
What? More snow? Fortunately, there’s plenty going on this week to warm your heart (Valentine’s Day is coming!) and take your mind off the weather. Shake it off and read on …

Well, the neighbors down the street put up their Halloween decorations on Labor Day weekend, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that some local cultural groups are starting October with spooky doings. But the week also brings big events that are more delight than fright. Let’s see what we can scare up:

We’re at that sweet spot in the calendar where it might not be summer officially, but you certainly can feel it: No more frost advisories. The May Festival wrapping up. Outdoor concert series sprouting throughout the area. And partying with 500,000 of your closest friends at the Taste of Cincinnati. Yep, we’re headed for summer – come what May.

Quick quiz: Which of these things does not belong with the others? Jazz harp. A sharp-eared fox. An extra day. Thirsty goats. A Sausage Queen. A pot of stew. A pile of food cans. And plenty of beer … Answer: They all belong, of course, in this week’s Culture FIX of varied, intriguing and sometimes unpredictable events.

With the wild revelry of Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day just behind us, you’d think there wouldn’t be much to look forward to this coming week. But we have highlights galore in the next seven days, especially crowd-pleasing theater productions, innovative dance programs and spectacular musical treats – nearly all of which prominently feature women.