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Trifecta of Flying Pig, Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day makes for a wild weekend in Cincinnati

Allison Kiehl and Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati Enquirer
7 min read

When the Flying Pig, Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby fall in the same weekend, you know that Cincinnati has a jam-packed itinerary for you to enjoy. Every day this weekend, you can find parties happening in the streets downtown. The best part? A majority of this weekend's top festivals are free to attend, only costing you if you purchase from local restaurants and vendors.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out and enjoy this beautiful weekend at these top 10 local events.

– Find more events at events.cincinnati.com –

1. The Flying Pig

The Flying Pig offers a full weekend of activities for all, no matter if you are a participating athlete or a cheerleader lining the streets.
The Flying Pig offers a full weekend of activities for all, no matter if you are a participating athlete or a cheerleader lining the streets.

Lace up your running shoes because Cincinnati's most renowned marathon is happening this weekend! The Flying Pig Marathon takes athletes through Cincinnati along its 26.2-mile route, starting downtown and looping as far as Mariemont. Of course, the Flying Pig offers a variety of courses. On Saturday, the 5K, 10K, Flying Piglet, 26th Mile, PigAbilities and Flying Fur races are scheduled. On Sunday, the full marathon, half marathon, 4-person relay and wheelchair start will take place. Before then, the weekend festivities begin on Friday at noon at the Duke Energy Center for the Fitness Expo.

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Not an athlete? No worries. After cheering on your loved ones, be sure to enjoy one of the Flying Pig parties. Visit the Family Fun Fest on Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Smale Park. After Sunday's races, the Victory Party will be in full swing from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. where the whole family can find live music and food for purchase. Sunday race participants will also receive a complimentary beer to celebrate, sponsored by Michelob Ultra.

Details: 5K at 9 a.m., 10K at 7 a.m., Flying Piglet at 10 a.m., The 26th Mile at 11 a.m., PigAbilities at noon, Flying Fur at 1 p.m., Downtown. Victory Party, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Smale Park, 8 W. Mehring Way, Downtown. flyingpigmarathon.com.

2. Cincy Cinco

Its Cinco de Mayo and the 20th anniversary of Cincy-Cinco kicks off at Fountain Square at noon on Saturday and spans two days. The family-friendly festival showcase aspects of Latino culture, values and traditions, all in the heart of Cincinnati. Foor food lovers, the festival promises an impressive lineup of restaurants serving up delicious Latin flavors. Vendors include Mis Sabores, The Arepa Place, El Cardenal Taqueria and more. The festival will also have a vibrant atmosphere of live music and dance for festival-goers to enjoy!

Details: Saturday, noon-10 p.m., Sunday, noon-6 p.m., Fountain Square, Downtown. Family-friendly. Free. myfountainsquare.com.

3. Run for the Roses

Watch this year's Kentucky Derby locally at Run for the Roses in Newport.
Watch this year's Kentucky Derby locally at Run for the Roses in Newport.

Bring the excitement of Churchill Downs to Cincinnati by attending a local Kentucky Derby party. It's all the excitement of the race combined with the fun of wearing extravagant hats, but without the hassle of travel and the costly price tag. Attend the Run for the Roses for free at Newport on the Levee. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with a petting zoo, playground, live music and the opportunity to place your bets. The race itself will take place around 6:45 p.m. and then Newport's party will continue until 8 p.m.

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Details: 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Family-friendly. Free. eventbrite.com.

4. Cinco de Mayo Margarita Crawl

Join the Margarita Crawl in Newport on the Cinco de Mayo for seven different locations and 14 drinks.
Join the Margarita Crawl in Newport on the Cinco de Mayo for seven different locations and 14 drinks.

In the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, you can go right back to Newport on the Levee! The single-day bar crawl will take attendees through seven locations and 14 different margarita selections. Participating restaurants include Beeline, Brothers, Shiners, The Buzz, Amador, 16 Lots and The Galley. After your drinking tour, vote for your favorite marg and you'll be entered to win a grand prize. This event is open to anyone 21 or older.

Details: 2-6 p.m., Sunday, Newport on the Levee, One Levee Way, Newport. Bar crawl includes 7 locations and 14 margaritas. Free. notlmargaritabarcrawl.eventbrite.com.

5. Tri-State Antique Market

Indiana's largest antiques and vintage market returns for another season of treasure hunting. This market is a great source for collectors, renovators, decorators and those with an eye for the chic and unique to find vintage furnishings, decorative arts, jewelry, historical artifacts, architectural/industrial salvage and pop culture memorabilia.

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Details: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, 351 E. Eads Parkway. Early birds welcome during vendor set-up at 6 a.m. Admission: $5. lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com.

6. Spring Pottery Fair

Cincinnati's pottery guild, The Clay Alliance, holds its 23rd annual Spring Pottery Fair this weekend, featuring more than 40 ceramic artists and all manner of wares for sale. It's the perfect place to find unique gifts for Mother's Day, graduation and weddings.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, parking lot at 1523 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills. Free admission. facebook.com.

7. Go to a Florence Y’alls game

The Florence Y'alls opened their season just last week, and now they take on the Lake Erie Crushers. The exhibition game starts at 1 p.m. at Thomas More Stadium in Florence. For admission, the Y'alls are hosting a canned food drive. For a $5 donation or three canned goods for the cause, you can get a seat at the game.

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Details: 7 p.m., Friday, Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence. Florenceyalls.com.

8. MoonRunners Music Festival

This 3-day event features a lineup of underground musicians in the genres of folk punk, roots, country and more. Upwards of 50 artists and groups will take the stage at the festival. The weekend begins on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. and continues through Saturday and Sunday.

Details: 3 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Southgate House Revival, Sanctuary, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. $110 3-day pass. southgatehouse.com.

9. Mother’s Day Market

Find your mom the perfect Mother's Day gift this year at this market. Shop at vendor booths to support small businesses and find a locally made present that she will love. At this market, you can find a variety of handmade goods from local artists like jewelry, artwork and more.

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Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free admission. Artisanfest513.org.

10. GeoFair: Crystals & Fossil Treasures

This gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry expo has a range of family-friendly activities like games, geode cracking and free mineral collection. The show is produced by the Cincinnati Mineral Society and the Cincinnati Dry Dredgers.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road. $18 2-day pass, $12 single day, $5 children. Free admission for scouts in uniform. Geofair.com.

Honorable mention: Cavalcade of Homes

Tour newly built homes in Hebron, Villa Hills, Southgate, Independence, Covington and Newport. Builders include Arlinghaus, Ashley, The B.O.L.D. Co., Drees Homes and Meierjohn Building Group.

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Details: noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Northern Kentucky. Runs weekends May 4-19. Free. cavalcadenky.com.

Honorable mention: Dog Treat Festival

This one is for all the dog moms and dads out there. Grab your puppy and head to the Cincinnati Dog Treat Festival on May 4. There, your pet can sample treats from a variety of local pet treat makers and find their new favorite treat. For the humans, enjoy a cold beer and food options like wings, nachos, tacos, burgers and more. For the first 30 families, you can even take home a goodie bag. Looking for a new best friend? You'll also have the chance to meet some adoptable dogs. Friendly, leashed pets are welcome.

Details: noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Sonder Brewing, 8584 Duke Blvd, Mason. Free. Facebook.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: May 3-5

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