SUMMER FUN
Southwest Ohio festivals and attractions
5/20/2012What could be better than a festival dedicated to banana splits? It’s among the tasty highlights of festivals in the southwest part of the state.
Feast of the Flowering Moon: May 25-27, the Shawnee, who measured the year based on 13 moons, called late May’s the Flowering Moon. Since 1984, Chillicothe has rekindled that spirit through a Feast of the Flowering Moon on Memorial Day weekend that draws about 85,000 people annually. Attractions include American Indian music and dancing, laser-light shows, contests and more; Yoctangee Park, downtown Chillicothe (Ross County); free; 740-887-2979, www.feastofthefloweringmoon.com.
Taste of Cincinnati: May 26-28, the nation’s longest-running culinary-arts festival turns another year older. More than 40 restaurants participate in the annual event that is bound to whet your appetite; downtown Cincinnati (Hamilton County) on six blocks of Fifth Street, from Race Street to Broadway; free admission; 513-579-3197, www.tasteofcincinnati.com.
Cincinnati Fringe Festival: May 29-June 9, the ninth annual showcase of experimental performance, film and art; the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood (Hamilton County), prices vary; www.cincyfringe.com or call the founding Know Theatre Company, 513-300-5669.
Summerfair: June 1-3, a fine-arts fair with more than 300 artists and craftspeople, regional performers, “gourmet arts” and a Youth Rocks! Area; Coney Island, Cincinnati (Hamilton County); $10, or free for children 12 and younger; 513-531-0050, www.summerfair.org.
Troy Strawberry Festival: June 2-3, food, entertainment, arts, crafts, competitions and all things strawberry; new location this year downtown on the Troy Public Square (Miami County); free; free parking and shuttle service available; 937-339-7714, www.gostrawberries.com.
Banana Split Festival: June 8-9, the 18th annual event will once again transform J.W. Denver Park into a dizzying combination of sugar and entertainment. You can’t go wrong with this classic; downtown Wilmington (Clinton County); free; 1-877-428-4748; www.bananasplitfestival.com
Yellow Springs Street Fair: June 9, more than 200 booths featuring clothing, art, jewelry, food, music, beer and more; downtown Yellow Springs (Greene County); free; free shuttle service available; 937-767-2686, www.yellowspringsohio.org/street_fair.shtml.
Springfield Summer Arts Festival: June 15-July 22, music, theater, dance and other performances; Turner Pavilion, Veterans Park Amphitheater, Springfield (Clark County); free, donations accepted; take a chair or blanket, or rent one; reserved seats cost $10 to $15; 937-324-2712, 1-866-324-2712 or www.springfieldartscouncil.org.
Juneteenth Freedom Parade & Celebration: June 16, the Juneteenth celebration marks the end of slavery in America and the beginning of African-American independence. To help celebrate the milestone, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will throw a party; Cincinnati (Hamilton County) 513-333-7562 or http://freedomcenter.org
Freedom’s Call Military Tattoo: June 29, Aviation-themed events in the region include the eighth annual Freedom’s Call Military Tattoo, honoring military veterans. The free public celebration will feature live music with headliner Eddie Money, aircraft flyovers and a fireworks show; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Greene and Montgomery counties); gates open at 4 p.m.
Cityfolk Festival: June 29-July 1, featuring a rich variety of performers including Sones de Mexico, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and the Stooges Brass Band, this festival has not yet released the official schedule or details, but from what we can tell so far it’s set to be another banner event; RiverScape MetroPark, downtown Dayton (Montgomery County); admission TBA; 937-223-3655
Vectren Dayton Air Show: July 7-8, showcasing world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family celebrating Dayton’s aviation heritage. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the 2012 show; Dayton International Airport, Vandalia (Montgomery County); $15 to 20, with discount tickets available at some Kroger locations and special ticket packages available; 937-898-5901
Ninth Annual MidFirst Ohio Challenge 10th Anniversary Celebration: July 13-15, hot-air balloon races; professional skydivers; music; classic car show; arts and crafts; food; balloon, airplane and helicopter rides; Smith Park, downtown Middletown (Butler County); free to $4; 513-705-1770
Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival: Aug. 18-19, the 31st annual event boasts children’s entertainment and plenty of dining and shopping vendors to go around; Community Park in Fairborn (Greene County); 937-305-0800
A sampling of popular summertime activities and events compiled by Dispatch staff members.
