Summer is slowly winding down, with everyone getting back into the rhythm of school and extracurricular activities. For many, the change in season can be stressful trying to get back into a routine and plan for the upcoming holiday season. The hustle and bustle this time of year can also make it difficult to get a break from those pressures. But, if you're thinking of planning a relaxing fall trip to the Cincy Region, seeing a show with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops is the perfect activity to add to your itinerary to relax, unwind, and experience Cincy's amazing performing arts scene. 

 

  • The Pops 2026 - 27 season kicks off in September with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of La La Land. The Orchestra will perform the score live to the award-winning film on September 5 & 6 at the iconic Cincinnati Music Hall. 
  • The CSO's season officially opens October 2 - 4 with a three-day festival featuring The Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis and violinist Nicole Benedetti.

 

Both seasons include once-in-a-lifetime experiences and welcome highly acclaimed guest artists to Cincinnati. The Pops perform alongside Tony-Award winning Broadway icon Lea Salonga and Grammy winning R&B legends Boyz II Men, while the CSO season features several premieres, including the world premiere of Errollyn Wallen's Concerto for Orchestra and the U.S. premiere of Mark Simpson's Piano Concerto. 

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs onstage at Cincinnati Music Hall.
Photo: Mark Lyons

Concerts for every occasion

The 2026-27 season has performances for every type of experience you're looking for. In addition to the concert, most shows offer pre-concert activities at Cincinnati Music Hall. From conversations with conductors, photo opportunities with cosplayers, and even crafts for kids, each concert provides a unique experience tailored just for you! For more information on pre-concert activities offered, check out each concert's listing online. 

 

As CSO Music Director Cristian Măcelaru says, “Life is good when you’re surrounded by music.” So, see what interests you, and come ready to be inspired by music.

 

Don't know what show you should check out?

For all things pop culture:

For date night:

For a vocal feature:

For your holiday fix:

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra plays in front of a lit up back drop.
Photo: JP Leong
Cincinnati Music Hall on a sunny day
Cincinnati Music Hall (photo: Eric Johnson)

The Venue

The primary venue for the CSO and Pops is Cincinnati Music Hall. This iconic Cincinnati landmark is one of the crown jewels of the region, sitting across from beautiful Washington Park. Built in 1878, this magnificent Victorian Gothic building is renowned for its stunning architecture and world-class acoustics. Music Hall is also home to other local arts institutions such as the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera and May Festival.

 

The Neighborhood

Music Hall is located in Over-the-Rhine, an exciting and historic neighborhood located in downtown Cincinnati. OTR is the perfect place to spend the day in Cincy, with tons of amazing restaurants (everything from James Beard-nominated Nolia and Wildweed to delicious bar food staples at The Pony, Longfellow and MOTR), cocktail bars/pubs, public parks, boutique shopping, breweries, distilieries, and more to choose from. 

 

There is parking aplenty in OTR. Park directly across from Music Hall in the Washington Park garage. A few blocks over you'll find the Mercer Garage and Ziegler Park Garage. You can also park further downtown and ride the totally free Connector Streetcar (your stop would be #8, 14th & Elm, directly in front of the building) to and from the venue. Another free option is calling an electric GEST cart at 513-421-4378 or via their app.

A group of people in the audience at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra take a photo.
Photo: Mark Lyons

Buying tickets

Individual and season tickets can be purchased online or by calling the CSO Box Office at 513.381.3300 or in person at 1241 Elm St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. The CSO also offers several discounts for first-timers, students, seniors and more. Check out ticket offers here. For the most up-to-date Box Office hours, click here.

 

Ready to plan your getaway? Order a FREE copy of our 2026 Official Visitors Guide and check out our Calendar of Events for more trip inspo.