First major convention at the reimagined First Financial Center joins a packed weekend of sports, music and riverfront events

CINCINNATI, OH (For Immediate Release) – Cincinnati will welcome Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated for its 85th Grand Conclave, bringing more than 10,000 registered attendees and an estimated 20,000 additional family members, guests and visitors to the region from July 29 through August 3, 2026.

The Grand Conclave will be the first major convention held at the reimagined First Financial Center, marking an important milestone for Cincinnati’s downtown Convention District following the center’s reopening in January.

Attendees will stay across 23 hotels throughout Greater Cincinnati. The Grand Conclave is projected to generate approximately $12.9 million in economic impact and $7.1 million in direct business sales while supporting an estimated 1,994 jobs throughout the region.

The Grand Conclave will bring tens of thousands of visitors to Cincinnati’s hotels, restaurants, attractions and neighborhoods during one of the city’s busiest summer weekends, with professional sports, a major stadium concert, riverfront activities and additional crowds expected throughout downtown, The Banks, the West End and surrounding neighborhoods.

Major Events Taking Place Throughout Cincinnati

The Grand Conclave will take place during a packed stretch of major events across Cincinnati, bringing additional crowds to downtown, The Banks, the riverfront and the West End.

Wednesday, July 29

Ques at the Ballpark
Omega Psi Phi will begin its Cincinnati activities at Great American Ball Park as the Cincinnati Reds host the Cleveland Guardians. The fraternity’s 42nd Grand Basileus, Ricky L. Lewis, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Reds will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a four-game series at Great American Ball Park:

  • Thursday, July 30 at 7:10 p.m.
  • Friday, July 31 at 6:10 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 1 at 6:40 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 2 at 1:40 p.m.

Friday’s game will be followed by a live performance by Marshmello as part of the Reds’ postgame concert series.

Saturday, August 1

Ohio River Paddlefest and Guinness World Records Attempt
Ohio River Paddlefest will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an attempt to set the Guinness World Records title for the Largest Paddle Craft Party. The event will bring kayaks, canoes and other human-powered watercraft to the Ohio River beginning early Saturday morning.

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show and Pre-Show Party
The Banks will host a pre-show party on Freedom Way before Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show at Paycor Stadium. The concert begins at 6 p.m. and features special guests Lainey Wilson and Allen Stone. Additional details about the pre-show party will be announced by The Banks.

FC Cincinnati vs. San Jose Earthquakes
FC Cincinnati will host the San Jose Earthquakes at TQL Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

The combination of the Grand Conclave, Paddlefest, the Reds series, the Chris Stapleton concert and the FC Cincinnati match is expected to create especially heavy traffic and parking demand throughout the urban core on Saturday.

Visitors and Residents Urged to Plan Ahead for Traffic and Parking

With tens of thousands of Grand Conclave attendees and visitors joining crowds traveling to Great American Ball Park, Paycor Stadium, TQL Stadium, Fountain Square and the Ohio River, downtown Cincinnati and surrounding neighborhoods will be especially active from Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2.

Saturday, August 1, is expected to be particularly busy. Paddlefest activities will begin early in the morning, followed by Grand Conclave programming and major evening events at Great American Ball Park, Paycor Stadium, TQL Stadium, the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati and other downtown locations. The pre-show party at The Banks will add another concentration of activity near the riverfront before the Chris Stapleton concert.

People attending any event during the weekend should:

  • Leave earlier than usual and allow additional time to reach their destination.
  • Review venue-specific transportation, street closure and parking information before departing.
  • Reserve parking in advance where possible.
  • Consider public transportation, including the free Connector streetcar, which links The Banks, downtown and Over-the-Rhine.
  • Expect the Connector, Metro buses and rideshare pickup areas to be busier than usual, particularly before and after Saturday evening events.
  • Use rideshare services or park outside the immediate event districts when possible.
  • Expect garages and surface lots near The Banks, the riverfront, the Convention District and the West End to fill earlier than usual.
  • Be aware that several events will begin or end at similar times, particularly on Saturday evening.

Visitors should consult event organizers, venue websites, and local transportation agencies for the latest parking, route and operational information.

Media Access and Interview Opportunities

Media planning to cover the 85th Grand Conclave must apply for credentials in advance. 

Credentialed media will have access to designated Grand Conclave events and media opportunities at the First Financial Center.

A dedicated media room will be available inside the First Financial Center, providing credentialed media with an air-conditioned workspace, access to power, light bites and beverages throughout the event.

Media room hours:

  • Thursday, July 30: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Friday, July 31: 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 1: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 2: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Visit Cincy and Omega Psi Phi representatives will also be available on-site to help media coordinate interviews, confirm event details, and gather additional information outside the scheduled interview windows.

