celebrate the warm weather, patio relaxation, and lively nights out with you. Check out our picks for making the most of your summer all around the city. Cheers!
The Stretch & a Cincinnati Reds Game
One of Cincinnati’s most treasured summer pastimes, Reds’ games are played at Great American Ball Park, located downtown beside the Ohio River. Take in a game while enjoying traditional ballpark food and local specialties, then head over to The Banks, a recently developed part of downtown built next to the ballpark. 4EG’s The Stretch (191 E Freedom Way) is located amongst restaurants, bars, stadiums, attractions, and views of the river and is part of The Banks’ active nightlife scene. Featuring a state-of-the-art draft system, The Stretch offers happy hour from 3pm - 7pm on weekdays, and is also part of DORA, The Banks’ popular weekend-only Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area! Check out the Instagrammable “Cincy Love” neon sign, and make sure to try a few of their eight draft cocktails, including the Jolly Rancher or Negroni (pictured).
Low Spark/The Lackman & Washington Park Movie Night
Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood boasts some of Cincinnati's most unique bars and restaurants, and 4EG’s Low Spark and The Lackman raise the bar for the local cocktail scene. Located at 15 W. 14th Street, Low Spark creates an intimate 70’s atmosphere surrounding a tropical fish tank in the center of the venue. Located nearby at 1237 Vine Street, The Lackman preserves the neighborhood’s historic beauty and charm, complete with three custom handmade chandeliers. Both venues are the perfect spot for a cocktail before heading over to OTR’s Washington Park. Quickly becoming a Cincinnati summer tradition, the park’s Summer Cinema shows movies under the stars every Wednesday from 7pm - 11pm at no cost to the public. A few of the summer’s notable showings include Guardians of the Galaxy (8/4) and Princess Bride (8/25).
Rosedale & Ziegler Pool
What pairs better than a pool day and a refreshing cocktail? Located in the heart of Cincinnati’s trendy Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, rustic-chic bar Rosedale (208 E 12th Street) features an expansive patio, crackling fire pits, and bocce ball courts. Try the Chi Chi Rodriguez (pictured) or Peach Fuzz Slushees, then head over to Ziegler Pool for some fun in the summer sun. Open by reservation only for capacity and safety reasons, the pool offers diving boards, swimming lanes, and a large deck space to relax and get your tan on. The pool brings a lively and lighthearted energy to Over-the-Rhine every summer and is fun for the whole family!
The Buzz & Newport on the Levee
There are so many new things to do and see at Newport on the Levee! 4EG’s newest addition, The Buzz (1 Levee Way), is an outdoor bar located in the Levee’s Bridgeview Box Park that offers craft cocktails and frozen drinks. Bridgeview Box Park is an outdoor patio that features dazzling views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline. Try the Bend the Rails for a fun, fruity option or the South of the Border for a little spice! Get your buzz on at The Buzz, then check out some of Newport’s best attractions, like Newport Aquarium, AMC Theaters, or the Purple People Bridge. Stay tuned for announcements regarding The Buzz’s big sister, Beeline, which will be a full-scale bar coming to the Levee this Labor Day weekend.
Igby’s & Contemporary Arts Center
Located in Cincinnati’s Central Business District, Igby’s (122 E. 6th Street) bursts with character and charm in the heart of downtown. The historic Civil War-era building features a huge fireplace and two patios, and the bar is known for its rotating seasonal cocktails and Friday Champagne specials. Located just down 6th Street, the Contemporary Arts Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, and admission is free to the public. Enjoy eye-catching and thought-provoking exhibits of painting, sculpture, photography, and more, and stop by Igby’s before or after (or both!) to complete the day.
The Righteous Room & Aronoff Center
Enjoy a night at the theater and take in a show at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center for the Arts. Home to three unique performance spaces, the Aronoff Center will return to a typical schedule and welcome crowds in the early fall. The theater is also home to the Cincinnati Ballet and is located just a block from Fountain Square. Following a show or performance, venture across the street to The Righteous Room (641 Walnut Street), an intimate, mature setting decorated by the work of local artists. The venue houses an indoor bar and outdoor patio, making it an ideal year round location. Perfect for a professional meeting, after-dinner drink, or for patrons of the arts, don’t miss this downtown gem currently open Friday through Sunday.
Keystone - Hyde Park & Hyde Park Farmers’ Market (Sunday Brunch)
Hyde Park Square is home to one of Cincinnati’s most popular farmers’ markets, which takes place on Sunday mornings from 9:30am - 1pm. The lively market offers a variety of locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, cheeses, flowers, and plants, as well as live music and other vendors. After a stroll through the market, head down to Keystone Hyde Park (3384 Erie Avenue) for weekend brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 2pm. Menu favorites include chicken + waffle, breakfast tacos, and morning mac, plus $16 mimosa pitchers. Enjoy a Sunday morning experiencing the lively and charming Hyde Park neighborhood!
Keystone - Covington & Roebling Murals/Riverwalk
Keystone Covington (313 Greenup Street) is the restaurant’s original location, nestled just across the Ohio River in Covington’s historic Roebling Point. Enjoy a delicious meal on Keystone’s patio with comfort food dishes like quesadillas, pulled BBQ chicken, and our ever-popular mac + cheese (pro-tip: mac + cheese is half-price on Mondays!). After your meal, take a walk down to the banks of the Ohio River on Riverside Drive to view the Roebling Murals that bring the history of Covington to life. Plus, take in a stunning view of the Cincinnati skyline… your Instagram feed will thank you.
The St. Clair & Bogarts
Located in University of Cincinnati’s U Square and next door to Keystone’s Clifton location, The St. Clair (245 Calhoun Street) creates a fresh, contemporary ambiance at the heart of UC’s campus. A few short blocks away, Bogarts is a historic concert venue that brings the best new music to Cincinnati. Soon to return to normal operations following the Covid-19 pandemic, check out a show at Bogarts (Bryce Vine is playing on August 12!), and then keep the night going at The St. Clair. Make sure to try the Watermelon Refresher made with Red Bull Red Edition, and enjoy a nightcap on the dog-friendly patio!
Keystone - Clifton & Cincinnati Zoo
Located in the heart of Clifton on the campus of the University of Cincinnati, this Keystone location (249 Calhoun Street) is known for its ever-energetic college campus energy. First, enjoy an afternoon at the world-famous Cincinnati Zoo (hey, Fiona!). The zoo opened its doors all the way back in 1875, is the second oldest in the United States, and is home to about 2,800 animals. Next, make your way down to Clifton for happy hour. Happy hour takes place every Monday - Friday from 3pm - 6pm and features $2 domestic bottles, $3 seltzers, $4 wells, $4 Braxton pints, and half-price bottles of wine.
Vacation or staycation, this summer is sure to be a lively one. Get outside and experience all that Cincinnati and 4EG venues have to offer. See you soon!
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