COVINGTON, Ky. - Don’t genuflect now, but Ash Wednesday is next week. And with the coming days of fasting, ashes, sackcloth, denial, and ritual penance, most people feel obligated to squeeze in the last-second revelry known as Mardi Gras.

 

(Or at least that’s our assessment.)

 

Several Covington establishments can help you out in that regard, as well as some non-NOLA doings like a new flavor at Braxton’s.

 

But lest you think this is just a party town, if you’re looking for things to do this weekend in Covington, there’s also a dinner and discussion event (topic: bullying), a chance to volunteer at an allotment garden, an awesome theater event for kids, and the weekly Covington Farmers Market, among other things.

 

Of course Covington is going to celebrate the coming of Mardi Gras: 

Want kids who grow up interested in the arts? Start them early.

 

On Sunday, you have that opportunity with the free (up to four tickets) “Alice in Neverland” theater show at Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center.

 

For grades K-5, it’s described as an “original, two-person, interactive literary adventure (that) will have your students on the edge of their seats and thinking critically as they join Alice, the best detective in Wonderland, who takes the case when Tinkerbell hires her to solve the mystery of Peter Pan’s disappearance.”

 

Info, HERE.

 

And it wouldn’t be a “Weekend in #LoveTheCov” piece without a new beer from Braxton Brewing Co., now would it?

 

On Friday, Braxton is releasing its 1957 All Star Ale (English Style Mild, with a light nuttiness and unique caramel-like sweetness) in cans. It’s meant to be paired with Cracker Jacks because - hey, a baseball theme. There’s Skyline Chili, too, and a Reds tickets giveaway.

Info, HERE.

 

Spring is getting ready to be sprung, sort of.

 

Get in the mood with a work day at Redden Gardens on Saturday afternoon. It’s an allotment garden in the Eastside neighborhood, with plots for rent and (some) food (planted outside the fence) for the picking. This week: working on the pollinator garden and widening the sidewalk.

 

Info, HERE.

Here’s your invite to a good meal with conversation about a timely, important topic: “Bullying, It’s Not Just a Child Thing.”

 

Space is limited so RSVP is required for “Dinner & Conversation with Pam Mullins of Heart & Soul” at the Center for Great Neighborhoods on Friday night.

 

Mullins is from Heart & Soul Catering and works with the Community & Restorative Justice - Covington.

 

Info, HERE.

 

That unique stone building with the castle-like façade on Madison Avenue? In the 1860s it was a bank. As of Friday it becomes Sapphire Room -- “a bar/dance club that specializes in cocktails, bourbon and gin.”

 

Come celebrate the grand opening weekend at 611 Madison, starting Friday evening. And there’s no cover.

 

Info, HERE.

 

This Saturday, wares include baked goods, meats and eggs, unique rubs and spices, prepared soups and salads, natural body products, cold-pressed juices, and more.

 

Check it all out - plus your Covington Farmers Market swag - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Smoke Justis. Info, HERE.

 

On Friday, there’s: “The Axe is Family” tour at Madison Live!, HERE ... The Northern Kentucky Bluegrass Band (at noon) at Latonia Baptist Church, HERE ... Basic Truth: True Old-School R&B, Soul and Funk at The Fifth Street Lounge, Radisson Riverfront,HERE... The Rollins Davis Band at Midway on Madison, HERE ... Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick Glee Club at ALTO Pizza Kitchen + Bar, HERE ... Josh Ferreira at Molly Malone’s, HERE ... and HiFi Honey at Strasse Haus, HERE.

 

On Saturday, there’s Abducted: A Bass Series (Part 1) with Tantrum at Madison Live!, HERE... The Old Souls String Band at Wunderbar!,HERE ... Cincinnati Steampunk Salon at Molly Malone’s, HERE ... Grey Dogs at Molly Malone’s, HERE ... Kyla Mainous at The Globe, HERE ... and The Inturns at Stasse Haus, HERE.

 

And then there’s a Clothing Swap at Rooted Yoga on Saturday, HERE ... an open house on Saturday for One Salon and Gallery in Latonia, HERE ... Red Wine & Red Lips & Yoga, Friday at Rooted Yoga, HERE ... and the 30^th annual Rummage Sale on Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church of Covington, HERE.

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