Top 15 Cincy events this Mother's Day weekend. (Go wild. Get her a tattoo.)

Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati Enquirer

There's so much happening this weekend that it really ought to be a crime. Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor fun, the list is stacked. You'll find everything from food festivals to high-brow artsy events, as well as plenty of kid-friendly fun. It's also Mother's Day weekend, so you'll find a number of events with her in mind.

1. Cincinnati Tattoo Arts Festival

Cody Montgomery, Iron Pen Tattoo Collection in Chillicothe, works on a full back tattoo for Justin Stewart at the Cincinnati Tattoo Arts Festival in 2023. This year's festival runs May 10-12 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
Cody Montgomery, Iron Pen Tattoo Collection in Chillicothe, works on a full back tattoo for Justin Stewart at the Cincinnati Tattoo Arts Festival in 2023. This year's festival runs May 10-12 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

Whether you're considering a new tattoo or just looking for inspiration, this is the place to be this weekend. You'll find more than 250 of the world's best tattoo artists here, including featured tattoo artists Jack Hatchet, Becki Wilson, Harley Rose, Alexis Haskett and Marisa Rae Mathews. Meet artists from various seasons of "Ink Master" and "Black Ink," and be sure to check out shows from Cenobyte Suspension, Alakazam the Human Knot, "America's Got Talent" stars Captain and Maybelle, The Amazing Angelle, Verona Fink and Magic Brian. In addition, there will be numerous vendors of everything from industrial supplies to clothing, artwork and jewelry. There are also daily tattoo competitions for you to show off your body's artwork.

Details: 2-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. Runs May 10-12. $40 3-day pass, $20 daily. Villainarts.com.

2. Smoke on the River BBQ Fest

Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy barbecue offerings from some of the region's top pit masters. You can sample juicy ribs, succulent chicken, tender brisket and more, plus enjoy cold beverages, live music and scenic views of the Cincinnati skyline.

Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Covington Plaza, 144 Madison Ave., Covington. Free admission. Cincyfests.com.

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo comes to Heritage Bank Center this weekend. Pictured: Oleksandr "Sasha" Kunytskyi, left, and Hitomi Kinokuniya perform on the duo straps during practice.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo comes to Heritage Bank Center this weekend. Pictured: Oleksandr "Sasha" Kunytskyi, left, and Hitomi Kinokuniya perform on the duo straps during practice.

3. Cirque du Soleil: Corteo

A clown pictures his own funeral in a carnival-like atmosphere that includes 51 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors from around the world. The family-friendly magic of Cirque du Soleil never disappoints.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com.

In his final program as music director, Louis Langree and the CSO perform highlights of their time together over the past 11 years. Performances take place at Music Hall Friday-Sunday.
In his final program as music director, Louis Langree and the CSO perform highlights of their time together over the past 11 years. Performances take place at Music Hall Friday-Sunday.

4. Louis' Grand Finale

Expect moving music and memories celebrating the final performances of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's beloved Music Director, Louis Langree, featuring highlights of their time together over the past 11 years. Grammy Award-winning soprano Latonia Moore joins the CSO for the world premiere of a new orchestra song cycle by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatisymphony.org.

The Appalachian Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at Coney Island. Pictured: Gary Miner, of Hillsboro, teaches people about black powder rifles during the Appalachian Festival in 2019.
The Appalachian Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at Coney Island. Pictured: Gary Miner, of Hillsboro, teaches people about black powder rifles during the Appalachian Festival in 2019.

5. Appalachian Festival

Celebrate the rich traditions, art, music and culture of the Appalachian region this weekend as Coney Island transforms into an authentic mountain-life village. See demonstrations of trades from the 1800s, including blacksmithing, mountain distilling, broom-making, soap-making and spinning. There'll be mountain music on three stages with local bluegrass bands, performances by cloggers and Native American dancers, a variety of local storytellers, authentic Appalachian food and dozens of makers of unique, handmade products.

Details: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. $15 general admission, $10 ages 65-up, $5 ages 5-17. Cash only, no credit cards. appalachianfestival.org.

Cincinnati Ballet concludes its 60th anniversary season with three one-act productions Friday-Sunday at Aronoff Center for the Arts.
Cincinnati Ballet concludes its 60th anniversary season with three one-act productions Friday-Sunday at Aronoff Center for the Arts.

6. Cincinnati Ballet: Playlist

Cincinnati Ballet’s 60th anniversary season concludes with this collection of three one-act productions by groundbreaking artists: "Blake Works II" by William Forsythe, "Evermore" by Dwight Rhoden, and a world premiere by Peter Chu.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Runs May 10-12. $29-up. Cincinnatiarts.org.

Butterflies in Space is this year's theme at the Krohn Conservatory butterfly show. It runs May 11-Aug. 18.
Butterflies in Space is this year's theme at the Krohn Conservatory butterfly show. It runs May 11-Aug. 18.

7. Butterflies in Space

Immerse yourself in a galactic landscape of blossoming plants and soaring butterflies at this year's Krohn Butterfly Show. Inspired by the butterflies of the International Space Station in 2009, which successfully adapted to a zero-gravity environment.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Runs May 11-Aug. 18. $10, $7 ages 5-17, free ages 4-under. krohn.ticketspice.com.

8. Duveneck Art Show

Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center curates this special event – now in its 53rd year – which gives art lovers the opportunity to view and purchase works by regional artists. There will be food trucks on hand and live music to enjoy while browsing.

Details: noon-5 p.m. Saturday, George Rogers Clark Park, 100 Riverside Drive, Covington. Free admission. Bakerhunt.org.

