Upcoming events.
interested in hosting an event here? Click here.
interested in booking your band or music performance? Click here.
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_.
Past Call Karaoke + Karaoke Figure Drawing with Julia Lipovsky!
Take our stage and belt out the bangers.
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.
The World In Dub
DJ Color Scientist and guest DJs play Dub music from all around the world, from Jamaica to Japan, from roots to dub-techno and experimental.
Sophie's Dream, Jay Hill, Matthew Shelton
Sophie's Dream, Jay Hill, Matthew Shelton. Free, doors at 8pm.
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.
Nerds On Wax
As far as mid-sized metropolitan areas go, Cincinnati is truly spoiled when it comes to vinyl records. With over a dozen specialty shops and a solid base of local, passionate collectors, it’s a great place to be a nerd for wax. Hosted by Burrito Boys Booking, this event aims to bring the best of this local subculture together for lowkey hangs and unmatched vibes. Each month, The Boys intend to host one local collector and have them do a set on the turntables. It could be a local DJ, or a local musician, or a record shop employee, or some secret other thing! Some folks will have public DJ’ing experience, some won’t. But that’s half the fun of it!
The premise is simple: we wanna see (and more importantly, hear) their stuff! What finds are they most proud of? What are the weirdest or coolest cuts in their collections?
So sit back, relax, and dig the wax! Hang out and talk shop with other local enthusiasts and see what these And while you’re at it, grab a drink or a snack. Swell Art Café is a beautiful, intimate venue in historic Camp Washington that we’re sure you’ll love! See you there!
Join Us for the Inauguration of VyM: Voces y Movimiento Latine Arts Festival
Cincinnati's newest celebration of Latine arts and culture kicks off at SWELL Art Cafe on Friday September 18th, 6-9pm. Come meet the talented artists performing in this year's festival, connect with sponsors and supporters, and enjoy an evening of live music and community spirit. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Don't miss this vibrant launch celebration — be part of the festival from day one!
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).
Lightning Strikes: an Evening of PechaKucha Storytelling (part of Cincinnati Design Week 2026)
Pecha what!? PechaKucha!!! 20 slides, 20 seconds each. Super fun! Join us at Swell Art Cafe for a fast paced, highly visual evening of local designers, artists, and theatermakers telling creative stories of all kinds.
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! (Copy)
¡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.
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).
The World In Dub
DJ Color Scientist and guest DJs play Dub music from all around the world, from Jamaica to Japan, from roots to dub-techno and experimental.
Eve Maret / Zachary James Watkins + Pomme Pom
Eve Maret (Nashville, TN) / Zachary James Watkins (Oakland, CA) + Pomme Pom (Cinci)
Closing Celebration: VyM: Voces y Movimiento Latine Arts Festival
Join us at SWELL Art Cafe on October 3rd, 6–10pm, as we close out the VyM Latine Arts Festival in style! Dance the night away to live Latin music, meet the artists whose work brought the festival to life, and connect with the sponsors and supporters who made it all possible. Stick around for the raffle winner announcements!
Come celebrate community, culture, and creativity as we bring VyM's inaugural festival to a joyful close
Sean Hendley, Rob Mohan and Porter Finch
Sean Hendley, Rob Mohan and Porter Finch on 10/17/26.
Bat Thorn World Tour
Tomb Perfume, Bat Thorn, Parvo and Sewage Grinder. More info to come! Doors at 5:00, music at 6:00. $5 Entry.
Golf Widow, Millie Kaye, Dawn
Supreme indie rock and experimental compositions from Golf Widow (@golfwidow_), Millie Kaye (@bed.bug.dope) and Dawn (dawn.evergreen). Free / Music at 8PM. Poster by @bosebakedart
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.
Nuclear Addicts / answer=chaos (Cleveland) / Accesstogod / victim in pain (Columbus)
Benefit Gig for Hannah with Nuclear Addicts (@/thrash_hazzard) / Accesstogod (@accesstogod_) /Answer = Chaos (@shriveledsack Cleveland) / Victim In Pain (Columbus) - All Ages, $10-20 PWYC/Suggested Donation, Vendors + Raffle. Every dollar raised goes directly toward Hannah's medical expenses, allowing her to focus on what matters most-fighting cancer instead of worrying about how to pay for treatment.
Portrait Drawing with Julia Lipovsky
Get your portrait drawn by FAB Artist Julia Lipovsky! Stop by and pose for a custom drawing of YOU!!
Cincinnati Pop Up Show
A stacked Midwest Emo lineup from all over the country, if you aren’t here then you’re nowhere.
Robo Pumpkin
Empty Parking Lot
LQM
$5-10 suggested donation
Doors at 7, music at 7:30p
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!
Rose Che Menu Release and Music from the Banned Countries
The first taste of SWELL’s new menu, featuring the food of Rose Che. Free beignets with any meal purchase.
DJ Papito will also be presenting “Music from the Banned Countries,” an audio visual mash up to recognize and celebrate the countries and peoples that are under a total or partial restriction on traveling to the United States.
