All the Greater Cincinnati Summer Food Festivals and Events You Should Taste This Summer

By Marvin Johnson On Jul 16, 2021

Pixar exhibition opens at Cincinnati Museum Center

Concert Review: The Jonas Brothers’ Remember This tour was a…

The hippos at Cincinnati Zoo get along well

Celebrating their Italian heritage starting on July 15, the Newport community will be hosting the Newport Italianfest at Newport’s Riverboat Row. Food vendors include Gabby’s Cafe, Pompilios, and J&T’s Italian Ice with live musical entertainment from Nancy James, Pete Wagner Big Band and more. 5-11 p.m. July 15 and 16; noon-11 p.m. July 17; 1-9 p.m. July 18. Admission is free. Riverboat Row, Newport.

Photo: Facebook.com/NewportItalianFest
” data-title=”

Newport Italian Fest

Celebrating their Italian heritage starting on July 15, the Newport community will be hosting the Newport Italianfest at Newport’s Riverboat Row. Food vendors include Gabby’s Cafe, Pompilios, and J&T’s Italian Ice with live musical entertainment from Nancy James, Pete Wagner Big Band and more. 5-11 p.m. July 15 and 16; noon-11 p.m. July 17; 1-9 p.m. July 18. Admission is free. Riverboat Row, Newport.

Photo: Facebook.com/NewportItalianFest
” itemprop=”image” />Cincy Soul: The Black Taste

Head over to Sawyer Point Park & Yeatman’s Cove on July 24 for Cincy Soul Fest, which will offer a wide selection of soul foods by Black-owned businesses in the Cincinnati area. Immerse yourself in African American cultures, heritage and traditions that will not only educate but also provide an entertaining experience. 7-11:30 p.m. July 24. $60 – $250 (includes a live concert by the Isley Brothers). Sawyer Point Park & Yeatman’s Cove, 7705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown.

Photo: Facebook.com/CincySoulblacktaste
” data-title=”

Cincy Soul: The Black Taste

Head over to Sawyer Point Park & Yeatman’s Cove on July 24 for Cincy Soul Fest, which will offer a wide selection of soul foods by Black-owned businesses in the Cincinnati area. Immerse yourself in African American cultures, heritage and traditions that will not only educate but also provide an entertaining experience. 7-11:30 p.m. July 24. $60 – $250 (includes a live concert by the Isley Brothers). Sawyer Point Park & Yeatman’s Cove, 7705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown.

Photo: Facebook.com/CincySoulblacktaste
” itemprop=”image” />Sips of Summer: A Cocktail Experience

This cocktail party will be held at Morton’s Steakhouse, where there will be four dishes cooked by different chefs and served with hand-crafted cocktails made with top-shelf tequila from Casamigos. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend. 6-8 p.m. July 23. $99 (includes tax and gratuity). Morton’s The Steakhouse, 441 Vine St., Suite 1H, Downtown.

Photo: Facebook.com/Mortons
” data-title=”

Sips of Summer: A Cocktail Experience

This cocktail party will be held at Morton’s Steakhouse, where there will be four dishes cooked by different chefs and served with hand-crafted cocktails made with top-shelf tequila from Casamigos. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend. 6-8 p.m. July 23. $99 (includes tax and gratuity). Morton’s The Steakhouse, 441 Vine St., Suite 1H, Downtown.

Photo: Facebook.com/Mortons
” itemprop=”image” />Glier’s Goettafest

This year’s Glier’s Goettafest will be spread over two weekends and two cities: Newport and Covington. Riverboats will be taking goetta fans from “Goettafest East” to “Goettafest West” throughout the celebration. Events include goetta-themed games, live entertainment, a goetta history booth, goetta toss and a crap-ton of goetta food. Inventive creations range from hand-dipped footlong goetta corn dogs and grilled goetta donuts to goetta mac and cheese and goetta brownies.
5-11 p.m. July 29 and 30; noon-11 p.m. July 31; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 1; 5-11 p.m. Aug. 5 and 6; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 7; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 8. Free admission. Festival Park, Newport on the Levee and Covington Plaza, Covington Riverfront.

Photo: Holden Mathis” data-title=”

Glier’s Goettafest

This year’s Glier’s Goettafest will be spread over two weekends and two cities: Newport and Covington. Riverboats will be taking goetta fans from ::Goettafest East:: to ::Goettafest West:: throughout the celebration. Events include goetta-themed games, live entertainment, a goetta history booth, goetta toss and a crap-ton of goetta food. Inventive creations range from hand-dipped footlong goetta corn dogs and grilled goetta donuts to goetta mac and cheese and goetta brownies.
5-11 p.m. July 29 and 30; noon-11 p.m. July 31; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 1; 5-11 p.m. Aug. 5 and 6; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 7; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 8. Free admission. Festival Park, Newport on the Levee and Covington Plaza, Covington Riverfront.

