Northside NOW

Northside NOW is where you'll find info about events hosted by the eclectic mix of Cincinnati's Northside business community.

Keep up with this page to learn about art openings, live music, special events, retail discounts, restaurant specials and more. Check out events going on in Northside now and in the near future, on the Northside NOW events tab, which we try to keep chock full of all the latest breaking news events as they get announced and posted by Northside's business and nonprofit communities --> https://www.fa

cebook.com/NorthsideNOW/events

* To get your Northside-based event added to the Northside NOW events tab, tag NOW in your event post, or send us a Co-Host request, thanks!

04/23/2026

Saturday afternoon, please join Urban Native Collective, Climb Cincy, Mill Creek Alliance, The Village Green Foundation, MoBo Bicycle Co-op, and Northside Farmers Market for an Earth Day Neighborhood Clean-Up!

The cleanup will take place 2-5pm on Sat 25 Apr. Starting at Hoffner Park, volunteers will break into teams to tackle projects across the neighborhood, and end the day with a raffle and bonfire at the Village Green Foundation’s HQ at 1413 Knowlton St.

Please head to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHg1yIkzSoM3q_Sf4ci_1Lm20ZZY-JMM1w5mj8yBEkdv3ziw/viewform to register to attend! Registering helps the organizers gather enough supplies, identify project areas, and ensure that there is enough food to share at the end of the day!

Tools and supplies will be provided but, if you’re able to contribute your own tools and supplies, that would be appreciated.

The 2-acre Jacob Hoffner Park, centrally located in our business district, acts as our “village green” and is the site of popular community events like the Northside Farmers Market, taking place every Wednesday afternoon, and the annual Northside Rock 'N Roll Carnival, coming up in July.

04/22/2026

Happen, Inc. is opening a new hands-on creative space for the community, and we’re all invited to the grand opening!

Please plan to stop by 4201 Hamilton Ave. at 10am on Sat 25 Apr for the ribbon cutting of the Make It space. Learn about all Happen’s newly enhanced production capabilities, enjoy interactive art stations and print your own t-shirt!

Wire & Twine will be on hand until 4pm to help anyone print their own ‘Here To Make Friends’ t-shirt for only $10 (in-person price). The business, formerly based right here in Northside, has donated its equipment to Happen to help families share creative, bonding experiences through art.

Happen, Inc. is an award-winning nonprofit organization founded in 1999 to help children and their parents share creative bonding experiences through art. Happen’s belief is that families are strengthened when experiences are shared where everyone involved can look back having learned or experienced something new.

04/21/2026

Neighbors, please plan to stop by the Northside Transit Center 10:30am-2pm tomorrow (Wed 22 Apr) to check out Cincinnati Metro’s new all-electric buses! The Metro team will be on-site to celebrate Earth Day and connect with riders.

The meet-and-greet will be a great chance to ask questions about routes, schedules, fares, or service updates while getting a first look at the new bus model. You’ll be able to earn Rider Rewards points and grab some swag just for stopping by.

Northside is the second largest active bus transfer point in the entire Metro system, trailing only behind Government Square in the Central Business District. Over the course of decades and in cooperation with the Northside Community Council, the Northside Business Association Association bought vacant lots and little-used parcels of land for future use as a bus transfer facility.

Once the parcels were transferred to Metro’s ownership, the transit center was developed, with a new NBA-owned business district parking lot next to it.

The Northside Transit Center consolidates transfer points and features 8 off-street transfer bays complete with canopies to protect against incumbent weather, as well as historical panels about our neighborhood, which are further enhanced by original art by Northside residents.

In 2022, the Northside Business Association received the Cincinnati Metro’s Reinventing Metro Community Partnership Award our partnership to make the Northside Transit Center a reality.

04/20/2026

Located at 3840 Spring Grove Ave., Growing Trade Pet and Plant is a Northside staple, providing healthy foods and treats for critters, tools for gardeners and urban farmers, houseplants and seeds, locally made gifts, and more.

The store is also a great source for soil amendments, starts, outdoor plants, mulch, fertilizer, books, and natural cleaners. When you stop by, be sure to say hello to Aki and Burt, two of the hardest working shop cats in the neighborhood!

If you adopt a dog from , your new friend can receive a free dog wash at the DIY dog wash station! Additionally, receive 10% off if you purchase items for donation to Cincinnati Animal CARE, and your gift will be hand-delivered for free!

Customers call this “a country place in the city” that has a “small town feel with a large selection of quality merchandise.”

“Wow...I love the bulk gardening supplies and the wide range of options for planting and feeding plants. I liked the selection of native plants for landscaping. Also, there’s a great selection of pet food. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. This is a cute, no-frills place to get pet and gardening supplies.”

