Things to do this week in Columbus, Cincinnati

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By Aaron Epple, Contributing Writer 12:56 PM Friday, March 12, 2010

A quick glance at some of Cincinnati and Columbus’ best offerings this week.

Cincinnati

Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus

When: Through March 14 — Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

Where: U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Cincinnati

Cost: $14.50-$85

More info: (513) 562-4949 or www.usbankarena.com

The Scoop: This stronghold of old-fashioned entertainment might be a nice alternative for those who haven’t quite warmed to Chat Roulette.

Verdict: Asian elephants, Bengal tigers in four color phases, zebras, llamas and plenty of clowns to traumatize your children.

Worth the trip? They may be made to prance around like oversized poodles, but these are the only true man-eating Bengals in Cincinnati.

Patricia Heaton — Motherhood and Hollywood

When: Monday, March 15, 8:30 p.m. Where: The Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati

Cost: $40 to $85

More info: (513) 977-4123 or www.cincinnatiarts.org/aronoff

The Scoop: Patricia Heaton is an actress/author/activist best-known for playing Ray Romano’s beleaguered wife in the mega-popular sitcom, “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Verdict: Heaton’s perspective is unique in that she didn’t achieve mainstream success until her late thirties (ancient by Hollywood standards). She is an Ohio native (Bay Village, a suburb of Cleveland) and her opinions reflect an interesting political potpourri. She uses the principles of feminism to oppose abortion and stem-cell research. But she also supports gay rights and birth control.

Worth the trip? And for you bottom-feeders out there, yes, she got into a public feud with the Osbournes over their handling of the AMAs one year. She walked out of the show despite being slated as a major presenter, later comparing the endless barrage of raunchy humor to “sitting in the Roman Coliseum.”

Cincinnati  International Wine Festival

When: March 12-13 — Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Duke Energy Cincinnati Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati

Cost: $60-$70

More info: (513) 352-3750 or www.dukeenergycenter.com.

The Scoop: The 20th Cincinnati International Wine Festival is upon us once again. A 32-page program guide will direct you to the 142 tasting booths.

Verdict: In addition, there will be a dinner, live and silent auctions, and three Grand Tastings.

Worth the trip? Even tasting and spitting won’t prevent some of that alcohol from soaking into your system. And as any connoisseur will readily tell you, a wine hangover is not a thing to be missed.  

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

When: Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Fountain Square, corner of Fifth and Vine streets, Cincinnati

Cost: Free

More info: www.cincystpatsparade.com

The Scoop: The 44th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will feature the UC Bearcats as Honorary Grand Marshals.

Verdict: After the parade, there will still be plenty of live music, food, and Guinness, sponsored by local pubs, to go around.

Worth the trip? If hanging out at the landmark Square doesn’t suit your fancy, you can go to any one of several fine restaurants within walking distance.

Columbus

John Mayer

When: Friday, March 12, 8 p.m.

Where: Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus

Cost: $46, $66

More info: (614) 246-2000 or www.nationwidearena.com.

The Scoop: John Mayer released his fourth album, “Battle Studies,” last November.

Verdict: For critics and fans alike, the album was a welcome, adventurous departure from the acoustic vibe.

Worth the trip? His regular tabloid appearances don’t seem to have much of an impact on his fan base.

the Gift of Light Expo

When: March 13-14 — Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium, 300 W. Broad St., Columbus