An Eventful Winter

 An Eventful Winter

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Venture outside this January and February for one of these special events

In January and February—after the holidays are over and the winter weather settles in—many of us tend to hole up in our homes and wait for spring. But if you’re willing to brave the cold, you’ll find lots of events to keep you entertained all winter long. Here are 10 that are worth leaving the house for.

Penguin Days at the Cincinnati Zoo

The holiday lights may be gone, but there’s still plenty to do at the zoo in January and February. During Penguin Days, visitors can see special animal enrichment activities with the painted dogs and red pandas, enjoy discounted tickets and view a penguin parade. Jan. 9-March 10. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Prices vary. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati. cincinnatizoo.org.

CSO: Tchaikovsky & Prokofiev

Violinist Randall Goosby joins the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. But that’s not all on the docket; the orchestra will also be playing Julia Perry’s “Homunculus C.F.” and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 3. Jan. 21-22. Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m. Prices vary. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatisymphony.org.

Pops Tchaikovsky Spectacular: 1812 Overture

The Cincinnati Pops pick up the CSO’s Tchaikovsky theme and runs with it on the following weekend. They’ll be playing his famous 1812 Overture, as well as other pieces by the composer, such as “The Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake.” Jan. 27-29. F-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m. Prices vary. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatisymphony.org.

The Rewards of Being Frank

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents the world premiere of The Rewards of Being Frank this winter. An unofficial sequel to Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, the play promises to feature lots of humor, mischief and shenanigans. Jan. 27-Feb. 18. Times vary. Prices vary. Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. cincyshakes.com.

Georgia O’Keeffe, Photographer

Georgia O’Keeffe, Ladder against Studio Wall in Snow, 1959–60, gelatin silver print, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Santa Fe. © Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Many people are familiar with the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe, but the Cincinnati Art Museum is looking to introduce people to her photographs as well with this special exhibition. The exhibition features almost 100 pictures, along with a complimentary selection of paintings and drawings. Feb. 3-May 7. Tu-W & F-Su 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Th a.m. 8 p.m., M closed. Adults $12, Seniors 65+ $8, College Students $8, Children 6-17 $8, Children 5 and under free. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art

Kerry and C. Betty Davis have spent more than 35 years collecting 20th and 21st century African American art. With this exhibition, the Taft Museum of Art showcases 60 pieces from the collection, giving visitors the chance to see these unique paintings, prints, sculptures and more. Feb. 4-May 14. W-Su 11 a.m.-4 p.m., M-Tu closed. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati. taftmuseum.org.

Annie

The beloved musical Annie makes a stop in Cincinnati this winter. This is a great opportunity to introduce kids to these classic songs and for lovers of the musical to fall in love with it again. Feb. 7-12. Tu-Th 7:30 p.m., F 8 p.m., Sa 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Su 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Prices vary. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati. cincinnatiarts.org.

Alive (In Wonderland)

The Cincinnati Ballet brings Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to life for a visually stunning and over-the-top ballet. Beloved characters like the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit and even the Red Queen will make an appearance. Feb. 10-19. Th 7:30 p.m., F 8 p.m., Sa 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Su 1 p.m. Prices vary. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. cballet.org.

Children’s Theatre’s Princess & Frog

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati puts a new spin on the classic tale, The Frog Princess. In this version, both are cursed and must work together to break the enchantments. Feb. 18-19, 24-26. Times vary. Prices vary. Taft Theatre, 317 E Fifth St., Cincinnati. thechildrenstheatre.com.

A Chorus Line

A Chorus Line

Celebrate the end of winter and Playhouse in the Park’s new theater with a performance of the musical, A Chorus Line. This will be the first show performed in The Rouse Theatre. March 11-April 15. Times vary. Prices vary. Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati. cincyplay.com.

By Corinne Minard