BLINK and Beyond: Cincinnati Events for Fall 2022
Blink 2019 by Stacy Wegley
With the weather turning, and the Cincinnati summer fading as the months march on, our community continues to reveal hidden treasures, and I’m sure many of us only brushed the surface. With new and recurring events, gatherings, and get-togethers, there are numerous ways to support and connect with your community this autumn.
What can be better than attending an event full of people dedicated to energizing their city and each other? Everything feels more meaningful when you think about the time, energy, sweat, and tears that go into organizing a book reading, or speaker series. By being intentional with our time, our empathy, and our cash, we can support the people building up communities and uplifting others.
An Evening with Author Crystal Wilkinson
When: September 23
About: Join Crystal Wilkinson, Kentucky’s poet laureate, in a reading and discussion of her memoir in verse, “Perfect Black”. Exploring rural Black girlhood, religion, abuse, and growing up in Southern Appalachia, a Q&A session will conclude the reading, followed by a book signing.
Price: Free; must register prior to the event.
Where: Women Writing for (a) Change or through virtual platform
In Her Voice 2022 featuring RAPSODY
When: September 23
About: In a community celebration of Black women’s power, Queen’s Village presents “In Her Voice Concert” at Washington Park. Headlining the event is emcee RAPSODY, with local performers and poets including Siobhan, Tiger Goods, Fortune the Queen, Kathy Y. Wilson, DJ Apryl Reign, DJ Queen Celine, MC Jori An, and Elementz Youth Poets.
Price: Free - $15
Where: Washington Park
Ascending Women Speaker Series: Women in the Outdoors
When: September 27
About: Women in the Outdoors is the latest session in the Ascending Women speaker series with the opportunity to learn and connect with a community of women focused on the exploration of the outdoors. Learn to build your network, spread your impact, and collaborate with like-minded people and organizations.
Price: $15
Where: MadTree Brewing
Anchor Wellness.
Level Up Your Life! Women Wonderland Panel at Anchor Wellness
When: September 29
About: This event promises to be a night of drinks, connection, and stories at Anchor Wellness, an integrated health and wellness collaborative. A panel of local women hosted by Lucrecer Braxton of SoulSista Plants will discuss how they are living their passions and making the most of their journeys.
Price: $22
Where: Anchor Wellness
Serenity Jam
When: October 1 - 2
About: Raise funds and have fun with Serenity Jam – a family and dog friendly music and art fair with local music, arts and crafts. Presented by the Community Program for Recovery, funds raised at the fair will go to living costs, medical care, and other essential expenses for people living in transitional housing while recovering from addiction.
Price: Free
Where: Seasongood Pavilion at Eden Park
Minding Our Business: A Black Woman Owned Marketplace
When: October 2
About: Spend the day shopping with over 30 Black women-owned businesses at the third annual Minding Our Business: A Black Woman Owned Marketplace. Hosted by the Brown Girls Project, this is an all-out celebration of local small businesses. With an array of talented artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs, this is a great way to connect with your community.
Price: Free
Where: 1537 Race St.
Stop Talking About the Weather Book Launch at West Side Brewing Company
When: October 4
About: Author and podcaster Diana Marie Keller will host a discussion about her latest book, Stop Talking About the Weather, at West Side Brewing Company. Her book is filled with inspiration and conversation starters to build better and deeper female friendships. This event is a great way to start connecting and growing those friendships.
Price: Free
Where: West Side Brewing Company
Living With Landslides: A Film By Laure Quinlivan
When: October 5
About: Laure Quinlivan is one of Cincinnati’s most distinguished journalists, and she’ll be hosting a screening of her new documentary Living with Landslides. The film was commissioned by the non-profit Hillside Trust, and highlights the issues surrounding Cincinnati’s hills and the environmental decay that leads to dangerous landslides. A Q&A will follow the screening.
Price: $5
Where: The Redmoor
Women of Cincy Comedy Show
When: October 6
About: Join the Women of Cincy team at Sam Adams Tap Room for a night of drinks, food, and laughs! Four of Cincinnati’s funniest stand-up comedians will be performing live after a happy hour of connecting, chatting, and drinking. Plus, this night of fun is for a good cause -- all proceeds go to Women of Cincy so we can continue telling community stories.
Price: $25
Where: Sam Adams Tap Room
Walking Tour: Abolitionists & African Americans in Walnut Hills
When: October 8
About: Walnut Hills has housed Underground Railroad conductors, gold medalists, authors, and small businesses throughout its 200-year history. With the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, walk and learn about the women and men who built and invested in this neighborhood during the past two centuries.
Price: $5 - 45
Where: Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Together Digital East, Summit for Women in Digital
When: October 11
About: If you are a woman in the digital career space, you are invited to attend this one-day event filled with female speakers and panelists discussing field-related issues with a welcoming and inclusive community. There will also be free headshots and networking opportunities throughout the day.
Price: $50 - 200
Where: The Transept
Blink 2019 by Stacy Wegley
BLINK
When: October 13 - 16
About: BLINK is back! With dazzling light displays in two states across 30 blocks, 16 new murals will be revealed over the three-day event. You can start at Findlay Market or explore Covington, Kentucky to see 39 projection mappings and interactive installations from national, and international artists. To cap off the first day, a parade of homemade light costumes will dance through the central business district.
Price: Free
Where: Various; Covington, KY; O.T.R.
Esthesis Quartet at Caffè Vivace
When: October 20
About: Come out to Caffè Vivace for a night of energetic, lively jazz from a new and exciting quartet, Ethesis Quartet, composed of some of the country’s best jazz musicians. While you enjoy the music, sip on one of Caffè Vivace’s signature cocktails or an espresso.
Price: $12.50 - 60
Where: Caffè Vivace
Blink 2019 by Angie Lipscomb
Underworld Black Arts Festival
When: October 20 - 23
About: Launched in 2018, the Underworld Jazz Festival celebrates Black art traditions. With music, art, speakers, and connections, the Festival is a four-day event bringing together Black artists from different genres and communities. Listen to keynote speaker Halima Taha discuss the business of Black art and then dance and celebrate with a variety of artists playing fan-favorite tracks. Catch events at the Woodward Theater, Aronoff, and Contemporary Arts Center.
Price: Varies with events
Where: Various; Woodward Theater; Aronoff Center for the Arts; the Contemporary Art Center
The Usable Past - Lecture with Dr. Nikki M. Taylor
When: October 22
About: Dr. Nikki Taylor, a history professor at Howard University, will discuss Cincinnati’s history with social and racial justice, and how it has impacted modern movements. Presented by the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Dr. Taylor is an expert on Black Cincinnati history making this a talk you do not want to miss.
Price: $7 - 45
Location: First Unitarian Church
The 6th Annual Legends Showcase & Benefit Gala with special guests The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston
When: November 18
About: This night of entertainment is all for a good cause. Rosemary’s Babies supports teenage parents with the resources and counseling they need. This showcase and benefit gala will celebrate and raise funds for teenage fathers and their impact on children’s development and well-being.
Price: $100 - 175
Where: The Woodward Theater
AfroSwag Hair Show and Fashion Experience
When: November 19
About: Come out and celebrate the beauty of Black hair because the AfroSwag Hair Show is back! Stylists, artists, and beauticians will showcase all kinds of hair styles including indigenous looks, and future trends. With creativity, community, and beauty, this year’s showcase will be bigger and better than ever!
Price: $25
Where: Duke Convention Center