Most people think Cincinnati shuts down the second the temperature drops below freezing. They’re wrong. Honestly, January in the Queen City is usually more alive than the humid dog days of July, mostly because we’ve all been cooped up and are desperate for a reason to put on a real coat. If you’re looking for things to do in Cincy this weekend, specifically Friday, January 16 through Sunday, January 18, 2026, you’ve actually timed it perfectly.
Between a massive fan festival for the Reds and some pretty heavy-hitting museum closings, the city is packed. You just have to know where to park. Seriously, park once and walk, or you’ll spend your whole Saturday in a parking garage line on Second Street.
The Big One: Redsfest is Back
If you live here, you know the drill. Redsfest is the massive, sprawling fan-fest that takes over the Duke Energy Convention Center. This year, it’s happening Friday night and all day Saturday. It’s sort of the official "we miss baseball" support group meeting.
Expect the heavy hitters. You’ll see current players, retired legends, and the broadcast team. But honestly? Go for the weird stuff. The memorabilia auctions usually have game-used jerseys that still have dirt stains from three seasons ago. Kids love the batting cages, but be warned: the lines get long fast. If you’re bringing the family, try to hit the floor right when doors open at 3:00 PM on Friday. Saturday is a zoo from 11:00 AM until they close up at 6:30 PM.
Hockey, Grateful Dead, and Hawaiian Shirts
While the Reds are dreaming of spring, the Cincinnati Cyclones are in the thick of it. They have a double-header at Heritage Bank Center against the Rapid City Rush. Friday night (Jan 16) is "Grateful Dead Night." I’m not kidding. Expect tie-dye jerseys and a lot of classic rock during the power plays.
Saturday is a bit more family-friendly with a 4:00 PM matinee. They’re doing a Hawaiian Shirt giveaway. It’s 30 degrees outside, and everyone will be wearing tropical prints over their hoodies. It’s peak Cincinnati. The energy at Cyclones games is actually better than some NHL games I’ve been to—it’s loud, cheap, and the beer is usually cold enough to match the ice.
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Things to do in Cincy This Weekend for Art Lovers
If you want to avoid the sports crowds, head up the hill to Eden Park. The Cincinnati Art Museum has a major exhibition closing this Sunday, January 18. It’s called Rediscovered Treasures, and it features East Asian art that’s been hidden in their vaults for decades. These aren't just "old vases"—some of these pieces were recently authenticated through advanced conservation research.
Over at the Contemporary Arts Center downtown, it’s also the final weekend for Aaron Kent: Stains and Relics. It’s this gritty, fascinating blend of ceramics and printmaking. If you haven't seen the Gravity’s Rainbow installation suspended in the lobby yet, just walk in. It’s free to look at, and it’s basically a floating symphony of color that makes for a great "I’m cultured" Instagram post.
A Quick Rundown of Music and Nightlife
The concert calendar for this weekend is surprisingly diverse.
- Friday Night: G. Love & Special Sauce are at the Ludlow Garage. If you like that bluesy, hip-hop-adjacent vibe, that’s your spot. Or, if you want something totally different, the Taft Theatre has Fortune Feimster for some stand-up comedy.
- Saturday Night: Bogart’s is hosting "K-Winterland," which is an 18+ K-Pop club night. It’s going to be high energy and probably very loud. Meanwhile, back at Music Hall, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is performing "American Voices" featuring Wynton Marsalis’s Blues Symphony.
- Sunday Night: Tulua Nightclub is doing a Bollywood Night. It starts late (10:00 PM), but if you have Monday off for MLK Day, it’s the place to be.
Winterhaus and the Ice Rink
Fountain Square is still the center of the universe this time of year. The UC Health Ice Rink is open daily, but this weekend they’re leaning into the "Winterhaus" vibe. On Friday, there’s live music from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On Saturday night, they’re hosting "The White Out: Winter Affair," which is basically a big outdoor party where everyone wears white.
Sunday morning is a bit more chill. They’re doing a "Sunday Soundbath" at 10:00 AM. Imagine lying on or near the ice while someone plays singing bowls. It sounds crazy, but it’s actually a pretty cool way to reset before the week starts.
What You Might Get Wrong
Don't assume you can just "show up" to everything. The Cincinnati Nature Center is doing Maple Sugaring Hikes this Saturday and Sunday. You’d think, "Oh, it’s just a hike," but these require pre-registration and they almost always sell out because kids love watching sap turn into syrup.
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Also, the Remodeling Expo is happening at the Sharonville Convention Center all weekend. If you’re planning a kitchen reno, go early. The crowd there is surprisingly intense, and the contractors get booked up for consultations by noon.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re overwhelmed by the options, here is the most efficient way to tackle the weekend:
- Friday: Start with a late afternoon trip to Redsfest, then walk over to Heritage Bank Center for the Cyclones game. You can use the skywalk to stay warm.
- Saturday: Spend your morning at the Cincinnati Art Museum to catch Rediscovered Treasures before it’s gone forever. Spend your evening at Fountain Square for the "White Out" party.
- Sunday: Grab a coffee at a local spot like Deeper Roots or Coffee Emporium, then head to the Nature Center for a maple hike (if you booked it) or hit the matinee performance of Hell's Kitchen at the Aronoff Center.
The city isn't sleeping this weekend. It's just wearing a scarf. Bundle up, pay the $20 for a good parking spot, and actually get out of the house. You won't regret it once you're there.
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Check the weather before you leave. While the events are mostly indoors, the wind coming off the Ohio River near the stadiums can be brutal. If you're heading to Fountain Square, the outdoor heaters help, but they aren't magic. Dress in layers, keep your tickets on your phone to avoid fumbling in the cold, and enjoy the best of what January in Cincy has to offer.