Nerds On Wax
As far as mid-sized metropolitan areas go, Cincinnati is truly spoiled when it comes to vinyl records. With over a dozen specialty shops and a solid base of local, passionate collectors, it’s a great place to be a nerd for wax. Hosted by Burrito Boys Booking, this event aims to bring the best of this local subculture together for lowkey hangs and unmatched vibes. Each month, The Boys intend to host one local collector and have them do a set on the turntables. It could be a local DJ, or a local musician, or a record shop employee, or some secret other thing! Some folks will have public DJ’ing experience, some won’t. But that’s half the fun of it!
The premise is simple: we wanna see (and more importantly, hear) their stuff! What finds are they most proud of? What are the weirdest or coolest cuts in their collections?
So sit back, relax, and dig the wax! Hang out and talk shop with other local enthusiasts and see what these And while you’re at it, grab a drink or a snack. Swell Art Café is a beautiful, intimate venue in historic Camp Washington that we’re sure you’ll love! See you there!
Members Pizza Party
Come carb load with our famous wood-fired pizzas. Free pizza for all SWELL members and for those interested in joining! Come learn what being a SWELL member is all about and get to know the crew over a slice (or three).
Psychedelic Music Fest
Psychedelic Music Fest featuring @openingdayart , @__ducking_ , @cultivarsband, @josiecashwan and more!
Robbi Sommers Bryant Reading and Book Signing
Join award-winning psychological thriller author Robbi Sommers Bryant for an intimate hour at Swell Café featuring a live reading, audience Q&A, and book signing. Come hear the stories behind her dark suspense novels, ask questions about writing and publishing, and have your book signed.
Link: robbibryant.com
Pobrecito / The Tristate Area / TUMMY
Pobrecito / The Tristate Area / TUMMY - experimental / dub / minimalist electronics
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.
FAB Opening: Julia Lipovsky
Join Julia Lipovsky - Featured Artist Boost (FAB) artist during the month of August, for a reception, Saturday, August 8, 6-8pm at Swell Art Cafe!
Learn more about the FAB program here.
Julia Lipovsky is a local artist and illustrator living and working in Camp Washington since 2016. She has spent the last decade working with the area's vibrant arts and cultural organizations, including residencies at the Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, 1001 Colors (formerly ArtWorks), and Rookwood Pottery. Rooted in a love of drawing and collaboration, her spirited linework has moved across walls, windows, handbags, vases, and many live portrait pop ups. Julia hosts a virtual art + writing group, Passages, each season and co-runs the Northside studio/storefront General Store with her husband Jon.
The World In Dub
First Thursdays: DJ Color Scientist spins a vinyl set of music from around the world, each month themed around a place, style, or scene. Mostly dub, but also music that sounds like dub, feels like dub, evolved from dub, and occasionally music that has nothing to do with dub at all, just because it's good.
For August 6th: Berlin-Detroit: dub techno and what evolved from it. Rhythm & Sound, DeepChord, Brandon Moeller, Deadbeat, Pole, Ghost Dubs, and others.
¡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.
The Proposal Clinic
Join Executive Director of Wave Pool, Boris Oicherman on the first Wednesday of every month for some arts admin assistance. CV’s, project proposals, applications… This is the work that makes the art WORK!
Past Call Karaoke + Karaoke Figure Drawing with Julia Lipovsky!
Take our stage and belt out the bangers.
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!
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_.
WERKSHOP
Now accepting submissions - apply here!
WERKSHOP is a series of experimental and queer performance art events organized by the Pink Acolyte Union. The goal of WERKSHOP is to give artists a low-stakes environment to practice or try out new performance ideas without the pressures of gallery openings or ticketed events while also giving the community access to approachable performance art. Volume 2 will be held at Swell Art Cafe on Saturday, July 26 from 7-9 PM with performances TBA.
The Pink Acolyte Union is a semi-fictional artist collective spearheaded by the semi-anonymous artist and 8th Pink Acolyte, Endeeyoh. The collective aims to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon known as the “Terrifying Pink Thing” through producing events and publishing. To learn more about their work and history, visit their website: www.pinkacolyteunion.com.
Art Practice as Care: Tools for Sustainable Creative Work
Burnout isn't a personal failure, it's a pattern. This workshop creates space to examine it.
Led by curator and psychotherapist Gabrielle Banzhaf, this full-day workshop supports artists in building more sustainable creative practices. This session addresses helping participants recognize their own patterns, understand their limits, and make clearer decisions about work and life.
The day moves through burnout and stress recognition, capacity mapping, boundary-setting, and navigating uncertainty by using guided exercises and peer discussion throughout. Participants will leave with concrete tools, including a personal Burnout Timeline, a Capacity Map, and practiced Boundary Scripts. The workshop also addresses the structural context honestly: therapy and self-work have limits and stable housing, healthcare, and financial security matter more than any single workshop can fix. The goal is to offer grounded tools for clearer thinking and more intentional practice.
Schedule
11:00 AM — Arrival, coffee & introductions
12:00 PM — Values exercise & shared baseline
1:00 PM — Burnout & stress recognition
2:00 PM — Lunch
2:30 PM — Capacity mapping & resilience
3:30 PM — Boundaries, catastrophizing & uncertainty
4:30 PM — Reflection & discussion