ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Fun Guide: Music, movies and festivals

Shauna Steigerwald
ssteigerwald@enquirer.com
This year’s Ohio River Paddlefest moves from a Thursday-Saturday to a Friday-Sunday event.

June brings a bounty of events – devoted to everything from favorite foods (we do love our sausage) to music to paddling – that keep going strong right through the summer months. For more ideas, search our database and download our Things To Do iPhone app.

MainStrasse Village Original Goettafest.

It's not technically summer yet, but Greater Cincinnati's festival season is in full swing. There's more than enough to keep even a devoted festival goer busy eating, drinking and reverling all the way through August. Mark your calendar for your favorite can't-miss events.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade (left), a Blackberry Gin Fizz and Cucumber Ginger Fizz are part of Tony’s summer cocktail menu.

Bartenders are thinking lemon and strawberry, blackberry and citrus. Zingy ginger makes an appearance in many locally concocted cocktails, as does the flower cordial St. Germain, and hints of herbs, especially basil.

The Pomegranates perform at the MidPoint Indie Summer concert series on Fountain Square.

It's time to head outside for entertainment. Concerts that you would normally experience indoors seem more special when experienced under the stars with your neighbors at a local park. Even better, there are lots of chances to enjoy said outdoor entertainment for free.

FREE FUN:Head outdoors for free summer music

The National performs at the 2013 Bunbury Music Festival.

The traditions of summer are getting some new entries this year, with a country festival joining the offerings on the riverfront and last year's surprise hit getting a big encore.

BIG SHOWS: Sights and sounds of summer's big music festivals

From left: Andrew Schnee of Colerain Township, Kayla Meyer of West Chester, and Kent Johnson of Hamilton sit out in their lawn chairs as they watch "Despicable Me 2" in Hanover Township.

From current family favorites to all-time classics, see a film under the stars.

FAMILY FLICKS:Free outdoor movies this summer

Cie Willi Dorner’s “Bodies in Urban Space” is a site specific performance being done for the Contemporary Arts Center’s “Buildering: Misbehaving the City.”

Take advantage of all the arts exhibits and performances going on this month.

Bring the family to area church festivals full of games, food and fun.