There’s no shortage of things to do in Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio this spring
America’s heartland is about to emerge from its winter cocoon. This is the time of year when the fresh air and sunshine bring the Midwest to life! You can make the most of Spring in Ohio and Northern Kentucky with this great list of fun spring activities to check out.
From Columbus and Dayton, south to Cincinnati, and into Louisville and Lexington, there are plenty of spring events around the region. We even highlighted some of the Improveit staff’s favorites! Did we miss your favorite spring activities? Pop over to our Facebook page to let us know.
March 2023: Things to Do in Southwest Ohio, Louisville, and Lexington
Blooms & Butterflies
Feb. 25 – May 29, 2023 | Columbus, OH
The Franklin Park Conservatory’s Pacific Island Water Garden Biome will be home to lush flora and beautiful butterflies again this spring. The Conservatory says the butterflies are most active during periods of bright, clear sunlight. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the blooms, butterflies, and the rest of the Conservatory’s exhibits. fpconservatory.org
The Arnold Sports Festival – Staff Pick
March 2 - 5, 2023 | Columbus, OH
The Arnold Sports Festival returns to the Greater Columbus Convention Center in March. From the 35th Annual Arnold Classic and a three-day expo of equipment, apparel, nutrition, and activities promise a weekend filled with health, fitness, and inspiring stories. Tickets are on sale now. arnoldsports.com
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
Mar. 5-7, 2023 | Cincinnati, OH
The Flying Pig Marathon is celebrating its 25th year of community engagement and support. This family-friendly event has activiteis for all ages and abilities, beginning with a fitness expo at Duke Energy Convention Center, followed by the marathon, half-marathon, and numerous other races. Don’t miss the victory party! flyingpigmarathon.com
Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade
Mar. 11, 2023 | Dublin, OH
Where better to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than Dublin, Ohio?! The northwest Columbus suburb has been voted one of the best cities to celebrate the festive holiday. Enjoy a day of planned activities, including a pancake breakfast, and a memorable parade through Historic Dublin. dublinohiousa.gov
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Mar. 10 - May 21, 2023 | Louisville, KY
The Louisville Zoo lights up spring nights with more than 50,000 LED lights and stunning animal-themed lanterns. The 1.4-mile paved path will take you around the world during your family-friendly trip to the zoo! Tickets required.
louisvillezoo.org
March Home & Garden Shows - Staff Pick
Mar. 11 - Apr. 2, 2023 | Regional
Spring is traditionally the busiest season for home improvement, which means now is the time to get a jump on your projects. Improveit will help you get started with four opportunities to see new products and trends in-person in March. Click through for details and how to get discounted tickets. improveitusa.com
Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival
Mar. 16-18, 2023 | Wilmington, OH
From bluegrass pioneers to the newest names in American roots music, the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival has something for everyone. The family-friendly, smoke- and alcohol-free event will be held indoors at the Roberts Convention Center and features entertainment and educational opportunities.
industrialstrengthbluegrass.com
NCAA March Madness Tournament
Mar. 24-26, 2023 | Louisville, KY
Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center will host the South Regional round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Whether your bracket is a bust or taking you to the Final Four, enjoy the energy of tournament events throughout the city all weekend.
ncaa.com
APRIL 2023: Baseball & MORE SPRING EVENTS
Major League Baseball Opening Day
Mar. 30-Apr. 1, 2023
Nothing beats the crack of the bat and a day at the ballpark. Grab some peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and a ticket to see your favorite club this season beginning with their home openers:
- Cincinnati Reds: 3/30 vs. Pittsburgh 4:10pm
- Columbus Clippers: 4/1 vs Charlotte 6:15pm
- Louisville Bats: 4/4 vs Indianapolis 6:35pm
- Dayton Dragons: 4/11 vs Great Lakes 7:05pm
- Bowling Green Hot Rods: 4/11 vs Rome 6:05
- Florence Y’All’s: 5/2 vs Washington Wild Things
Sugar Maple Festival
Apr. 21-23, 2023 | Bellbrook, OH
Bellbrook and Sugarcreek Township welcome spring with the 42nd annual Sugar Maple Festival. From crafts and live music, to a 5k and dog show, to great food, a beer garden – and of course maple syrup! – there’s something for everyone. sugarmaplefestival.com
Thunder Over Louisville -
Staff Pick
Apr. 22, 2023 | Louisville, KY
Popular air show Thunder Over Louisville is one of many events taking place during leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Come for the air show during the day, and stay for the fireworks at night! thunderoverlouisville.org
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
Apr. 29-30, 2023 | Louisville, KY
Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood is hosting the 50th anniversary of this springtime tradition. The free two-day event is one of the region’s oldest art fairs, and will feature makers, food vendors, and live music performances in the Willow Park Gazebo. cherokeetriangle.com
May 2023: The Derby and More things to do in Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio
149th Kentucky Derby - Staff Pick
May 3-6, 2023 | Columbus, OH
The fastest two minutes in sports. The world’s greatest horse race. The running of the roses. We’ll all be on the edge of our seats during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Watch closely for a photo finish – and of course to see all the best Derby fashions. Tickets, wagering, race history, and more are available online.
kentuckyderby.com
COSI Science Festival
May 3-6, 2023 | Columbus, OH
Four days of family-friendly hands-on science is coming to the Columbus Riverfront this spring. The state’s largest STEM event features activities throughout the state of Ohio, and wraps up with a Big Science Celebration on May 6. cosiscifest.org
Appalachian Festival
May 13-14, 2023 | Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati’s Coney Island will host this celebration of the rich culture of the region’s Appalachian communities. Enjoy traditional dancing, food, music, storytelling, and a living history mountain village. Rain or shine. Tickets available at the gate. appalachianfestival.org
DiverCity Lexington
May 20, 2023 | Lexington, KY
Lexington’s annual Divercity Festival seeks to educate, embrace, and celebrate the city’s many cultures. Spend time with dozens of vendors, enjoy flavors from around the world, and watch impressive performances that showcase the city’s diversity. divercitylexington.com
Miami County Food Truck Rally & Competition
May 21, 2023 | Troy, OH
The Miami County Fairgrounds will once again host the annual Miami County Food Truck Rally & Competition this spring. Enjoy a variety of food trucks,
