Upcoming events.
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Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
¡Hola!
¡Hola!– Monthly Spanish Meetup / Encuentro Mensual de Español
Practice, learn, or just chat in Spanish with friends old and new! Join us the first Thursday of every month, 5:00–6:30 PM, for a casual, friendly meetup. All levels welcome—beginners, learners, and fluent speakers. Enjoy a safe, fun, and relaxed environment where conversation, laughter, and connection come first. No pressure, no formal lessons—just language, friendship, and community. Bring your curiosity and leave with new phrases and new friends!
*
¡Practica, aprende o simplemente charla en español con amigos, antiguos y nuevos! Únete el primer jueves de cada mes, de 5:00 a 6:30 PM, para un encuentro casual y amigable. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos: principiantes, aprendices y hablantes fluidos. Disfruta de un ambiente seguro, divertido y relajado, donde la conversación, la risa y la conexión son lo más importante. Sin presión, sin lecciones formales—solo idioma, amistad y comunidad. ¡Trae tu curiosidad y llévate nuevas frases y nuevos amigos.
DANCING FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Music from the Banned Countries
At present, people from more than seventy countries are under a total or partial restriction on traveling to the United States. According to the American government, these people represent a serious danger to the security of the country. Almost all of these individuals come from impoverished countries, and have physical features and customs considered strange and threatening.
As a tribute to these countries and peoples we will dance to their music, and celebrate their existence.
Presented by Luis Barreto (aka DJ Papito).
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
WORDPLAY Thursday - A Poetry Open Mic
Prepare yourself for a fun night of interactive poetry performances, community networking, and tasteful creative activities brought to you by Lucky Lee. Open mic sign up slots are first come first served, so be sure to get there early to secure a spot.
Alex Leeds FAB Opening Party
Join us for the opening of our June FAB Artist! We’ll be showing art by Alex Leeds and debuting their new custom menu items, only available during the month of June at SWELL!
Learn more about the FAB program here.
Songs From The Hole - Cincinnati
Regardless of political affiliations and religious beliefs, violence is an issue in Cincinnati. There are a lot of intersecting factors, overlapping resources and conflicts - with an equal amount of people who work with, bare witness to and problem-solve about these pain points in our community.
We believe there's a vital piece missing in our individual and collaborative efforts. We as free citizens need to hear from people directly affected by obvious state violence (prison-industrial complex) and perpetrators of obvious capital violence (murder/violent & sexual crimes). We believe the incarcerated voice is required in conversations about what justice actually looks like; what it requires and demands from all of us who seek a more holistic society.
We are bringing SFTH back to Cincinnati to share their award winning film + on-going healing plan with caring humans (like you!) in the community who are unsure of how to move forward towards a truly liberated future. For those who are unfamiliar, last year we worked with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office to bring Richie Reseda and JJ'88 to the downtown jail to share their film and the accompanying community healing plan + a 2hr conversation with a group of incarcerated men via a re-entry program. The film has since been bought by Netflix and is now available to watch! This time we have the opportunity to share the film + discussion (for free) with community members who are curious about, seeking perspective or even affirmation on ways to move forward towards a collectively liberated future.
You and yours are warmly invited to attend this conversation Monday June 15th. @ SWELL Art Cafe in Camp Washington. Doors will open @ 5pm, film begins @ 5:30 - 7:15pm, Q&A @ 7:30-8:45pm. While we are asking for donations, we have raised funds to secure the venue so no one attending would face a financial barrier. This means even those without Netflix have the chance to come and be inspired by the documentary and contribute to this conversation.
You are welcome to attend just the Q&A if you have already seen the film. Additionally there is no age limit to who can attend this event, but please be advised the film is rated PG-13.
NOTE: Since this event is donation based, there are no ticket sales and seats are first come, first served! The side entry way is handicap accessible and there is free and metered street parking all around the area - if possible, we highly recommend taking the Metro as there is a stop right in front of the venue.
Join or Die Film Screening and Joiner Fair
SWELL presents a free screening of the Emmy-nominated documentary Join or Die, followed by a Community Joining Fair where attendees can connect with local clubs, nonprofits and civic organizations. Inspired by Robert Putnam’s book Bowling Alone, Join or Die explores the decline of civic engagement and how belonging to clubs and organizations strengthens communities. Immediately after the screening, attendees can: Meet dozens of local club leaders, nonprofits and organizations Find opportunities to volunteer, join or participate Engage in conversations about strengthening community bonds.
