2026 Cincinnati Music Festival Guide

The Cincinnati Music Festival is back! The Cincinnati Music Festival, traditionally known as the Cincinnati Jazz Festival, will occur at Paycor Stadium along the Ohio Riverfront.

In addition to performances, check out various events during the Cincinnati Music Festival. Attendees can enjoy professional events, speaker series, food, shopping, parties, and more to experience Cincinnati’s Black culture. View the Cincinnati Music Festival guide below to ensure the Jazz Fest weekend is jam-packed with fun.

Cincinnati Music Festival Guide — Ensure that the Jazz Fest weekend is jam-packed with fun!

Events happening during the Cincinnati Music Festival

Keep checking back to see everything happening during the week leading up to the Cincinnati Music Festival and Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend with this Cincinnati Music Festival guide. Many events have a ticket limit, so confirm details and attendance before acting.

Looking for something? Use the table of contents below to jump ahead to a specific section:

The events featured below are independently organized. The Voice of Black Cincinnati is sharing these events as a community resource and is not responsible for ticketing, event operations, or changes. Please refer to each event’s official page for the latest information.

Monday, July 20

Strings on the Square: The Music of Bruno Mars

6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Cincinnati’s most in-demand quartet, StringSource, performs novel arrangements of popular music by artists.

Jazz at the Park: Camille Saba Smith

6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Join Camille Saba Smith (The Soul Pearl) for a richly curated evening of intimate jazz, soulful reinterpretations, romance, wit, and late-night sophistication. Ends October 26.

Tuesday, July 21

Jazz at the Square: Queen City Chronicle

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Enjoy timeless jazz standards and an engaging community performance in an open, accessible concert setting. Through September 29.

R&B and Soul Line Dancing

7:15 p.m.
Outside of DANCEFIX by HBDC (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
Expect upbeat dance classes featuring R&B, soul, tap, and African dance styles, creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere for movement, music, and community connection.

Wednesday, July 22

Gee Horton’s Chapter 4: In Another Lifetime Exhibit

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contemporary Arts Center (Downtown)
Starting at $12; free for children and SNAP/EBT Recipients
Open Wednesday – Sunday
Explore a powerful, immersive showcase examining Black masculinity, memory, and inherited trauma through drawing, photography, video, and installation. Ends August 30.

Museum Exhibits & Omnimax Shows

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Starting at $12.50
Open Daily
While in town for the Cincinnati Music Festival, explore the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. Experience the LEGO® Jurassic World Exhibition, featuring towering dinosaur builds, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences. Visit the Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors and “Equal to Any in the City: Ball & Thomas Photographs, 1840s – 1870s exhibits to celebrate America 250 featuring more than 100 historic photographs that showcase the groundbreaking work of pioneering photographer J.P. Ball. Finally check out Omnimax shows such as Arctic: Our Frozen Planet and T.Rex.

Jubilation! Ambassadors on a Sacred Journey Exhibit

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Freedom Center (The Banks)
Starting at $18
Open Wednesday – Sunday
Celebrates the history, accomplishments, and legacies of the Fisk Jubilee Singers®. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey as they become familiar with the individuals and music of this world-renowned ensemble group, which introduced African American spirituals to the world. Ends July 26

Thursday, July 23

Rickey Smiley Morning Show

6 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Thursday – Friday
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Join Rickey Smiley and the crew for laughs, celebrity guests, exclusive interviews with Cincinnati Music Festival artists, and plenty of excitement as they help kick off CMF weekend.

Rockin’ The Roebling: P. Ann Everson-Price and the All-Star Band

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Schmidlapp Event Lawn (The Banks)
Free Admission
Enjoy a high energy, upbeat, funky, and extremely versatile group of musicians who have a love for playing music that makes people want to get up and dance.

Salsa on the Square: La Formula & Chevere LF

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Enjoy a high-energy night of live Latin music, dancing, and instruction featuring salsa, merengue, cumbia, and Latin jazz, with opportunities to learn new moves and dance along in a vibrant community atmosphere. Ends October 1.

