A Local Tradition
The Cincinnati Music Festival has been an iconic event in Cincinnati history, featuring dazzling lineups and drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees. Originally called the "Ohio Valley Jazz Festival", this weekend-long event began in 1962 and has featured legendary headliners such as: Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle and Erykah Badu. This list goes on, and is archived online. This festival has a long history of bringing top artists together, creating a celebration of music and culture.
The Main Event
Cincinnati Music Festival returns in 2022 with three nights of lineups, running from Thursday, July 1 to Saturday, July 22. Thursday is a new addition to the traditional lineup, and that evening's performances will take place at a brand-new venue.
Check back for the 2023 Cincinnati Music Festival Lineup:
Where to Start?
First things first: be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time. If you need a hotel, check out this offer for a buy-one-get-one-free ticket package (offer valid through 7/19/22). Getting around downtown is easy, with different options available to you.
- The Cincinnati Bell Connector is a great, free option for public transportation in the downtown area.
- Cincinnati Metro bus is another way to get around - especially if you're looking to travel outside of the immediate downtown area.
- There are also rideshare options: Uber, Lyft, etc, as well as traditional taxi and black car services
Festival Parking
If you plan on staying downtown for the entire festival, there are many easy options for overnight parking. You can find a list of long-term lots here, along with information regarding rates. Don't worry about moving your car during your stay - there are endless options for dining, drinking, and additional entertainment in the immediate downtown area that are either walkable or easy to reach using public transportation or rideshare.
For those driving in just for the concerts - parking is available at Paul Brown Stadium, as well as at The Banks lot. We recommend developing your parking plan prior to traveling downtown, and having a back-up option in mind just in case. No worries, even though lots may fill up, there is more than enough parking space for all festival attendees.
Special Events Throughout the Week
In addition to the music lineup, check out our calendar of events for other events going on in the Cincy region during the Festival weekend.
Visitor's Guide
Below is a guide to what to do, eat, and where to stay - no matter where you're staying during festival weekend.
Downtown
Nearby Cultural Cincinnati experiences
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - This must-see museum is offering $5 off admission when you show your CMF ticket.
- Cincinnati Museum Center -
- Cincinnati Reds
- Cincinnati Opera
- Contemporary Arts Center - This free museum has multiple exhibits on display.
- Taft Museum of Art
- Findlay Market - Visit Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market located in Over-the-Rhine.
- Dangerwheel - Watch this two-block, downhill race in the Pendleton neighborhood.
Where to Eat
- Nosh at some of these Black-owned eateries: Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey, BlaCk Coffee Lounge, Ollie’s Trolley, Sweet Petit. Check out one of the hottest new spots in OTR for amazing soulfood: Soul Secrets.
- Other popular spots: Prime Cincinnati, Taste of Belgium, Lucius Q, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, The Eagle, Bakersfield OTR, Senate, Moerlein Lager House, Montgomery Inn Boathouse, Sotto, Mita's.
Where to Hang
- Check out all these events happening throughout festival week. (Link to other article).
- Grab a drink and dance the night away at PRVLGD, OTR Live, COPA Lounge, Revel OTR.
- Listen to jazz at Symphony Hotel, Schwartz's Point, or Nostalgia.
Where to Shop
- Visit these Black-owned shops: Smith & Hannon Bookstore, Black Owned, BrickOTR, Own Lane Shoes, MABBAM, GO(O)D Co. Apparel.
- Find other small shops throughout the downtown/Over-the-Rhine area like Cincy Shirts, Unheardof, Batsakes Hat Shop, Rad OTR.
Uptown
Nearby Unmistakably Cincinnati experiences
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - Visit the #1 zoo in the nation according to USA Today's 2019 Summer Readers’ Choice poll.
- Cincinnati Art Museum - A free museum with a number of rotating exhibits.
- American Sign Museum - Take a 100+ year journey of the past at the largest public museum in the country dedicated to signs.
- Harriet Beecher Stowe House - Explore the Walnut Hills home where this author lived during the formative years that led her to write the best-selling novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Where to Eat/Hang/Shop
- Try some of these Black-owned eateries: Just Q’in, Island Frydays, Conscious Kitchen, Darou Salam, Alabama Que, Green Man Twist,The Sweet Place.
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Enjoy strolling boutiques and shops near Hyde Park Square, Wooburn Avenue in East Walnut Hills, Ludlow Avenue in Clifton, Madison Avenue in O'Bryonville, and Hamilton Avenue in Northside. Head to Rookwood Commons & Pavilion for shops like T.J. Maxx, Old Navy, The Gap, and many other well-known stores.
Northern Kentucky/South
Nearby Must-Do Cincinnati experiences
- Newport Aquarium - Touch a stingray, go eye-to-eye with rare white alligators, and dare to walk above the sharks on the world's first suspended rope bridge at this aquarium located at Newport on the Levee.
- BB Riverboats - Step aboard for amazing views of the Cincinnati skyline and riverfront areas from the Belle of Cincinnati or the River Queen.
- The B-Line - Create your own unique bourbon experience at distilleries, bars and restaurants in Northern Kentucky.
- Ark Encounter - Tour this life-size Noah's Ark towering higher than four stories and stretching more than 1.5 football fields long.
Where to Eat/Hang/Shop
- Grab a bite at Agave & Rye, Bouquet, Buckhead Mountain Grill, Commonwealth Bistro, Coppin’s, Dee Felice (plus live jazz), Eddie's Southern Style Barbeque (Black-owned), , Knotty Pine on the Bayou, Libby's Southern Comfort, Purple Poulet, Rich’s Proper Food & Drink, Otto’s.
- Sip on some bourbon along The B-Line at stops like New Riff Distilling, Boone County Distilling, Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, The Prohibition Bourbon Bar at Newberry Bros. and Wiseguys.
- Stroll through Crestview Hills Town Center or Florence Mall to find finishing touches for your weekend outfits.
North
Staying north of the city in areas like Blue Ash, Sharonville, Kenwood, Springdale, West Chester or Mason? Here are some places to include in your itinerary.
Nearby Unmistakably Cincinnati experiences
- Kings Island - Enjoy world-class fun and thrills on more than 100 rides and attractions throughout Kings Island and Soak City Water Park.
- Jungle Jim’s International Market - Browse this wacky, gargantuan jungle of a supermarket with hundreds of thousands of products from more than 70 countries.
Where to Eat/Hang/Shop
- Enjoy a meal at Blue Ash Chili, Carlo & Johnny, Montgomery Inn, Pappadeaux, Rasheeda’s Cafe, Sene Grill, Silver Spring House or Stone Creek Dining Company.
- Dance the night away at Cove 51 in Sharonville.
- Find the latest styles and unique boutiques at Kenwood Town Centre or Liberty Center.
West
Whether you're west of the city or nearby in Indiana, consider some of these options.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Primavista or Incline Public House.
- Other popular eateries include: Henke Winery, Maury's Tiny Cove, Muse Cafe (Black-owned), Somm Wine Bar and Whisky's.
- Try one of three nearby casinos in Indiana: Rising Star, Hollywood and Belterra.
East
If you're staying near Mariemont, Loveland, Eastgate or farther east, enjoy some of these options nearby.
- Catch a horse race and play the slots at Belterra Park. Plus, enjoy several dining options onsite.
- Spend a day at Coney Island enjoying Sunlite Pool, the largest recirculating pool in North America, plus water slides, amusement park rides, and more.
- Popular eateries include 20 Brix, El Coyote, Paxton's Grill, Pirate's Cove, Quarter Bistro and Sky Galley.
