Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa, the popular rapper and songwriter, is including Cincinnati in his Decent Exposure Tour, which also features French Montana, Playboi Carti, Moneybagg Yo, Chevy Woods, and DJ Drama. See them at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on July 25 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $29-$103. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
Brad Paisley
The commercials with Peyton Manning are great and all, but Paisley fans are itching to hear something besides the Nationwide jingle. He released his 11th album, “In Love And War,” in 2017. He has sold over 11 million albums and has won three Grammys and 14 ACMs and CMAs each. See him at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on July 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $33.75-$93.50. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
Butler County Fair
The annual Butler County Fair attracts 100,000 visitors each year, with its rides, games, livestock exhibits, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, rodeos, the Cincinnati Circus and, most important, the classic fair food. Check it out at the Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton, on July 21-27 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.butlercountyohfair.org.
Alice Cooper, Halestorm
The classic king of shock rock shares the stage with one of the most popular hard rock bands in recent years. Alice Cooper released his 20th album, “Paranormal,” in 2017. Halestorm released their fourth album, “Vicious,” last year. See them at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on July 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $29.50-$350. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
Train, Goo Goo Dolls
Two bands known for their hit-making, sentimental rock songs are sharing the stage. Train just released a greatest-hits album that includes “Meet Virginia,” “Hey Soul Sister,” “Calling All Angels,” and others. The Goo Goo Dolls are best known for their singles, “Iris” and “Slide.” See them at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on July 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $29.50-$125. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
Cincinnati Music Festival
This massive annual R&B and soul festival features a lineup of superstars every year. In 2019, it’s Mary J. Blige, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Maxwell, Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others. There’s also a special Thursday evening fashion show and concert at Paul Brown Stadium’s East Club Lounge. Check it out at Paul Brown Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, on July 25-27. Tickets are $50-$100 for the Thursday show. General admission tickets are $60-$150. For more information, visit www.cincymusicfestival.com.
Glier’s Goettafest
One of the ways in which the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area celebrates its German-American heritage is with this annual “goettafest.” Goetta is a breakfast sausage made with ground beef (or pork), oats, and spices that is uniquely popular in Cincinnati. At Glier’s Goettafest, you will experience two stages of live music (a rock stage and a country stage), activities, games, and goetta-infused comfort foods such as goetta burgers, goetta dogs, goetta fudge, and goetta pizza. For the first time this year, Glier’s Goettafest is running for two weekends. Check it out at the Newport on the Levee, One Levee Way, Newport, Ky., on July 25-28 and Aug. 1-4. Fest hours are 5-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, and noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. For more info, call 859-292-1613 or visit www.goettafest.com.
“Porgy and Bess”
This classic George Gershwin opera, based on the play of the same name, is about a disabled street beggar trying to rescue the woman he loves from her violent lover and her drug dealer. See it at the Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, on July 25-28. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $40-$195. For more information, call 513-744-3344 or visit www.cincinnatipops.org.
Blues, Brew & BBQ
This annual event will feature live blues music showcasing everything from delta-style blues to Allman Brothers tributes, BBQ vendors, and craft beer tastings courtesy of Cavalier Distributing. Check it out at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton, on July 27 from 3-9 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15 and free for children aged 6-12. For more information, call 513-863-8336 or visit www.pyramidhill.org.
Annual Antique and Classic Car Parade
From Model Ts to muscle cars, this annual parade and show will feature over 300 automobiles. The parade will travel through Fairfield and Hamilton, and there’ll be three viewing locations for the public to view the cars. The parade is open to all American and foreign cars manufactured between 1896-1994 as long as they’re in their restored or original condition (no modifieds). Nearly 200 trophies will be awarded. Meet at the Butler County Courthouse Square, 101 High St., Hamilton, on July 27. Car check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. Judging takes place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The parade starts at 1 p.m. Registration is $10-20. Public viewing is free. For more information, visit www.antiquecars.org.
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