“So many different plants, great prices, local dog foods that are top quality 👌 and I found my dog’s new favorite treat there. The employee I met was super sweet and I definitely feel good about coming to explore and find some plants and treats. Amazing combo.”

04/17/2026

NEST - Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation has just secured $2 million in the Congressional budget for the Northside Gateway project at Knowlton’s Corner!

Along with project partners Over-the-Rhine Community Housing and Urban Sites, NEST is working on this $21 million mixed-use apartment project near the entrance to our business district.

Rehabilitating the former Stagecraft building and constructing a new building next door will eliminate vacancy and blight, add residential density (50-70 apartments), and help revitalize the southern end of our business district by preserving an important historic building and improving our gateway.

The apartments, ranging in size from efficiencies to 3 bedrooms, will be affordable to those making 60% AMI (area median income). They will be located in proximity to the Cincinnati Metro Transit Center, Cincy Red Bike station and the planned BRT (bus rapid transit). The project will include commercial space, car and bike parking, meeting space, and a fitness area.

NEST is Northside’s official, City Of Cincinnati Government-recognized Community Development Corporation. Born of grassroots passion mixed with professional wisdom, this nonprofit organization has brought a clear vision for the redevelopment of our community since its inception in 2006, and has brought over $14 Million in investment to Northside’s Neighborhood Business District through affordable housing, commercial space, public art, and pedestrian safety improvements.

We eagerly await progress on this high-profile project in our community, and we welcome the infusion of transit-oriented affordable housing to this part of Northside!

04/16/2026

Founded in 2008, Rock Island Realty is a full service design, build, remodel, and property management company that provides services to both residential and commercial clients. Right now, this Northside-based business is hosting a fun promotion to boost its social media following!

The firm is giving away 2 sets of tickets for an upcoming performance complete with complimentary parking passes. On Fri 24 Apr, you can experience the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra presentation of Stravinsky’s “Firebird” at Cincinnati Music Hall, paired with the storytelling power of larger-than-life puppets, dancers and a fire-breathing dragon.

To enter:
- Follow Rock Island Realty
- Like its post about this giveaway
- Tag someone with whom you’d like to see the performance

2 winners will be announced on the 20th!

Rock Island has remodeled hundreds of properties in the Tri-State, including single-family homes, multi-family properties, and commercial buildings. Each project is characterized by attention to detail, commitment to quality, and a passion for marrying architectural interest with modern amenities. Services offered include kitchens, bathrooms, additions, interiors, and outdoor areas.

Rock Island also provides property management services to landlords, currently offering apartments in Northside, College Hill and Colerain Township.

Please follow the firm at Rock Island Realty to learn more about its services and offerings!

04/14/2026

The Northside Beer Run is back this Sunday! The event, formerly known as the Spring Grove Beer Gallop, features 4 beers at 3 bar stops over an approximately 4-mile run. You can think of it as a social adventure through our neighborhood, with regular stops and adult beverages, plus the company of other beer lovers.

Not much of an athlete? Don’t want to mix running with drinking? According to The Gnarly Gnome, “You don’t actually have to run at the Northside Beer Run. It’s a little-known secret about the event. You can walk, you can stroll, you can probably even shimmy your way through the course.”

The run begins at 10:30am at Higher Gravity (4106 Hamilton Ave.), continues with a stop at Urban Artifact (1660 Blue Rock St.), then up the hill to THE COMET (4579 Hamilton Ave. shown here), before culminating with a final beer back at Higher Gravity at the bottom of the hill. You’ll receive a unique Race Medal that will be part of a semi-annual Higher Gravity Beer Run series!

This race is presented by Higher Gravity, Fifty West Brewing Company and Fleet Feet.

Please head to higher-gravity.square.site/product/SpringGroveBeerGallop/4847 to register!

04/13/2026

Record Store Day 2026 is this Saturday! This event was established in 2008 to “celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store.” Record Store Day is celebrated at independently-owned brick-and-mortar record stores around the world.

This is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role they play in their communities.

You can expect to find special vinyl and CD releases, exclusive promotional products and special events.

Of course our very own Shake It Records is joining in on the fun! Saturday at Shake It will be filled with special releases and vinyl rarities from the vault.

Located at 4156 Hamilton Ave., Shake It has been in business in its current location for 25 years. The record shop carries new and used CDs, vinyl and cassettes, including rare, out of print and import music, plus DVDs, t-shirts, magazines, books, zines, notecards, and limited edition toys and collectibles. You can also find guitar strings and basic music supplies, as well as refurbished, high end turntables, receivers and speakers.

Fun fact: if you have a gift card from a chain store (like Best Buy or Target, but no independent retailers), you can trade it in for store credit at Shake It.

04/10/2026

If you’ve ever wondered about what lies beyond the scope of physical reality, Poppets & Potions at 4116 Hamilton Ave. may have some answers for you. If your quest for meaning has taken you to the edge of mysticism, ancient mythological wisdom and the world’s religious traditions, you want to check out what this unique locus has to offer.