Photo: Holden Mathis” itemprop=”image” />International Food Festival

Top international chefs from across the globe will be heading to the International Food Festival on July 31 to offer up their best. This indoor and outdoor food festival will have a diverse range of foods such as Jamaican, Asian, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, and many others. The family-friendly event is free to attend, but in order to dine, bring cash.
Noon-9 p.m. July 31. Free admission. Jamaica Mon Caribbean Cuisine, 6679 Dixie Hwy., Unit C, Fairfield.

Photo: Facebook.com/JamaicaMon6679
” data-title=”

International Food Festival

Top international chefs from across the globe will be heading to the International Food Festival on July 31 to offer up their best. This indoor and outdoor food festival will have a diverse range of foods such as Jamaican, Asian, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, and many others. The family-friendly event is free to attend, but in order to dine, bring cash.
Noon-9 p.m. July 31. Free admission. Jamaica Mon Caribbean Cuisine, 6679 Dixie Hwy., Unit C, Fairfield.

Photo: Facebook.com/JamaicaMon6679
” itemprop=”image” />Forest, Food, and Folklore

This food event is perfect for anyone who loves picnics in the park and hiking in forests. Forest, Food, and Folklore allows all of your senses to explore Greater Cincinnati’s Long Branch Farm & Trails. The event takes folks on a 1.5-mile hike and offers foraged-infused hors d’oeuvres and drinks so guests can connect even closer with the trails and historic lands. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 7-9 p.m., or 7:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 6. $25 for member adults; $34 for nonmember adults (includes daily admission). Long Branch Farm and Trails, 6926 Gaynor Road, Goshen.

Photo: Facebook.com/LongBranchFarmAndTrails
” data-title=”

Forest, Food, and Folklore

This food event is perfect for anyone who loves picnics in the park and hiking in forests. Forest, Food, and Folklore allows all of your senses to explore Greater Cincinnati’s Long Branch Farm & Trails. The event takes folks on a 1.5-mile hike and offers foraged-infused hors d’oeuvres and drinks so guests can connect even closer with the trails and historic lands. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 7-9 p.m., or 7:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 6. $25 for member adults; $34 for nonmember adults (includes daily admission). Long Branch Farm and Trails, 6926 Gaynor Road, Goshen.

Photo: Facebook.com/LongBranchFarmAndTrails
” itemprop=”image” />Asian Food Fest

Since 2010, the Greater Cincinnati area has hosted the Asian Food Fest to preserve and celebrate Asian culture. August 7-8, guests will be able to experience various Asian flavors from a multitude of countries such as China, Japan, India, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. In addition to sampling authentic Asian cuisine, guests will also enjoy live musical performances. Aug. 7 and 8. Downtown Cincinnati, 2nd St., between Elm St. and Walnut St.

Photo: Facebook.com/AsianFoodFest
” data-title=”

Asian Food Fest

Since 2010, the Greater Cincinnati area has hosted the Asian Food Fest to preserve and celebrate Asian culture. August 7-8, guests will be able to experience various Asian flavors from a multitude of countries such as China, Japan, India, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. In addition to sampling authentic Asian cuisine, guests will also enjoy live musical performances. Aug. 7 and 8. Downtown Cincinnati, 2nd St., between Elm St. and Walnut St.

Photo: Facebook.com/AsianFoodFest
” itemprop=”image” />Great Inland Seafood Festival

This four-day-long festival will be a seafood-lover’s paradise. Located at Newport’s Festival Park, the Great Inland Seafood Festival will serve a wide variety of sea-dwelling creatures such as shrimp, crab, oysters and more. Various bands and artists will be performing live music all four days and admission is free. 5-11 p.m. Aug 12 and 13; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 14; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 15. Free admission. Newport’s Festival Park, Riverboat Row, Newport.

Photo: Instagram.com/GreatInlandSeafoodFestival
” data-title=”

Great Inland Seafood Festival

This four-day-long festival will be a seafood-lover’s paradise. Located at Newport’s Festival Park, the Great Inland Seafood Festival will serve a wide variety of sea-dwelling creatures such as shrimp, crab, oysters and more. Various bands and artists will be performing live music all four days and admission is free. 5-11 p.m. Aug 12 and 13; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 14; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 15. Free admission. Newport’s Festival Park, Riverboat Row, Newport.

Photo: Instagram.com/GreatInlandSeafoodFestival
” itemprop=”image” />Tacos and Tequila Crawl

You’ve heard of a bar crawl, but how about a tacos and tequila crawl? On August 21, the Tacos and Tequila Crawl will take over Over-the-Rhine. Guests will get to enjoy exclusive margaritas, tequila, beer and some delicious tacos along their trek. 1-5 p.m. Aug 21. $12 (does not include tacos); $18 (includes tacos and tequila); $37 (includes extra taco and drink tickets and a shirt). Various Over-the-Rhine bars and restaurants, see above link for list.

