Every summer (for 57 years!) thousands of people make their way to Riverbend Music Center for a weekend full of local 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.
Credit: Cincinnati Summerfair Inc.
This year Summerfair will return to its long-time home, located at 6201 Kellogg Ave, from May 31 to June 2. You can expect 300+ 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 play 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 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.
Credit: Cincinnati Summerfair Inc.
Live music all weekend long
Along with tons of visual art to enjoy, you'll find a full lineup of local live musicians.
Saturday, June 1
12 p.m. Eric Wurzelbacher & Noah Wotherspoon
1 p.m. Boutique
2 p.m. 3 Micks
3 p.m. Faux Frenchmen
4 p.m. Tracy Walker
5 p.m. Wild Carrot
6 p.m. Woodnote
Sunday, June 2
11 a.m. Farm Report
12 p.m. The Amador Sisters
1 p.m. Ricky Nye
2 p.m. Chris Collier
3 p.m. Heather Roush Duo
4 p.m. The Cheryl & Shorty Show
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.
Book your accommodations in Cincy now!
Art enthusiasts rejoice as you observe and shop for pieces from more than 300 featured fine artists and craftspeople during Summerfair. One of the oldest continuous art fairs in the country, Summerfair brings you the best exhibits from select artists ranging from 12 categories…
