COVINGTON, Ky. - Our headline for this week’s narrative events calendar was going to be “Riverfront yoga & hilltop prayer” just because we liked the juxtaposition of geo features for those two events, but this is September and Oktoberfest, man, and we’d be guilty of burying the lead.

 

The lead - spelled “lede” in the journalism industry, btw - is that the annual festival celebrating all things German IS happening this year, though for a long time it appeared it wouldn’t.

 

It will feature a much more local theme, which is a good thing in our humble opinion, and thanks to Braxton Brewing for stepping up and taking over.

 

Of course, there is plenty else to do in #LoveTheCov this weekend even if you don’t like beer, such as that aforementioned yoga and prayer gatherings, as well as a serious music festival in Covington’s Devou Park, our awesome Farmers Market, and some Soul music.

 

A little smaller, and more much local.

 

That’s the theme of this weekend’s Oktoberfest celebration, which - despite its once uncertain future - will indeed be taking place in Covington.

 

Braxton Brewing Co. has stepped in to provide financial management of the annual celebration of German heritage in MainStrasse Village, and this year’s focus is on local beer, food and artists, with a full complement of live music and brews from five Northern Kentucky craft beer makers.

 

Oktoberfest starts Friday at 5 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m. Sunday. Info, HERE, or at the MainStrasse Village FB page, HERE.

 

The Yield. Chicken Bone. Shifted Fate. The Head Gaskets. Johnny Fink and the Intrusion.

 

Those bands and others make up the must-hear music that will resound for eight hours straight in Devou Park on Saturday during the 10^th Annual NKY Music Festival. Styles include blues, classic rock, acoustic - even a children’s set.

 

The tunes start at noon at the Bandshell.

 

Info, HERE or HERE.

 

Speaking of Braxton Brewing and Oktoberfest, the Covington brewery is again rolling out its seasonal beer, Oktober Fuel, during a celebratory tapping party.

 

The Zinzinnati Bierband will entertain as the Taproom transforms into the Braxton Biergarten beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, with a sausage bar operated by neighboring Parlor on Seventh.

 

Make sure you get an Oktober Fuel shirt and 2019’s steins as well.

 

Info, HERE.

 

If you close your eyes, your ears will be fooled.

 

Tia Seay brings one of the most legendary voices ever to life in “Queen of Soul: The Music of Aretha Franklin” on Saturday at The Carnegie.

 

Tickets and info, HERE.

We’ve been told we feature yoga too much. Well ... here we go again:

 

“Yoga Fit: Cov Edition” moves the weekly Saturday morning stretching and centering confab sponsored by Covington Parks & Recreation and Sage Yoga from Devou Park to the Covington riverfront.

 

But the event at George Rogers Clark Park is NOT your average yoga class. Instead, it’ll combine the best of fitness in a full-body workout that brings in cardio, strength and endurance training.

 

But it’s still free. Details, HERE.

 

It’s one of the most spiritual and solemn spots in Covington. On Sunday evening, it’ll be an uplifting one as well.

 

The Northern Kentucky Baptist Association is inviting the public to join a large group praying “for the lostness of our communities” during an event called “Rooftop Encounter” at The Garden of Hope in the hillside overlooking the west side of the city.

 

Space is limited so make sure you register.

 

Info, HERE.

 

What can you get at the Covington Farmers Market?

 

“Meats and eggs, soaps and natural body products, sugar scrubs, fresh bread and baked goods, cold-pressed juices, unique spice blends and rubs, seasonal produce, prepared foods like soup, hummus, salads and Buddha bowls, plant starts, flowers, farm crafts, and more.”

 

Special programming on the first Saturday of the month features brewers and distillers, a la Farm to Bar.

 

Check it all out - plus live music and Covington Farmers Market swag - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Third Street. Info, HERE.

 

And then there’s ... the Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshop on Saturday at Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop, HERE ... the Covington Brunch Cruise with Pedal Wagon Covington on Saturday and Sunday, HERE ... The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show on Saturday, HERE ...

 

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