Photo: Facebook.com/BarCrawlLive
” data-title=”

Tacos and Tequila Crawl

Margarita Madness will return to the Purple People Bridge this summer for its 8th-annual margarita fest. Tickets include admission, 10 drink tickets, food samples, live music, and a chance to vote on the best margarita. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 27. $40. Purple People Bridge, 425 York St., Newport.

Photo: Brittany Thornton
” data-title=”

Margarita Madness

Margarita Madness will return to the Purple People Bridge this summer for its 8th-annual margarita fest. Tickets include admission, 10 drink tickets, food samples, live music, and a chance to vote on the best margarita. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 27. $40. Purple People Bridge, 425 York St., Newport.

Photo: Brittany Thornton
” itemprop=”image” />Queen of the Wing

If you’re a wing fiend, this festival will leave you salivating for days. Washington Park will be hosting Queen of the Wing, a dedicated chicken wing food festival with vendors who are experts in how to prepare, cook, and serve the juiciest wings. A wing champion will be awarded at the end of the fest. 2019’s winner was The NBL CKN.Aug 21 and 22. Free admission. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

Photo: Facebook.com/porchatwashingtonpark
” data-title=”

Queen of the Wing

If you’re a beer-lover, then this is the festival for you. The two-weekend-long Big Biergarten Experience takes place August 20-29 at Northgate’s Germania Park. Sort of like a mini Oktoberfest, this beer festival will include a large selection of imported German bier, German food, music, vendors, and more. 6-11 p.m. Aug. 20; 2-11 p.m. Aug. 21; 2-7 p.m. Aug. 22; 6-11 p.m. Aug. 27; 2-11 p.m. Aug. 28; 2-7 p.m. Aug. 29. $5 per person (ages 12 and up); $10 for reserved parking. Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Northgate

Photo: Facebook.com/GermaniaSociety
” data-title=”

Big Biergarten Experience

One of the most loved foods in the nation is having its very own food festival in Kettering this August — yep, you guessed it… bacon. Whether you prefer yours crispy, chewy, salty, or sweet, Bacon Fest has all of the options any bacon lover would drool over. Various dishes include bacon donuts, bacon nachos, chocolate-covered bacon and much more. 3-9 p.m. Aug. 28. Admission is free. Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Dayton.

Photo: Facebook.com/BaconFestDayton
” data-title=”

Bacon Fest

One of the most loved foods in the nation is having its very own food festival in Kettering this August — yep, you guessed it… bacon. Whether you prefer yours crispy, chewy, salty, or sweet, Bacon Fest has all of the options any bacon lover would drool over. Various dishes include bacon donuts, bacon nachos, chocolate-covered bacon and much more. 3-9 p.m. Aug. 28. Admission is free. Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Dayton.

Photo: Facebook.com/BaconFestDayton
” itemprop=”image” />Cincy Veg Fest

This vegan food festival is coming to Burnet Woods in August, serving up top-notch vegan eats, performances by authors and musicians and food demo classes. This family-friendly event promotes sustainability in vegan eating, while also giving guests tips and tricks on how to make clean eating taste delicious. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 28. Free admission. Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Ave., Clifton.

Photo: Facebook.com/CVegFest
” data-title=”

Cincy Veg Fest

This vegan food festival is coming to Burnet Woods in August, serving up top-notch vegan eats, performances by authors and musicians and food demo classes. This family-friendly event promotes sustainability in vegan eating, while also giving guests tips and tricks on how to make clean eating taste delicious. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 28. Free admission. Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Ave., Clifton.

Photo: Facebook.com/CVegFest
” itemprop=”image” />Smoke on the River

Smoke on the River is coming to Covington Plaza September 3-5. If you enjoy smokey barbecue dishes, live music, and breathtaking views of the Ohio River and Queen City skyline, then you’ll likely be a big fan of this food fest. With eight performers lined up for the weekend, it’s slated to be an entertaining and delicious weekend. 5-11 p.m. Sept. 3; noon-11 p.m. Sept. 4; noon-9 p.m. Sept. 5. Free admission. Covington Plaza, 144 Madison Ave., Covington.

Photo: Smoke on the River’s Facebook
” data-title=”

Smoke on the River

Smoke on the River is coming to Covington Plaza September 3-5. If you enjoy smokey barbecue dishes, live music, and breathtaking views of the Ohio River and Queen City skyline, then you’ll likely be a big fan of this food fest. With eight performers lined up for the weekend, it’s slated to be an entertaining and delicious weekend. 5-11 p.m. Sept. 3; noon-11 p.m. Sept. 4; noon-9 p.m. Sept. 5. Free admission. Covington Plaza, 144 Madison Ave., Covington.