THEME AND WATER PARKS
CONEY ISLAND
Description: On the banks of Lake Como, the theme park includes classic rides, a Sunlite Pool, water slides, live shows, an arcade and miniature golf.
Location: 6201 Kellogg Ave., 10 miles east of downtown Cincinnati (Hamilton County).
Open, Sunlite Pool: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 26 through Aug. 24 and Sept. 1-3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 27-31 and Sept. 8, ; operating hours vary for rides.
Admission, Sunlite Pool: $11.95 for those 5 and older, or $3.95 for children 2 to 4, free for children 1 and younger; classic rides: $11.95 for those 5 and older, or $6.95 for children 2 to 4, free for children 1 and younger; combination admission: $21.95 for those 5 and older, or $9.95 for children 2 to 4, free for children 1 and younger; discounts available after 4 p.m.
Parking: $8
New attraction: Sunlite Cabanas have been redesigned, each featuring a private patio
Least-busy day: Tuesday
Wheelchair access: yes
Where to buy tickets: at the park and online
Information: 513-232-8230, www.coneyislandpark.com
GREAT WOLF LODGE
Description: The indoor water park features water slides, pools, Fort Mackenzie — a four-story treehouse with water sprays, climbing nets and bridges — as well as an outdoor pool.
Location: 2501 Great Wolf Dr., Mason (Warren County)
Open: year-round
Admission: must be an overnight guest; rooms and suites available
Parking: free
Least-busy days: midweek May and September
Wheelchair access: yes
Information/reservations: 513-459-8885, 1-800-913-9653, www.greatwolflodge.com
KINGS ISLAND AND SOAK CITY WATERPARK
Description: The park offers more than 80 rides, including 14 roller coasters (and the Beast, the world’s longest wooden coaster), shows and attractions as well as the new Soak City Waterpark.
Location: Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, Mason (Warren County)
Open, Kings Island: daily, operating hours vary through Aug. 26 (call for details); select weekends through Oct. 28
Soak City (free with park admission): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 26 through Aug. 19 and Sept. 1-3, noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 20-26 (closing times subject to change)
Admission: $53.99 for those 48 inches and taller (good for two days), or $32.99 for senior citizens 62 and older and children less than 48 inches tall (for one day), free for children 2 and younger; online and evening discounts and group and season passes available.
Parking: $12, or $20 for preferred
New attractions: Soak City Waterpark — more than 50 water activities, including 30 water slides, tropical lagoons, rushing rivers and surfable waves and an Action River and 650,000-gallon Wave Pool. “Remember When: The ’70s!” is a song-and-dance revue featuring classic songs from the decade Kings Island was born; “British Invasion” features the songs of the Beatles, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and many others; Charlie Brown’s All-Stars baseball team; and Fast Lane — for $30 to $35, guests can go to the front of the line on more than 20 of the most popular rides.
Least-busy day: Wednesday
Wheelchair access: A guide for disabled guests is available at the front gate at guest relations.
Where to buy tickets: online, at the park and participating AAA and Kroger locations
Information: 513-754-5700, www.visitkingsisland.com
WAKE NATION CINCINNATI
Description: The water-sports complex offers wakeboarding, water-skiing, knee-boarding and wake-skating without the use of a boat. Riders are pulled on a 10-acre lake at 18 to 20 mph by an overhead cable-pulley system.
Location: Joyce Park, 201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield (Butler County)
Open: operating hours vary through October (call for details)
Admission: $30 for two hours, $35 for four hours or $40 for an all-day pass; free for spectators; season passes and equipment rental available
Parking: free
New attraction:
Least-busy day: Tuesday
Wheelchair access: yes
Where to buy tickets: on-site
Information: 513-887-9253, www.wakenation.com
OUTDOOR DRAMA
‘TECUMSEH!’
