What’s happening this week in Cincinnati? (Nov 16–22)

The three biggest things in Cincinnati this week: the USMNT against Haiti in a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal at TQL Stadium on Tuesday, Nov 17; Cheap Trick at Taft Theatre on Thursday, Nov 19; and a stacked Saturday, Nov 21, with Bearcats football against Colorado at noon and Trans-Siberian Orchestra at 3:00 PM. Everything below comes from this week's listings. Prices are on each event page, so check there before you buy.

What's on early in the week?

Tuesday, Nov 17 has five events, from a morning hockey game to a night of soccer.

• The morning starts with Cyclones v. Bison | Field Trip Day at Heritage Bank Center, 10:30 AM, a morning puck drop.
• At 7:00 PM, the USMNT v Haiti quarterfinal kicks off at TQL Stadium. The listing says everyone age 2 and older needs a ticket, and there is no re-entry.
• Also at 7:00 PM, Xavier hosts Cleveland State at Cintas Center.
• Over at Bogart's, Rival Sons play an all-ages show. Doors are at 7:00 PM and the show is at 8:00 PM.
• At 8:00 PM, bassist Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers are at Taft Theatre.

Wednesday, Nov 18 is basketball and big-room rock.

• The Bearcats women face Western Carolina at 5:00 PM at Fifth Third Arena. The men follow against Youngstown State at 7:30 PM in the same building.
• Triumph: The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour is at Heritage Bank Center at 8:00 PM. The listing notes that $1 from every ticket supports Sounds Unite, a youth music education charity.
• Yung Gravy: The Joyrider Tour is at Bogart's. It is all ages, with doors at 7:00 PM and the show at 8:00 PM.

What's the pick for Thursday and Friday?

Thursday, Nov 19: Cheap Trick at Taft Theatre, 7:00 PM. Taft has no elevators, and balcony seats mean stairs, so plan around that. Across town at Bogart's, Skilla Baby is an 18+ show, so bring a valid ID.

Friday, Nov 20 has something for most tastes:

• Everclear: Lucky 7 Tour at Bogart's. It is all ages, with doors at 7:00 PM.
• Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening at The Andrew J Brady Music Center, 8:00 PM.
• Xavier against Iowa at Cintas Center, 7:30 PM.
• Cyclones v. Nailers | Gravy Boat Giveaway at Heritage Bank Center, 7:00 PM, if you want a giveaway with your hockey.
• A Christmas Carol at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 7:00 PM. It has two more dates this week.

Two venue notes: Heritage Bank Center enforces a clear-bag policy (clear bags up to 12x12x6 and small clutches), and so does Taft Theatre. Bogart's is cashless, so bring a card.

What's on this weekend?

Saturday, Nov 21 is the day to clear your calendar for.

• Bearcats football vs. Colorado at Nippert Stadium, noon. UC's campus is tobacco, smoke and vape free.
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve at Heritage Bank Center, 3:00 PM. The listing shows one more date this week.
• Kathleen Madigan: Flying Cats & Marching Armadillos Tour, a night of stand-up at Taft Theatre, 7:00 PM.

Sunday, Nov 22: the Bearcats men host UMass-Lowell at Fifth Third Arena, 2:00 PM. It is an easy way to end the week.

Save this: the week's top 5

1. Tuesday: USMNT v Haiti. A national-team quarterfinal at TQL Stadium, 7:00 PM.
2. Thursday: Cheap Trick. A classic rock night at Taft Theatre.
3. Friday: Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening. A Friday night of Zeppelin at the Brady Music Center.
4. Saturday: Bearcats football vs. Colorado. A noon kickoff at Nippert.
5. Saturday: Trans-Siberian Orchestra. An afternoon show at Heritage Bank Center, 3:00 PM.

Any night this week

If your plans fall through or the show isn't your speed, these always work:

• Where to Eat in Cincinnati: Chili and the Local Classics for dinner before or after a game.
• Date Night in Cincinnati: Dinner Plus What to Do After when you want a plan for two.
• Free Things to Do in Cincinnati: 13 Picks That Cost $0 for a night when the budget says no.

Thanksgiving is the week after, so Thanksgiving in Cincinnati is worth a look now.

Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest events in Cincinnati this week (Nov 16–22)?

The USMNT plays Haiti in a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal at TQL Stadium on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 7:00 PM. Cheap Trick plays Taft Theatre on Thursday, Nov 19. On Saturday, Nov 21, the Bearcats host Colorado at Nippert Stadium at noon, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays Heritage Bank Center at 3:00 PM.

What is happening in Cincinnati this weekend, Nov 20–22?

Friday, Nov 20 has Everclear at Bogart's, Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening at the Brady Music Center and Xavier against Iowa at Cintas Center. Saturday, Nov 21 has Bearcats football at noon, Trans-Siberian Orchestra at 3:00 PM and Kathleen Madigan at Taft Theatre at 7:00 PM. Sunday, Nov 22 has Bearcats men's basketball at 2:00 PM.

Where can I see college basketball in Cincinnati this week?

Xavier plays at Cintas Center on Tuesday, Nov 17 against Cleveland State and Friday, Nov 20 against Iowa. The Bearcats play at Fifth Third Arena on Wednesday, Nov 18 (women at 5:00 PM, men at 7:30 PM) and Sunday, Nov 22 at 2:00 PM.

Which Cincinnati shows this week are all ages?

Per the listings, Rival Sons (Tuesday, Nov 17), Yung Gravy (Wednesday, Nov 18) and Everclear (Friday, Nov 20) are all-ages shows at Bogart's. Skilla Baby on Thursday, Nov 19 is 18+ with a valid ID.