COVINGTON, Ky. – There’s so much to do in The Cov this weekend that we’ve decided that the weekend must officially begin tonight. (Well, maybe not officially, but deep down, we know it’s true.)

 

It’s August. It’s hot.

 

But hotter than the Hot Magnolias? Likely not.

 

Catch the New Orleans-style sounds of this Cincinnati-based band at 7 tonight at Behringer-Crawford Museum’s Music@BCM series. Doors open at 6 p.m. Details HERE.

 

Is there such a thing as too much goetta? Of course not. That’s why Gliers Goettafest bookends the week with its two-part celebration of all things goetta.

 

If you’ve gotta get your goetta, head down to our fabulous Covington Plaza space on the riverfront. Weekend 2 of the eight-day festival kicks off tonight, and runs through Sunday. Besides creative renditions of that savory not-just-for-breakfast food, there’s music and games. Check HERE for the weekend schedule.

 

We’re talking about the Peraza Music Workshop Ensemble, the regional group under the tutelage of violinist Marion Peraza that’s graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, Strathmore Hall in DC, and the Chicago Orchestra Hall.

 

Those are some big-time audiences.

 

But we’re lucky here in The Cov, because from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, the ensemble will perform for free at the Kenton County Public Library on Scott Boulevard. Details, HERE.

 

And even if you’re not paddling in the thick of it, wake up early and witness this colorful 2,000-participant sight to behold (from either the riverfront or somewhere with a view).

 

Paddlefest – which also is a fundraiser for a non-profit that provides outdoor recreation opportunities to urban teens – celebrates 20 years this year as the nation’s largest paddling event.

 

It’s not too late to register (tho rental crafts are sold out, so bring your own), HERE.

 

That would be the1940s and ‘50s sounds of Spike Jones and his City Slickers. The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra will bring the band’s classic sounds to the 21^st century at the Devou Park Bandshell at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

 

Grab a quilt, pack some sips and nibbles, and settle in beneath the stars as the KSO transports us to another time with pop, jazz, and some “zany comics” thrown in for good measure. Fun for the whole family, but maybe grandparents most of all. Details, HERE.

Odds of securing a seat at the table to support the Covington Farmers Market are narrowing, but last we heard there were maybe a dozen tickets left, so act fast.

 

This year’s Farm to Fork food extravaganza event featuring local farm-fresh fare will be held at The Standard on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

No surprise that this is one hot ticket – Chef Ryan Hanson says Thai chilis are among his four must-haves in the kitchen, the others being butter, fresh limes, and chives. (But let’s be real, he had us at “butter.”) Details HERE. (Oh, and wear your best polka dots.)

 

No matter how much they beg, don’t feed the flowers at the plant-themed, “Seymour, Buy More: A Plant Pop Up” at The Carnegie at 10 a.m. Sunday. Do be sure, however, to purchase a few blooms in support of the multi-disciplinary art venue, which is celebrating the upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors.

 

Throughout the event, guests will get a series of sneak-peak performances from the cast. Admission to the pop-up is “pay what you can” with all proceeds benefitting The Carnegie.

 

Participating vendors include Fable Plants, Sage+Garden, Philo Cincinnati, Mud Lane Blooms, Rare and Good Clayworks, SoulSista Plants, Niche Terrariums, and coffee concoctions by Mad Llama Coffee. Details HERE.

 

Are you a runner? Or at least a walker?

 

Saturday, there’s the 8^th annual 5K Superhero Run/Walk at Devou Park to benefit the CASA for Kids organization.

 

Online registration is closed, but you can sign up starting at 7:30 a.m. the day of or on Friday during the packet pickups noon-6 p.m. at Tri-State Running in Edgewood. Details, HERE.

 

Runners are encouraged to dress as their favorite (or least favorite) superhero. There’s no word on what personas will be adopted by the team organized by the City’s crack legal staff.

 

The Annual Old Timers Reunion centered at Randolph Park will take place this weekend, and by weekend we mean all weekend. (Hmmm, is this the 34^th or 35^th event, since it was COVID-canceled last year??)

 

The yearly festival is the event-of-the-year for many families in Covington’s Eastside neighborhood, bringing relatives from across the United States back home for music, food, games, and sporting events. (But we’re betting that if you planned to go to Old Timers, you already knew all this anyway.)

 

Hours are 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

 

Live music is back on tonight at Covington Yard, where you can catch The Marty Connor Band on stage from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., HERE … Out of the Blue is the acoustic duo of Roxanna Trimble and Michael Braden, and they’ll perform 6 p.m. Sunday at Dee Felice, HERE … the Create Your Own Macrame Wall Hanger workshop Saturday at Local Studio 325, HERE … and Riverside Food Tours offers a three-hour food and culture walking tour every Saturday morning in MainStrasse Village, HERE.

 

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