Tag: events

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Oktoberfest Kommt

Of course, you can’t expect UrbanCincy to skip over one of the biggest parties of the year can you? Oktoberfest is upon us as six blocks of downtown Cincinnati will be transformed into the largest German party this side of Munich on Saturday & Sunday. Reminding our readers to find their way down would be very simple, but hopefully you’ve come to expect a little more than that from us here.

First off, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, as it officially called, has received large amounts of critical acclaim through the years. In the past both USA Today and AskMen.com have ranked our version of this German party as one of the best festivals in the country, and this year DigitalCity says we are number one! While DigitalCity may not be the most mainstream outlet out there, isn’t awfully nice to know that yet again Cincinnati is garnering the respect and attention it deserves?

Think Oktoberfest is just a time to come down and wander through the streets while sipping a cold one? Think again! There are all kinds of activities planned for the weekend including a few lead up events on Fountain Square both Thursday and Friday over the lunch hour. Additionally this year there is the HYPE Haus Party, which does cost a bit of money for entry but looks to be a great time as it includes both a beer sampling, and a light buffet among other things.

So now you know the critical acclaim, as well as all the other activities that go along with Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, but what is probably most important is that this weekend 500,000 people will descend on what we know is an urban city center that is supremely different than it was even a year or two ago. For all of the positive press that Cincinnati has received, and all the work that has been done, this should really be a time to show off and have a great time with half a million of our closest friends! Those of us that are strong and vocal advocates for all that has been happening should make sure that we get the story out and help everyone else see all the great things going on around outside the mini-Munich on Fifth Street that will be there for two days.

What else do you need to know? Well, make sure you bring an appetite as tons of food will be served and more than a few beers will be poured so don’t forget to come thirsty too. And oh yeah, keep an eye out for native son Jim Koch of Sam Adams fame, TV’s biggest beer man, from Cheers it’s George Wendt, and some guy named Homer will be around too. Prost!

Oktoberfest photo by Jayson Gomes of Cincy Images.

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GC Independent Week – Now thru Sept 20

This week marks the fall version of Greater Cincinnati Independents Restaurant Week. This semi-annual event held by GCI gives diners a chance to get out and try out locally owned restaurants for the very reasonable price of $26.09. What’s $26.09 get you? Most places have set up a prix fixe menu that features three courses, though some of the more casual places offer up dinner for two for $26.09.

Borrowing the idea from other cities such as New York & San Francisco, thirty-three locally owned Greater Cincinnati restaurants are giving you the opportunity to get out and try something new this week. At such a reasonable price, this affords all of us the chance to go support a locally owned spot that we may not have had a chance to yet. Many of the places on the list give you at least a few choices for all three courses, so even though it is prix fixe there is some flexibility in what you order. Additionally, the full menu is available as well, but you will have to pay full price.

Aside from the news & menus for this week, the GCI site does a wonderful job letting you know why it is important to support your local establishment and also offers a discounted gift certificate program in case you can’t find your way out this week (or more likely, can’t get to all the spots you want to). So, to all foodies & non-foodies alike, get out between now and September 20 to eat some good food and support your neighbors that help to give the Greater Cincinnati area “smart culinary options.”

Lavomatic Cafe photo by 5chw4r7z.

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Watch the Bengals take on the Broncos live from Fountain Square

The Bengals will kick off the new season in a few hours when they take on the Denver Broncos downtown at Paul Brown Stadium. If you don’t have tickets and are looking for a great way to watch the game Fountain Square LED Video Board will be showing the game live.

The Hudy Tailgate on the Square will take place every Sunday in September and October, except for Oktoberfest weekend, according to the Fountain Square Management Group. This Sunday’s festivities will include live music from 11am to 1pm by Cover Model with the game at 1pm.

The Fountain Square Parking Garage offers convenient parking directly underneath the square. Fountain Square is also well-served by virtually all Queen City Metro bus routes at the Government Square bus hub located across the street from the eastern edge of Fountain Square. To see which route is most convenient for you, and to plan your trip now, use Metro’s Trip Planner.

Photo from Genius of Water on Flickr.

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New Orleans Jazz & Food Festival at Washington Platform – 9/13

In addition to the Second on Sunday on Main festivities in Over-the-Rhine tomorrow, Washington Platform will be hosting a new monthly event featuring authentic Louisiana food and live Jazz music from the Mike Sharfe Trio.

The new Second Sunday New Orleans Jazz & Food Festival at Washington Platform will run from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, September 13. There is plenty of free on-street parking nearby. Washington Platform is also well-served by more than a dozen Queen City Metro routes within one block of the restaurant. To see which route is most convenient for you, and to plan your trip now, use Metro’s Trip Planner.

Photo from Rrrrrd’s photostream on Flickr.

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Tour new condos in OTR this weekend

From noon to 5pm on Sunday, September 13, the public is invited to tour some of Over-the-Rhine’s newest condos and lofts. The free OTR Tour of Living will take guests through 11 buildings in historic Over-the-Rhine; seven of which have opened within the past year.

In all, there are 115 units priced from the low $100’s to the mid $200’s within the 11 buildings (full list below). More than 40 percent of these units have already been sold or are currently under contract, but all of the buildings on the tour still have some units available according to Gateway Quarter realtors.

The OTR Tour of Living will take place during the monthly Second Sunday on Main street festival which features local vendors, live music, beer, food, cooking demonstrations and more. September’s Second Sunday on Main festival is the last one of the 2009 season, so be sure to get out there.

Those going on the tour can pick up a map and “OTR Gateway Quarter Tour of Living” information at tents located at 12th and Main and 12th and Vine streets. Event organizers will also be providing free Gateway Quarter water bottles to tour participants, and will also offer the opportunity to register for door prizes from the Gateway Quarter shopping district.

Parking is available a the corner of 12th and Vine as well as street parking along Vine, Walnut and 12th streets. The Gateway Quarter and Main Street through OTR is also well-served by a host of Queen City Metro routes. To see which route is most convenient for you, and to plan your trip now, use Metro’s Trip Planner.

OTR Tour of Living Loft Condos:

  • 14th & Vine, 1331-35 Vine St.
  • Belmain Lofts, 1202 Main St.
  • Centennial Row, 12th and Race streets
  • City Home, 14th and Pleasant streets
  • Duveneck Flats, 1214-20 Vine St.
  • Falling Wall, 1417-21 Main St.
  • Gateway Condos, 1128 Vine St.
  • Good Fellows Hall, 1306 Main St.
  • Lackman Lofts, 1237 Vine St.
  • Mottainai, 1222-24 Republic St.
  • Trideca Lofts, 1232 Vine St.