COVINGTON, Ky. – Lederhosen will be de rigueur this weekend in MainStrasse Village while, over on the other side of town, our favorite farm girl from Kansas gets caught up in something much bigger than a twister, and there’s a bunch of singing and dancing about it.

 

But if you don’t like to quaff and scarecrows are too scary, there’s plenty of other options this weekend in The Cov:

 

Double up on your German with a culinary culture tour in the same Village, get your Van Gogh on and paint sunflowers, shop a market that offers all the good stuff that Latonia’s small business have to offer, and take in some Who Dey pre-game festivities in front of some shipping containers.

 

But no matter what you do, be safe when you’re out and about.

 

That time-honored tradition of beer, live music, and food flowing from our streets returns – it’s the weekend!

 

Okay, not just any weekend – this is Oktoberfest! Yes, that unique blend of fun that we get only when celebrating German heritage and culture. We’re talking bratwursts and kraut … big salty pretzels … little hats and lederhosen … beer … more beer … and a stellar potpourri vendor.

 

It’s big and it’s back, and it’s in Goebel Park. Braxton Brewing Co. and Parlor on Seventh are making it all happen (insert rejoicing hands emoji here). The good times start Friday at 5 p.m. and don’t stop until Sunday. Details, HERE.

 

But not the Elton John song.

 

No, we’re talking about Judy Garland’s comeback trail, plagued with failed marriages, suicide attempts, and addictions – the stuff that’s more frightening than an old witch and flying monkeys.

 

End of the Rainbow opens Friday at The Carnegie and runs through next Sunday. Details HERE.

 

Graze your way through MainStrasse eateries early Saturday with the MainStrasse Village Food & Culture Tour.

 

The event description says you’ll visit “ … 6 different restaurants, plus receive a small glass of beer.” We’re pretty sure that with Oktoberfest going on, you can get yourself a tall one too if you’re so inclined.

 

Tickets required, so get yours HERE.

 

The Covington Farmers Market might have expanded to a second location on Tuesday nights, but that didn’t take ANYTHING away from its Saturday offerings.

 

Check out peak season produce and other food products at the corner of Park Place & Court Street, HERE.

 

That’s what’s going to brim from the canvases, frames, and vases at Local Studio 325 on Saturday, and you, friend, are doing the creating.

 

You’ll have help.

 

Choose from three workshops – mosaic sunflowers, sunflower centerpieces, and a Van Gogh sunflower painting class – or take all three and put some serious sunshine in your home. Details, HERE.

 

The second Sunday of the month means Latonia’s Second Sunday Market, hosted by Local Studio 325 next to Asylum Tattoo.

 

About two dozen vendors will offer treasures, goods, and food – and of course your favorite small businesses at and around Ritte’s Corner will be open (Curated Design & Décor, Blondie Locks, Half & Half Antiques, Angie’s Closet, The Roost Latonia, etc. etc.). There will be music, as well.

 

Details HERE.

 

The NFL season is upon us.

 

Yes, the 74-67 Reds are still playing, and yes it’s been a long long long long long long time since the Bengals won a postseason game. (In fact, we think it was 1991, which, as a local TV station pointed out earlier this year, means that one could have taken out and PAID OFF a 30-year mortgage during that time. OMG that is so sad).

 

Having said all that, hope springs eternal. The black and orange could (could) win the Super Bowl this year. And, having said that as well, let’s be realistic: win or lose, the cold drinks go down just as easily.

 

Which brings us to this item (you never thought we’d get there, did you?):

 

Don your orange and black on Sunday morning and head to Covington Yard, where the outdoor venue is kicking off the 2021 Bengals football season with a Pregame Yard Party.

 

Score big with drink specials and plenty of good eats (no matter what the Vikings do to us later.) Details HERE.

 

And then there’s ... The After Party concert at Madison Live Rooftop on Friday features Brwn Bear, Vice Versa, Vusive, Uncle Harold, and Primal, HERE. … Get outside and see some original art and chat up the local artists who produced it Saturday at Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop, HERE. … Then, same day and same place, check out photographer Norb Steuber’s stunning images, HERE. … And then there’s The Missy Werner Band, which some folks liken to the sounds of Alison Krauss and Rhonda Vincent and which will be bringing its fine tunes to Molly Malone’s Irish Pub tonight, HERE.

 

###