Performing Arts & Music

At the core of Cincy culture is a vibrant arts scene and community. From world-renowned art museums and exhibits to Broadway shows, ballets, symphonies, plays, and packed amphitheater concerts – there’s inspiration around every corner.

If museums are your thing, we’ve got you covered. The Cincinnati Art Museum features a collection of over 67,000 items that span 6,000 years of history. The Contemporary Art Center is housed in an iconic structure, designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, and features “art from the last five minutes.” Looking for something truly unique? The American Sign Museum features the largest collection of signs in the United States.

Did you know King Records, the label that launched the career of James Brown, started in the Evanston neighborhood of Cincinnati? In 2023 the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame opens to the public – featuring a star-studded walk of fame that pays homage to our local legends and their contribution to music.

Arguably one of the most iconic buildings in the city, Cincinnati Music Hall is the perfect place to see our world-renowned symphony orchestra, impressive ballet, and even the second-oldest Opera in the U.S. The Aronoff Center for the Arts is home to traveling Broadway shows like Wicked, Hamilton, and Jagged Little Pill. Rub shoulders with Jimmy Buffett’s largest fan club, the Parrotheads, at his annual visit to Riverbend Amphitheater each summer. Catch nightly indie rock and metal shows at divey venues like MOTR pub, Northside Yacht Club, and The Comet. Two brand new venues, MegaCorp Pavilion and the Andrew J. Brady Music Center both boast impressive schedules, pulling in acts for every taste.

Cincy exudes creativity. Grab your phone and capture some of our more than 200 permanent outdoor murals around town imagined and painted by local artists. Talk about Insta-worthy.

Let Cincy’s creative culture inspire you.

10 Must-See Murals in Cincinnati

  • 3 minute read

Since 2007, ArtWorks Cincinnati has created more than 230 public murals throughout the city of Cincinnati and its neighbors. The public artworks span neighborhoods (and even states!), connect with viewers on the street and say a lot about…

4 Things to Know About Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

  • 3 minute read

The Ensemble Theatre is a staple to Cincinnati's thriving local arts scene. Located in historic Over-the-Rhine, this is THE venue to catch bold, contemporary theater and award-winning education and community programs. Sound like…

Cincinnati's Opera Hits the High Notes

  • 3 minute read

Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera is one of the oldest and most highly respected opera companies in the country. We're lucky to have this cultural institution in our community, and a night at the opera in Cincy is a perfect way to…