Watch trailer here: https://youtu.be/4oDVf8sOG9w?si=-3I3Gvo-R8W801vp
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
GroundSWELL Members Meeting
By being part of Ground SWELL, you have a voice in what programming we bring in and how those funds are spent. Each quarter Ground SWELL meets and we collectively decide what we want to spend a portion of the collected member dues on. Want to bring in a guest performer? Want to buy a special book for all members? Want to buy paint to create a mural in the neighborhood? It’s up to us - let’s do it!
Member meetings are held every Tuesday evening following a season change (next one is June 23rd - first Tuesday of Summer!)
Learn more about GroundSWELL and join here: https://www.swellartcafe.com/ground-swells
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
Poéticas del borde
We invite you to this space to meet each other from the bordes.
Un territorio para leer y leernos en una lengua que nos sujeta a un lugar cuya geografía es cada vez más movediza, que se desplaza y nos desplaza a habitarnos en las palabras.
A territory for reading and being read in a language that binds us to a place whose geography grows ever more fluid — a language that shifts and shifts us, until we come to inhabit ourselves in words.
If you wish to participate, all genres welcome, all levels welcome.
We encourage you to do so in Spanish or in other languages.
This is a call for poets, storytellers, filmmakers, photographers, playwrights, actors, and creators in general to get in touch and be part of the monthly program of this space.
Join us for a bilingual poetry reading with poet TBD, followed by an open mic (all languages welcome).
Partisan and 8-Track Teckhead
Join Cincinnati underground legends Partisan and 8-Track TeckHead for a revolutionary co-headliner tour across the tri-state area!
On June 26th, the two bands will set out to rock SWELL alongside local sampler, Dama Willis. It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be intense. It’s going to be ECLECTIC!!!
Doors open at 7:30-
Music starts at 8p
Queen City Reads
Reading is fundamental and so is community. Both of these are inextricably tied to one another. Queen City Reads gives you the opportunity to meet new people while openly discussing impactful and meaningful texts with one another. We hope to encourage people to re integrate reading into their daily lives and interact directly with the text in a way that broadens perspectives. Whether you just picked up reading again or consider yourself an avid bookworm, this group is for you!
Most of the literature we will read and discuss are fiction and non-fiction books, typically in the Classics genre but open to whatever the group decides. For more information, please reach out to Kheara via email at kcorinw@gmail.com or send a DM on Instagram @khearaaa_.
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
¡Hola!
¡Hola!– Monthly Spanish Meetup / Encuentro Mensual de Español
Practice, learn, or just chat in Spanish with friends old and new! Join us the first Thursday of every month, 5:00–6:30 PM, for a casual, friendly meetup. All levels welcome—beginners, learners, and fluent speakers. Enjoy a safe, fun, and relaxed environment where conversation, laughter, and connection come first. No pressure, no formal lessons—just language, friendship, and community. Bring your curiosity and leave with new phrases and new friends!
*
¡Practica, aprende o simplemente charla en español con amigos, antiguos y nuevos! Únete el primer jueves de cada mes, de 5:00 a 6:30 PM, para un encuentro casual y amigable. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos: principiantes, aprendices y hablantes fluidos. Disfruta de un ambiente seguro, divertido y relajado, donde la conversación, la risa y la conexión son lo más importante. Sin presión, sin lecciones formales—solo idioma, amistad y comunidad. ¡Trae tu curiosidad y llévate nuevas frases y nuevos amigos.
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
WORDPLAY Thursday - A Poetry Open Mic
Prepare yourself for a fun night of interactive poetry performances, community networking, and tasteful creative activities brought to you by Lucky Lee. Open mic sign up slots are first come first served, so be sure to get there early to secure a spot.
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
100k Workshop: The Artist as Leader? A Call to Service
Join the 100k Project and Wave Pool for a training aimed at propelling people from the arts, nonprofit, social services, educaiton, and science sectors to run for local office. More info on how to register coming soon.
Reliving the Culture Wars (we won the battle and lost the war) – Do you know who Jesse Helms, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson are? We will have creativ work in response here.
Creative spaces as civic spaces – What things might we do in our theaters, galleries, and studios to build power for the common good?
Artists as Visualizers/Translators – We will collectively do research and renderings to help visualize the current state of the community where we doing the workshop. For online sessions, we will select a location from one of the attendees. You can’t improve something until you know what the current state is.
Are you a leader? What values, experiences and skills do you call on regularly for your creative work? Do you think any of that stuff is desperately needed in civic life right now?
Are you a viable candidate for local office? Some brave volunteer will demonstrate that you are. Be prepared!
Campaign Time – We will do creative work and someone or ones will be delivering a one-minute stump speech backed up by graphics and music created on the spot. Consider it a campaign rally performance!
