COVINGTON, Ky. – (Cue walk-up music. Maybe “Back in Black,” Gwen Stefani’s “Let Me Reintroduce Myself,” or “Back from the Dead.” … Then barge in doing the Conor McGregor strut … )

 

Did you miss us?

 

We grudgingly put the Thursday evening “Weekend in #LoveTheCov” narrative events calendar feature on ice during the throes of the pandemic last year because 1) events kept getting canceled, and 2) we couldn’t in good conscience urge people to gather in large groups.

 

But hey, the threat level from COVID-19 has been lowered a bit … both the CDC and Andy have relaxed precautionary rules, especially for those who have been vaccinated (you HAVE been vaccinated, right?) … and there is fun to be had again.

 

And so – without negating the need for common sense and caution – we’ve returned bearing a respectable assortment of fun things to do in The Cov this weekend …

 

There won’t be a parade again this year, but the rainbow flags will be flying in colorful force in Covington this weekend for the 12^th annual celebration of NKY Pride.

 

You missed the kickoff, beer-tapping party and drag show tonight at Braxton Brewery, but events Saturday and Sunday include Pridefest in Goebel Park, a “reverse” parade or walking tour featuring Covington businesses and organizations, and a sidewalk sale of clothing and swag at the soon-to-open NKY Pride Center on Pike Street.

 

Green Day, of sorts

You might remember Green Day as the rock band on the barge that sank into the polluted lake in “The Simpsons Movie.”

 

But we promise you the band’s legacy is much bigger than that. Saturday, get a taste at the “American Idiot Reunion Concert.”

 

The original cast of The Carnegie’s production of the two-time Tony Award-winning musical (based on the band’s Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album) is getting together for a one-night concert to benefit the facility’s Creative Disruption Committee.

 

Happy Hour with the cast starts at 7:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 8 p.m.

 

Tickets and details, HERE. Wear a mask.

 

Construction on the most beautiful building in Covington began in 1894 and came to a close in 1915, even tho the work technically wasn’t finished.

 

Until now.

 

On Sunday, the Diocese of Covington will be celebrating the dedication of the completed façade of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption with solemn vespers at 2 p.m. outside at 1140 Madison Ave. Or you can watch the ceremony live HERE.

 

That same website will tell you all you want to know about the internationally known building, whose exterior was inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (before the fire, of course), and whose interior echoes that of the Abbey Church of St. Denis.

 

It’s the peak season at the Covington Farmers Market, which has been like a faithful friend throughout the pandemic, selling fresh produce, meat, eggs, and food products every Saturday from its open-air location.

 

Check out an array of vendors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Third and Court.

 

An updated market map can be found HERE.

 

And then there’s … local photographer Wayne Clause’s visit to Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop on Saturday to chat about all things photography and show off his images, HERE … two workshops at Local Studio 325 in Latonia: the Wine & Craft: Macrame Wine Tote Workshop on Friday evening, HERE, and the Paint Your Own Cake Stand workshop Saturday, HERE … the annual yard sale Saturday in the Wallace Woods Neighborhood (the neighborhood centers on Wallace Avenue) … and live shows from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday (Tracy Walker) and Sunday (Ashley Lilly) on the rooftop of Braxton Brewing’s Covington taproom, HERE.

 

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