This metaphysical supply store just opened at 4116 Hamilton Ave., and owner Ben, both a veteran and a veteran store owner in this specific retail category, is happy to guide your journey toward enlightenment.

Poppets & Potions is fully stocked with jewelry, crystals, books, candles, incense, smudge sticks, books, Tarot cards, home decor, and more. Another aspect of the enterprise includes hosting events that build community and expand consciousness.

Upcoming events include tarot magick meetups, where like-minded souls can meet to learn and share magickal wisdom, and summer classes on topics like Herbal Magic & Potions, Tarot & Divination, Spellcasting Basics, and Crystal Magic.

Let owner Ben and astrologist Lori expand your understanding and intuition with a range of divinatory practice!

04/09/2026

Founded in 1993, Northside Greenspace Inc. is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that identifies, preserves and restores natural areas in Northside and surrounding communities. The group regularly hosts educational events and volunteer opportunities.

The organization’s work primarily focuses on Badgley Run Park, Parker Woods and the adjacent Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve.

Northside’s hidden gem, Buttercup Valley and Parker Woods add up to just over 50 acres of forest that has been untouched since the pioneer days. Some of the trees in the valley are over 200 years old. Taking a hike on the trails and immersing yourself in the wonders of nature at Buttercup Valley will help you forget that you are still inside a bustling city.

The group has 2 events planned this weekend in Buttercup Valley, plus many more coming up this year.

At 10am on Sat 11 Apr, join the spring forest restoration event. Registration required at https://bttr.im/du456

At 1pm on Sun 12 Apr, a volunteer guide will lead the annual Spring Wildflower Walk through Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve. No pets allowed. Meet at the Stanford Dr. entrance. RSVP via www.northsidegreenspace.org

Shown here is a Spring Beauty spotted in Buttercup Valley. This is a delicate, low-growing, native ephemeral wildflower whose flowers are an important early spring source of nectar for pollinating insects.

Buttercup Valley is now thriving with over 30 years of continuing care, as volunteers continue to remove invasive plants, allowing native plants and animals to flourish and beautiful vistas to reopen.

If you’d like to get involved in these efforts, please follow Northside Greenspace Inc. and add yourself to the group’s email list!

04/07/2026

Are you planning a wedding, party or other celebration? The Factory Events might be your dream venue!

This historic building at 1546 Knowlton St. was built in 1902 for the Parks Machine Tool Co. and was continuously used as a production facility until the 1990s, when it was converted into artist studios and meeting space.

In 2019, Northside-based Grey Rock Development completed its 3-year renovation of the 5,500 square foot facility into an event venue with a 5,000 square foot courtyard, as well as an upper level that continues to provide studio space to artists and artisans.

The Factory Events is a historic venue with a bright, open interior and a beautifully curated private courtyard that provides the perfect backdrop to all of life’s celebrations. It is Northside’s first full-service event space offering both indoor and outdoor space, beverage service, valet, and a catering area.

The plantings in the courtyard are the work of The Plant Trolley, a business based right here in Northside (at 4339 Crawford Ave.) that serves businesses and fine residences all over Greater Cincinnati.

Tonight (7 Apr) 6-8pm, the venue is hosting an open house. It’s a great chance to view the space while meeting event vendors and sampling food from each of its preferred caterers, plus sweet treats from local dessert spots. There will also be a giveaway to win $250 off your booking!

The open house is free, but your RSVP is requested, including goodie bags, drinks and a complimentary valet. Please head to eventbrite.com/e/the-factory-events-2026-open-house-tickets-1984295190330 ASAP to secure your spot!

04/06/2026

The Hamilton Cincinnati at 4029 Hamilton Ave. is a bar and wine and craft beer retail shop, featuring small eats, treats and crafty cocktails in a cozy and comforting atmosphere, with a back patio to enjoy during warm weather.

Tasty shareable plates include sliders, charcuterie (with or without meat), warm goat cheese, fondue, plus Taco Tuesdays!

And what do customers have to say? “There is a really cool bar in Northside called the Hamilton. You should totally highlight them. We drive 30 minutes a few times a week to eat and drink there. It’s a hidden gem that you all should be proud to have in Northside. The prices, drinks and food are amazing.”

“Nestled in amongst the Hamilton Ave old commercial buildings, this place has charm. Patio is roomy while the inside is cozy. No loud music so conversation can survive.”

“The food was delicious, server and bartender were polite and friendly, ambience was pleasant and chill. We sat outside and enjoyed a bottle of wine and some tasty food. A real gem! Looking forward to returning soon.”

“Great food, always fresh tasting. Excellent cocktails and wine all at reasonable prices.”

Address

Northside, OH
45223

Website

https://welcometonorthside.com/

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