Summermusik honors America, veterans and pets, while some Irish guys blow into town. Stephen Sondheim and Lillian Hellmann take the stage. Mercantile offers up history on our 19th amendment. Like watercolors? Head to Mariemont or check out some jazz in Wash Park. Culture is never lacking even in the dead of summer in Cincinnati. Just don’t forget your umbrella.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Mercantile Library, “Winning the Earthquake”: An Evening with Lorissa Rinehart | 6 p.m. 414 Walnut St., downtown. 513-621-0717. DETAILS: Jeannette Rankin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916. She would subsequently introduce legislation that would become the 19th amendment allowing women to vote. Rankin was a suffragist, feminist, pacifist and advocate for children and workers. “Winning the Earthquake” details the life and times of the first woman elected to the House and the challenges she faced from career politicians who felt Congress was no place for a woman. Author Lorissa Rinehart is a cultural critic and historian and writes about art, war and politics. Kimberly Hamlin, professor of history and chair of the history department at Miami University, moderates.
Thursday, Aug. 6
The Barn, Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society 2026 Annual Show | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 6980 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont. 513-272-3700. DETAILS: This annual exhibit features works by members of the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society. Founded in 2002, the society encourages watercolor artists of all skill levels across the region. Monthly meetings, workshops by nationally renowned watercolorists and exhibits are perks of membership. The Barn is a historical monument to Mariemont’s founder Mary Emery, built in the early 1900s and used as a dairy barn at one time. The Women’s Art Club of Cincinnati Foundation rescued it in 2007 and has renovated and repurposed the building into a thriving community arts center hosting classes and exhibits for adults and teens. Awards ceremony takes place Friday, 6-8 p.m. Exhibit runs through Aug. 25.
Friday, Aug. 7
Lebanon Theatre Company, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” | 7:30 p.m. 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon. 513-932-8300. DETAILS: “Something familiar, something peculiar, something for everyone, a comedy tonight!” Lebanon Theatre Company continues its 2026 season with this perennial Stephen Sondheim favorite. Based on the farces of ancient Roman playwright Plautus, the show tells the story of Pseudolus and his attempts to gain his freedom from slavery in the House of Senex. Full of satire, comedy and a few mistaken identities, this award-winning show is always a hit. Runs through Aug. 16.
Marjorie Book Continuing Education, “Watch on the Rhine” | 7:15 p.m. Stepping Stones, 2300 Drex Ave., Norwood. 513-328-6300. DETAILS: Lillian Hellman wrote “Watch on the Rhine” in 1941 at the height of the Nazi regime and World War II. The play tells a story of an idealistic German man and his American wife fleeing Nazi Germany to her family’s home in Washington, D.C. His work in the German resistance continues until he is discovered, threatened and eventually commits murder. He is able to secretly escape America with the help of his in-laws. The play won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle award for Best Play in 1941. Marjorie Book Continuing Education “brings together teenagers and adults with and without disabilities for continuing education classes, service-learning projects and theatrical productions.” The play includes actors with and without disabilities. The Marjorie Book organization was originally born as The Renegade Garage Players in 1993 and included a visually impaired actor in its first play – Ibsen’s “A Doll House.” The play was a success and the collaborators had a vision to continue the work of inclusion by expanding their programming to include education and service activities. Runs through Aug. 12.
Cincinnati Parks, On Point Music Festival | 5-10 p.m. Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, downtown. DETAILS: In addition to two days of music by local bands, check out the pickleball, roller rink and beach volleyball opportunities. All activities are open to all levels. Performers include headliners Sylmar, Saintseneca and The Tillers. Repeats Satruday, 2-10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Summermusik, “The Soundtrack of America” | 7:30 p.m. School for Creative and Performing Arts, 108 W. Central Pkwy, Over-the-Rhine. 513-723-1182. DETAILS: The first Mainstage performance of the 2026 festival, featuring the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, honors 250 years of America’s rich culture and invention. This cornucopia of new works showcases Native American music and Indian American music, a premiere by 2025 Kreitler Commission Competition winner, Canadian composer Simon Rivet, and another by a consortium of five internationally recognized composers. The program concludes with Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” Conductor Eckarty Preu leads guest artists cellist Zuill Bailey, Native American flutist Darren Thompson and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval as narrator in commissioned work by local composer Kanniks Kannikeswaran.
Sunday, Aug. 9
Art on Vine | Noon-6 p.m. Elm Street Plaza, downtown. DETAILS: This month’s installment brings 80+ regional fine artists and hand-crafters to the expansive new plaza, adjecent to the new First Financial Center. Food trucks and live music are provided to enhance your shopping experience.
Summermusik, “Harmony & Honor” | 4 p.m. St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1680 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Wright. 513-723-1182. DETAILS: Summermusik honors local veterans in this concert of remembrance and reflection. Featured works include Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight,” excerpts from Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8, and the meditative “Earth Song” by Frank Ticheli. Cellist Zuill Bailey and Native American flutist Darren Thompson return, along with a quartet of professional local vocalists and members of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.
Monday, Aug. 10
Washington Park, Jazz at the Park | 6 p.m. 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. DETAILS: Dayton-based jazz pianist Keigo Hirakawa teaches electrical engineering by day and plays “electric” jazz at night. He is on faculty at the University of Dayton and has brought friends along to play al fresco. Enjoy a drink with your friends or make new ones at The Porch after Monday’s day-at-the-desk. Just passing through? Without a plan? See above.
Woodward Theater, “Barrio Triste” | 7:30 p.m. 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-345-7981. DETAILS: Cameo Cincy Film Collective presents the debut feature of Columbian-American photographer Stillz (best known for his frequent collaborations with Bad Bunny). The film follows a group of teens who steal a news camera. As they film their own dangerous, downtrodden lives in the city of Medellín, a picture of violence and loneliness emerges. Featuring the first original score by experimental pop sensation Arca, the film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2025.
Tuesday, Aug. 11
Summermusik, “Summer Meowsik” | 7:30 p.m. Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-723-1182. DETAILS: Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra principal flutist Annie Darlin Gordon curates an evening of pet-inspired music for woodwind quintet. Partnering with Save the Animals Foundation, the musicians invite you to upload photos of your cats and dogs (and other furry friends). Soprano Annie Barr McAllister joins the group for other pet friendly selections. Save the Animals Foundation will be on-site prior to the concert to introduce you to an adoptable dog.
Memorial Hall, The High Kings | 8 p.m. 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. DETAILS: Ireland’s leading folk group makes a stop in oh-so-German Cincinnati for an evening of Irish heritage and storytelling. The Rocky Road Tour builds on their international acclaim and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. The group includes Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden and Paul O’Brien. Selling fast. Get your tickets, soon.
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