News

freshART, book fair & music fest

COVINGTON, Ky. –Whether you’re an aficionado, connoisseur, aesthete, fancier, or enthusiast of art, books, and music, The Cov is the place to celebrate all that and more this weekend.

There’s going to be creativity galore playing out on canvases, bookshelves, and the stage, so scroll down, find what suits you, and plan accordingly.

Creating a creative sanctuary

Looking to tap into or nurture your creative side? You can do that at Artmarkit, a brand new creative reuse hub in The Cov.

Artmarkit’s mission is to offer space, materials, and inspiration to help you unleash your artistic potential. It’s a place where you’ll find quality, gently used “pay-what-you-can” art supplies, creative mentorship, accessible art lessons and workshops, community events, a rotating menu of curated art kits to help spark creativity, open studio space, and lots more.

On Friday and Saturday, Artmarkit is hosting a Community Donation Drop Weekend. Think of it as a soft opening where you get to learn about all things Artmarkit, have fun while you’re doing it, and be part of its origin story. If you’d like to bring something to donate, here’s a list of the art supplies, materials, and tools that Artmarkit would be delighted to accept.

Who Dey think going to donate school supplies?

On Friday, Braxton Brewing Company is partnering with The Holding Hands Foundation for what they say will be the “ultimate back-to-school-event.”

The Joseph Ossai Autograph Signing & Back-to-School Drive at Braxton Brewing Company will have the Bengals star linebacker on hand to give you an autograph when you bring two school supplies from this list: pencils and pens, binders, colored pencils, backpacks, and deodorants.

Do keep in mind that Ossai will be signing 150 autographs, so get their early with your school supplies before his hand starts cramping.

Rockin’ in the bandshell

If spreading a blanket on a patch of green grass and spending the day listening to live music is just the vibe you’re seeking this weekend, then look no farther than the Devou Park Bandshell. That’s where the 13th Annual NKY Music Festival happens on Saturday.

The music kicks off at noon with the Mill Creek Drifters, followed by a lineup of performances that include Dangerous Jim and The Slims, Tom The Torpedoes, Middle Age Man Band, and more.

Food and drinks available for purchase. Bring something comfortable to sit on, unless, of course, you plan to dance throughout the day.

Art is best served fresh

Looking for one-of-a-kind art work? Saturday’s freshART event will feature original art created en plein air by dozens of local artists right here in The Cov’s Devou Park.

In fact, there’s a good chance that if you look around your living quarters, you’ll find a treasured piece that you purchased at a freshART event sometime in the last three decades.

The 32nd annual 2024 freshART Event at the Behringer-Crawford Museum on Saturday will be a “party for a purpose.” Not only does the event nurture art and artists in the area, but it also supports Behringer-Crawford’s outstanding youth education programs. 

Book fair

There was a time when the change of seasons from summer to fall stirred one particular emotion: the gleeful anticipation of selecting books at the annual Scholastic Book Fair.

Relive that grade school euphoria as you look forward to the Cincinnati Art Book Fair at The Carnegie on Saturday and Sunday, because it’s kind of like a Scholastic Book Fair, but for grown-ups. Tables and shelves will be full of a wide range of print-based projects, exhibitions, and experimental takes on artist edition books.

The event is free and open to the public, bringing more than 50 artists, collectors, and vendors to town.

Live music

Tonight: The Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Friday: It’s Not Just a Phase! Static Spirit at Madison Live. … Leroy Ellington at Smoke Justis. … Ron Jones Quartet at Juniper’s.

Saturday: Kayko at Madison Live. …Ky William at The Rooftop at Madison Theater. … Kevin Sparks Trio at Juniper’s.

Miscellaneous

Tonight: Cigar Night with Cincy Smokin! at Smoke Justis. … Thirsty Thursday Bingo at Frosthaus. … Wine Tasting at Crafts & Vines.

Friday: Feud at Frosthaus. … Karaoke at Frosthaus. …

Saturday: Covington Farmers Market at 425 Madison Ave. Parking Lot. … MainStrasse Village Food and Culture Tour. … Meet & Greet with Norb Steuber: A Celebration of Natural Light Photography at Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop. … Scarlet Begonia’s Flower Truck Pop-Up at Braxton Brewing Company. … New Moon Witches Market at George Steinford Park/Sixth St. Promenade.

Sunday: Sunday Fun-Dey at Braxton Brewing Company.

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