Description: 40th season for the outdoor historical drama about the Shawnee leader
Location: Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe (Ross County)
Performances: 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays June 8 through Sept. 1
Admission: $24.25, or $21.80 for senior citizens, $17.25 for children 10 and younger
Seating capacity: 1,689
Wheelchair access: yes
Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Information: 1-866-775-0700, www.tecumsehdrama.com
OUTDOOR MUSIC
FRAZE PAVILION
Description: A 4,300-seat outdoor amphitheater near Dayton
Location: 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering (Montgomery County)
Performances: June 2 (7 p.m.): Country Throwdown Tour & Festival with Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins, Josh Thompson; June 4 (7:30 p.m.): Michael Bolton; June 7 (8 p.m.): the Avett Brothers; June 13 (8 p.m.): Alice Cooper; June 14 (8 p.m.): Martina McBride; June 15 (8 p.m.): Outlaws; June 22 (8 p.m.): Boney James, Earl Klugh; June 24 (7:30 p.m.): the Jacksons: Unity Tour 2012 featuring Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Jermaine Jackson; June 28 (8 p.m.): Stranger; July 3 (8 p.m.): David Gray; July 8 (7 p.m.): Last Summer on Earth 2012 Tour with Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Cracker; July 10 (8 p.m.): Santana; July 13 (8 p.m.): Ambrosia; July 18 (8 p.m.): America; July 27 (8 p.m.): John Tesh Big Band; July 30 (7:30 p.m.): Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw; Aug. 2 (8 p.m.): Happy Together Tour with the Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Micky Dolenz, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, the Grass Roots and the Buckinghams; Aug. 8 (8 p.m.): Peter Frampton; Aug. 11 (7 p.m.): George Benson; Aug. 15 (8 p.m.): Boston; Aug. 18 (7:30 p.m.): Bonnie Raitt; Aug. 23 (7:30 p.m.): Dukes of September Rhythm Revue 2012 with Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs; Aug. 28 (8 p.m.): Duran Duran; Aug. 31 (6:30 p.m.): the Fresh Beat Band
Parking: free
Tickets: $5 to $85
Information: 937-296-3300, www.fraze.com
KINGS ISLAND, TIMBERWOLF AMPHITHEATRE
Description: A 10,000-seat amphitheater adjacent to the Kings Island theme park.
Location: 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason (Warren County)
Performances: SpiritSong 2012, June 28: Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, Lecrae, Icon For Hire, Manafest; June 29: tobyMac, Owl City, RED, Royal Tailor, Jamie Grace; June 30: Third Day, NEEDTOBREATHE, Family Force 5, Nine Lashes, Sent By Ravens
Parking: $12 daily
Tickets: $48.99 to $76.99 (discounts for youths, large groups and park season-ticket holders), available at www.ticketmaster.com; includes admission to the park and Boomerang Bay
Information: 1-800-288-0808, 513-754-5700, www.visitkingsisland.com
RIVERBEND MUSIC CENTER/PNC PAVILION
Description: A 20,500-seat outdoor amphitheater along the Ohio River that boasts a 4,100-seat pavilion
Location: 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Performances: May 20 (7:30 p.m.): Brad Paisley, the Band Perry, Scotty McCreery; May 29 (7 p.m.): Dave Matthews Band; May 31 (7 p.m.): Lady Antebellum; June 5 (7:30 p.m.): Radiohead; June 6 (7 p.m.): Drake; June 9 (8 p.m.): Natalie Merchant with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra; June 12 (7:30 p.m.): the Beach Boys; June 15 (7:30 p.m.): Miranda Lambert; June 19 (8 p.m.): the Jacksons: Unity Tour 2012 featuring Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Jermaine Jackson; June 22 (7 p.m.): Phish; June 24 (8 p.m.): Under the Streetlamp; June 26 (7 p.m.): Styx, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent; July 2 (7 p.m.): Def Leppard, Poison, Lita Ford; July 7 (8 p.m.): Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Sinatra Under the Stars; July 8 (7 p.m.): Big Time rush with Cody Simpson and Rachel Crow; July 11 (7 p.m.): Summerland Tour with Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit, Marcy Playground; July 20 (6:30 p.m.): Nickelback; July 21 (7:30 p.m.): Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks; July 22 (7 p.m.): Rascal Flatts; July 23 (7:30 p.m.); Heart; July 24 (2 p.m.): Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival with Slipknot, Slayer, Motorhead and more; July 25 (7:30 p.m.): Steve Miller