All over Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and outlying areas are organizations hosting festivals throughout the year.  We created a handy-dandy festival reference post for you to bookmark and use through the year to find fun places to go.  There’s a little bit of something for everyone on this list!  It started out as a summer festival post, but then I realized that there are some cool festivals after summer ends..so we’re adding anything in the year 2013 to the list!  Have fun!  And if you don’t see your organization’s festival on this list please email me at Katie(at)Cards-by-Katie(dot)com and I’ll get the information I need from you to add your event to our list.

May

The Clay Alliance 13th Annual Spring Pottery Fair ~ DeSales Corner on Woodburn Avenue at Madison Road in East Walnut Hills ~ Saturday, May 4, 2013  11am – 5pm ~ More than 60 of the area’s top clay artists will come together for the 13th annual Spring Pottery Fair, presented by the Clay Alliance. Patrons will have a chance to shop a wide range and selection of pottery– from functional wares to decorative art pieces – as well as shop for clay tools and goodies from local suppliers, view artist demonstrations by Clay Alliance members. The hands-on arts station where children can create their own mini masterpieces will return again this year. The Clay Alliance will also raffle off four ceramic pieces by artists Lisa Conner, Trina Feldhake, Martha Healy, and Leslie St.Clair. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance at Core Clay or FUNKe Fired Arts, or the day of the fair. Raffle tickets are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5. Door prizes consisting of a variety of ceramic pieces created by Clay Alliance members will also be given away hourly from the Clay Alliance booth. One of Cincinnati’s favorite bands, Jake Speed and the Freddies, performs from noon – 3pm. Spring Pottery Fair will be held rain or shine. For additional information, visit www.clayalliance.org.  Free to attend; Parking is Free

Appalachian Festival at Coney Island ~ May 10-12 ~ Artisans, Music and more.  For prices, hours, directions and more visit http://www.appalachianfestival.org/.

Madison Township’s Springfest ~ May 11th ~ 11AM to 8PM ~ Held on the grounds of Madison Jr-Sr high school in Middletown, Ohio. This is a community Spring festive featuring music, arts, crafts, games, rock wall, basket raffle, food and more.  For more details see their website : http://www.madisonspringfest.com/

34th Annual MainStrasse Village Maifest ~ May 17-19 ~ Located along the 6th Street Promenade, Main Street, Philadelphia Street and Goebel Park in Covington.  Hours: Friday, 5:00 – 11:30 p.m Saturday, NOON – 11:30 p.m.  Sunday,  NOON –  9:00 p.m.  FREE parking is available in the IRS parking lot at 4th and Johnson Streets.  Come celebrate German heritage with rides, live music, games, delicious food, artisans and much more!  More information: http://www.mainstrasse.org/2013/04/maifest-2013/

Check out our post on the cool NASA exhibit that will be there too!

June

St. Michael Summer Festival ~ June 7, 8, 9 ~ 11144 Spinner Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 ~ For More Information: 513.563.6377 or http://www.stmichaelfestival.net/

DCCH Music & Arts Festival ~ Friday June 7th & Saturday June 8th ~ 75 Orphanage Road  Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017.  This won’t be the DCCH summer festival that you are used to!  Things are changing…there will be over 20 local bands playing on 2 stages over the course of the two days, there will be craft beer, food trucks, and on Saturday there will be a cool modern craft sale in the barn where you can find fabulous crafts like can be found on Etsy.  Also, Friday night will be Family night in the barn from 5-9 with live performances & games for the munchkins.  You could make a weekend of it!  Take the kids on Friday for fun, then get a sitter on Saturday and enjoy a date night listening to music.  Or bring the whole family to enjoy the music.  Admission is FREE, parking is $5.  For More Information :: https://www.facebook.com/DcchMusicandArtsFestival/info or find them on Twitter:  @DCCHMusicArts For questions, or to be a sponsor call the Children’s Home: 859/331-2040

Panegyri Greek Festival ~ June 28-30– 12 and under are free, $2/admission. Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Finneytown, Ohio.  For more information : http://www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org/panegyri/94.html

Independence Celebration ~ June 29 ~ 4-11pm Tower Park, Fort Thomas Kentucky ~ For More Information : www.ftthomas.org/Recreation/homepage.html

July

Sisters of Notre Dame 4th of July Festival    July 4th    1601 Dixie Highway, Park Hills, KY    Fun filled family event that features carnival games, fabulous silent auction, petting zoo & pony rides, great food and lively entertainment.  All proceeds benefit the SND Uganda Mission, locally Notre Dame Urban Education Center, and the SND Retirement Fund    www.sndky.org

Queen City Sausage Festival…“Crafted Sausages, Grilled and Celebrated!” ~ July 12-14 at Newport’s Riverfront Levee ~ Start with Greater Cincinnati’s passion for and appreciation of locally made authentic German brats, metts, and other great craft sausages including Italian, Andouille, and Chorizo.   Add in the region’s best-selling independent sausage maker, Queen City Sausage.   Invite the area’s best local food vendors and bring back Cincinnati’s historic brewing traditions: Christian Moerlein, Hudy Delight and Hudepohl Amber Lager beer.   Provide a scenic view of the Cincinnati skyline, offer free admission, live lite-rock music, games, rides and plenty of relaxing shade and seating.  The result:  The Queen City Sausage Festival!  Friday: 5PM to 11PM.  Saturday: Noon to 11PM.  Sunday: Noon to 9PM.