Interview windows:

Thursday, July 30, from noon to 2 p.m.
Advance scheduling is required for interviews with:

  • Ricky L. Lewis, 42nd Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated
  • Stanford T. Williams, Grand Marshal of the 85th Grand Conclave
  • John F. Howard, Executive Director of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated
  • Julie Kirkpatrick, Interim President and CEO of Visit Cincy

Friday, July 31, following the Grand Conclave Public Program
Media may attend the Public Program from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the First Financial Center and remain afterward for interview opportunities. Advance scheduling is not required for Friday’s interviews.

About the 85th Grand Conclave

The 85th Grand Conclave will highlight Omega Psi Phi’s commitments to community service, youth development, education, health, the arts and social action.

The theme, “Bridging Our Legacy and Building Our Future,” reflects the fraternity’s focus on honoring its history while preparing the next generation of leaders. Official programming will include plenary sessions, service projects, youth programs, awards, professional development and fellowship.

Founded at Howard University in 1911, Omega Psi Phi was the first Black Greek-letter fraternity founded at a historically Black college. The international organization has initiated more than 250,000 members and includes more than 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters worldwide.

Omega Psi Phi Events Open to the Media

The following Grand Conclave programs will be available for media coverage. Access requirements vary by event, and some programs are also open to the public through free admission, advance registration or ticket purchase.

Wednesday, July 29

The Battle for Ohio: Ques at the Ballpark

Time: Omega event begins at 6:10 p.m.
Location: Great American Ball Park
Game: Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Guardians
Public Admission: Ticket required: The Battle for Ohio: Ques at the Ballpark! - 85th Grand Media Access: Cincinnati Reds credential required

Omega Psi Phi will begin its Cincinnati activities with Ques at the Ballpark. The fraternity’s 42nd Grand Basileus, Ricky L. Lewis, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

The Omega ticket package includes admission to the game, food and beverages, and a commemorative Omega Psi Phi and Cincinnati Reds hat.

Thursday, July 30

International Youth Leadership Conference

Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: First Financial Center
Media Access: Media Availability by Request, Omega Psi Phi media credential required

The International Youth Leadership Conference will bring together high school-aged young men for interactive workshops and mentoring focused on leadership, communication, academic achievement, community service, and decision-making.

Participants will connect with professionals and peers while developing skills designed to build confidence and prepare them for future leadership opportunities.

Friday, July 31

OmegaSTEM: “Engineering the Future, An OmegaSTEM Experience”

Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: First Financial Center
Media Access: Media Availability by Request, Omega Psi Phi media credential required

OmegaSTEM will introduce young people to coding, robotics, electronics, energy and engineering through hands-on workshops, competitions and mentoring.

The program is designed to build curiosity, collaboration and critical-thinking skills while exposing students to education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Juilliard School Master Class

Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: First Financial Center
Media Access: Media Availability by Request, Omega Psi Phi media credential required

Students participating in Omega Psi Phi’s International Talent Hunt Demonstration will take part in a daylong master class featuring instrumental music, vocal music and dance.

The program will provide advanced instruction and prepare participants for Saturday’s International Talent Hunt Demonstration.

Community Day

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Fountain Square
Admission: Free and open to the public
Media Access: Open to Media

Community Day will bring fraternity members, local partners and the public together for a health fair, career fair and community engagement activities.

The event reflects Omega Psi Phi’s longstanding commitment to youth mentorship, scholarships, health and wellness, disaster relief and neighborhood service.

Grand Conclave Public Program

Time: 3:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Location: First Financial Center, Exhibit Hall A
Admission: Open to the public
Media Access: Omega Psi Phi media credential required

The Grand Conclave Public Program will feature fraternity, civic and community leaders, along with representatives from the Divine Nine.

The program will include remarks, updates on fraternity initiatives, recognition of service, and presentations from community partners.

Grand Conclave March Down Competition

Time: 8 to 11 p.m.
Location: First Financial Center
Admission: Ticket required
Media: Will need Omega Psi Phi media credentials

The Grand Conclave March Down Competition will showcase one of Omega Psi Phi’s most recognizable traditions.

Undergraduate teams will use coordinated movement, rhythm, chants and songs to share the fraternity’s history, values and brotherhood through performance.

Saturday, August 1

80th International Talent Hunt Demonstration

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, Grand Ballroom
Media Access: Omega Psi Phi media credential required

Omega Psi Phi’s Talent Hunt returns to Cincinnati, where the program began in 1946.

The international showcase will feature high school students performing in disciplines including vocal and instrumental music, dance, dramatic interpretation and visual arts. The 2026 event marks the program’s 80th presentation.

About Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated is an international, historically African American fraternity founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The fraternity was founded by undergraduate students Oscar James Cooper, Frank Coleman and Edgar Amos Love, along with faculty adviser Dr. Ernest Everett Just. Omega Psi Phi is a founding member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and has chartered more than 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters. More than 250,000 men have been initiated into the fraternity.

About Visit Cincy

Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region’s people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world through sales, marketing, communications and community-building strategies. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County and the Cincy Region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions and facilities to visitors, meeting planners and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.