If you’re heading to Cincinnati for the weekend of March 20–22, 2026, the city is trading in the St. Patrick’s Day green for a mix of horror, high-stakes soccer, and global music. From massive fan conventions to one-time athletic challenges, there isn’t a dull moment in the Queen City this weekend.
Here are the top ten non-recurring things to do in Cincinnati this weekend:
1. HorrorHound Weekend
When: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22
Where: Sharonville Convention Center
This is one of the largest horror conventions in the country. It’s a massive gathering for fans of the macabre, featuring celebrity guests from iconic horror films, Q&A panels, professional photo ops, and a film festival showcasing independent horror shorts. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just love movie trivia, the atmosphere is electric.
2. FC Cincinnati vs. CF Montréal
When: Sunday, March 22 @ 1:00 PM
Where: TQL Stadium
The atmosphere at TQL Stadium is legendary, and a Sunday afternoon match is the perfect way to experience it. Catch the Orange and Blue as they take on Montréal in a critical early-season MLS matchup. The pre-match march through Over-the-Rhine is a tradition you won't want to miss.
3. The Cheetah Run 5K
When: Sunday, March 22 @ 8:00 AM
Where: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Named after the fastest land animal, this annual race takes you through the beautiful grounds of the Cincinnati Zoo. It’s a rare chance to run past world-class exhibits before the Zoo opens to the general public. Registration typically sells out, so it's a "one-and-done" event for the year.
4. Our Lady Peace
When: Saturday, March 21 @ 7:00 PM
Where: Bogart’s
The iconic alt-rock band brings their 2026 tour to the historic Bogart’s in Corryville. Known for their distinct sound and 90s hits like "Superman’s Dead," this is a high-energy, one-night-only performance in an intimate, standing-room-only setting.
5. WindFest 2026
When: Sunday, March 22 @ 6:00 PM
Where: Cincinnati Music Hall
A massive celebration of wind and percussion music, WindFest brings together some of the best musicians in the region for a showcase at the acoustically perfect Music Hall. If you appreciate the power of a large-scale wind symphony, this annual event is a standout on the March calendar.
6. The Screwtape Letters
When: Saturday, March 21 @ 4:00 PM
Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts
Based on the classic C.S. Lewis novel, this smart and provocative theatrical production is stopping in Cincinnati for a single day. The play offers a witty and satirical look at spiritual warfare from the perspective of a senior demon, making it a unique alternative to traditional theater.
7. Special Olympics Polar Plunge
When: Saturday, March 21 (Morning)
Where: The Banks (Joe’s Crab Shack/Moerlein Lager House area)
Watch hundreds of brave souls jump into freezing water to raise money for Special Olympics Ohio. Even if you aren't jumping, the "Plunge Party" at the riverfront is full of energy, costumes, and community spirit. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning supporting a worthy cause.
8. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
When: Sunday, March 22 @ 7:00 PM
Where: Cincinnati Memorial Hall
The five-time Grammy Award-winning group from South Africa brings their beautiful vocal harmonies to the historic Memorial Hall. This is more than a concert; it’s a cultural experience from a group that has been the global voice of South African music for over 60 years.
9. CSO: Beethoven, Mozart & Haydn
When: Friday, March 20 & Saturday, March 21
Where: Cincinnati Music Hall
For fans of the classics, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is performing a focused program of the "Big Three" of the Classical era. This specific program is a deep dive into the 18th-century masters, featuring Mozart's "Prague" Symphony and Beethoven's Symphony No. 1.
10. Final Chance: Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) Exhibitions
When: Closing Sunday, March 22
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
This is the closing weekend for two major exhibitions: States of Becoming and Don’t Get It Twisted. It’s your last opportunity to see these world-class installations exploring identity and heritage before they are packed up and sent to their next destination.