Admission to the Queen City Sausage Festival is free including live, light-rock musical entertainment, rides for the children, and fun games appealing to all ages hosted by local charities.  For more information contact: Mark Balasa, marketing manager @513-541-5581, cell: 513-551-3787, www.queencitysausage.com.

The Ohio Challenge ~ Friday & Saturday, July 12-13, 4 to 10:30 pm and Saturday & Sunday, July 13-14, 7 to10 am ~ Location of Event: Smith Park, Middletown, Ohio ~ Come for the weekend . . . Hot Air Balloon Competition, Team Fastrax Skydiving, Balloon Glows, Saturday Car Show, Fireworks, Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, Circus Aerial Acrobatics, Festival Foods, Carnival Rides, Many new and exciting family experiences.  Website with Event Information: www.ohiochallenge.com

St. Rita Fest ~ July 12 – 14 ~ At St. Rita School for the Deaf ~ $2.00 / person,  after 9:00 pm under 18 must be accompanied by parent/guardian ~ Raffles, Live Music & More!  For details : http://www.srsdeaf.org/StRitaFest.aspx

Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival ~  July 19-21 ~ Times : Friday & Saturday 6pm-12am & Sunday 3-11pm ~ Location of Event: 7800 Beechmont Avenue  Cincinnati OH 45255  Anderson Township  513.388.4466 ~ The IHM Festival has been voted one of the top three festivals by CityBeat Magazine for the third consecutive year. Aside from being the largest festival on the eastside, we continue to strive for ways to involve the community. This year we have several area businesses participating including, Skyline Chili, BW3, Papa John’s Pizza, Sizzling Wok, Delzotti’s Famous Italian Sausage, City BBQ and a petting zoo provided by All Creatures Animal Hospital. We feature a Sunday Chicken Dinner, a fantastic bid-n-buy and an afternoon art fair. In addition, we provide Live entertainment: Friday, The Blue Tip Band 7-11pm
Saturday, The Rusty Griswolds 7-11 Sunday, Easter Rising 6-10 Website with Event Information: www.ihom.org/festival

St. Margaret of York Festival ~  July 26, 27 & 28th ~ 9483 Columbia Rd., Loveland, OH 45140~  The bands will be Brent James on Friday night, Rusty Griswolds on Saturday night, and Second Wind on Sunday.  You can find more information at: http://www.smoyfest.org/

Cincinnati Children’s Choir Summer Festival     July 29 – Aug 3, 2013    University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music    Young singers interested in enjoying and developing their skills in musicianship will come together for an exciting week as they attend inspiring, interactive sessions at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music.  Sessions will include Vocal Artistry, sight-singing, Musicianship through Movement, Music Theory, and Choral Artistry.    http://www.cincinnatichoir.org/programs/summer-festival/

August

Glier’s Goettafest ~ August 1-4 ~Newport’s Riverfront Levee ~  Glier’s Goetta has been a local Northern KY, and Greater Cincinnati breakfast favorite since 1946.  But in 2001, Glier’s, eager to show the world that Goetta is versatile enough to be eaten at any meal, created the first annual “Total Celebration of All Things Goetta”. Join us as we enjoy goetta in over 40 unique recipes, play games, ride attractions, listen to free music and relax in Cincinnati’s only Air Conditioned Festival Tent! Website with Event Information: Goetta.com, Goettafest.com

Lebanon Blues Festival   ~  August 3, 2013    downtown Lebanon, Ohio    Free! 8 Blues bands, Red Hot Blues Run, beer garden, classic car show, great Bar-B-Q    http://www.lebanonbluesfestival.org/index.html

 Ohio Valley Greenmarket    August 4    Ault Park    The mission of Ohio Valley Greenmarket is to celebrate the sustainable  efforts underway in our regional community – to demonstrate the benefits of  embracing local food and commerce, healthy choices, and sustainable lifestyle  practices for the advancement of the community.  Attend – ees meet national and regional speakers,  sustainable business leaders, participate in  hands-on workshops and demonstrations  in a fun-filled and positive environment.    http://ohiovalleygreenmarket.com/

MainStrasse Classic Car Show ~ August 11 along the Sixth Street Promenade and in Goebel Park, in MainStrasse Village, Covington, KY – over 250 Classic Cars will be showcased during this event. www,mainstrasse.org

