New Entertainment Districts in Cincinnati
Fountain Square
Fountain Square, a communal gathering space and the epicenter of downtown, underwent a $2 million facelift to relocate and enhance the Fifth Third Center Stage. With programming more than 300 days a year, it’s an amazing place to sit in the summer and grab lunch from a food truck while catching a free concert or practicing your double axel on the ice skating rink in the winter.
The Foundry
This $51 million development across the street from Fountain Square and downtown convention hotels involves the conversion of the former Macy’s-anchored Fountain Place into a modern, mixed-use development. It will reactivate and convert the 3.5-story structure into roughly 150,000 square feet of office space, along with 35,000 square feet of street-level retail/restaurant space. The building will also serve as the home of a new LED board for Fountain Square visitors to enjoy.
The Banks
Winner of the “National Planning Excellence Award,” this expansive downtown entertainment district is situated between the Reds and Bengals stadiums along the banks of the Ohio River and just south of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Andrew J. Brady Music Center and the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. This district is also home to “DORA” or a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, where you can travel between bars with your drink.
The $600 million-plus development includes retailers, restaurants, a hotel, residential units, and underground parking.
Factory 52
Located in Norwood, a fast-growing neighborhood located just outside of downtown Cincinnati, Factory 52 is everything you could want in a "lifestyle destination". From apartments and office/retail spaces, breweries (Fretboard AND Hi-wire), restaurants and shopping, to a dog park and pickleball court - this exciting development is a great place to visit.
Andrew J. Brady Music Center
Unique in design and capacity, the $27 million state-of-the-art facility opened its doors in 2021. Designed to fill the community’s need for a year-round, flexible music venue, The Andrew J. Brady Music Center features a general admission main floor, two balconies, and hosts multiple configurations for indoor concerts up to 4,500 capacity and 8,000 outdoors. A-Listers like the Foo Fighters, KEM, the Roots, and Jason Mraz have already performed at this venue.
Pendleton and the Casino
Located just a few blocks from bustling Vine Street, Pendleton is an up-and-coming neighborhood full of colorful homes in the midst of the city. It houses the Pendleton Art Center, lots of vibrant street art and murals, Braxton Brewery, a variety of eclectic restaurants, and a cool urban neighborhood vibe. You can play the role of photographer, art aficionado, foodie, or craft beer enthusiast all in one district. You can even roll the dice at Hard Rock Casino if you’re feeling lucky. Totally walkable and worth your time.
Hard Rock Casino
Recently rebranded as the Hard Rock Casino, this $400 million, 400,000 square foot casino is located on 20 acres on the northeast side of downtown, just blocks from the city center, most downtown hotels, and the Duke Energy Convention Center. The casino has four restaurants, including Brick'd Pizza, Council Oaks Steaks & Seafood, YOUYU, and the famous Hard Rock Cafe. Be sure to check out the casino's ongoing schedule of live music.
Over-the-Rhine (OTR)
OTR is one of Cincinnati's oldest and most historic neighborhoods. With 943 buildings, it is also home to one of the country's largest collections of 19th-century Italianate architecture. Since renovations began, about $93 million has been invested in the development and creation of the OTR Gateway Quarter, starting near 12th and Vine Streets; the development continues north along Vine Street to 15th.
Publications like the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times have recognized the revitalization of this historic district, having noted its collection of architecture, chic atmosphere, and culinary excellence. In addition to long-time businesses, an infusion of new faces has come to Over-the-Rhine in recent years. Locally-owned restaurateurs, boutiques, bars, and tour companies have opened shops and transformed the area into a most visited destination. These are a few bars and restaurants sure to satisfy any appetite:
TQL Stadium
This $250 million soccer-specific stadium is home to FC Cincinnati, our Major League Soccer team. The stadium is located in the West End neighborhood, adjacent to the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, and debuted for the 2021 season. It holds 26,000 spectators and has already hosted the World Cup Qualifier for the U.S. Men's National Team. The dazzling 700-foot motion lighting is featured on the stadium’s east façade and is made of 2.7 miles of LED lights. Every seat is covered by a 360-degree roof canopy, and the closest seat is just 15 feet from the sideline.