CMF Thursday – A Tribute to Hip Hop Music

7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.
Paycor Stadium – CareSource Club (The Banks)
Price Varies
Featuring Talib Kweli, DJ Spinderella, and Hi-Tek.

Parking

Prohibited items

Official Thursday Night CMF After Party – Old School Party

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
LoVe on Fourth (Downtown)
Free Admission
Join festivalgoers from across the Midwest for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and nonstop energy as DJ Vader, DJ FKA Nova, and Ricardo Grant take over the decks.

Friday, July 24

Visit Cincy Marketplace

11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Friday
11 a.m. – Midnight | Saturday
11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sunday
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Explore local and minority-owned shops, vendors, and artisans.

Friday Music on Fountain Square

11:30 a.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | DJ Rerun; ROMAC’s Young Gifted and Talented Series
Noon | Musical Agenda Band
3:30 p.m. | DJ Merkout
5 p.m. | P. Ann Everson-Price and the All-Star Band
7:30 p.m. | DJ Nate the Great
9 p.m. | Yolo Band

Cigars & Sundresses -The Midday Experience

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Esoteric Brewing Co. (Walnut Hills)
Starting at $45.86
Kick back with cigars, sunshine, and grown and sexy vibes in sundresses and summer linen for the ultimate midday party!

P.T.O.: The Day Party

2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Revel OTR Urban Winery (OTR)
Free Admission
An afternoon of great music, high energy, and nonstop vibes as top DJs Stank, Mic Drop, Guy Wes, and Vader keep the party going. Whether you’re taking the day off or just looking to start your festival weekend early, this free event is the perfect place to gather with friends before the evening’s festivities.

Friday Music at Elm Street Plaza

4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Elm Street Plaza (Downtown)
Free Admission

4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | DJ Life Saver
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Saxtone
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Jameeze
8 p.m. – 9 p.m. | DJ Nova

Festival 513

4 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Friday
Noon – 2 a.m. | Saturday
Freedom Way Between Elm Street & Marian Spencer Way (The Banks)
Free Admission
Festival 513 provides a centralized merchandise and food vending area featuring nearly 100 merchandise and food booths.

Cincy Soul: The Black Taste

6 p.m. – Midnight | Friday
11 a.m. – Midnight | Saturday
705 Sycamore Street (Downtown)
Free Admission
A collaborative effort of Black-owned restaurants, caterers, and food trucks within the Greater Cincinnati area.

Music at the Market: LYD featuring Yolanda

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Findlay Market (OTR)
Free Admission
A dynamic mix of original music alongside an extensive repertoire of hit songs spanning the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s.

CMF Friday

7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.
Paycor Stadium (The Banks)
Price Varies
Featuring Charlie Wilson, Tyrese, Ledisi, 803 Fresh, and Nelly.

Parking

Prohibited items

Elevated Music Fest After Party

9 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Vintage On Race (Downtown)
Free Admission before 11 p.m.
Whether you’re here to network or just unwind, the vibe is all about fun and good times

Official Friday Night CMF After Party

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
LoVe on Fourth (Downtown)
Free Admission
Join festivalgoers from Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Louisville, Lexington, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and beyond for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and nonstop vibes.

Saturday, July 25

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony

6 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Exhibit open
9 a.m. | Gold Star Chili Parade of Stars line up begins
11 a.m. | Ceremony begins
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Free Admission
Guests can wear all-white attire and celebrate the 2026 Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Inductees with this indoor and outdoor event. Enjoy live performances by Regina Belle, Shirley Murdock, and a special 50th Anniversary Performance by Midnight Star.

Queen City 5K

8 a.m.
Paycor Stadium (The Banks)
Starting at $25
Enjoy a 5K walk or run before the Cincinnati Music Festival festivities begin. Walkers and runners will help provide programs, resources, and scholarships for grade school kids and seniors on their way to college.

