This blog is updated annually. Check back closer to Memorial Day for more updates and events added!

 

Memorial Day Weekend officially kicks off the summer season and there are so many ways to celebrate it in the Cincy Region. Whether you’re traveling with kids, ready to play ball, or enjoying a grown up weekend, this guide highlights some of the great Memorial Day Weekend offerings in in the region.

Two women enjoy food at Taste of Cincinnati, with Mt. Adams in the background.

Taste of Cincinnati - May 22 - 25

Taste of Cincinnati is the crown jewel in the Queen City's Memorial Day weekend. This 4-day (that's right - the festival starts on Friday this year!) celebration showcases the region's best culinary delights spread along 4 blocks in Downtown Cincinnati. This festival features 100+ delectable dishes from more than 70 local restaurants and food trucks and continuous live entertainment on multiple stages. Taste of Cincinnati is free and can’t-miss fun for the whole family. Get our insider tips to make the most of your time at the Taste of Cincinnati! 

A family walks through the entrance of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

Family Fun

The Newport Aquarium Mermaids will return starting May 23. Enjoy a special meet and greet (and the chance to pet a stingray!) with the mermaids in Mermaid Cove. Can't make it Memorial Day weekend? No worries, the mermaids will be here until June 21. 

 

One of Krohn Conservatory's most anticipated events, the annual butterfly show, begins every May. Check back closer to Memorial Day weekend for more details. 

 

Definitely snag tickets for Cincinnati Museum Center's newest exhibit, LEGO Jurassic World: The Exhibition. Featuring more than 50 different massive dinosaurs (constructed out of 6 million LEGO bricks!), this exhibit opens on May 22, giving you the chance to be one of the first people to view it!

 

History Buffs

Head to the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, an interactive exhibit that lets you learn about Southwest Ohio's impressive musical legacy. Open (and free!) every day of the year, this is a great way to mix history and local culture with an immersive experience. 

Mr. Redlegs Cincinnati Reds

Sports Fans

The Cincinnati Reds will be in town Memorial Day Weekend playing the St. Louis Cardinals May 22, May 23, and May 24. Friday the 22nd will have a fireworks display after the game.

 

For a truly unique Cincy Region experience, don't miss the greatest mascot in baseball, when the Florence Y'alls take on the Down East Big Dawgs on May 22.

 

 Deck out in your best orange and blue and head to TQL Stadium on Saturday, May 23 to root for FC Cincinnati as they take on Orlando City. As always, FC's Pre-Match at Washington Park and ceremonial march to the stadium is a must-do. 

cincinnati museum center at union station

Music Lovers

Mayfestival is a multi-day, 150+ year old event that celebrates music and culture. This year's lineup of performances includes everything from Duke Ellington pieces to a special finale on May 23 featuring Festival Director Julia Bullock's curation of Gershwin's legendary opera, Porgy and Bess. 

 

Devotees of the Unique

North by Northside (NXNS) is a walkable festival occurring all around one of Cincinnati's favorite neighborhoods - Northside! The 2026 edition of NXNS is taking place over May 23 & 24 and will feature a wide variety of local and regional bands at twelve venues, including Hoffner Park. The best part? It's all free! Come get a "Taste" of Northside. For a full festival lineup and info about other summer events in Northside, visit NorthsideRocks.com.

 

 

 
Whether you're a history buff, a sports fan, a foodie, or just looking for a good time, you’ll find it over Memorial Day weekend. With food festivals, amusement parks, and more, summer fun is just getting started in the Cincy Region, start planning your trip.