Band; July 26 (5:30 p.m.): Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller; July 28 (7 p.m.): Toby Keith; July 29 (8 p.m.): Chicago, the Doobie Brothers; July 30 (8 p.m.): Crosby, Stills & Nash; July 31 (noon): Vans Warped Tour; Aug. 2 (8 p.m.): Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band; Aug. 3 (7:30 p.m.): Sugarland; Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: “A Lotta Night Music”; Aug 8 (7 p.m.): Train; Aug. 9 (6:30): 311; Aug. 11 (8 p.m.): Jackson Browne; Aug. 14 (7 p.m.): Kelly Clarkson, the Fray; Aug. 16 (7:30 p.m.): Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan; Aug. 17 (8 p.m.): Il Volo; Aug. 22 (8 p.m.): Linkin Park, Incubus, Mutemath; Aug. 28 (7:30 p.m.): Jason Mraz, Christina Perri; Aug. 31 (7 p.m.): Kiss, Motley Crue; Sept. 21 (7 p.m.): Journey, Pat Benatar
Parking: included in the ticket price
Tickets: $11.50 to $147.50, available at Ticketmaster outlets (1-800-745-3000) or www.ticketmaster.com (call 513-381-3300 or visit www.cincinnatisymphony.org for Pops tickets)
Information: 513-232-6220, www.riverbend.org
MUSEUMS
BOONSHOFT MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
Description: The natural history museum, science and discovery center has a planetarium, an observatory and a zoo.
Location: 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton (Montgomery County)
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $8.50, or $7.50 for senior citizens and children 2 to 16, free for younger than 2
Parking: free, on-site
Special exhibits: “GPS Adventures,” from cars to cellphones, discover how GPS gets us from “there” to “here” as you solve a puzzle at this GPS Adventure (through Sept. 3); “Scatology: The Science of Animal Poo,” through September 3, explores the biology of poo in this exhibition. Scatology, or the study of feces, can teach scientists a lot about animals, and reveals clues about their diet, overall health, DNA, and behavior (through Sept. 2)
Wheelchair access: yes
Information: 937-275-7431, www.boonshoftmuseum.org
CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM
Description: The museum features 88 galleries and more than 60,000 works.
Location: 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Admission: free
Parking: $4
Special exhibits: “Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit,” will include more than 100 pieces, from paintings to rare sculptures, illuminating Tanner’s upbringing in post-Civil War Philadelphia (through Sept. 9);“Four Tiffany Windows” from the former St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church in Avondale were acquired in December 2010, and after seventeen months of conservation, are on permanent view on the balcony overlooking the Great Hall; “The Art of Sound: Four Centuries of Musical Instruments” exhibition will include from 100 to 150 musical instruments from the Cincinnati Art Museum’s permanent collection (June 16 to Sept. 2).
Wheelchair access: yes, use the Dewitt entrance
Information: 513-639-2995, www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org
CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER
Description: The center is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Robert D. Linder Family Omnimax theater and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library.
Location: Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $12.50, or $11.50 for senior citizens 60 and older, $8.50 for children 3 to 12, $4.50 for children 1 to 2, free for children younger than 1; additional cost for special exhibits and Omnimax theater
Parking: $6
Special exhibits: “A Day in Pompeii,” displaying the Roman city of Pompeii that was frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The national touring exhibit marks the first time that these rare treasures will come to the region. Room-sized frescos, marble and bronze sculptures, jewelry, gold coins and hundreds of ancient artifacts join body casts of the volcano’s victims, eerily preserved in their final moments (through Aug. 12); “Treasures of the Past: Cincinnati’s Historic Art 1800-1930,” tracing the development and growth of the Queen City from a frontier settlement, and a center of commerce on the Ohio River, to a modern center of industry and the arts through paintings, lithograph prints, furniture and decorative arts (through Aug. 5).