Saturday Music, Fitness, & Art at Elm Street Plaza

9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Elm Street Plaza (Downtown)
Free Admission

9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Yoga with Brandi Bee Fitness
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Bodied Camp with Bodied by Rico
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Red Bull Lounge
11 a.m. – Noon | African Drummer
Noon – 1 p.m. | ROMAC’s Young Gifted Talented showcase
1 p.m – 4 p.m. | Live painting, interactive arts and a “Make it Take it Experience”
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Vibraphone Josh Strange
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Mike Guitarist
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | The Winos
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Ric Sexton
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Sound the Alarm
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Various DJs
10 p.m. – 11 p.m. | DJ Vibe

Black Girl Hike

10 a.m. – Noon
Burnet Woods (Clifton)
Free Admission
Created with Black women in mind, this series invites us to step away from the noise, slow our pace, and reconnect with ourselves, one another, and the natural world.

ArtisanFest513 Small Business Flea

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Discover one-of-a-kind treasures, from handmade jewelry and artwork to delicious homemade treats. With something for everyone, this event is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone looking to support local artisans.

Saturday Music on Fountain Square

11 a.m. – Midnight
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission

11 a.m. | All About Dance: Line Dance to Hip Hop
Noon | DJ Vader Mixx
2 p.m. | Ms. Kiki
2:30 p.m. | DJ Butch Gibson
4 p.m. | Full Force
5 p.m. | Adina Howard
6:15 p.m. | Mike Wade & The Nasty Nati Brass Band
7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Lando Old School Party and DJ Essential
10:30 p.m. – Midnight | Natural Progression

Just For Us Conversations: R&B Brunch – Jazz Fest Edition

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge (OTR)
Free Admission
Featuring a special focus on heart health awareness, encouraging Black women to prioritize prevention, self-care, and overall wellness while creating space for meaningful conversation and connection.

Day Dream All White Party

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Contemporary Arts Center (Downtown)
Starting at $55
Three levels of good energy, curated vibes, and top-tier entertainment. Move to the soundtrack of DJ Vader — the official DJ of the Music Festival — and DJ Riq, the Music Ambassador for the Black Music Walk of Fame

Kappa Diamond: All White Party

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Vintage on Race (Downtown)
Starting at $40
DJ BANDCAMP and DJ PRYMTIME go head-to-head in a high-energy Live DJ Verzuz, delivering an unforgettable soundtrack for one of the hottest events of CMF Weekend.

Grown and Sophisticated “All White” Cruise Cincinnati Music Festival 2026

2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
BB Riverboats (Newport)
Starting at $42.85
Set sail on the Ohio River aboard the legendary River Queen, surrounded by skyline views, great vibes, and a beautiful crowd.

Music at the Esplanade: Push Play

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Smale Riverfront Park (The Banks)
Free Admission
Experience a night of live music celebrating improvisation across blues, rock, funk, and jazz, featuring dynamic performances by a talented band.

Rooftop All White Day Party

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Blind Pig Rooftop (Downtown)
Free Admission
Enjoy an evening of great music, premium bourbon tastings, cigar vendors, and breathtaking rooftop views of the Cincinnati skyline at The Blind Pig Rooftop. Whether you’re dressed in all white or simply coming for the atmosphere, this grown-and-sexy experience is the perfect way to celebrate Music Festival Weekend.

CMF Saturday

7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.
Paycor Stadium (The Banks)
Price Varies
Featuring Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, SWV, Doug E. Fresh, and Heatwave.

Parking

Prohibited items

CMF All White After Party

9 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Vintage on Race (Downtown)
Starting at $12.89
Dress to impress in your best all-white outfit and come vibe with the elite of the Midwest in person. Expect great tunes, cool people, and a chill atmosphere where you can dance and drink the night away.

Love Jones in Summertime: Official Saturday Night CMF After Party

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
LoVe on Fourth (Downtown)
Free Admission
Celebrate with festivalgoers from across the Midwest as the music, dancing, and unforgettable vibes continue long after the final performance.

