Your Guide to Summerfair, Cincy's Historic Arts and Crafts Festival

Every summer, for more than 50 years, thousands of people have been making their way to Riverbend Music Center (more specifically, the former Coney Island site) for a weekend full of art, music and food vendors. This is Summerfair, one of the oldest continuous art fairs in the country - and a local tradition. Whether you've been attending for decades, or you're thinking about checking it out for the first time, our guide is here to help you prepare. 

This year Summerfair will return once again to its long-time home, located at 6201 Kellogg Ave, from May 30 to June 1. You can expect hundreds of juried artists, spanning a variety of different mediums and categories that range from photography and printmaking to jewelry and 2D/3D. If you're shopping for yourself, you may want to bring some cash (depending on the artist's preferred payment methods), as well as a bag to carry whatever treasures you find. Even if you don't plan on making any purchases, the fair is a great way to enjoy the Cincy Region's expansive art scene. 

As you peruse the work of hundreds of different artists, it may be hard to imagine the fair's humble beginnings. Summerfair initially began in 1968 as a small, local salute to the opening of Cincinnati's Playhouse in the Park. The event has been held at numerous locations across the Cincy Region since then, before settling permanently at Riverbend/Coney Island in 1985. Now, 57 years later since its first year, the event has grown into one of the oldest and largest continuous art fairs in the country, with an annual draw of 20,000+ attendees!

From its inception to now, Summerfair has given back to the community in big ways. This event has raised more than $2 million that has been poured back into the arts community, by way of donations to local school programs, scholarships, and even exhibit opportunities for both students and emerging artists. 

Tickets to Summerfair can be purchased at summerfair.org. A single day ticket is $10, multi-day tickets are $15 and children under 12 are admitted free of charge. Adjacent to the fair grounds you'll find ample parking, including handicap spaces closer to the entrance. You will also find wheelchairs available for use onsite. 

Live Music Saturday and Sunday

Along with tons of visual art to enjoy, you'll find a full lineup of local live musicians.

Saturday, May 31

12 - 12:45 p.m. - Aprina Johnson (acoustic soul)

1 - 1:45 p.m. - Boutique (pop and jazz standards)

2 - 2:45 p.m. - The 3 Micks (classic rock with a touch of country and blues)

3 - 3:45 p.m. - Chris Collier & The Full Band (folk singer/songwriter)

4 - 4:45 p.m. - Silver Strings (acoustic '50s, '60s and '70s)

5 - 5:45 p.m. - The Cheryl & Shorty Show (R & B with New Orleans-style fun)

6 - 6:45 p.m. - Jam Grass Duo (bluegrass)

Sunday, June 1

11 - 11:45 a.m. - Eric Wurzelbacher & Brandon Coleman (jazz)

12 - 12:45 p.m. - The Faux Frenchmen (Hot Club jazz and swing)

1 - 1:45 p.m. - The Amador Sisters (sunny music of the islands)

2 - 2:45 p.m. - Farm Report (Americana)

3 - 3:45 p.m. - Wild Carrot (roots/folk)

4 - 4:45 p.m. - Tracy Walker (R & B, soul, singer/songwriter)

Nearby Attractions

Want to make a weekend out of it? Close to Riverbend you'll find Belterra Park, a full-service casino that also features live horse racing and a delicious steakhouse restaurant.

Summerfair is located just 11 miles from downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, where you'll find tons of additional art experiences, several professional sports teams and a delicious food and drink scene. 

Check out our Calendar of Events for other things to do, and order your free 2025 Official Visitors Guide now!