Best Of2025

Flying Pig Marathon
Photo: Ron Valle
Flying Pig Marathon
You’ve heard of the Flying Pig Marathon, Pig Works’ biggest event that draws runners from across the globe to take part in a weekend-long celebration of all things health and fitness. But they also produce other race events too, and there’s always a fun event attached. Runners often get a free beer ticket or two and maybe even a free cheese coney. In addition to the Flying Pig, runners, joggers and walkers can enjoy three separate events that make up the TQL Beer Series. And ladies, leave your man at home for the Queen Bee Half Marathon and 4 Miler. If you’re going to do only one race this year, check out Pig Works. flyingpigmarathon.com.
While The Pitch is synonymous with its connection to FC Cincinnati and soccer-crazed fans all over the city (obviously, as it is across the street from TQL stadium), their television setup is second to none. With a large screen visible from both the main bar and upstairs overhang, as well as a multitude of TVs surrounding it, you are ensured to not miss a moment. Despite the soccer theme, this has to be the best place for March Madness viewing in Cincinnati. thepitchcincy.com.
Great Parks' Winter Hike Series
Photo: Provided by Great Parks
Great Parks' Winter Hike Series
For a cozier adventure, the Great Parks’ Winter Hike Series offers scenic hikes in January and February across different Great Parks locations, such as Sharon Woods, Woodland Mound, Shawnee Lookout and Miami Whitewater Forest. This year, hikers were able to select themed hiking experiences if desired, with customizations for speed, exploration and educational opportunities. At the end of each 4-5.5 mile hike, participants are offered a bowl of soup, a comforting reward after the trek. And don’t forget to grab a button and a sticker as souvenirs for the journey and to collect for future hikes to come. greatparks.org.
DJ Turner II strutted into Paycor Stadium this season decked out in incredibly fashionable outfits. Number 20 did not disappoint, showing off perfectly tailored suits throughout the season. With only two seasons under his belt, he has the entrance outfit down perfectly with the help of stylist Mariah Modkins. This cornerback knows how to rock a yellow accent lapel, burgundy suit or mauve cashmere and we can’t wait for next season to see more.
Joe Burrow has drawn plenty of lookalike comparisons over the years. When he flares his nose in frustration, it’s hard not to see Beavis of Beavis and Butt-Head fame. And who could forget the time he channeled The Rock with a pregame fit? But, somehow, everyone missed his resemblance to Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister — everyone except Kevin himself. Macaulay Culkin dressed up as our favorite quarterback for Halloween 2024, and now we’re just waiting for Joey B to return the favor and go full Home Alone. C’mon, Nine, have a little fun.
After a historic offseason for FC Cincinnati, parting ways with fan-favorite and ever-talented Luciano Acosta, it was time to see how the team would re-tool. The additions of Evander and Kévin Denkey have already made an empirical difference for this FCC team as they look to continue their run of successful campaigns with the new season just getting underway.
While most of us never got to live out our childhood athletic dreams, there are still plenty of avenues to feel like you are a part of the team when supporting your favorite squads here in Cincinnati. As many have noticed, the rocking Bailey section at FC Cincinnati games has a clear impact on the outcome of the match, as the fans bring the energy, standing and singing for the full ninety-minute match. What some fans are unaware of though, is that this ritual starts hours before the game. Beginning at Northern Row Brewery, the Bailey begins their march south towards Washington Park while the fans grow in numbers for the tradition of the “Corteo,” a pre-match celebration. This entire proceeding will surely get you jacked up for any FCC match, making you feel as if you have a great impact on the game to come.
Known for Xavier game days and post-game parties, it would not occur to the average visitor that Dana Gardens is home to one of the most tight-knit English Premier League communities in all of Cincinnati. While this may not seem like the obvious pick, as many establishments go, the people make the place. The pub does not miss when it comes to the dark ambiance, engraved wooden surroundings, crisp tap beers, and, most importantly, plenty of screens to catch the game. Playing host to the Cincinnati Toffees, the official supporters group of Everton Football Club in Cincinnati, the “Blues” fans pack the bar most weekend mornings to enjoy a Guinness pint and game day special breakfast sandwiches. danagardens.com.
Many NFL players in Cincinnati have foundations in their name to serve the community. Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Ted Karras has a foundation with a stylistic spin to it. The Cincy Hat supports adults with developmental disabilities, with 100% of the proceeds from hat sales going to either the Village of Merici (which provides independent housing and services to adults with developmental disabilities) or the University of Cincinnati Transition & Access Pathways (TAP) program. The foundation sells beanies, rope hats and even Santa hats, all with Cincinnati flavor. Hats off to the foundation and Karras for the amazing work they do. thecincyhat.com.
Yes, we are all upset that dollar beer night no longer exists for the Cincinnati Cyclones, but it is undeniable that $2 per can is still a phenomenal deal. Hockey is a great sport for casual fans and this kind of in-game promotion makes it approachable for all. cycloneshockey.com.
Similar to FCC, the Cincinnati Reds also made some big-time noise during the offseason, but more so in the dugout. The well-accomplished manager Terry Francona has taken over the team, and while he brings with him plenty of credibility from past accomplishments, he also provides a new mentality that the Reds have not had in some time. Francona will provide a new mindset for the team, encouraging them to find gritty, unordinary ways to win games, since, in the end, all that matters is the standings, not how pretty the wins are. mlb.com/reds.
This could cause some fierce debate, but the debut of Xavier University’s early 2000s white retro uniforms was one of the most well-executed campaigns we have seen in this city for some time. Beginning early in the week, the athletic department at Xavier began planting mysterious QR codes around the campus and surrounding areas, including a link to a YouTube video that mysteriously teased the return of these classic jerseys. Calling back to the David West era of Xavier men’s hoops in the early aughts, it provided the team with the necessary push to get a key win over the Creighton Bluejays, looking crisp as ever while doing it. goxavier.com.
The Loveland connector trail that takes you all the way from Milford to Loveland gets a lot of attention when it comes to the long-distance cycling community in Cincinnati, and rightfully so. It is worth noting, though, that coming closer to the city allows for more twists and turns along your cycling route. The portion of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, essentially from Fifty West Brewing Company down towards and around Lunken Airport, is what captures the essence of Tour de France-style cycling, with tight twists and turns as well as large inclines and declines. The Lunken Trail can also afford cyclists access to the neighborhoods between Ault and Alms Parks, which can, at times, feel like small French villages when you are cycling up and down some of the hillsides taking you into those respective parks.