Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Festivities

This post is updated annually.

Since the late 19th century, the Cincinnati Reds have been the only Major League Baseball team given the privilege of starting every season at home. It’s no wonder that Reds Opening Day is a can't-miss annual celebration! If you've never experienced a Reds Opening Day before - make 2025 the year to do so. It doesn't get more Cincy than this. 

The Opening Day game against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday, March 27 will start at 4:10 p.m., but to get the full experience you HAVE to join in on the festivities beforehand. Here's the scoop on local Cincinnati Reds parties, parking information, and more Opening Day festivities.

Check out the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day parade route here!

Celebrate Reds Opening Day at these local parties

Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party | March 27, 2025, 11 a.m. - Celebrate the start of baseball season at the Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party, benefiting the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy! Head to The Banks for free fun, live music, and entertainment! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Opening Day Parade | March 27, 2025, 12 p.m. - Kick off the Reds season with a big parade featuring local celebrities, current and former Reds players, marching bands, and more. Best of all it's free!

Home Opening Day Party at Washington Park | March 27, 2025, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Spend the day at Washington Park for drinks on The Porch. Enjoy top-notch parade views, live music, family-friendly games & activities, and giveaways. 

Opening Day at Rhinegeist | March 27, 2025, 9 a.m. - close - Enjoy Opening Day at Rhinegeist, with the brewery opening its doors bright and early at 9 a.m.! Enjoy baseball-themed giveaways throughout the day, special celebratory bar deals, a radar gun for pitch speed and so much more.

Opening Day at Smoke Justis | March 27, 2025, 11 a.m. - close - Head to Covington's Smoke Justis for great food, beer, bourbon, and live entertainment. If you are going to the game, Smoke Justis is located at the base of the John A. Roebling Bridge which you can walk across to The Banks and Great American Ballpark. 

DORA – Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

Just outside of the Great American Ball Park, The Banks is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area! This means that between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 a.m., guests can walk around outside in the designated area with an alcoholic beverage in a DORA-approved cup. The boundaries are from Heritage Bank Center to Paycor Stadium and from Mehring Way to Second Street. Click here for a map of the DORA district.

Check out our list of local sports bars for a pre or post-game celebration. Some classic locations at The Banks that are sure to run specials on Opening Day include Tin Roof and The Holy Grail.

Parking & Transportation

With thousands of people converging downtown for Reds Opening Day and the added complication of parade road closures, finding parking can seem like a daunting task. Don't worry! Here are some tips to help you plan and ease the process.

Parking on Reds Opening Day

• If you want to park south of or near Fountain Square – get there early! It will be busy. Along with the major parking garages near The Banks, you will likely find day-of temporary lots in the area around the ballpark. 
• If you’re headed to Washington Park or the nearby blocks, try some of the lots along Central Parkway like Findlay Garage or the Town Center Garage by Music Hall. You may get a spot if you arrive early enough.
• You can also park in Northern Kentucky and walk across the Ohio River on the Roebling Bridge from Covington or the Purple People Bridge in Newport to the game. ​Check out more parking tips for Cincinnati Reds games.

Public Transportation on Reds Opening Day

• Cincinnati’s bus system, Metro, will provide regular service but some downtown stops may be altered slightly.
• The Connector (downtown streetcar) offers free fare all day! Usual hours are 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Check their website for complete details and any changes to the route or schedule for Opening Day. 
• The Southbank Shuttle runs through downtown Cincinnati,  Newport, and Covington, Kentucky, and costs $1, making it easy to park and ride to the game.