It can be hard to get out of the house during February and March. Winter has trained us to stay inside, but, if you manage to venture out, you’ll find a plethora of fun events, concerts and shows to make the trip worthwhile. We’ve collected 20 of the best events during the next two months to get you out of the house and out on the town.
Wild Sweet Love
In collaboration with BalletMet Columbus, Cincinnati Ballet puts on a never-before-seen show featuring a variety of top hits from major artists. Wild Sweet Love will take the audience on a journey as a woman travels through the ups and downs of love—ballet style. Tickets range from $32-$100. The show will take place at the Aronoff Center March 18-19.
The Heart Mini
A special hometown favorite that brings close to 25,000 participants annually is celebrating its 39th anniversary this year. Fitness is always fun, especially when the entire household can be involved and they’re doing so for a good cause. Join other fellow registrants as they run and walk to fight heart disease and stroke. All children’s races are $20. Adult races vary from $35-$65. Prices will increase on Feb. 20 and the events take place March 12-13.
Jason Alexander with the Pops
Jason Alexander is more than the character George Costanza he portrayed on Seinfeld—he’s a Tony Award-winning Broadway song-and-dance man. Jason Alexander’s performance with the Pops consists of an evening filled with great music and laughter, as well as Jason sharing his experience on Broadway. Tickets range from $112-$450 with three shows March 4-6.
Rihanna
After releasing her ANTIdiaRy cell phone app, the eight-time Grammy Award-winning Barbadian singer and songwriter Rihanna announced her Anti World Tour. The tour kicks off in February, making a stop in Cincinnati with special guest Travis Scott. Tickets range $30.50-$126 and the show will take place March 19 at U.S. Bank Arena.
Native Gardens
Enjoy this new comedy, which features friendly neighbors who have no idea they are soon to be enemies. The feuding between the couples consists of some mild language, so this show is appropriate for adult and teenage audiences only. Tickets are available online and the show is running through Feb. 21 at Playhouse in the Park.
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Present Circus Extreme
Experience a circus experience never seen before by America’s favorite live family entertainment source—The Ringling Brothers. With exotic animals alongside circus attractions, this is an exciting event the whole family can enjoy. Tickets range $25-$75. Families can see the show March 3-6 at U.S. Bank Arena.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Easter Celebration
Not your ordinary Easter egg hunt, this Easter celebration at the zoo allows children to participate in multiple activities such as a lion egg hunt, snow monkey egg hunt, and many more. There will be multiple chances to meet the Easter Bunny himself as well. Four golden eggs will be hidden around the zoo and, if turned in, prizes will be awarded. Celebrate the holiday at the zoo March 26 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
NCAA Division 1 Men’s Ice Hockey Midwest Regional
The Queen City is excited to have four of the top collegiate teams in the country compete right here in its territory. Hosted by Miami University, the 2016 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Ice Hockey Midwest Regional Championship will take place March 26. at U.S. Bank Arena.
MusicNOW
Come enjoy an intersection of classical, rock and indie music at the third annual MusicNOW festival with Artistic Director Bryce Dessner in collaboration with Louis Langree and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The music extravaganza will take place at Music Hall March 18-19.
Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs
Enjoy a classic experience with a twist and be surprised by what great dancers Snow White’s dwarfs are. The original characters from the standard Grimm Brothers’ fairytale Snow White put on a show by the Children’s Theatre. Tickets range from $7-$22 and the shows will be held Feb. 12-14, 20 and 21.
International Butterfly Show: Butterflies of the Caribbean
Exotic plants from all over the world reside at Krohn Conservatory, but spring calls for the conservatory to be home to a butterfly show. More than 10,000 colorful butterflies are set free in this beautiful habitat. Tickets are $7 for adults, and $4 for children, and the show is held Mar. 26 through Jun. 19.
The Book of Mormon
The nine-time Tony Award-winning musical takes on Cincinnati. From the creators of South Park, this religious satire musical contains vivid humor and is considered one of 21st century’s best musicals. Ticket prices begin at $44 and the show runs March 29-April 3 at the Aronoff Center.
Cincinnati International Wine Festival
Attention all wine lovers! Come enjoy an opportunity to sample more than 700 wines from around the world and support 35 local charities. Held March 3-5, each day will feature different activities. Thursday attendees can enjoy Wine Dinners; on Friday and Saturday, enjoy the Grand Tastings; and on Saturday night the festival ends with a Charity Auction.
Experience Hendrix Tour
Considered the “Guitar Event of the Year,” celebrate the legacy of the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Bringing together a number of musicians including Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Eric Johnson and Dweezil Zappa, the show features signature Hendrix hits. Tickets range from $39.50- $74.50. The show is happening March 13 at the Taft Theatre.
Penguin Days
Thanks to half-price admission, you can watch some of the winter animals enjoy the winter weather every weekend at the zoo. With exhibits including snow monkeys, polar bears and penguins, the zoo also features indoor animal exhibits for animals who enjoy warmer weather. Visit the zoo for this special event through March 11.
The Revolutionists
Written by one of the country’s most exciting playwrights, Olympe de Gouges, this girl-powered comedy centers on four women who rebel during the French Revolution. Experience how these women attempt to change the world while fighting against insanity in Paris Feb. 5-March 6 at Playhouse in the Park.
Kathleen Madigan – The Mermaid Lady Tour
Kathleen Madigan is the only comedian in NBC’s Last Comic Standing history to go unchallenged, which makes her a pretty hilarious woman. Make your own opinion March 31 at the Taft Theatre.
Who’s Bad: Tribute to Michael Jackson Band
See why fans consider Who’s Bad to be the No. 1 tribute band. Whether you consider yourself a fan of Jackson 5, a lover of Billie Jean, or you just like to dance like Rock My World, you’ll get a feel of all three in the same night. Tickets are $12. The show is set for Feb. 26 at Bogart’s.
Tyler Perry’s Madea on the Run
Madea is on the run from the law. With nowhere to go, she moves in with her friend Bam who is recovering from a hip replacement surgery. Share some laughs and leave the Aronoff Center with some new Madea wisdom as she talks about friendship, marriage and overcoming struggles. Tickets range from $48.25-$68.25 with a show at 3 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28.
Visionaries + Voices Envelope Art Exhibit
Visionaries + Voices is a nonprofit organization that serves artists with disabilities. “Envelope” is an exhibit of mail artwork from local and international artists. With the exhibit revolving around a neighborhood theme, artists were asked to display what makes theirs special. You’ll be able to check out artwork containing different cultures and backgrounds, hosted at the downtown Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County through March 10.