Celebrate Summer with These Fun Things to do over Labor Day Weekend in Cincy

From fireworks to festivals to outdoor fun, find things to do on Labor Day Weekend and celebrate the end of summer in Cincy Region style.  

Local Fireworks Shows

Cincinnati Reds Fireworks Fridays (8/29): Stick around after the end of this Cincinnati Reds game to experience a dazzling fireworks show! Note: fireworks will begin promptly 15 minutes after the conclusion of each game.

Florence Y'alls Fireworks Fridays (8/29): Enjoy a post game firework show spectacular detonated by the award winning Rozzi's Famous Fireworks.

Kings Island's Nighttime Spectacular (daily): As the sun goes down, the skies light up with Kings Island’s Nighttime Spectacular. Fireworks, hundreds of drones and laser projections combine to create unforgettable memories. Note: this is the last weekend of the season to experience this, so don’t miss out!

Western-Southern/WEBN Riverfest (8/31): Give summer a proper send-off at Cincinnati’s annual Riverfest, an all-day festival that culminates with the iconic Western & Southern/WEBN fireworks show. Bring the whole family down to the riverfront for live music and food at Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Fireworks start at 9:05 pm on both sides of the Ohio River and is synchronized with a custom soundtrack on WEBN (102.7 FM)

Ticketed Fireworks Events

Riverfest Fireworks Cruise (8/31): Set sail with BB Riverboats for their annual Labor Day cruise with the perfect view of the Riverfest fireworks! 

Cincinnati Dinner Train: Riverfest and the W&S (8/31): Catch a first-class ride aboard the Cincinnati Dinner Train and enjoy a four-course dinner, cash bar, and an unique way to soak in all the excitement of the fireworks - all from your private table in Cincinnati Dinner Train's vintage dining cars.

FREE Live music and performing arts on Labor Day Weekend in Cincy

Friday Flow (8/29): Enjoy a free live R&B performance from Saxtone at Washington Park

Queen City Keyed Up (8/29): The last night this year for this fun, interactive show of dueling pianos, where talented performers go head-to-head. Get in on the action by requesting your favorite songs and singing along! The Square will also have a DJ to keep the party going all evening long.

A Midsummer Night's Dream (8/29, 8/30, 8/31): Experience a magical summer night out with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s free Shakespeare in the Park tour. Gather friends and family, pack a picnic, and enjoy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Check the site for locations.

Fifth & Vine Live  (8/30): Dance along to free live music at Fountain Square at the last installment of this concert series, featuring Hot Magnolias - Cincy's finest Creole/Cajun musicians.

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra (8/30, 8/31): Catch the finale of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s free outdoor summer series, "Primative Pop", where the KSO’s Boogie Band recalls the eras of 1960s, 70s, and 80s, when music was personally transported via hand held radios and cassette players.  It was also a time when music meant melody. Think Percy Faith – The 5th Dimension; Three Dog Night – Queen and Yes — B52s. This event is free, with a suggested $5 donation for those who attend. Pro tip: take advantage of easy parking with the $2 TANK Shuttle! 8/30 at Devou Park and 8/31 at Tower Park.

Music at the Esplanade  (8/30): The last installment of this Smale Park concert series. Immerse yourself in a vibrant blend of live music, delectable food, refreshing drinks, captivating art, and a farmers' market. Featuring Union Son.

OTR Performs  (8/31): Held in Washington Park, and featuring ComedySportz, Improv Cincinnati’s newest show, featuring two teams going head-to-head competing in fast-paced, family-friendly improv comedy games.

Jazz at the Park  (9/01): Local and regional jazz acts perform every Monday through October 27th. This week features the Phil DeGreg Trio.

Cincinnati sporting events over Labor Day Weekend

Cheer on the home teams as you celebrate summer over Labor Day Weekend!

Florence Y’alls (8/29, 8/30, 8/31): Spend your evening at Thomas More Stadium, rooting for the Florence Y’alls, the Cincy Region’s very own Frontier League professional baseball team, as they take on the Schaumburg Boomers. Friday is Fireworks Night, Saturday is a fan thank you with giveaways, games, and if they win they are going to TP the ballpark post game! Sunday fun day invites kids to run the bases after the game and some players will be available for autographs.

FC Cincinnati (8/30): Cincinnati is a soccer city! Watch a home match at TQL Stadium when FC Cincinnati faces off against Philadelphia. The 8/30 game is also Black Heritage Night!   

Cincinnati Reds (8/29, 8/30, 8/31, 9/01): Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on 8/29 - 8/31 in a 3 game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Enjoy fireworks after the show on 8/29 and a Hunter Green Bobblehead giveaway on 8/30! September 1st sees the Reds vs the Toronto Blue Jays.

Stroll and shop at one of Cincinnati’s open-air markets

Produce, antiques, art, and more–there’s so much to see at Cincinnati’s markets.

Findlay Market (daily): The historic market and the outdoor Biergarten are open six days a week (closed Monday). Browse the farmers market vendors as well as the permanent vendors inside the market house and enjoy a locally crafted beer in the Biergarten to cool off.

Pendleton Art Center – Final Fridays (8/29): This incredible art market hosts more than 200 artists. Enjoy the open air atmosphere as you peruse their studios – maybe even finding something special to take home with you!

Covington Farmers Market (8/30): Shop local for your uniquely Cincy treats! Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tri-State Antique Market (9/1): The Tri-State Antique Market is Indiana’s largest antiques and vintage only market with 200+ vendors selling a wide variety of vintage and retro goods at each monthly event.

Enjoy the great outdoors in Cincy

There are plenty of ways to relax and chill out with friends and family in the great outdoors this holiday weekend.

• Grab some takeout and a frisbee and head to one of the many parks in the region that offer majestic views and ample green space. Throw some discs at Idlewild Disc Golf Course or hit a local pickleball court!
• Stroll through downtown Cincinnati and see how many murals you can spot along the way. There are more than 180 ArtWorks murals throughout the region to enjoy.
• Drive less than an hour north and spend the day at the Ohio Renaissance Festival! Spend the day total immersed in the Middle Ages by walking through the 35-acre permanent village in Waynesville, Ohio.
• Rent a Red Bike and try out one of our suggested bike routes downtown.
• ​And don't forget to make reservations to enjoy a delicious meal on a lovely patio.

More things to do during the summer in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky 

Here are some more refreshing and reenergizing activities to consider as you safely savor this last weekend of summer in the Cincy Region.

• Consider some of these can't-miss things to do in Cincy.
• Let the kids explore, play or cool off at these kid-friendly attractions.
• Spend the day exploring the Ark Encounter including petting animals at the Ararat Ridge Zoo and ziplining at Eagle Aerial Adventures.
• Create your own beer adventure at some of the local craft breweries.

Whether you're a local planning a staycation or coming to Cincinnati for the long weekend, start planning your trip and find a place to stay for your Labor Day Weekend getaway to Cincy.