Here is a video documenting a version of this workshop delivered in July of 2025 with conversations and creative work time edited out…
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
Poéticas del borde
We invite you to this space to meet each other from the bordes.
Un territorio para leer y leernos en una lengua que nos sujeta a un lugar cuya geografía es cada vez más movediza, que se desplaza y nos desplaza a habitarnos en las palabras.
A territory for reading and being read in a language that binds us to a place whose geography grows ever more fluid — a language that shifts and shifts us, until we come to inhabit ourselves in words.
If you wish to participate, all genres welcome, all levels welcome.
We encourage you to do so in Spanish or in other languages.
This is a call for poets, storytellers, filmmakers, photographers, playwrights, actors, and creators in general to get in touch and be part of the monthly program of this space.
Join us for a bilingual poetry reading with poet TBD, followed by an open mic (all languages welcome).
Poéticas del borde
We invite you to this space to meet each other from the bordes.
Un territorio para leer y leernos en una lengua que nos sujeta a un lugar cuya geografía es cada vez más movediza, que se desplaza y nos desplaza a habitarnos en las palabras.
A territory for reading and being read in a language that binds us to a place whose geography grows ever more fluid — a language that shifts and shifts us, until we come to inhabit ourselves in words.
If you wish to participate, all genres welcome, all levels welcome.
We encourage you to do so in Spanish or in other languages.
This is a call for poets, storytellers, filmmakers, photographers, playwrights, actors, and creators in general to get in touch and be part of the monthly program of this space.
Join us for a bilingual poetry reading with poet TBD, followed by an open mic (all languages welcome).
Jada Burt Presents: Views in Bloom
Jada Burt Presents: Views in Bloom—A collection of collages, memories, and stories from an enlightening decade.
Each collage begins with a photo that initially served as my attempt to capture a fleeting moment. I can look through my camera roll and hard drive to reminisce, but bringing my photos to life by creating collages makes me feel like the memories are not so distant, even if time would say otherwise.
My process allows me to spend more time with my memories before putting them away and enjoying my present life. I hope this collection inspires you to cherish your memories and create new ones.
My show will also feature handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces by LGBStyles Jewelry. If you enjoy standing out from the crowd, you will definitely find something unique to add to your jewelry collection.
Civic Engagement with Chris Rivers
Let’s start a civic engagement movement and build the America we need! Join author and activist Chris Rivers, who will lead an interactive workshop and game on civic engagement. Part of the Book-ish Book Club activations presented by Good Discover(ies).
Poéticas del borde
We invite you to this space to meet each other from the bordes.
Un territorio para leer y leernos en una lengua que nos sujeta a un lugar cuya geografía es cada vez más movediza, que se desplaza y nos desplaza a habitarnos en las palabras.
A territory for reading and being read in a language that binds us to a place whose geography grows ever more fluid — a language that shifts and shifts us, until we come to inhabit ourselves in words.
If you wish to participate, all genres welcome, all levels welcome.
We encourage you to do so in Spanish or in other languages.
This is a call for poets, storytellers, filmmakers, photographers, playwrights, actors, and creators in general to get in touch and be part of the monthly program of this space.
Join us for a bilingual poetry reading with poet TBD, followed by an open mic (all languages welcome).
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
Paws + Practice: An Artists & Dogs Meetup
Calling all artists, dog parents, and Camp Washington neighbors! Bring your dog, meet neighbors, swap survival strategies for balancing studio life and dog life, and join a conversation about imagining a community-run dog park in Camp Washington.
A special event put on by May’s FAB Artist , TROLL
Tap Lands, Make Friends
An evening of casual Magic: Bring a Commander deck, Standard deck, or just show up ready to
watch, learn, and hang. Pull up for friendly matches, strategy talk, and community connection.
New players, seasoned nerds, and curious spectators are all welcome.
A special event put on by May’s FAB Artist, Troll.
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
Good Discovery(s) Presents Book-ish
Our immersive bookclub for SWELL members meets monthly. Each month, our book selection reflects a special theme, and the event features a next-level activity and discussion.
Ask a Writer
Attention all writers and aspiring writers: Come on in with something you’re working on and get advice from a guest writer. Meet kindred spirits, enjoy dedicated writing time, and get stellar advice to boot.
Donations for the Haitian Support Center in Springfield
Pete Wood’s solo performs songs from his 513 Voyagers album. Followed by the Williams Family Band playing Old Time Americana, Sea Shanty’s and British Gospel.
All ages / no cover / donations accepted for the Haitian Support Center in Springfield.
Made in Camp - Artist and Maker Info Session
Made in Camp is coming! Save the date for October 17th, 2026 and get ready!
Made in Camp is an annual festival organized in collaboration between a collective of Camp Washington-based organizations and businesses.
