2019 Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend Guide

© [karrastock ] /Adobe Stock

Don’t know where to start your weekend? We’ve got you covered. Here is your 2019 Cincinnati Music Festival Guide.

The Cincinnati Music Festival is a Midwest favorite. Hometown residents get to show off the Queen City as their friends, family and tourist bask in its vibrant culture. This is a weekend where Black arts, entertainment, cuisines and education shines. So men, grab your outfits and ladies fluff your curls. Here is your 2019 Cincinnati Music Festival Guide.

The information in this article is as current as of the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before taking action. These events are not affiliated with The Voice of Black Cincinnati. 

 

Wednesday, July 24
Crown Jewels of Jazz
St. Aloysius
6:30 p.m.
Free Entry
Kick off the Cincinnati Music Festival weekend with live jazz from local musicians and grab dinner from food trucks. Free parking available.

 

Red Light Jazz Room
Copa Lounge
8 p.m.
Free Entry
Listen to a variety of jazz, gospel, soul, and more, featuring artist from all around the country.

 

Not feeling it yet? Get in the groove with this #FeelsLikeCMF Spotify playlist.
Listen Now

Thursday, July 25
Vibe Marketplace
Fountain Square
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Free Entry
Enjoy entertainment, shop vendors and enjoy good soul food on the square all weekend!

 

Salsa on the Square
Fountain Square
7 p.m.
Free Entry
Featured live local and regional Latin bands specializing in Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Latin Jazz.

 

Cincinnati Music Festival
Paul Brown Stadium
7:30 p.m.
$50 – $100
Come out to Vibe’s Party With A Purpose! Enjoy a fashion show by Shingo and DJ Vader. Then party with live performances by Kid Capri and EPMD.

 

Free weekend? Hit up one of these African American Midwest Festivals!

 

Friday, July 26

Rickey Smiley Morning Show Live Broadcast
Fountain Square
6 a.m.
Free Entry
Catch morning vibes as Rickey Smiley brings his morning show crew to Downtown Cincinnati to broadcast LIVE!

 

Ice Cream Drip Pop-Up Show
1329 Vine Street
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Free Entry
Atois & Arose Hair Closet will showcase wearable art, clothing, hair extensions and more. The event continues daily until Sunday.

 

Vibe Marketplace
Fountain Square
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Free Entry
Enjoy entertainment, shop vendors and enjoy good soul food on the square. Live music will be provided by DJ Stank starting at 11:30 a.m.

 

PTO: An Adult Skip Party Part II
Revel OTR Urban Winery
12 p.m.
Free Entry
The Cool Kids Crew host a unique gathering where DJs invite you to skip work and have fun. Put in your PTO and make plans to party the workday away.

 

Empow(HER) Hour
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood (Downtown)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Free Entry
Network with like-minded individuals, engage in a Fireside Chat with Tamike Mallory (Co-President of the Women’s March) and Eris T. Sims (Chief of Staff for NAACP), enjoy live music and more.

 

Festival513
Elm Street & Freedom Way
4 p.m.
Free Entry
Shop at Cincinnati’s premier merchant festival. Features nearly 100 merchandise and food booths, entertainment, and local vendors. This also runs Saturday. 

Chubb Rock
Fountain Square
6 p.m.
Free Entry
The legendary “It Takes Two” Hip-Hop artist will be rockin’ Fountain Square before you head over to the Cincinnati Music Festival.

 

Cincinnati Music Festival
Paul Brown Stadium
7:30 p.m.
$60-$150
Maxwell; Earth, Wind & Fire; RBRM (Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike of New Edition); Tamia, and Raheem DeVaughn. Purchase tickets online. Check out Groupon for ticket discounts.

Natural Progression
Fountain Square
8 p.m.
Free Entry
If you aren’t able to make it to the Music Festival, chill on the Square with live Jazz & R&B music.