Wheelchair access: Visit the website for information.
Information: 513-287-7000, www.cincymuseum.org
CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER
Description: The center focuses on recent developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media.
Location: Lois and Richard Rosenthal Center, 44 E. 6th St., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday (free after 5 p.m.), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Admission: $7.50, or $5.50 for senior citizens 65 and older and students, free for children 4 and younger
Parking: nearby garages
Special exhibits: “Spectacle: The Music Video,” exploring the changing landscape of the art of music video (through Sept. 3); “Jannis Varelas,” a show curated by Xenia Kalpaktsoglou, curator and co-founder of the Athens Biennial, specifically for the center, features the Greek artist’s large-scale multimedia drawings of ambiguous characters, architectural structures and symbols (through September) “Francis Upritchard: A Long Wait,” exploring the artist’s figurative sculpture that simultaneously looks back at the history of the art form as well as peering into its future (through September).
Wheelchair access: yes
Information: 513-345-8400, www.contemporaryartscenter.org
DAYTON ART INSTITUTE
Description: The institute boasts 27,000 pieces in its permanent collection that spans more than 5,000 years.
Location: 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton (Montgomery County)
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Admission: free; fee for some special exhibitions
Parking: on-site and street parking
Special exhibits: “Changing Landscapes” is the first exhibition of contemporary Chinese fiber art to travel to the United States and features 45 works by 48 artists ( through June 17). In conjunction, the institute will display Maya Lin’s installation piece “Flow”; “Inside the Box” demonstrates the beauty of the box as seen through the eyes of artists from various cultures (through April).
Wheelchair access: yes
Information: 937-223-5277, 1-800-296-4426, www.daytonartinstitute.org
DAYTON AVIATION HERITAGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Description: a five-unit park located in and around Dayton, Ohio. The units include: The Wright Cycle Company Complex, consisting of The Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum and The Wright Cycle Company; The Paul Laurence Dunbar House; Dayton History at Carillon Park; Hawthorn Hill and the Huffman Prairie Flying Field and Interpretive Center.
Location:The Wright Cycle Company building, 16 S. Williams St.; Dayton History at Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd.; Paul Laurence Dunbar House, 219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St.; Huffman Prairie Flying Field and Interpretive Center, 2380 Memorial Rd., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Greene and Montgomery counties) and the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, Gate 16A off Rt. 444, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Open: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Admission: free, except for Dayton History at Carillon Park: $8, or $7 for senior citizens 60 and older, $5 for children ages 3 to 17; and the Paul Laurence Dunbar House: $6, or $3 for students, free for ages 4 and younger; reservations required for all school groups and large groups
Parking: on-site
Exhibits: Highlighting the research of Orville and Wilbur Wright, and the home of Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African-American poet, novelist, and playwright of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Wheelchair access: yes
Information: the Wright Cycle Company Complex, 937-225-7705; Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center, 937-425-0008; Dayton History at Carillon Historical Park, 937-293-2841; www.aviationheritagearea.org
FORT ANCIENT
Description: Fort Ancient features 18,000 feet of earthen walls built 2,000 years ago by American Indians.
Location: 6123 Rt. 350, Oregonia (Warren County)
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Admission: $6, or $5 for senior citizens 60 and older and for children 6 to 16, free for children 5 and younger
Parking: free, on-site
Special exhibits: the largest prehistoric hilltop enclosure in the United States, featuring a 9,000-square-foot museum and access to earthworks and hiking trails. “Celebration: A Gathering of Four Directions,” a Native American-themed educational event including native flute music and drumming, up to 100 dancers in full regalia, workshops and expert storytellers (4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 28); “Archaeology Day,” in which visitors can participate in a game of double ball, dress up in 18th-century regalia (noon to 4 p.m. July 21). “Birds, Bugs & Insects,” observe a variety of birds in the trees while uncovering and identifying bugs that live under rocks and fallen limbs on a one-mile trail with an Ohio Certified Naturalist (2 p.m. June 16).