Learn more at this informal info meeting about what’s new this year and how you can be a part of it!
Indigenous AF Comedy Show
with Janette Perez and Homer Shadowheart. Tickets $10 - available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indigenous-af-comedy-show-tickets-1987340705548?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
WORDPLAY Thursday - A Poetry Open Mic
Prepare yourself for a fun night of interactive poetry performances, community networking, and tasteful creative activities brought to you by Lucky Lee. Open mic sign up slots are first come first served, so be sure to get there early to secure a spot. May’s event features Zeda Siew.
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
Ze Treasure Troll FAB Opening Party
Join us for the opening of our May FAB Artist! We’ll be showing art by Troll and debuting their new custom menu items, only available during the month of May at SWELL!
Learn more about the FAB program here.
Troll is a ceramic artist known for their captivating biomorphic creations that evoke a sense of both visceral emotions and discomfort, yet remain undeniably alluring. Originally from California, Troll received their BFA in Ceramics from Chico State University and went on to earn their MFA from Indiana University. They are currently an artist in residence at Queen City Clay, in Norwood Ohio. For the past 18 years ceramics has and continues to be their main artform but recently their practice has been drawing from a diverse range of mediums including fibers, paper pulp, wet felting, metal, video, performance, and photography.
Troll is deeply involved in activism within their community, using their platform to raise awareness and foster inclusivity. With a focus on exploring themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment, Troll’s work invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and connect with shared humanity. Whether through intimate ceramic sculptures, immersive installations, or powerful performances, Troll seeks to spark meaningful conversations and inspire positive action.
¡Hola!
¡Hola!– Monthly Spanish Meetup / Encuentro Mensual de Español
Practice, learn, or just chat in Spanish with friends old and new! Join us the first Thursday of every month, 5:00–6:30 PM, for a casual, friendly meetup. All levels welcome—beginners, learners, and fluent speakers. Enjoy a safe, fun, and relaxed environment where conversation, laughter, and connection come first. No pressure, no formal lessons—just language, friendship, and community. Bring your curiosity and leave with new phrases and new friends!
*
¡Practica, aprende o simplemente charla en español con amigos, antiguos y nuevos! Únete el primer jueves de cada mes, de 5:00 a 6:30 PM, para un encuentro casual y amigable. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos: principiantes, aprendices y hablantes fluidos. Disfruta de un ambiente seguro, divertido y relajado, donde la conversación, la risa y la conexión son lo más importante. Sin presión, sin lecciones formales—solo idioma, amistad y comunidad. ¡Trae tu curiosidad y llévate nuevas frases y nuevos amigos.
Coffee with Boris Oicherman at Swell
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman for an informal conversation every Wednesday anytime from 4–6pm at Swell.
Come share ideas, learn more about our programs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee (or other beverage) and good company. This is a public event — everyone is welcome!
First Saturday Dance Party!
Come get your groove on while jiving to DJ Color Scientist’s sweet mixing. And don’t worry — we’ll be hosting these once a month if things go well. So get out your dancing shoes and come on by!
$5 suggested donation at the door. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Cincinnati Writer’s Group
Don’t want to write, but want to have written? CWG makes the sometimes solitary practice of writing communal and joyful. You will come away from a CWG session having written for at least 75 minutes.
Writers of any kind are welcome!
Board Game Social
A night for cardboard, competition, and communal silliness. Come make alliances, betray your
friends, and spend a cozy evening playing games together. We’ll have classics and oddballs on
hand, and you’re invited to bring your own favorites to share.
A special event put on by May’s FAB Artist, Troll.
ART IN PLACE: Sunday Brunch & Make With Music
Welcome to our new crafty, thoughtful, inspirational Sunday gatherings. Art In Place brings you a new SWELL member each week to present a prompt based on their own work, giving you time, space, and materials to create whatever inspires you in response. Live music will be performed to keep the creative juices flowing.
This Sunday, local artists Noel Maghathe and Chris Sifri will present a prompt based on their own work, giving you time, space, and materials to create whatever inspires you in response.
Bring your own supplies or use what we have on hand! Thank you to Indigo Hippo for providing some great supplies! All writers, artists, crafters, ponderers, and curious explorers are welcome!
Also, since it’s Sunday, we’re mixing up cocktails and toasting bagels for a tasty weekly brunch. Come by and munch on selection of Marx Bagels along side classic favorites like a spicy bloody mary or a sparkling mimosa. Homemade vegan cream cheese available. Lox, chives, capers and more. Yum!
Werkshop
Experimental and in-progress performance art
Making performance art more accessible to both artist and audience.