Downtown Cincinnati and OTR – beginning January 4, 2013

Rachmaninoff and Ravel at Music Hall

Friday, January 4, 8 p.m.        

Saturday, January 5, 8 p.m.

Ingrid Fliter, described by the LA Times as “a pianistic force of nature,” will perform Ravel’s G Major Piano Concert. Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, a three-movement orchestral suite, combines energetic, rhythmic sections with some of the composer’s lushest melodies.British conductor Justin Brown makes his CSO debut.

Tickets from $10, more information at http://www.cincinnatisymphony.org

Wendy’s Bridal Show at Duke Energy Convention Center

Saturday, January 5, 2013, 10am to 5pm; Sunday, January 6, 2013, 11am to 5pm

Duke Energy Convention Center

Lots of engagements over the holidays! And all those brides-to-be can talk directly with more than 150 wedding day professionals. They’ll find everything they need to help plan the perfect wedding.Exhibitors include bands, caterers, ceremony and reception locations, invitations, salons, and even wedding planners. Runway Fashion Shows showcase the newest trends and designer ideals for 2013. Fashion show times: Saturday at 12pm & 3pm and Sunday at 2pm

Ticket Information: General Admission- $10. More information at http://www.wendysbridalshow.com

Families Create at the Weston Art Gallery

Saturday, Jan. 5 from 10am–noon (also Feb 23 and March 23)

Start the year with some family time. Families Create! is a popular series of workshops designed to introduce art techniques and concepts to children ages 5–12 years and their families.

"Brush off Painting" with artist Pamela DeCoker;  Meet the artist and make a cool, colorful container using a variety of utensils—anything but a brush! Participants explore the world of art through gallery talks, tours, and hands-on activities with take-home art projects. All workshops are $5 per child and conducted at the Weston Art Gallery in the Center Stage Room. More information at http://www.westonartgallery.com

U. S. Bank Ice Rink on Fountain Square through February 15

*2-for-1 admission and skate rental Monday-Friday before 5pm*

Sunday – Wednesday: Noon to 6pm

Thursday: Noon to 8pm

Friday and Saturday: Noon to 10pm

Amenities include skate rental, lockers, benches, and a heated tent with vending machines for snacks and drinks. http://www.myfountainsquare.com Plus you can take a break and visit one of the restaurants by Fountain Square, including  Tazza Mia, Graeter’s, Servatii’s, Starbucks, Chipotle, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Palomino, Via Vite, Ingredients, McCormick & Schmick’s, Morton’s, and Rock Bottom Brewery.

Cyclones v. Komets at US Bank Arena January 5

The Cyclones take on the Fort Wayne Komets Saturday night, and it’s Throwback Night! For one night only, you can get tickets for just $8 and enjoy hot dogs, pizza, soda, and beer for just $1 each. The Cyclones will be wearing special old-style jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. In addition, the Cyclones will be holding their annual Teddy Bear Toss. Bring a new or gently used Teddy Bear to the game to throw on the ice when the Cyclones score their first goal. The players collect all the stuffed animals and donate them to the Cincinnati Police Department.

This is the one (and only) time it’s ok to throw something onto the ice.   

HGC Broomall kicks off January 7 to February 16 on Fountain Square

Cheer on your favorite team! 2013 marks the seventh season of HGC Construction Broomball on Fountain Square. Teams play under the lights on the Fountain Square ice rink in the heart of downtown, complete with live game coverage, announcers, and scores on the giant video board! Broomball combines elements of soccer and hockey. Players wear gym shoes, not skates, and use sticks with a small, broom-shaped head to pass the ball and score goals. Live announcers call each game – with much humor, of course – and the Fountain Square video board becomes a giant TV with a scoreboard, time clock, and live camera coverage.   

Last-chance Holiday events

This is the 10^th day of Christmas, so there are few holiday events still on view.

Holiday Junction through January 6

Cincinnati Museum Center

Annual display of the Duke Energy Holliday Trains continues through January 6. Rocky Mountain Express at the Omnimax still on view, offers a virtual steam train journey through the Canadian Rockies.  

Antique Christmas through January 13

Taft Museum of Art

Chance to see Christmas past at Taft Museum of Art. Display features patriotic ornaments and toys to commemorate this election year, an Art Deco Christmas display, feather trees, a dollhouse, and even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.