One of Cincinnati’s biggest annual parties is back. Arrive early to stake out your spot, party all day, and make lots of new friends. Jimmy Buffett hasn’t released any new material since 2013, but most people are just there for the Big 8 anyway. See him at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on July 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $36-$146. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
British Car Day
Once again, the British Car Club of Greater Cincinnati is holding its British Car Day and they are inviting fellow British car enthusiasts to participate. The featured model this year is the Triumph TR6. Over 70 awards will be distributed for categories like “Most Unique” and “People’s Choice.” All British makes and models are welcome. Check it out at Harbin Park, 1300 Hunter Road, Fairfield on July 14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children. For more information, visit www.bccgc.com.
Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Eat World
Third Eye Blind is a rock band best known for their 90s hits, “Semi-Charmed Life” and “How’s It Gonna Be.” Their last album was 2015’s “Dopamine.” Jimmy Eat World broke through in the early 2000s with their singles, “The Middle” and “Pain.” Their last album was 2016’s “Integrity Blues.” See them at PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati on July 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $23.50-$100. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival
This annual festival is a sanctioned hot air balloon racing competition with up to 40 balloons. You can also take a balloon ride yourself (tethered or untethered), check out the car show, listen to live music, ride carnival rides, or watch the skydivers, balloon glows, and fireworks displays. Check it out at Smith Park, 500 Tytus Avenue and Verity Parkway, Middletown, on July 19-20. Festival hours are 4-10 p.m. Friday, and 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission is $5 (walk-in) and $15 (per vehicle). For more information, visit www.ohiochallenge.com.
Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta
Every year, families and friends are invited to form teams and build boats to race around a lake. Even if that sounds like more work than play, you can always watch leisurely from the shore and enjoy the vendors, entertainment and other activities. Check it out at Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester, on July 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Boat registration is $30-$50 and free for spectators. For more information, call 513-867-5835 or visit www.yourmetroparks.net.
Archeology Day at Fort Ancient
Spend an afternoon immersed in Native American culture. Use an atlatl (spear-thrower) to throw a spear, play double ball (a Native American game similar to lacrosse), and examine 5,000-year-old artifacts and fossils. You will be guided by staff and volunteers. Check it out at Fort Ancient, 6123 State Route 350, Oregonia, on July 20 from noon-4 p.m. Admission is $6-$7 and free for members and children aged six and younger. For more information, call 513-932-4421 or visit www.fortancient.org.
Remember the 90s, with Everclear
Everclear, who achieved fame in the 90s with the hit singles, “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine,” will headline this nostalgia show that will also feature The Verve Pipe and local artist, Trevor Ohlsen. See them at Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, on July 20 from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $30-$100. For more information, visit www.landofillusion.com.
Hootie & the Blowfish, Barenaked Ladies
Hootie & the Blowfish’s 1994 debut album was the 19th best-selling album of all time in the U.S. After a 10-year hiatus, they’re embarking on a full reunion tour. Barenaked Ladies have sold over 15 million albums themselves. See them at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on July 20 at 7:30 p.m. The show is sold out, but tickets are available at secondary outlets. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick is one of the most-charted female vocalists of all time, with 69 singles landing on Billboard. She released her 39th album, “She’s Back,” this year. See her at Jack Cincinnati Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Cincinnati on July 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. For more information, call (513) 252-0777 or visit www.jackentertainment.com/cincinnati.
Crafted Local Beer and Food Festival
This festival devoted to local fare will feature 16 artisan dishes from area restaurants, 42 craft beers from local breweries, and live, homegrown music. Check it out at Sawyer Point, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, on July 20 from 3-7 p.m. Tickets are $45-$85. For more information, call (513) 352-6180.
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