Wheelchair access: yes; the site does feature traditional hiking trails with limited access
Information: 513-932-4421 or 1-800-283-8904, www.fortancient.org
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Description: A military aviation-history museum boasting more than 360 aerospace vehicles — many rare and one-of-a-kind — along with thousands of historical items.
Location: 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton (Greene and Montgomery counties)
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Admission: free
Parking: free
Special exhibits: “Tankers at War” comprised of official and unofficial unit patches from nearly all of the squadrons that supported air-refueling operations in Southeast Asia, and a flight jacket and cap worn by boom operator Tech. Sgt. Dan Kimsey who served with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron. “Misty,” forward air controllers), one of the many courageous groups that served during the Southeast Asia War, is permanently displayed in the renovated Southeast Asia War Gallery.
Wheelchair access: yes
Information: 937-255-3286, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil
NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER
Description: The center features exhibits that chronicle the route slaves took to freedom — as well as information about the people who helped them along the way.
Location: 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Admission: $12, or $10 for senior citizens 60 and older, educators and students, $8 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and younger with a paid adult
Parking: $1 every half-hour (maximum $8) in the Central Riverfront Parking Garage and numerous garages nearby
Special exhibits: “Courage,” through photographs, oral histories and key artifacts, “Courage” explores the grassroots community activism that one community — Clarendon County in South Carolina — initiated to begin the process that ended legal segregation of all races in America’s schools (through May 26); “Music of Change,” highlighting the role that music has played in the fight for freedom (June 22 through Sept. 22).
Wheelchair access: yes
Information: 1-877-648-4838, 513-333-7500, www.freedomcenter.org
SUNWATCH INDIAN VILLAGE / ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
* Description: A 13th-century American Indian village along the Great Miami River offers a step back in time.
Location: 2301 W. River Rd., Dayton (Montgomery County)
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $5, or $3 for senior citizens and children 6 to 17, free for 5 and younger
Parking: free, on-site
Special exhibits and events: featuring an 800-year-old reconstructed village and an interpretive center. Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow showcases men’s and women’s dances, performed wearing full regalia, will also feature traditional American Indian arts, crafts and food from vendors (June 25-26); Flute and Art Festival will feature Native flutists from throughout the region, plus traditional American Indian storytelling, and workshops dedicated to traditional and non-traditional American Indian music (Aug. 26-28)
Wheelchair access: yes, but the outdoor areas, including the reconstructed village, have mulched, unpaved paths
Information: 937-268-8199, www.sunwatch.org
SPORTING EVENTS
BASEBALL
CINCINNATI REDS
Description: The oldest professional baseball franchise is showing renewed life on the banks of the Ohio River.
Location: Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Home games: May 21-24 vs. Braves; May 25-27 vs. Rockies; June 5-7 vs. Pirates; June 8-10 vs. Tigers; June 12-14 vs. Indians; June 22-24 vs.Twins; June 25-27 vs. Brewers; July 13-15 vs. Cardinals; July 16-19 vs. Diamondbacks; July 20-22 vs. Brewers; July 30-Aug. 2 vs. Padres; Aug. 3-5 vs. Pirates; Aug. 14-16 vs. Mets; Aug. 17-19 vs. Cubs; Aug. 24-26 vs. Cardinals; Sept. 3-5 vs. Phillies
Admission: $5 to $250, free for children 3 and younger if sitting on an adult’s lap
Parking: various lots within walking distance of stadium
Wheelchair access: yes
Tickets: available through Tickets.com, 1-877-647-7337; at the park; or online
Information: 513-765-7000, www.reds.com
DAYTON DRAGONS
Description: The Cincinnati Reds’ Class A affiliate boasts a beautiful home with top-notch amenities.