Photo: Smoke on the River’s Facebook
” itemprop=”image” />Flavor of Findlay

Findlay Market is home to a large number of delis, bakeries, and restaurants, all of which are unique in their own way. And on September 9, Findlay Market merchants will be teaming up with local chefs to the host the fundraising Flavor of Findlay. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a selection of collaboration bites and wine pairings to wash it all down. Proceeds from the event raise money for the Findlay Market Initiative. The will also be a raffle. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 9. $90 for general admission; $150 for VIP tickets (additional tastings, specialty drinks, and more). Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

Photo: Facebook.com/FindlayMarket
” data-title=”

Flavor of Findlay

Findlay Market is home to a large number of delis, bakeries, and restaurants, all of which are unique in their own way. And on September 9, Findlay Market merchants will be teaming up with local chefs to the host the fundraising Flavor of Findlay. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a selection of collaboration bites and wine pairings to wash it all down. Proceeds from the event raise money for the Findlay Market Initiative. The will also be a raffle. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 9. $90 for general admission; $150 for VIP tickets (additional tastings, specialty drinks, and more). Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

Photo: Facebook.com/FindlayMarket
” itemprop=”image” />Art & Wine Festival

If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, then make sure not to miss Cincinnati’s Art & Wine Festival September 10-12. The 23-year-old fest will be held at Vinoklet Winery and Restaurant where guests will have the opportunity to taste various wines, chow down on some food, browse through fine art and crafts and even participate in a grape stomping contest. 6-11 p.m. Sept. 10; Noon-11 p.m. Sept. 11; noon-8 p.m. Sept. 12. General Admission is free; Free parking. Vinoklet Winery and Restaurant, 11069 Colerain Ave., Bevis

Photo: Facebook.com/Vinoklet
” data-title=”

Art & Wine Festival

If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, then make sure not to miss Cincinnati’s Art & Wine Festival September 10-12. The 23-year-old fest will be held at Vinoklet Winery and Restaurant where guests will have the opportunity to taste various wines, chow down on some food, browse through fine art and crafts and even participate in a grape stomping contest. 6-11 p.m. Sept. 10; Noon-11 p.m. Sept. 11; noon-8 p.m. Sept. 12. General Admission is free; Free parking. Vinoklet Winery and Restaurant, 11069 Colerain Ave., Bevis

Photo: Facebook.com/Vinoklet
” itemprop=”image” />Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati

Cincinnati’s German roots run deep — so much so that the second largest Oktoberfest in the world (right after Germany) is held right here in the Queen City. Last year’s event took on a city-wide approach, due to the coronavirus pandemic. And while details for this year’s event have not yet been announced, the fest website has blocked off the weekend of Sept. 17-19 for the festival. More details to come.

Photo: Adam Doty
” data-title=”

Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati

Cincinnati’s German roots run deep — so much so that the second largest Oktoberfest in the world (right after Germany) is held right here in the Queen City. Last year’s event took on a city-wide approach, due to the coronavirus pandemic. And while details for this year’s event have not yet been announced, the fest website has blocked off the weekend of Sept. 17-19 for the festival. More details to come.

Photo: Adam Doty
” itemprop=”image” />Donut Fest

Donut lovers, rejoice! At this forthcoming event, donut samples, coffee and beer will collide for a pretty sweet Sunday afternoon. According to the event site, guests will have the chance to participate in a donut eating contest and purchase donut swag. 1-5 p.m. Sept. 26. $10 for general admission; $25 for VIP tickets (includes 1 extra beer ticket, a goody bag, 1 raffle ticket, and more). Location TBD

Photo: Jesse Fox” data-title=”

Donut Fest

Donut lovers, rejoice! At this forthcoming event, donut samples, coffee and beer will collide for a pretty sweet Sunday afternoon. According to the event site, guests will have the chance to participate in a donut eating contest and purchase donut swag. 1-5 p.m. Sept. 26. $10 for general admission; $25 for VIP tickets (includes 1 extra beer ticket, a goody bag, 1 raffle ticket, and more). Location TBD

Photo: Jesse Fox” itemprop=”image” />Country Applefest

The end of the summer and the beginning of fall leads to outdoor family-fun such as the Country Applefest in Lebanon. This two-day event will be celebrating their 38th-annual celebration this year, filling the fairgrounds with homemade crafts, great food, and live entertainment. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 25; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 26. Free admission and one-day parking. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon.

Photo: Facebook.com/CountryAppleFest
” data-title=”

Country Applefest

The end of the summer and the beginning of fall leads to outdoor family-fun such as the Country Applefest in Lebanon. This two-day event will be celebrating their 38th-annual celebration this year, filling the fairgrounds with homemade crafts, great food, and live entertainment. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 25; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 26. Free admission and one-day parking. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon.

Photo: Facebook.com/CountryAppleFest
” itemprop=”image” />