Saint Bernadette 2013 Summer Festival ~  Aug 16 – Aug 18 ~  1453 Locust Lake RD Amelia, OH 45102     Church Festival – Cart-Full of Groceries Giveaway and Raffles, Bingo, Texas Holdem, Live Entertainment Chicken Dinners, TONS of Childrens gaimes, Adult Booths and Games, Bid and Buy Booths,     http://www.stbernadetteamelia.org/

Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion ~ August 17 & 18 ~ “Bringing Families Together”- Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, downtown Cincinnati riverfront – FREE.  For more information : http://www.midwestbfrc.com/

Comboni Missionaries – Taste of Mission ~ Saturday, Aug. 24, 4-10 p.m. ~ Comboni Mission Center, 1318 Nagel Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45255 ~ Stop by a Taste of Mission to learn more about the Comboni Missionaries and their work around the world. Enjoy authentic food from Italy, Africa, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, and many other countries while watching live performances. There will be dancers and music from Africa and the Americas, other live entertainment, international beers and wines, a mission market, art and artifacts exhibits, face painting, and other activities for all ages.  Website with Event Information: http://www.combonimissionaries.org, click on get involved.

September

Old West Festival ~  Saturdays & Sundays, September 7 to October 6, 2013 ~ 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Rain or shine.  Howdy partners! Head out to The Old West Festival for a gun-slinging, sasparilla drinkin’ good time with the whole family! The Old West Festival is located at 1449 Greenbush Cobb Rd between Mt. Orab and Williamsburg, Ohio just off St. Rt. 32. Cost is $12 general admission; $6 for children ages 6 to 12; and children under 5 are free. Parking is FREE. Please visit www.oldwestfestival.com or call 1-866-WEST-FES (1-866-937-8337)

RIVERFEST ~ September 1st ~ Newport KY, Newport Riverfront -FREE – Noon-1opm.

St. Saviour Catholic Church    9/6 – 9/8    4136 Myrtle Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45236    one of the best local parish festivals, great music, food, rides, games and fun.    www.stsaviourparish.com

October

White’s Tower Fall Festival    Saturday, October 5th    2977 Harris Pike, Independence, KY 41051    We welcome everyone, not just WTE families!  Games, prizes, Cake Walk, Snacks, Face Painting, Community Leaders like the Fire Dept, Bounce House, Crafts, WONDERFUL RAFFLE BASKETS, and this year we have many vendors that will be selling homemade items in our Fall Boutique area. We also have entertainment by the Simon Kenton Dance Team, Joel the singing Librarian, and the Jubilee Cloggers.  Wrist bands for games are 8.50 and are pre-sold to students and are also sold at the door.    https://www.facebook.com/whites.pta?fref=ts

Northern Kentucky Wine Festival at MainStrasse Village ~  October 19 along the Sixth Promenade  in MainStrasse Village, Covington, KY – Sample Kentucky wines and enjoy food, artisans and entertainment. mainstrasse.org

Fall Fun Fest    Sat. October 26, 2013, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.    Real Life church, 2300 Old State Rt. 32, Batavia, Ohio 45103    Free giant inflatables and carnival games, free hot dogs, cotton candy, s’mores, hot chocolate and coffee    https://www.facebook.com/reallifebatavia

Bark Out Against Battering Pet Fest    Oct. 26, 2013/ 11am-2pm    www.facebook.com/barkoutagainstbattering    Washington Park- 1230 Elm St. Cincinnati OH 45202    Free    The event will feature a pet costume parade, costume contest, pet vendors, social service agencies, raffle prizes and much, much more.   This event will help to connect the link between domestic violence and animal abuse. All proceeds are donated to the SPCA to assist in their program to help pets of women in the YWCA’s Domestic Violence shelter to have a safe place to stay until their owners get back on their feet.

MainStrasse Village Dog Costume Pawrade – October 27 along the Sixth Street Promenade and in Goebel Park, MainStrasse Village, Covington KY.  MainStrasse Village “Goes to the Dogs” for this special event as costumed dogs parade along the Sixth Street Promenade for a bit of doggie Halloween fun. mainstrasse.org

November

Fort Wright Elementary Fall Festival ~ Saturday November 9, 2013  3:00pm-7:00pm ~  501 Farrell Covington Ky ~ Come join us for our biggest fundraiser of the year to help increase technology in our classrooms. Admission to the festival is free and game and raffle tickets are sold at the door. Have fun in the bounce house, cake walk, hair flair booth and more. Check out our silent auction items and make a bid!  Website with Event Information : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ft-Wright-Elementary-Fall-Festival/197327933649589?fref=ts

Don’t forget to keep checking back, we’ll be adding to this post!  And to add your event, contact me at Katie(at)Cards-by-Katie(dot)com!