Labor Day weekend is here, leading up to one of the most anticipated fireworks shows in the Midwest. To all those new to the Cincinnati area, you do not want to miss the Riverfest parties on either side of the Ohio River. Labor Day weekend also means the opening of the much-loved Ohio Renaissance Festival
, and if you're already looking for Oktoberfest celebrations, the Liberty Home Association's is your best bet.Other fun activities include riding in a World War II bomber at Lunken Airport Days, watching the acrobats at Cirque du Luxe and finding a new art piece to take home at Loveland Art Festival.
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to peruse our full calendar of events.
1. Riverfest/Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks
Both sides of the Ohio are throwing all-day parties, including food, live music and entertainment. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks will be set off from barges in the middle of the river at 9 p.m. with a music soundtrack simulcast on radio station WEBN 102.7 FM.
And for those wanting to avoid the traffic and celebrate in style, see one of the Midwest's largest fireworks displays aboard a train or riverboat.
Riverfest/WEBN Fireworks Show: 3 p.m. Sunday, Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown; 4 p.m., Festival Park, 100 Riverboat Row, Newport and Covington Plaza, 144 Madison Ave., Covington. cincinnati-oh.gov; newportonthelevee.com.
Cincinnati Dinner Train: 5 p.m. Sunday, 2172 Seymour Ave., Roselawn. $168. Ages 12-up only. cincinnatidinnertrain.com.
BB Riverboats Cruise: 4-10 p.m. Sunday, BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport. $175 adults and ages 4-12. $25 parking with limited availability. bbriverboats.com.
2. Ohio Renaissance Festival
Transport yourself back in time to the days where kings and queens ruled at Ohio Renaissance Festival. See over 100 daily shows, including a circus show and a sword fight on opening weekend. Try savory cuisine such as turkey legs, burgers and pulled pork. Wash it all down with a cold beer. Browse through the village "shoppes" offering homemade crafts.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Monday, 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville. Runs every weekend Sept. 5-Nov. 1. renfestival.com.
3. Liberty Home Association Oktoberfest
Join Liberty Home Association in its celebration of Oktoberfest. Taste authentic German food and hear a lineup of new bands every day. And, of course, drink refreshing German "bier."
Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Sunday, 2361 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton. libertyhome.net.
4. Lunken Airport Days
Lunken Airport is offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to tour the cockpits of famous, historical WWII Bombers. Ride in the WWII Bombers and helicopters. Other rare aircraft will be on display, as well as classic cars, military vehicles and exhibits. A patriotic flag ceremony takes place each day at noon.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Lunken Airport, 262 Wilmer Ave., Linwood. warbirds.clubexpress.com.
5. Cirque Du Luxe
Enjoy a modern twist on the classic circus. See thrilling performances by world-class circus artists under the big top.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 4:30 and 7:30 Friday, 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. cirqueduluxe.com.
6. Loveland Art Festival
See the work of nearly 70 artists at the ninth annual Loveland Art Festival. Cast your vote for the People's Choice award. Hear live music and grab a bite to eat. There will be a booth highlighting the work of Loveland High School art students and a booth dedicated to the non-profit, Raptors Inc.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nisbet Park, 126 Karl Brown Way, Loveland. lovelandartfestival.com.
7. Augusta History & Heritage Weekend
Come to Appelman Park for live music, rotary burgers and a performance by the Old Path Cloggers. Enjoy a motor club cruise-in, crosscut sawing, tomahawks and the frog derby.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 232 Main St., Augusta. allevents.in.
8. Nowhere Else Festival
Expect a world-class boutique music and arts festival like no other at Nowhere Else Festival. Join this celebration of music, artists and the community. Hear a lineup of different artists each day. Proceeds benefit the continued restoration of a 140-year-old barn into a fully functioning performing arts center.
Details: Events starting between 4-7:30 p.m. Friday (VIP only), 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-8:15 p.m. Sunday, Nowhere Else Farm, 190 Townsend Road, Martinsville. $90 one day pass, $150 two day pass, $400 three day VIP pass. nowhereelsefestival.com.
9. Waterpark Final Weekend
It's that time of the year again. Have some fun at one of these waterparks before they close for the season.
Soak City: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Monday, Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. visitkingsisland.com.
Aqua Adventures Waterpark: 5-9 p.m. adult swim Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Land of Illusion Adventure Park, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown. landofillusion.com.
10. Labor Day 5Ks
Add the Cincinnati Aruna Run or Ridge & Repeat to your Labor Day schedule.
Aruna Run: 8 a.m.-noon Monday, Smale Riverfront Park, 166 W. Mehring Way, Downtown. Every single registration fee goes directly toward freeing, employing and empowering trafficked women. Run either the 10K, 5K or 1-mile. Prices vary per race. raceroster.com.
Ridge & Repeat: 9 a.m. Monday, 5935 Ridge Ave., Pleasant Ridge. This race is organized as part of a Girl Scout Gold Award project aimed at revitalizing local road races. Compete in the 1, 2 or 3-mile race. $33.95. findarace.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 things to do Labor Day weekend in Cincinnati
