SPORTS AND STYLE IN THE QUEEN CITY
The Polar Plunge at The Banks turns winter into a celebration of courage, community, and inclusion. Hundreds of plungers hit icy water on Freedom Way to support Special Olympics Ohio athletes who train and compete year-round at no cost to their families. The event blends athletic commitment, costumes, teamwork, and philanthropy in a setting that makes January feel big and alive on the riverfront.
Chris Stapleton is bringing his All-American Road Show to Paycor Stadium on August 1, 2026 with Lainey Wilson and Allen Stone. The Cincinnati stadium date lands during a major year for Stapleton as he competes for four Grammy Awards and continues his national stadium expansion. Tickets go on sale January 16 with multiple early access pre-sales available for fan club members, Citi cardholders and Verizon customers.
Indian cuisine is finding a new foothold in Cincinnati, and three restaurants are leading the charge. Adeep India in Clifton delivers rich North Indian classics with generous portions and steady execution. Amol India in Newport excels through a carry-out model that makes spice-forward curries a weeknight staple. Grace Of India on the West Side offers full-service hospitality and standout dishes that introduce guests to a broad flavor spectrum. Together they highlight how Indian cuisine has moved from niche interest to an integrated part of the city’s dining culture, offering flavor variety, plant-based depth, and satisfying value across neighborhoods.
Swan Lake returns to Cincinnati Ballet for a Valentine’s weekend engagement at Music Hall. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the dual role of Odette and Odile, and the precision of the Corps make this production a defining classical event. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs live. Tickets start at $39.
Cold season in Cincinnati turns air travel into strategy. Temperatures drop, roads salt over, and people start watching flight prices as closely as weather forecasts. Cincinnati travelers have discovered that winter does not have to be endured. It can be exited. Ultra-low fares out of CVG make warm-weather destinations accessible without long-haul flights or international logistics. Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and St. Pete offer winter highs in the 70s and 80s, outdoor dining, beaches, and pool decks at price points that rival a single night out in town. Kayak, Skyscanner, Expedia, and Allegiant list round trips under 150 dollars on select dates. The psychology shifts when the cost of warmth falls this low. Travelers begin treating sunshine as a tactical choice rather than a luxury purchase. Winter becomes negotiable.
Cincinnati enters 2026 as the lone AFC North franchise that chose continuity over chaos. With Zac Taylor returning and Joe Burrow healthy, the Bengals are banking on stability, roster upgrades, and quarterback alignment to regain playoff footing in a division full of program resets and new coaching staffs.
Indiana sports wrote the script of the year. Indiana University football captured a national championship under Coach Curt Cignetti and now holds a story fit for the big screen. Meanwhile, Buffalo shook up the NFL by parting ways with Sean McDermott despite his winning record and postseason consistency. In the MAC, Miami continues its undefeated run and now sits at number 25 in the national rankings. Looking ahead to spring, baseball futures favor the Los Angeles Dodgers with early distance over the Yankees, Mariners, Phillies, and Blue Jays. Ben breaks down why value plays may take time to emerge as odds settle.