 

Trap Karaoke
OTR Live
8 p.m.
$22 and up
It’s karaoke with a twist. Grab a mic and become a hood superstar by performing songs we all love to dance to.

 

Aztec Sun Funk Bank
MOTR Pub
9 p.m.
Free Entry
This Washington DC-based ensemble produces an upbeat and retro groove steeped in 70’s Funk and Soul with overtones of Jazz, Afrobeat and Motown-era pop.

 

Cincy Soul
Fountain Square
9 p.m.
Free Entry
Also known as the “Black Taste”, try a variety of soul food from a variety of black-owned restaurants, caters, and food trucks in the Tri-state area.

 

Finally Friday: Cincinnati Music Festival Edition
Butcher & Barrel
9:30 p.m.
$10+
Party during or after the concert with a live band and a DJ. Presale is $10 online. It will be more at the door.

 

The Five Heartbeats
COPA Lounge
10 p.m.
$20 – $30
Come party with Chuck Richardson, Stephen Bell, DJ Bandcamp, Ryan Larkin and Rico Grant as they celebrate their birthdays!

 

Friday Night at Rusconi’s Music Fest Edition
Rusconi Pizza
10 p.m.
Free Entry
Everyone if FREE all night! DJ Prymtime and My Name Is Bravo will be in the building.

Check out these Cincinnati Jazz venues and concerts.

 

Saturday, July 27
Vibe Cincinnati Queen City 5K
500 Pete Rose Way
8 a.m.
$35 and up
Raises money to support kids in the Greater Cincinnati area.

 

Women’s Liberation Workshop
Freedom Center
8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
$25 and up
A weekend filled with workshops, health screenings, R&B yoga, a small business marketplace and more. Enjoy live music from DJ HD, a soul food breakfast and speakers. Guests will receive a goodie bag. This event also takes place on Sunday. 

 

Vibe Marketplace
Fountain Square
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Free Entry
Shop local vendors and enjoy live entertainment from Fixx Band Cincy, Lit Funk Music, DJ Vader Mixx, and the Cincinnati Line Dancers.

 

InstaGLAM
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood (Downtown)
12 p.m.
Free Entry
Network with business professionals and participate in a Fireside Chat with celebrity makeup artist Malika James.

 

Rock The Boat: Third Annual All White Boat Ride Day Party
The Celebrations Queen
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$49.99
A FREE buffet will be provided for the duration of the ride. A fully stocked cash bar will be available for you to purchase any drinks of your choice. Music will be provided by DJ Snap.

 

5th Annual All White Grown & Sophisticated Cruise
River Queen Riverboat
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$50 – $99
Enjoy a multi-level boat cruising the mighty Ohio River while listening to the livest Hip-Hop and R&B music from not one but two DJ’s. All white attire is encouraged but not required. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

 

African American Chamber Exchange
McCormick & Schick’s Seafood (Downtown)
2:30 p.m.
Free Entry
Mix and mingle with members of the African American Chamber of Commerce and local business professionals.

 

Cincinnati Black Pride Day Party
Switch
3 p.m.
Free Entry
The party hosted for the LGBTQ+ Community by Tim’m West and Tami Lunan. Limited tickets are available, so RSVP asap.

 

Montell Jordan & Roxanne Shante
Fountain Square
3:30 p.m.
Free Entry
Take a trip down memory lane with live R&B performances from two national recording artists.

 

Beep Me 911 Day Party
Newport Ultra Lounge
4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
$0 – $20
Enjoy music from the 90s and 2000s with DJ Prymtime and a live band.

 

Cincinnati Music Festival
Paul Brown Stadium
7:30 p.m.
$60-$150
The lineup includes Mary J. Blige, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Blackstreet featuring Teddy Riley & Dave Hollister, the Ohio Players, and Major.

 

Kizz Daniels
Cove 51
9 p.m.
$40 and up
The multiple Award Winner & Nigeria’s premiere musical act will be performing in Cincinnati for the first time ever. Don’t miss it!

