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.
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:
Featured Experiences
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Wednesday – Sunday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (The Banks)
Starting at $11.50
While you’re in town for the Cincinnati Music Festival, visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center—an essential stop along the riverfront.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Thursday – Monday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Starting at $12.50
While in town for the Cincinnati Music Festival, explore the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.
Thursday, July 23
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, DJ Vader, and Hi-Tek.
Friday, July 24
Visit Cincy Vibe Marketplace
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Explore local and minority-owned shops, vendors, and artisans.
Friday Music on Fountain Square
11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Events schedule coming soon
Festival 513
4 p.m. – Midnight
Freedom Way (The Banks)
Free Admission
Festival 513 provides a centralized merchandise and food vending area featuring nearly 100 merchandise and food booths.
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.
Saturday, July 25
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Anniversary and Induction Ceremony
6 a.m. – 11 p.m.; ceremony begins at noon
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Free Admission
Guests can wear all-white attire and celebrate the 2025 Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Inductees. Enjoy an exceptional performance by national recording artist Regina Belle.
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.
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
11:30 a.m. – Midnight
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Events schedule coming soon
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, Slick Rick, and Heatwave.
Sunday, July 26
Sunday Music on Fountain Square
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Events schedule coming soon
Related Article: What’s happening in Black Cincinnati in 2026
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.
Dining
Check out over 40 Cincinnati Black-owned Restaurants, Eateries, and Food Trucks around the City. Want to stay downtown? These Black-owned restaurants are located in the Downtown/OTR area.
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.
Black-owned Bars with Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend Events
Cinema
All Weekend
Time Varies
Cinema (OTR)
LoVe on Fourth
All Weekend
Time Varies
LoVe on Fourth (Downtown)
Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge
All Weekend
Time Varies
Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge (OTR)
Something to Wine About
All Weekend
Time Varies
Something to Wine About (Downtown)
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.
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
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
Cincinnati Music Festival Guide images provided by Cincinnati USA, Cincinnati Art Museum, VIBE Cincinnati
