Summer might be coming to a close, but the Oktoberfest festivities are just beginning. Drink out of a beer stein at Germania Society's Oktoberfest celebration. Other great fests this weekend include Hispanic Heritage Festival and Swiss Wine Fest.
Find your next read at Cincinnati Art Book Fair, get a swim in at the Bill Keating Jr. Ohio River Swim or sign up for Runchella. For those ready for fall, pick up a homemade craft at First of Fall Festival or look for a new art piece at ArtFest on Main.
Have an event you'd like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we'll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
1. Germania Society Oktoberfest
Enjoy a cold one from a German stein, traditional German food and live
German music all weekend. Participate in the traditional beer mug-sliding contest and the stein-holding (Masskrugstemmen) competition. Kids can have fun on the playground or on festival rides.
Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday, 2-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday, Germania Society, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Colerain Township. $5, kids 12-under free, military with ID free. germaniasociety.com/oktoberfest.
2. Cincinnati Art Book Fair
Meet the over 60 independent publishers, artists, designers, collectors and enthusiasts who gather for this independent art book fair.
Details: noon-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. Free. cincinnatiartbookfair.com.
3. Swiss Wine Festival
Wine and beer drinkers should make a stop at the Swiss Wine Festival. In addition to taste testing at the wine and beer tents, see live performances by musical artists, polka dancers, drone and laser shows.
Details: 4 p.m.-midnight Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Ogle Riverfront Park, 100 Ferry St., Vevay. Free Thursday, $5 cover Friday-Sunday. swisswinefestival.org.
4. ArtFest on Main
Browse fine art from 100 different artists in various mediums: paintings, sculpture, pottery, leatherwork, woodcrafts, photography, textiles and glass art. Hear a new lineup of musicians playing live every day. Grab a bite to eat from a food truck or sip on an adult beverage from a local brewery. Children can explore the kids' tent, with activities for all ages.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, South Main Street, Springboro. Free. artfestonmain.com.
5. Hispanic Heritage Festival
Celebrate the history, culture and contributions of the Hispanic and Latine communities. The whole family can enjoy an afternoon of live music performances, traditional dance showcases, children's activities, authentic Hispanic cuisine and more.
Details: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Sharon Woods, 1450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville. Free. greatparks.org.
6. Runchella
Expect a two-mile social run and community walk, a live DJ, wellness and fitness activities, challenges, giveaways and a small business market.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Downtown. Free. allevents.in.
7. Bill Keating Jr. Ohio River Swim
The Bill Keating Jr. Ohio River Swim is a 900-meter open water swim. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just want to cross this item off your bucket list, this is the ultimate race for you.
Details: 8:15 a.m. Sunday, Public Landing, 435 E Mehring Way, Downtown. Pre-registration: $30 ages 12-17, $50 adult. greatohioriverswim.com.
8. First of Fall Festival
Fall is nearing, and homes are in need of seasonal decor. Join vendors and crafters at the largest handmade craft show in the county.
Details: 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. $5 per car. firstoffallfestival.com.
9. Cincy Wing Week
Over 50 of Cincinnati's hottest wing joints are offering $8 wing specials this week. Download the Wing Week app to take your tastebuds on a tour, exploring the saucy flavors of the Queen City.
Details: Event runs Aug. 24-30 at participating locations. cincywingweek.com.
10. Final Friday
Browse and buy art directly from the artists on Final Friday. There are more than 250 studios over four buildings, and shops will host artists. Artist of the month is Joanne Honschopp in studio 811.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. Valet parking is $10. Free admission. pendletonartcenter.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 10 biggest events this weekend. Dare we say Oktoberfest?
