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Your weekly Cincinnati rundown.
What’s happening, what’s worth doing, and what people are talking about.
This week: Our favorite Bengals game day spots, Hyde Park reversing BIG decisions, that weird structure off I-275 in Fort Wright, and the Cincinnati Zoo turning 150. All the local buzz in one place.
what every Cincinnatian should know
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🦍 Happy 150th Birthday to the Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is celebrating 150 years on September 18, 2025! Founded in 1875 with just 65 acres and a small collection of animals including monkeys, bears, a hyena, and even a talking crow, the Zoo has grown into a nationally recognized leader in conservation and sustainability.
To mark the milestone, the zoo is offering $1.50 giraffe feedings, train and carousel rides, $1.50 snacks and drinks, special animal enrichment, and walking tours. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or making new ones, it’s a full day of fun, history, and family-friendly celebration.
👽 Northern Kentucky’s “Alien Hangar” Is Actually a Giant Water Tank
If you’ve been driving past I-275 in Fort Wright lately, you might have noticed a massive structure rising from the ground and wondered, “What is that?” It’s not a roller coaster—or an alien hangar—it’s the Lakeview EQ Tank, a 10.5 million-gallon water storage tank that will help keep Northern Kentucky’s waterways cleaner. Once finished in 2026, it will prevent over 4 million gallons of untreated sewage from spilling into local creeks each year, part of SD1’s “Clean H2O 40” plan to eliminate sewer overflows by 2040.
😈 Purple People Bridge Becomes Newport’s to Keep
Once nearly demolished, the Purple People Bridge has become one of the region’s most iconic connectors and soon it will officially belong to Newport. On Sept. 10, the Purple People Bridge Company will transfer ownership to the city, ensuring the 150-year-old pedestrian landmark stays preserved and vibrant for future generations. Nearly 700,000 people cross it each year, and Newport plans to keep it a centerpiece of community connection along the river.
🚴 New Bike Skills Course Coming to Mt. Airy Forest
Cincinnati Parks has broken ground on a brand-new Bike Skills Course at Mt. Airy Forest. Designed for riders of all ages and abilities, the course will feature more than 3,700 feet of trail with 27 obstacles, an adaptive pump track, cross-country paths, and accessible amenities like bike racks, repair stations, and ADA-friendly picnic areas. The project also includes long-awaited repairs to restrooms and updates to the scenic overlook. Construction is underway now, with completion expected by late fall.
Small stories. Big impact.
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HYDE PARK
Hyde Park Square: Back to the Sketch Pad
Turns out the $150M Hyde Park Square redo (yes, the one with the boutique hotel) won’t be happening as planned. After 18K+ signatures and plenty of neighborhood pushback, developers are scrapping it and starting fresh. A new version’s coming, but the big question remains: how tall is too tall for the Square? Curious your thoughts on this? I met with Mark Jeffreys a few months ago and might have been the only person in the room who supported his plans for this one.
COVINGTON
New board game-themed cocktail bar coming this fall
Dice on Draft, a new board game-themed cocktail bar is set to open in Covington this fall. 200+ games, a private game room, and drinks like the Mars Reviver and Longest Road (Catan fans, apparently that one’s for you). Owner McKenzie Crist is pouring $150k into the space, complete with charity cocktails that give back to local shelters. Looks like game night just leveled up.
MOUNT ADAMS
Al’Lupo Brings Fresh Italian to Mount Adams
This fall, the historic Rookwood building in Mount Adams will get new life with Al’Lupo, a modern Italian restaurant from Roberto Peloni (formerly of Rodi Italian in Loveland). Expect an approachable menu with house-made pastas, hearty seafood stew, and wood-fired favorites—all with a fresh, modern spin.
EAST END
Knuckles Deli Pop-up at Fulton Yards 9/7
Told you last week we'd keep our eyes and ears open on this one. Looks like Knuckles Deli will be at Fulton Yards on 9/7 at 12:00pm. If you go, please report back! Need the details!
(Looks like I'm hungry again…)
Here’s what’s worth catching up on
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Dutch Bros made it to Ohio
Dutch Bros is now open in Finneytown, making it the first storefront in Ohio. Uh, what do we order if we go?
An earthquake also made it to Ohio
A 2.5 magnitude earthquake rolled through Cincinnati this weekend. Small enough to skip panic, big enough to say, ‘Well, that was weird.’ I wouldn't even know what to do during an earthquake. I know my California clients are shaking their heads at me right now.
all the reasons to get out and explore the city
🍺 Factory 52 Oktoberfest (Sept. 5–7 | Factory 52)
Kick off fall with Factory 52’s three-day Oktoberfest celebration. Expect steins of German beer, traditional eats, live music, games, and family-friendly fun throughout the weekend. It’s a mix of Bavarian vibes and local Cincinnati energy—perfect for anyone looking to raise a glass and welcome the season.
🥃 First Friday: Bourbon in Bellevue (Fri, Sept. 5)
Kick off Bourbon Heritage Month with an evening stroll down Fairfield Avenue. Local shops and restaurants will be serving up bourbon-themed cocktails, bites, and specials while live bluegrass fills the air. Think small-town charm meets Kentucky pride—all just across the river.
💡 Glimpse at the Porch (Fri, Sept. 5)
Washington Park gets a creative glow-up with large-scale light projections, live music, and craft drinks on the Sherwin-Williams Porch. It’s part art installation, part block party—and it’ll be lighting up every Friday through Halloween weekend.
🛍 ArtisanFest513 (Sat, Sept. 6)
Shop local at this one-day pop-up flea in Washington Park, featuring 40+ Cincinnati makers, fashion vendors, and food stands. With a live DJ setting the vibe, it’s a great spot to pick up unique finds while supporting small businesses.
🌿 Fall Native Plant Festival (Sat, Sept. 6)
The Civic Garden Center invites you to celebrate all things green with a day of free fun: native plant shopping, food trucks, kids’ activities, and live music. Gardening pros will also host mini-sessions on how to bring native beauty into your own backyard.
🍂 MadTree Fall Market (Sept. 7 | MadTree Brewing, 10 AM–3 PM)
MadTree’s annual Fall Market is back with 40+ local vendors, live music, and plenty of MadTree brews on tap. From handmade goods and seasonal treats to plants and unique finds, it’s a one-stop shop to support Cincinnati’s creative community while enjoying the brewery’s fall atmosphere.
Want to join the list and get all the info early? Sign up here -> Join the List!
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