Sixty thousand dollars. Nine organizations. Three counties. ArtsWave and MeetNKY just made their biggest investment yet in Northern Kentucky's cultural identity, and the projects doing the work are as diverse as the neighborhoods they serve.

Today, Washington Park, a public green space with 170 years of neighborhood history threaded through its roots, is becoming a hiring floor. Folding tables are replacing park benches. Employers are replacing foot traffic. And hundreds of people are geared up, resumes in hand, ready to change the direction of their lives.

First Tee Week runs May 23 to 30, turning the spotlight onto the coaches who help local kids grow through golf. Here is how First Tee Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky is celebrating its mentors, and how you can join in.

An estimated 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and nine in ten have no idea. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati and Bridge of Life are changing that with free, walk-in kidney health screenings at the Blue Ash YMCA on May 27 and the R.C. Durr YMCA on May 28, both from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No insurance, no ID, results in minutes.

The 28th Annual Flying Pig Marathon made Cincinnati history with a record 45,197 participants, a new men’s marathon course record from Zach Kreft and a powerful weekend that showcased the city’s running culture, community pride and civic energy.

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati brings families into the heart of Flying Pig Marathon weekend with a high-energy festival at Smale Riverfront Park, featuring live music, interactive activities, and a welcoming space to celebrate together.

Cincy Arts Shirt Week brings together ArtsWave, Cincy Shirts, and 20 regional arts organizations for a community-driven campaign that blends custom apparel, a mini golf launch event at The Acres, and direct support for Cincinnati’s creative ecosystem. Shop limited-edition designs and wear your support for the arts across the region.

The Flying Pig Marathon continues to extend its impact beyond race weekend through its Community Scholars Program, awarding $20,000 scholarships to 24 student-athletes across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Hosted at Cincinnati Music Hall, the annual breakfast recognized runners who demonstrate dedication, leadership, and service. Since 2018, the program has grown into a $1.32 million investment in local students, reinforcing how endurance sport can drive long-term educational opportunity and community impact.

Pig Works is scaling its impact beyond race weekend. With a $12 million campaign, the organization is investing in a Walnut Hills headquarters, expanding youth programs, growing scholarships, and increasing support for hundreds of local charities. The Flying Pig Marathon continues to serve as the engine behind a model where participation fuels philanthropy, inclusion, and long-term community health.

Joey Votto’s custom Verdin clock outside Great American Ball Park now stands as a lasting tribute to a Reds career defined by precision, patience, power, and personality. This piece explores the meaning of Votto’s gift, the weight of his numbers, and why his legacy remains fixed in Reds history.

The Cincinnati Polar Plunge returns to The Banks on Saturday, March 21, bringing icy fun and real impact to downtown. Benefiting Special Olympics Ohio, the event helps fund year-round sports training, competition, health education, and leadership opportunities for athletes across the state.

Cincinnati arrived at SXSW 2026 with a coordinated presence across film, AI, startups, higher education, and enterprise technology. This op-ed explores how Film Cincinnati, Cintrifuse, UC, CincyAI for Humans, and other regional players are building momentum through alignment, national visibility, and a shared push to grow the city’s creative economy.

On March 7, more than 1,000 Cincinnati area high school students will take over Fifth Third Arena for Night for the Fight, an overnight, student-led fundraiser supporting CancerFree KIDS and pediatric cancer research. The event has raised more than $3 million and helped launch research that later earned $13.5 million in follow-on funding, along with publications, patents, and clinical trials.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s Black History Month lineup brings scholarship, film, performance, and hands-on family history preservation together across five February programs. All are included with museum admission, with free entry on Fifth Third Community Day.

Northern Kentucky’s healthcare safety net is evolving. Faith Community Pharmacy is now Faith Community Health Network, launching a full-service free medical clinic in March 2026. Discover how we are partnering with the University of Kentucky College of Medicine to provide primary care, urgent care, and free medications under one roof—ensuring quality, compassionate health access for all.

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.

The Anthony Muñoz Foundation is transforming college access for Tri-State students through a philanthropic scholarship model that blends direct financial support, student recognition, and long-term social capital. With more than three million dollars awarded to local students since its inception, the Foundation strengthens the regional talent pipeline and supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and resilience. Scholarship programs include the Straight A Scholarship, the Scholarship Fund, and the Mount St. Joseph University collaboration, each designed to help students reach college with confidence and momentum.

Kick off the New Year with healthier habits at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. New members can join with zero registration fees throughout January, making it easier to turn resolutions into routines. All ten YMCA locations are launching Les Mills group fitness classes including BODYPUMP and BODYBALANCE, offering energetic, instructor-led workouts that build strength, improve mobility, and support overall wellness in a motivating group environment. Learn more about membership options and how to get started at https://myy.org/join.

Rickell Howard Smith, CEO of the YWCA Greater Cincinnati, has been named the 2025 Bengals Inspire Change Changemaker. Discover how her leadership is doubling shelter capacity for domestic violence survivors and driving justice reform in our community.

Cincinnati is betting big on its creative future with a massive $204,700 investment in local culture. ArtsWave has awarded 24 new Inspire Artist Grants to explore themes of Truth and Inspiration. This cycle moves beyond simple funding to act as a business incubator for BIPOC creatives. It supports projects ranging from historical films to mental health documentaries. Discover how these artists are reshaping the region’s narrative and building a more equitable community.