The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the city, and its own neighborhood this the Friday, May 3 with a special concert, Fanfare for Cincinnati.

They have put together an epic night  to celebrate Cincinnati’s 225th birthday.

The evening features a “musical postcard,” All Things Majestic, by Jennifer Higdon, accompanied by a multimedia presentation of historic images of our hall and our city The CSO will perform Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3, featuring themes from Fanfare for the Common Man, which was composed for the CSO, and debuted at Music Hall in 1942.

Before the concert there will be a “The Music Ride,” a slow ride through the streets of OTR, beginning and ending in Washington Park-- with special musical surprises! Those interested should meet at Washington Park between 6-6:15pm. The ride will last from ~6:50 to 7:30pm.

Afterparty in Washington Park with food trucks and a live band! Free and open to the public. Tickets and information at http://cincinnatisymphony.org/.

Cincy Cinco

Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5

Fountain Square

Cincy Cinco is Cincinnati’s premier Latino festival, bringing authentic Latino art, music, food, dancing, and children’s activities to downtown Cincinnati for 10 years.

This will be their best event ever, featuring a “best of” from the last decade.

Some of the highlights include remembering the Longest Taco and the Biggest Piñata. There will be great Latin music all weekend long, with special appearances by Cincinnati’s own all-female salsa band, Orquesta Kandela and a Conga Parade along with traditional dancing. Plus, you can meet Dora the Explorer. 

And last, but not least, six restaurants will offer authentic food from Mexico, Central, and South America.

Cincy-Cinco runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. All proceeds benefit Tristate philanthropies in the health and education areas for their programs directed at the Latino community.

For more information, please visit www.cincy-cinco.com.

Flying Pig Marathon

Sunday, May 5

This is the 15th running of the Flying Pig Marathon! They are expecting a record number of participants, with early registrations of 33,000 for all the races. Runners hail from all 50 states and about a dozen countries – with 95 full marathoners in their 15^th consecutive Pig.

Events kick-off with the P&G Health & Fitness Expo on Friday from noon to 7 p.m.  Don’t miss the FREE 15th Anniversary Celebratory Party (Near Christian Moerlein Lager House) at 9 p.m., with a concert by Foxy Shazam and a firework show, presented by Horseshoe Casino.

Saturday offers a full day of races including the Toyota 10K, Tri-State Running Company 5K, the Flying Piglet and the Pampers Diaper Dash. From 5 to 6:30 p.m., the Flying Pig Pasta “Pig-Out” will be held at the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Stage & Event Lawn. ($20/person)

And the race is on at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday. If you aren’t running, you can still watch the race from Christian Moerlein Lager House, who will be serving a “Moer”athon breakfast from 6-10 a.m. ($15/person). The post-race party at Yeatman’s Cove kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m.    

Even if you aren’t running, you can support the runners along the course as a “Squealer.”

The Flying Pig Marathon Party Zones will serve as a hub for spectators to show their support and enthusiasm while enjoying complimentary refreshments. You can get a Flying Pig Day Pass from Metro for Sunday that will allow you to ride the Metro all day for one fee of $4.50. Use the pass to ride the bus to various locations on the course to cheer on your participant.

• Make noise to encourage the runners: cheer, clap, play music or make your own music.
• Identify with the runners. They are completing a very difficult task. Praise the runners individually. (Ex: "Go number one! You're doing great!") He or she will truly appreciate it.
• Stay positive in your cheering. (No 'boo's, please!)
• Locate your cheering section on a hill or more challenging portion of the course. These are the places that the runners will need the most encouragement.
• Make distinctive signs and move to different locations throughout the course. Believe it or not, runners will remember you and it will encourage them to keep going.
• Do something to make runners smile. Laugh, sing, dance or do tricks such as juggling. It may put the runners at ease for a few moments.
• Have a party with friends and/or neighbors if the course travels past your area.

In the Company of Canines

May 7, 2013 6:30 pm

Washington Park

Have some fun with your favorite canine!

Participate in a “get to know you” game with your pet, or take part in a scavenger hunt with your canine four-legged friend. Find fun clues along the way that will reveal fun facts about the newly renovated Washington Park.

Information will be available about other local dog parks and upcoming dog owner programs, such as the Camp Canine series at Ault Park. Interested? Please call 861-3435 by May 6 or simply fill our the form below in order to register for this special program.

Sign up at http://washingtonpark.org/event/in-the-company-of-canines/.

Strauss Market on the Square

Tuesday, 11am to 2pm

Fountain Square

Spend your lunch hour enjoying one of the city’s most unique shopping experiences. Every Tuesday, from 11am to 2pm, local vendors will offer everything from fresh produce and flowers to sweet treats and handmade trinkets.

Details at http://myfountainsquare.com/event/strauss-troy-market/2013-04-30/

Party in the Park

Every Wednesday to August 14

The Downtown Council, a division of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, presents the 36th season of the Party in the Park series at Yeatman’s Cove along Cincinnati riverfront. So put a little weekend in your Wednesday and join 5,000 of your best friends down by the Serpentine Wall.

Dates, bands, and info at http://www.party-in-the-park.com.

Sister Act

Through May 12

Aronoff Center for the Arts

Sister Act is Broadway's feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The musical is based on the 1990s film, which starred Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith.

Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to rejoice!

Tickets at http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/.

Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns

Through May 19

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati

Ensemble Theatre wraps up their season with this regional premiere. Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns is the highly anticipated sequel to their best-selling show of all time!

The show takes you to the Springfield High School graduation to re-visit the Wonderettes. If you aren’t familiar with them, the Wonderettes are four girls in 1958 with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts.

As we learn about their lives and loves—and take a peek into their futures—we are treated to the girls performing classic ‘50s and ‘60s songs such as “Wishin’ And Hopin’,” “Sealed with a Kiss,” “Dedicated To The One I Love,” “Rockin’ Robin,” and many more!

Tickets and Info at http://www.ensemblecincinnati.org/.