Unicorn World, an interactive event centered on the mythical creature, comes to Duke Energy Convention Center this weekend.
Unicorn World, an interactive event centered on the mythical creature, comes to Duke Energy Convention Center this weekend.

9. Unicorn World

There will be plenty of memory-making opportunities at this magical world filled with animatronic unicorns. Kids can meet life-sized unicorns, explore the enchanted forest, dance in the play area, enjoy arts and crafts, and hear stories. Magic Pass activities include bounce houses, bubble houses and unicorn rides.

Details: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. $29.95 per person, free ages under 2. Magic Pass is an additional $20. theunicornworld.com.

The Real Taco Fest takes place Saturday at Smale Riverfront Park.
The Real Taco Fest takes place Saturday at Smale Riverfront Park.

10. Real Taco Fest

This street taco festival gives you the chance to try tacos from a number of great local restaurants and food trucks – plus beer and margaritas – all in one convenient location. Here's how it works: Buy an entry ticket for the session of your choice, then once inside, you can purchase food/drink tickets. One ticket = one taco. There will also be family-friendly lawn games and music to enjoy. The menu focuses on street tacos, but there will also be premium options, side items and desserts available. A portion of proceeds benefits the nonprofit Ion Center for Violence Prevention.

Details: noon-4, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Smale Riverfront Park, 100 W. Mehring Way, Downtown. Admission is $15, $10 advance, free for ages 10-under. Food/drink tickets are $4 each. Super taco packs include 11 food/drink tickets and cost $40. realtacofest.com.

The Tri-State Warbird Museum planes rest on the lawn of the Clermont County Airport.
The Tri-State Warbird Museum planes rest on the lawn of the Clermont County Airport.

11. Wings & Wheels

Head to the Tri-State Warbird Museum for a morning of family fun. You can check out vintage aircraft and antique automobiles, amazing aerial demonstrations, and everyone aged 18-up who pre-registers will be included in a raffle to win a ride in a warbird.

Details: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Tri-State Warbird Museum, 4021 Borman Drive, Batavia. $7 pre-registered, $10 on the day. Kids enter free. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org.

The Loveland Food Truck Rally takes over Shopper's Haven Plaza Saturday for an day of food, fun and community.
The Loveland Food Truck Rally takes over Shopper's Haven Plaza Saturday for an day of food, fun and community.

12. Loveland Food Truck Rally

This family-friendly event highlights our region's robust food truck scene. You'll find 25 different food trucks on site, live music throughout the day, and a kids' area with inflatables, face painting and other fun. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also for sale, with all tips benefiting the Jack Quehl Foundation. Feel free to bring along folding chairs, but coolers and outside food/beverages are not allowed. The Loveland Police Dept. will be accepting non-perishables for the Loveland Life Food Pantry, and diaper donations for The Care Center.

Details: noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Shopper’s Haven Plaza, 597 Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland.

You never know what treasures you'll discover at the Burlington Antique Show. It takes place this Sunday at the Boone County Fairgrounds.
You never know what treasures you'll discover at the Burlington Antique Show. It takes place this Sunday at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

13. Burlington Antique Show

If you've got a mom who loves antiques, consider making a day of the Burlington Antique Show. You can browse more than 200 dealers of antiques, vintage jewelry, primitives, garden and architectural elements, mid-century collectibles, memorabilia, Americana and retro/vintage furniture.

Details: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. $10 early bird admission (7 a.m.), $5 general, free ages 12-under. burlingtonantiqueshow.com.

14. Clifton Home & Garden Tour

Tour a diverse sampling of historic and contemporary homes and gardens, as well as several businesses throughout this leafy neighborhood. Shuttles leave CCAC and circulate on a continuous route between stops throughout the day.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3412 Clifton Ave., Clifton. Benefits CCAC. $35. Cliftonculturalarts.org.

15. Doug Benson

Commonwealth Sanctuary is bringing in a lot of great, big-name acts, and this weekend, it's funnyman pot comic Doug Benson. The early show is a podcast taping of Doug Loves Movies. The evening show features his stand-up comedy.

Details: 4:20 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. $25-$30. Commonwealthsanctuary.com.

Plant experts will be on hand at the Butler County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, taking place Saturday at the OSU Extension in Hamilton.
Plant experts will be on hand at the Butler County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, taking place Saturday at the OSU Extension in Hamilton.

Honorable mention: Unique shopping

Find something special for Mom at one of these great spots.

  • The OFF Market: Browse small businesses, artisans, brewers, bakers, farmers and more.

    • Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash. Free. Theoffmarket.org.

  • Butler County Master Gardeners Plant Sale: Shop plants, shrubs, new and used gardening tools, decor and more. Silent auction for exceptional plants and items.

    • Details: 10 a.m. Saturday, Butler Co. OSU Extension, 1802 Princeton Road, Hamilton. butler.osu.edu.

  • Spring Flea & Market: Vendors will be set up from East Sixth to East 10th Street.

    • Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Monmouth St., Newport. Free.

  • Loveland Athletic Boosters Spring Arts & Crafts Show: Shop over 100 vendors, plus enjoy raffles, lunch and fun.

  • Bubbles & Blossoms Market: Vendors showcase flowers and plants.

    • Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Factory 52, 4590 Beech St., Norwood. facebook.com.

  • Art on Vine: Shop local art and handcrafted goods.

    • Details: noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. artonvinecincy.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 15 things to do Mother's Day weekend in Cincinnati: May 10-12

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