The Official Jazz Fest Reggae Dancehall After Party

10 p.m. – 3:30 a.m.
Solids & Stripes Billiard Lounge (Lower Price Hill)
Starting at $15
From the moment you walk through the doors, expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with the best in Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeats, Soca, R&B, and party favorites.

Sunday, July 26

Sunday Music, Fitness, & Art at Elm Street Plaza

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Elm Street Plaza (Downtown)
Free Admission

9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Pilates with Stephanie Brumer
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Be All in Movement with Joseph & Rashonna – Hip Hop Step Class
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | DJ and poetry onstage with an Artists Village featuring live painting, interactive arts and a “Make it Take it Experience”

The West End Fest Day

10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Laurel Park Drive & Wade Street (West End)
Free Admission
Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, local vendors, activities for kids, and exciting sporting events throughout the day where young people can get active, build teamwork, and try something new.

Sunday Music on Fountain Square

11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Church Without Walls: Sunday Service (Lincoln Heights Baptist Church’s Rev. Julian Cook)
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Gospel Expressions
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Lincoln Ware with DJ Baby Rome
4:30 p.m. | Glen Jones
5 p.m. | DJ Stank
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Gemstone

Chamber Music Series

2:30 p.m.
Taft Museum of Art (Downtown)
Free Admission
Join Summermusik (Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra) for an artful afternoon of music. Afterwards see Beyond the Picturesque Art Exhibit, a presentation of seven figural paintings capturing the quiet strength and complexity of Black life, reflecting everyday moments that carry deeper meaning.

CusCampbell Concert

7 p.m.
The Woodward Theatre (OTR)
$46.79
CusCampbell is an R&B singer and trombonist known for high-energy performances that blend R&B, soul, and jazz.

2026 Park: Much Ado About Nothing

7 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
The war for America’s independence has just been declared in this production set in 1776, but the battle of the sexes has just begun. Much Ado About Nothing follows two sparring skeptics, Beatrice and Benedick, whose witty war of words masks something far more tender.

Experiences in Cincinnati

Need more than what is in the Cincinnati Music Festival Guide? In addition to scheduled events, Cincinnati has plenty to explore during the Cincinnati Music Festival weekend. View this list of Black-owned businesses in the downtown area.

Dining

Check out over 40 Cincinnati Black-owned Restaurants, Eateries, and Food Trucks around the City.

Shopping

Check out Black-owned clothing boutiques in Cincinnati

Entertainment

Enjoy the Black-owned clubs that the city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County have to offer on the weekends.

Downtown Black-owned Bars to visit during Cincinnati Music Festival

Arriving at the Cincinnati Music Festival

Parking and Travel

There is a $20 rate for CRG Mid, CRG West, and Lots A, B, D, & E. Garage lane and lots will open for event parking from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Payment will be made by credit card only.

See real-time parking availability and parking with Best Parking. Reserve spaces ahead of time with SpotHero or ParkWhiz. Cincy EZ Park allows patrons to pay for online meter parking from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Take the Cincinnati METRO to the venue. Get real-time updates with the METRO App.

The Cincinnati Bell Connector is a free three-mile circulator that can quickly move concertgoers through downtown. Cincinnati Red Bikes has rentable bikes to get around. Bird and Lime scooters may be available. Check their apps for scooter locations.

Guests using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be dropped off and picked up on the North Curb Lane on 2nd Street between Vine and Walnut.

Road Closures

Find out which roads will be closed during the festival.

Bag Policy

Prohibited Items

Paycor Stadium DOES NOT ALLOW the following items:

Alcoholic beverages, beverage containers, bottles, and cans, except for unopened bottled water
Obscene or indecent clothing
Recording equipment
Illegal substances
Umbrellas
Backpacks
Seat cushions
Binocular case
Laser pointers
Noise-making device
Weapons of any kind

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Cincinnati Music Festival Guide images provided by Cincinnati USA, Cincinnati Art Museum, VIBE Cincinnati