Black Firefighters Convention Guide: Culture & Community

Celebrate Black excellence, community, and culture in the Queen City with Black Firefighters from across the country

The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters Convention brings firefighters and fire service professionals from across the country to Cincinnati August 16 – 22. To help attendees connect, learn, and experience the city, the Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association (CAFA) has planned a variety of social events, networking opportunities and community activities throughout the week.

Convention guests will have the chance to build new relationships, explore Cincinnati’s culture, and enjoy the city’s hospitality. From group tours and special gatherings to lunches at Black-owned businesses, CAFA’s events highlight the people, places and businesses that make Cincinnati a vibrant and welcoming destination.

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.

Sunday, August 16

Sunday Morning Service

11 a.m.
Third Presbyterian Church (East Westwood)

4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
MoHo Rooftop (Downtown)
RSVP
Join firefighters, families, and friends for a relaxed rooftop social featuring great conversations, beautiful skyline views, music, and the perfect opportunity to reconnect before the week’s events begin.

Sunday Pregame

8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cinema (OTR)

Sunday Nightcap

10 p.m.
LoVe on Fourth (Downtown)

Monday, August 17

Group Lunch at Southern Grace

Noon
Southern Grace Eats (Evanston)
Price Varies, everyone is in charge of their own lunch
Connect with Black firefighters from across the nation over unforgettable meals at Cincinnati Black‑owned restaurants.

Fire & Ice Happy Hour Mixer

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
917 Vine Street (Downtown)
RSVP
Featuring bourbon and wine tastings, great energy and even better connections.

Wine Down & Chill Mixer

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Market Wines (Walnut Hills)
RSVP
Enjoy an evening of networking, light bites, and great conversation in one of Cincinnati’s premier wine destinations. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, this is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Tuesday, August 18

Group Lunch at Soul Secrets

Noon
Soul Secrets (OTR)
Price Varies, everyone is in charge of their own lunch
Connect with Black firefighters from across the nation over unforgettable meals at Cincinnati Black‑owned restaurants.

Cincinnati Fire Museum Tour

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cincinnati Fire Museum (Downtown)
RSVP
The Museum presents a simulated fire event in a mock home environment. Educators lead a tour and discussion through various rooms in a mock home. In each room, various fire and burn hazards are demonstrated and explanations are offered as to how each can cause a fire and what can be done to prevent it. The tour takes approximately 60 minutes and is appropriate for all ages.

Fire Chief McKinley Welcome Mixer

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Aftermath Bar & Grill (Norwood)
RSVP
Hosted by Cincinnati Fire Chief Frank McKinley, this special welcome mixer officially welcomes firefighters and guests to Cincinnati. Kick off convention week with connection and community.

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Son & Garden (Walnut Hills)
RSVP
Take a break from the convention and experience one of Cincinnati’s favorite nightlife destinations. Join CAFA for an evening of music, networking, cocktails, and great conversation in a vibrant lounge atmosphere.

Wednesday, August 19

Founder’s Tour of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Black Music Walk of Fame (The Banks)
RSVP
Tour the family-friendly interactive musical experience that brings history to life through immersive technology.

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Jester Bar & Cigar Patio (St. Bernard)
RSVP
Enjoy premium cigars, great conversation, and an upscale atmosphere while networking with firefighters from across the United States and beyond.

Firefighter Meet & Greet Karaoke Night

8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge (OTR)
RSVP
Grab the mic and enjoy one of the most entertaining nights of convention week!

Thursday, August 20

Group Lunch at Yakitori

Noon
Yakitori Hibachi Lounge (Roselawn)
Price Varies, everyone is in charge of their own lunch
Connect with Black firefighters from across the nation over unforgettable meals at Cincinnati Black‑owned restaurants.

CAFA Legacy Documentary Premiere and Fireside Chat with Dr. Umar Johnson

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Hotel (Downtown)
Starting at $40
See an exclusive premiere of The Line They Drew: The CAFA Legacy Stories, a powerful documentary honoring the history, sacrifice, and lasting impact of Cincinnati’s African American firefighters. Nationally known speaker Dr. Umar Johnson will take the stage after for a live fireside chat focused on leadership, community empowerment, legacy, and the future of Black institutions. This public event will also include networking opportunities, a cash bar, and an atmosphere bringing together generations of firefighters and supporters under one roof.

CAFA Legacy Night After Party

9 p.m.
Privee on Elm (OTR)
RSVP
Keep the celebration going after the documentary premiere at CAFA’s official Legacy Night After Party. Join firefighters, friends, and convention guests for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebration.

Friday, August 21

Group Lunch at Something to Wine About

Noon
Something to Wine About (Downtown)
Price Varies, everyone is in charge of their own lunch
Connect with Black firefighters from across the nation over unforgettable meals at Cincinnati Black‑owned restaurants.

CODE RED: The Official Friday Night Party

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Hyatt Regency Hotel (Downtown)
$20
An upscale evening of music, dancing, and unforgettable energy. Dress to impress and enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring great music, dancing, cash bars, and an upscale atmosphere celebrating fellowship and convention week in Cincinnati.

Code Red After Party

11 p.m.
LoVe on Fourth (Downtown)

Saturday, August 22

Besties Brunch

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Confessions Bar & Restaurant Lounge (Walnut Hills)
$50
Enjoy unlimited mimosas while choosing one of the signature brunch entrées, all included with your ticket:
Talk to Me Brittny – Shrimp & Grits
Morning Confession – Turkey bacon, eggs, toast, and fried potatoes & onions
Keep It Classic French Toast – French toast served with eggs and wings

Day Shift Saturday Day Party

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Pike 2 (Woodlawn)
RSVP

The Finale

9 p.m.
Memories Lounge (Downtown)
RSVP

Experiences in Cincinnati

Need more than what is in the event guide? In addition to scheduled events, Cincinnati has plenty to explore.

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.

Downtown Black-owned Bars to visit

Travel

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.

Get real-time updates with the METRO App.

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

About The Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association

The Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association (CAFA) is an organization committed to equitable treatment, professional excellence, and meaningful community engagement within the fire service.

Founded in 1980, CAFA emerged from decades of perseverance and advocacy to ensure fair representation and opportunity within the Cincinnati Fire Department. Today, CAFA continues to serve as a trusted voice for its members while fostering leadership, accountability, and service throughout the city.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

About The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters

The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1970 to unite Black firefighters, and address inequities within the fire service while promoting professional development, leadership, and community engagement.

Representing thousands of fire service professionals through chapters across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, the IABPFF advocates for diversity, recruitment, mentorship, and equal employment opportunities in the fire and emergency services professions.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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.

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