If you thought the chili was the only thing Cincinnati took seriously, wait until you see a goat lead a parade. The weekend of March 6–8, 2026, is dominated by Bockfest, the city’s eccentric celebration of spring and brewing heritage, but there’s also a high-stakes home opener and a Broadway reimagining on the menu.
Here are the top ten things to do in Cincinnati this weekend:
1. The 34th Annual Bockfest Parade
When: Friday, March 6 @ 6:00 PM
Where: Starts at Arnold’s Bar & Grill (Main St.)
This is the official kickoff to Cincinnati’s weirdest weekend. The parade is traditionally led by a goat pulling a keg and the reigning Sausage Queen. It’s a chaotic, joyous march through Over-the-Rhine that signals the end of winter and the beginning of "Bock Beer Season."
2. FC Cincinnati vs. Toronto FC
When: Sunday, March 8 @ 7:00 PM
Where: TQL Stadium
Catch the Orange and Blue as they defend home turf against Toronto. TQL Stadium is widely considered one of the best soccer-specific venues in the country, and a Sunday night match under the lights is the perfect way to cap off the weekend.
3. The Wiz (Broadway Tour)
When: March 6–8
Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts
The Tony Award-winning musical returns with a fresh, soul-infused production. This isn't just a re-run; it's the 2026 national tour featuring updated staging and powerhouse vocals. If you want a break from the beer halls, this trip down the Yellow Brick Road is the move.
4. Sal Vulcano: Everything's Fine Tour
When: Saturday, March 7 @ 7:00 PM
Where: Taft Theatre
The Impractical Jokers star brings his solo stand-up tour to Cincinnati. Known for his hilarious neuroses and storytelling, Sal’s "Everything's Fine" set is a one-night-only chance to see one of the biggest names in comedy in a historic setting.
5. Mariah the Scientist: Hearts Sold Separately Tour
When: Sunday, March 8 @ 8:00 PM
Where: The Andrew J Brady Music Center
R&B’s rising star is stopping in the Queen City for a Sunday night headliner. Expect a moody, atmospheric performance with high production value at the riverfront’s premier indoor concert venue.
6. The Bockfest Sausage Queen Finals
When: Saturday, March 7 (Evening)
Where: Rhinegeist Brewery
This is not your standard beauty pageant. Contestants compete in "gender-neutral" categories for the crown, judged on their personality, costume, and commitment to Bock beer. The crowning happens at Rhinegeist, which turns into a massive, echoing beer hall for the night.
7. Pucks N Pups Night: Cincinnati Cyclones vs. Utah Grizzlies
When: Saturday, March 7 @ 7:30 PM
Where: Heritage Bank Center
Arguably the cutest night in sports. The Cyclones allow fans to bring their dogs to the arena for this specific game. Expect "puppy cams" on the video board and a high-energy hockey matchup that’s more about the four-legged spectators than the score.
8. CSO: Brahms & Schumann
When: Friday, March 6 & Saturday, March 7
Where: Cincinnati Music Hall
For those looking for a sophisticated evening, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs a powerful program of German masters. Conducted by Louis Langrée, these two nights are a rare opportunity to hear Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 in the acoustic perfection of Music Hall.
9. Bockfest 0.05K "Run"
When: Sunday, March 8 @ 11:00 AM
Where: Starting near OTR
If a 5K sounds like too much work, this is the race for you. It is exactly 54 yards long. Participants "sprint" from one bar to another, and everyone receives a medal and a beer at the finish line. It’s the ultimate "only in Cincinnati" Sunday activity.
10. Motown Mania!
When: Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8
Where: Aronoff Center (Jarson-Kaplan Theater)
A high-energy tribute to the hits of Detroit. This touring production features a live band and vocalists performing the catalog of The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross. It’s a great afternoon or evening alternative to the street festivals.
