Cincinnati is the Midwest’s underrated NYE capital. From the neon-lit beats of Hard Rock Casino’s "Neo Party" to the celestial vibes at Rhinegeist and fireworks over Fountain Square, here are the top 5 ways to ring in 2026 in the Queen City.

Welcome to Carmelo’s, where Sunday dinner happens every night. Born from a legacy of family, hard work, and hospitality, we serve elevated Italian-American comfort food in the heart of downtown Covington. From our famous pan-seared 101-Layer Lasagna to our hand-pulled warm mozzarella, every dish is designed to be shared and savored. We aren’t just a restaurant; we’re a tribute to the "Red Sauce" joints of the past, reimagined for today with chef-driven technique and a "guest-first" spirit. Come as a neighbor, eat like family.

Ditch the dirty dishes this year. Cincinnati’s culinary scene offers a sanctuary for the holiday wanderer. From the industrial-chic buffet at Coppin’s to the river views at Chart House. We have curated the ultimate guide for your Thanksgiving feast. This list features the best open restaurants for those seeking an alternative to tradition. Read on to find your perfect table before reservations disappear.

Milton’s Prospect Hill Tavern is a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s hillside culture. The 1992 neighborhood bar sits on a steep bend between Over the Rhine and Mount Auburn and offers a classic brick interior, welcoming regulars, and an upstairs packed with pool, shuffleboard, and pinball. Milton’s anchors the spirit of Prospect Hill and plays a memorable role in Bockfest with its signature snowman burning and seasonal traditions. The tavern remains one of the city’s most authentic places to drink, gather, and experience a piece of Cincinnati history.

As the sky turns a familiar Ohio grey and the wind bites with a winter chill, we all crave an escape. We need a portal to paradise. Thankfully, a new portal has just opened: 10th Island Tiki Bar & Grill, located right in Cincinnati's Ziegler Park.

This isn't just another bar; it's a meticulously crafted escape, providing a warm, tropical cure for the cold weather blues. From the immersive, island-themed decor to the transportive tiki cocktails, this new OTR spot is a true destination. We dive deep into the menu, the drinks, and the atmosphere that make this bar the must-visit spot for curing your winter dreariness.

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati celebrates Veterans Day with a complimentary lunch for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders at the Hard Rock Café. The event features live music, a Red, White, and Blue inspired dessert, and a partnership with the DAV 5K Cincinnati to honor and support those who serve our community.

Tom’s Watch Bar brings elevated dining and all-day sports energy to The Banks. With 65-plus screens, 50 taps, and chef-driven dishes, it’s Cincinnati’s new go-to for game days, cocktails, and casual nights out. From Korean BBQ wings to craft cocktails, Tom’s turns every play into a reason to celebrate.

The Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt returns November 22, transforming Smale Riverfront Park into a festive corridor from Moerlein Lager House to Carol Ann’s Carousel. Visitors can enjoy holiday beers, igloos, themed character days, live entertainment, and a bustling holiday marketplace through December 28. Admission is free and open to all.

Raise a glass to Cincinnati’s brewing legacy at the Craft Brewmaster Experience, part of the America’s River Roots Festival. Sip from more than 15 regional breweries, explore guided tastings, and learn how the Ohio River helped shape a beer empire. Plan your visit.

On October 3, Cincinnati Animal CARE brings its first-ever signature fundraiser to Rhinegeist Brewery. UNLEASHED: The Power of Love celebrates five years of lifesaving work for Hamilton County’s homeless animals with music, food, auctions, and alumni pets on the Redemption Runway. Every ticket helps fuel veterinary care, fosters, and community programs that keep pets and people together.

Step into a night of suspense, intrigue, and indulgence at Carnegie Hall at Newport. Murder Mystery Deadly Delight invites guests to enjoy an immersive dinner party where every detail could be a clue. From 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on October 23, professional actors and interactive storytelling transform one of Northern Kentucky’s most historic venues into the scene of a crime waiting to be solved. Tickets are $92.44, with sales ending October 20.

Frisch’s has declared that fall is officially here, and that means the return of its legendary pumpkin pie. The Original Recipe Pumpkin Pie has been baked the same way for generations, offering a taste of tradition across 31 locally owned and operated restaurants in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Along with pumpkin, guests can enjoy coconut, chocolate, cherry, apple, pecan, and cheesecake, plus new comfort food favorites like Chicken Pot Pie and Meatloaf Dinner.