COVINGTON, Ky. – Sunday is Father’s Day, and if you need help, a whole lot of Covington restaurants and small businesses are there for you.

 

Obviously we can’t advertise every special deal, but, for example: Lean Bodies LLC is offering a father-son workout special price, Braxton Brewing is rolling out some previous Dark Charge variants this weekend (“halfway to Dark Charge Day”), and there’s a Father’s Day Brunch at Coppin’s at Hotel Covington.  

 

Or, you can just take that special Dad figure in your life to one of the events below and claim it was your Father’s Day plan all along.

 

It’s not just a project. It’s a dramatic transformation that embodies a breathtaking change in philosophy.

 

So let us list a few of the ways that the new $6.5 million Covington Plaza space lets the public enjoy the riverfront: Enjoy a musical production in the 1,350-seat amphitheater. Bike the lower concrete path near the river’s edge. Walk a dog or push a stroller on the upper path near the incredible murals. Take pictures of the river, Queen City skyline, and Suspension Bridge from the two overlooks. Sit on the steps and eat lunch while watching boats. Or drop a canoe from the launch point.

 

Friday evening, the City will dedicate its “crown jewel” section of the six-city Riverfront Commons trail with a festival. Details HERE.

 

The date June 19 isn’t as ingrained in the nation’s consciousness as much as dates like Jan. 1, July 4, Oct. 31, and Dec. 25. But the word is spreading.

 

This Saturday, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States will be marked in The Cov with a five-hour celebration featuring free food, games, live entertainment, and booths dedicated to health screenings, job openings, and the City’s Read Ready Covington literacy initiative.

 

It’s at Randolph Park, and it is sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission’s Fatherhood Program. Details, HERE.

 

It might rain, but wet ground makes weeds easier to pull, right?

 

Volunteers are gathering in Goebel Park to attend to the Pollinator Garden on Saturday morning, one of the periodic maintenance events organized by Covington Parks & Rec.

 

Yeah, you might get muddy. And you might be tired afterward. But do it for the butterflies!

 

Details, HERE. Oh, and bring gloves and tools if you can.

 

Music@BCM – the annual summer concert series outside the Devou Park museum – returns tonight.

 

For only $5, you can hear bluegrass and country singer-songwriter Steve Bonafel – he of “Feuds & Fridays” and “The Last Parade” fame – plus Nashville recording artists Jesse Lyn and The TNT Express. It kicks off a whole summer lineup.

 

But don’t dawdle: “Doors” open at 6, and the notes flow at 7. You can buy drinks. Details, HERE.

 

For the record, “Bark Bark Brunch” has nothing to do with trees. Rather it’s a chance for you and your canine to go to breakfast-lunch together on the patio at Coppin’s at Hotel Covington on Sunday.

 

There’s a puppy pool, a dog-friendly bowl for your pup, and of course seasonal variations from the restaurant’s exquisite menu (much of it sourced from local growers) – plus adult breakfast drinks.

 

You should probably make reservations. Details, HERE or HERE.

 

The Carnegie’s galleries are open to patrons and artists again, and the first exhibition is the collection called “RESIDUE,” curated by Maria Seda-Reeder with contributions from local artists.

 

What is it?

 

Think of “art” as a verb. Then, as The Carnegie says, consider that “artists have long toiled in their studios, as a romanticized way of connecting to some universal truth. This exhibition explores works that encompass the range of actions artists employ to create art, including labor-based practices, collective, public action, surrogate activity and audience interaction.” 

 

Hours this weekend are noon-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Details, HERE.

And then there’s … the Covington Farmers Market on Saturday morning, HERE … “Live Art with Steve Nassano!” on Saturday at Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop, HERE … “The Barn Bash” on Saturday at The Roost, HERE … “How to Read Tarot Cards” and “Wine & Craft: Pride Porch Signs” workshops on Saturday at Local Studio 325, HERE … fundraiser at Lil’s Bagels on Friday morning for TreeHouse Cincinnati, HERE.

 

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