Cincinnati Music Festival
The biggest urban music festival in the nation
The Cincinnati Music Festival has been an iconic event in Cincinnati's 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 festival has a long history of bringing top artists together, creating a celebration of music and culture.
Updated annually Cincinnati Music Fest, the biggest urban music festival in the nation, is set to kick off in July bringing an all-star lineup of returning favorites and new artists performing at two different venues for three days in… Read More
This blog repurposes content originally written by Morgan Pelt, and posted to her blog, Columbus Living , in August of 2023 as part of a collaboration with TourismOhio. While Queen Bey is having her Renaissance, the Cincy Region is always… Read More
Festival season is upon us! I grew up attending Cincinnati Music Festival . The city really comes alive this weekend, hosting thousands of visitors. Looking for ideas on how to make the most of your CMF weekend? As a native Cincinnati girl… Read More
Explore Cincinnati’s Profound Legacy on American Music at the Black Music Walk of Fame The Cincy and Southwest Ohio region has a rich musical history. With many prolific artists calling this area home, Cincinnati’s influence… Read More
Cincinnati Music Festival Events
- Recurring daily
For years, Cincinnati has been singing and celebrating with some of music’s biggest acts during the Cincinnati Music Festival. It doesn't end there, make sure to stop by downtown Cincinnati's Fountain Square for the Vibe Marketplace presented by Visit Cincy to elevate your…
Enjoy an electrifying combination of R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul and Jazz at one of the largest music festivals in the United States, The Cincinnati Music Festival (CMF)! CMF, presented by P&G, returns to Paycor Stadium this summer with an exciting lineup of R&B music…
Experience the ultimate prelude to the Cincinnati Music Festival (CMF) at Festival513, one of the city's premier merchant festivals! Now in its 18th year, Festival513 is a free two-day festival that highlights and celebrates the eclectic culture within the African American…
Join the Queen City in celebrating one of its newest attractions, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, during the Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend! The Induction & Dedication Ceremony will honor 2025 inductees, all of which have yet to be determined. Following the…
How to explore The Banks in Cincinnati like a local
- 7 minute read
If you want to understand The Banks in downtown Cincinnati, you first have to take a little trip back in time. While the development of this district is a new part of the Cincy Region’s history, the banks of the Ohio River are…
Cincinnati’s newest attraction: The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
- 4 minute read
Explore Cincinnati’s Profound Legacy on American Music at the Black Music Walk of Fame The Cincy and Southwest Ohio region has a rich musical history. With many prolific artists calling this area home, Cincinnati’s influence…
Savvy ways to save big on a family-friendly weekend in Cincy this summer
- 8 minute read
Looking for ways to save on your family trip to the Cincy Region? We’re sharing our secrets on how to score the best deals for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s top kid-friendly attractions, cheap eats in Cincinnati, plus…
The best local small venues for live music
- 5 minute read
Credit: Southgate House Revival If you're anything like me, life doesn't get much better than being shoulder-to-shoulder with complete strangers, mutually enjoying some live music at a local show. Lucky for me (and you!)…