Andrew J. Brady ICON Music Center
With concerts scheduled to start in July 2021, this new state-of-the-art music venue along the Ohio River hosts events year-round with both an indoor space and an outdoor stage for concerts and festivals. Its location at The Banks gives concert-goers plenty of spots for dining and drinks before and after shows, plus an easy walk to Smale Riverfront Park for river views.
Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance
Programming at the Cincinnati Ballet's new ballet center in Walnut Hills is expected to start this summer with a public grand opening in September. With eight studios and a viewing area for demonstrations and presentations, the new facility provides even more ways for the Ballet to engage with and enrich the community through the art of dance.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Kanga Klimb in Roo Valley
In between visits with Fiona at Hippo Cove and swinging through Jungle Trails, stop by Hops, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's new beer garden with a multi-tiered deck. Sip on a local brew or enjoy something from the rotating national tap with a view of Roo Valley featuring a kangaroo walk-about (the zoo's first kangaroos!) and a new penguin habitat. Also on view, the now open Kanga Klimb – the final component of Roo Valley and an ADA-accessible aerial adventure ropes course 25 feet up in the air.
Coney Island: Challenge Zone
The largest Aquaglide pool obstacle course in the country opened at Coney Island in 2021. Obstacles include King of the Mountain (climb to the top, then slide on down), Freefall Extreme (a 10-foot-tall climbing wall connected to a slide), Foxtrot (a challenging balance beam) and more.
Covington Yard
A shipping container food court greets you at Covington's newest outdoor neighborhood hangout spot. With tempting flavors like tacos, Korean BBQ, sliders and more, the dog-friendly location also has a full bar with 65 canned beers, 14 taps and craft cocktails.
FC Cincinnati: West End Stadium
Cincinnati's major league soccer team, FC Cincinnati, moved into its new home in 2021. The natural-grass field holds 26,000 spectators cheering on the blue and orange. There are 53 suites and every seat is covered by a 360-degree roof canopy. The closest seat is just 15 feet from the sideline for those that want to feel the action. And it wouldn't be a Cincinnati soccer game without The Bailey, the second-largest supporter section in the MLS.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Cincinnati's downtown casino got a brand overhaul when it officially became Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati this year. The rebranding includes a vibrant atmosphere like what visitors have come to expect from Hard Rock venues, museum-quality memorabilia and a loyalty rewards program. Plus, a Hard Rock Cafe will be opening soon within the casino alongside the food hall and Prism Steak & Seafood.
Kings Island: Camp Cedar
Make plans now for a trip to Kings Island's new luxury outdoor camping resort, Camp Cedar, located one mile from the amusement park. Opening summer 2021, the urban camping experience offers 73 cottages with full kitchens and 164 full-service RV spaces with fire pit, grill and picnic table. Visitors have access to two pools (one of which is an adults-only relaxation pool), restaurant, food truck-style food options, Peanuts character appearances, walking trails, and more.
Newport Aquarium: Sandbar Sharks
To kick off Shark Summer (running May 28 through September 12, 2021) the Newport Aquarium welcomes two sandbar sharks to its Surrounded by Sharks exhibit. The sharks will reach up to eight feet in length and 200 pounds when fully grown.
Newport on the Levee: Bridgeview Box Park
Enjoy the river views at Newport on the Levee's new Bridgeview Box Park. This open-air park is the spot to grab take-out food, coffee to-go or sit back and relax with a vacation-themed drink at the tiki-themed bar. Visitors can enjoy live music under the sun in the warmer months and a temperature-controlled tent when the colder weather rolls in.
PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation
With indoor and outdoor concert capacity, Ovation Music Venue in Newport, Ky., welcomes a range of big-name artists this August, mere steps away from destination hot spot Newport on the Levee.
Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill
The region's largest indoor sports complex has plans to open its doors at the end of 2021. Built in an an old Champion Mill Paper Factory in Hamilton, Ohio, the venue will include a hotel, restaurant, hardwood courts, outdoor turf fields and a fitness center with an indoor track.