Location: Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson St., Dayton (Montgomery County)
Home games: May 20-21 vs. Great Lakes; May 30-June 1 vs. South Bend; June 6-8 vs. Lake County; June 9-11 vs. Bowling Green; June 22-24 vs. Bowling Green; June 25-27 Lake County; July 4-6 vs. South Bend; July 7-9 vs. Great Lakes; July 18-20 vs. Clinton; July 21-23 vs. Kane County; July 31-Aug. 3 Lansing; Aug. 11-13 vs. Fort Wayne; Aug. 15-17 vs. Lake County; Aug. 25-28 vs. Western Michigan; Aug. 29-31 vs. Great Lakes
Admission: $7 to $15
Parking: various lots within a half-mile walk to the stadium
Wheelchair access: yes
Tickets: 937-228-228
Information: 937-228-2287, www.daytondragons.com
CHILLICOTHE PAINTS
Description: The summer-league team is a member of the Prospect League, whose college players use wood bats.
Location: V.A. Memorial Stadium, 17273 Rt. 104, Chillicothe (Ross County)
Home games: May 31-June 1 vs. Richmond; June 2-3 vs. Slippery Rock; June 5-6 vs. Lorain County; June 12-13 vs. Butler; June 16-17 vs. Lorain County; June 19-20 vs. West Virginia; June 23-24 vs. Richmond; June 28-29 vs. Lorain County; June 30-July 1 vs. Slippery Rock; July 5-6 vs. Butler; July 7 vs. West Virginia; July 15-16 vs. West Virginia; July 19-20 vs. Richmond; July 26-27 vs. Slippery Rock; July 31-Aug. 1 vs. Butler; Aug. 6 vs. West Virginia
Admission: $6, or $5 for senior citizens and children 12 and younger
Parking: on-site
Wheelchair access: yes
Tickets: 740-773-8326
Information: 740-773-7117, www.chillicothepaints.com
PRO FOOTBALL
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Description: Ohio’s junior NFL member was established by the legendary Paul Brown and began play in 1968.
Location: 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Preseason home games: Aug. 10: vs. New York Jets; Aug. 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons; Aug. 23: vs. Green Bay Packers; Aug. 30: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Admission: $55 to $85
Parking: various lots within walking distance of the stadium
Wheelchair access: yes
Tickets: call 1-866-621-8383; 513-621-TDTD (8383)
Information: 513-621-3550, www.bengals.com
TENNIS
WESTERN & SOUTHERN FINANCIAL GROUP MASTERS & WOMEN’S OPEN
Description: Fans will see stars from both the WTA and the ATP tours playing on adjacent courts.
Location: Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Dr., Mason (Warren County)
Dates: Aug. 11-19
Admission: $10 to $75 for single-session tickets, or $5 to $75 for children 14 and younger
Parking: free
Wheelchair access: yes
Tickets: available through Ticketmaster, 1-800-745-3000, and online
Information: 513-651-0303, www.cincytennis.com
HORSE RACING
RIVER DOWNS
Description: Thoroughbred racing is held on a 1-mile oval track.
Location: 6301 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Season: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 3 (post time 1:30 p.m.); Fridays (post time 3 p.m.); simulcasting daily
Admission: free
Parking: free
Wheelchair access: yes
Information: 513-232-8000, www.riverdowns.com
ZOO
SOUTHWEST AREA
CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN
Description: The second-oldest zoo in the country has more than 500 animals and 3,000 plant species; it is internationally known for its research and conservation efforts.
Location: 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Big attractions: Cat Canyon, opening in June, is one of two new exhibits, featuring an eye-to-eye look at Malayan tigers and above-animal viewing areas of white tigers and snow leopards. Night Hunters, a journey through a darkened building to see nocturnal predators such as vampire bats, aardvark, python, Pallas’ cats and the clouded leopard is already open.
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Admission: $15, or $10 for children 2 to 12 and senior citizens 62 and older, free for children younger than 2
Parking: $8
Wheelchair access: yes; rental: $10, or $30 for electric; single-stroller rental: $10, or $14 for double
Information: 513-281-4700, 1-800-94-HIPPO, www.cincinnatizoo.org