Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: July 30-Aug.1

1. Danger Wheel

One of Pendleton's most celebrated summer events returns this year, and boy oh boy is it going downhill – FAST! Of course, we are talking about Danger Wheel, where teams of three compete head-to-head down the 12th Street hill from Broadway to Sycamore while riding big wheel adult tricycles. Yes, friends, it is certainly a sight to see. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Saturday with food and beverage sales and music, as each team gets checked in, and racing starts promptly at 2 p.m. Each heat gets a little more difficult, with riders navigating ramps and obstacles while being pelted by gleeful children wielding ice-cold water balloons.

Beer, bruises and big wheels: Danger Wheel looks to improve Pendleton neighborhood

Danger Wheel is free for spectators, and you never know what you will see. Teams are encouraged to dress up, and we Cincinnatians can get pretty creative. We've seen evil clowns, chain-gang convicts, superheroes and villains, kilted strongmen and a whole lot more. We've also witnessed some epic crashes as well as impressive displays of showmanship. You don't want to miss it. dangerwheel.com.

2. Glier's GoettaFest

Not only is goetta – that uniquely Cincinnati food made of pork, beef, pin oats and spices – so popular that it has a festival in its honor, that festival has grown so popular over the past 20 years that it burgeoned to two 4-day weekends. This year, it expands again, this time outward across two cities! That's right, you'll find GoettaFest East (Festival Park at Newport on the Levee) as well as GoettaFest West (Covington Plaza, 144 Madison Ave., Covington). Goettaing between the two will be simple, with Queen City Riverboats transporting goetta lovers between the two river cities all weekend long. A ride-all-day wristband is only $5 (free for ages 12-under).

GoettaFest is where you'll find goetta in everything. Burritos, nachos, hanky panks, hoagies, curried goetta over fries, and it can even sneak into your dessert – grilled goetta donuts and goetta brownies, anyone? The attractions aren't limited to goetta, either. There's live music and entertainment, family-friendly games, arts and crafts vendors and more. GoettaFest runs from 5-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday this and next weekend (through Aug. 8), so you goetta two full weekends to getcha goetta. goettafest.com. 

More:Glier's Goettafest 2021 to span from Newport to Covington for 8 days of goetta

3. The Return of Art After Dark

The in-person, art-themed Final Friday celebrations return to Cincinnati Art Museum after an 18-month pause, and it's being done on a monumental scale. That's because you'll have the opportunity to view – for free – the special exhibition Paintings, Politics and the Monuments Men, which focuses on the fate of some of the finest European paintings from the Berlin State Museums that traveled to the U.S. soon after the end of World War II. 

And that's not all. You can enjoy live music from DJ ETrayn outside on the Art Climb, live music from the Monday Night Big Band in the Alice Bimel Courtyard, and swing dancing with Pones. There'll be food for purchase from Dewey's Pizza and Sweets & Meats BBQ, as well as a cash bar. Art After Dark runs from 5-9 p.m. Friday at Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

4. Bengals Back Together Saturday

The Cincinnati Bengals are inviting fans to Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday to watch the team practice while enjoying a variety of free family-friendly activities like face-painting, balloon artists, inflatables, pictures with Who Dey and a Ben-Gals Cheer Zone. Gates open at 2 p.m. (enter through Gates A, B, C, D and E) and the first 5,000 receive a Bengals silicone wristband. You'll also have the opportunity to win autographed footballs and other prizes.

Park for free starting at noon in the lots surrounding the stadium (Lots A, B, C, D, E and Hilltop East). Admission is free but you must have a mobile ticket to enter. You can claim your free ticket at bengals.com/camp.

Photos: Cincinnati Bengals training camp, 7/29

5. Antiques Weekend in Southeast Indiana

There are two big flea markets happening this weekend in Southeast Indiana that you won't want to miss. On Saturday, the Vevay Antique & Collectible Flea Extravaganza takes over the Switzerland County Fairgrounds (507 Vineyard St., Vevay, Ind.) from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $4, $6 for early bird entry at 6 a.m. 812-427-3237; vevayextravaganza.com.

On Sunday, you'll find the Tri-State Antiques Market at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, (351 E. Eads Parkway). It boasts five acres with over 200 vendors selling antique, vintage and retro merchandise from a variety of time periods. The market is both indoors and outside. Hours and costs are the same as the Vevay Extravaganza. lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com.

Honorable Mention: Kiss the Sky: The Jimi Hendrix Re-Experience

This internationally-touring tribute to Jimi Hendrix recreates the legendary rock guitarist's most iconic concert moments – from Monterey Pop to Woodstock and more – in a show dedicated to historical accuracy both in look and sound. Fronted by virtuoso left-handed guitarist Jimi Bleu, the band uses authentic '60s retro wardrobe and replica musical instruments, and includes a psychedelic liquid light show to recreate an amazing trip back in rock and roll history. Shows are all-ages and run 7-8:15 p.m. and 8:45-9:30 p.m. Sunday at the Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout. Tickets run $15 advance, $20 at the door. cincyticket.com.

More:What's canceled, what's not: The big fall events of Cincinnati

Honorable mention: Let Me Introduce Myself: Melt Revival Staff Art Exhibition

Here's an exhibition opening reception that is low-key and casual, showcasing visual art created through a variety of different techniques, practices and mediums. There will be light food and wine, and local vendors will be selling art and other wares. It happens from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Melt Revival, 4100 Hamilton Ave., Northside. Exhibit runs Aug. 1-30.

Honorable mention: Cincinnati Beer Run: Running Through the Decades, Part II

Think your favorite decade is the best? Dress up in the garb of the '70s, '80s, '90s or '00s and race with others while sampling craft beer every half mile of the 2.5 mile course. That's not all! You'll receive a 16-ounce Cincinnati Beer Run glass and authentic T-shirt specific to the decade of your choice. After the race, enjoy an afterparty with music, food and drinks. 

Participants must be 21 years of age or older and able to prove it with a valid ID – no exceptions. The race starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hofbrauhaus, 200 Third St., Newport. $45. Register: active.com.