 

All White Boat Ride
Celebration River Boats
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$15 – $150
Don’t miss 2 floors, 2 DJs and the experience of a lifetime. Free food will be available.

 

Lando’s Old School After Party
Jack Casino
11 p.m.
$20 and up
After the Music Festival, attend an Old School Hip Hop/R&B After Party. Go dressed to impress.

 

Tired yet? Wind down with these Black movies on Netflix. 

 

Sunday, July 28
Fountain Square
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Free entry
Attend Sunday Service from until 12:15 p.m. Enjoy CincySoul throughout the day and close out with DJ Rude, DJ Butch Gibson.

 

Women in Power Brunch
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood (Downtown)
Noon – 3 p.m.
Free Entry
End your festival weekend with Power Advisory Coaching, networking, a cash power, and more.

 

Lil’ Mo Concert
Fountain Square
4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Free Entry
Come watch Lil’ Mo perform with Kwame and Arin Ray.

 

Cincy Soul
Fountain Square
9 p.m.
Free Entry
Also known as the “Black Taste”, try a variety of soul food from a variety of black-owned restaurants, caters, and food trucks in the Tri-state area.

 

Remember, parking is going to be hectic. Parking is available at surrounding parking meters, Fifth Third Bank South garage, and under the Fifth Third building. If these activities don’t fit your style, search Cincy Saver and Groupon for food and amenity discounts around Downtown Cincinnati.

 

Now that you know where to go, you just have to figure out what outfit to wear. If there are any Cincinnati Music Festival weekend events that we have missed, let us know at The Voice of Black Cincinnati.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cincinnati Music Festival

Who is performing at the Cincinnati Music Festival?
– Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a fashion show by Shingo and DJ Vader. Then party with live performances by Kid Capri and EPMD.

– Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Lineup includes Maxwell; Earth, Wind & Fire; RBRM (Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike of New Edition); Tamia, and Raheem DeVaughn. Purchase tickets online.

– Saturday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Lineup includes Mary J. Blige, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Blackstreet featuring Teddy Riley & Dave Hollister, the Ohio Players, and Major.

 

What can I bring into Paul Brown Stadium for the Cincinnati Music Festival?
The NFL clear bag policy will NOT be in effect for the Cincinnati Music Festival. All bags will be checked upon entrance to the Stadium and all persons are subject to search by metal detectors. Paul Brown Stadium DOES NOT ALLOW the following items:
– Alcoholic beverages, beverage containers, bottles and cans with the exception of unopened bottled water
– Obscene or indecent clothing
– Recording equipment
– Illegal substances
– Umbrellas
– Backpacks
– Seat cushions
– Binoculars case
– Laser pointers
– Noise making devices
– Weapons of any kind
View a full list of prohibited items here.

 

Where should I park for the Cincinnati Music Festival?
– Parking lots that surround Paul Brown Stadium, in downtown Cincinnati and in Northern Kentucky will be open. 2018 costs ranged from $15 to $25 per parking space. Most lots will open at 5:30 p.m. each night.

– Cincy EZ Park allows you to pay for meter parking online from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Download CincyEZPark App

 

Where should I stay for the Cincinnati Music Festival?
– Check out these hotel deals in downtown Cincinnati and surrounding areas, CVG Airport and Newport on the Levee.
View Hotels

View BOGO Vacation Package

– Not finding a hotel? Check our area Air BnBs to make your stay more intimate.
View Cincinnati Air BnBs

 

Where can I shop and eat during the Cincinnati Music Festival?
– Food and retail vendors will be located at Fountain Square (Fifth and Vine Street) for Cincy Soul and Vibe Marketplace. They will also be located outside of Paul Brown Stadium.

 

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans in the region. Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook or text VOBC to 797979 for local news, events, job postings, scholarships and a database of local Black-owned businesses.