The Queen City Welcomes the Ques: The 85th Grand Conclave Takes Over Downtown Cincinnati July 30 through August 3
Cincinnati takes center stage July 30–August 3 as it hosts the 85th Grand Conclave of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Hosted by the Cincinnati Ques, downtown becomes a hub of fellowship and celebration, with attendees filling hotels and entertainment districts across the city. With riverfront views and exciting nightlife, the Queen City sets a vibrant backdrop for this historic gathering.
The week features events throughout downtown, including riverboat rides, day parties, brunches, golf outings, comedy shows, sporting events, and nightlife powered by live music and top DJs—delivering nonstop energy from day to night.
85th Grand Conclave Official Events and Programming
Bundle Packages
Experience the full Conclave energy with exclusive event bundles. Each package brings together three signature experiences: Ques at the Ballpark, the Welcome Kickoff, and the legendary White Owt celebration.
International Youth Leadership Conference
July 29 & 30
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
First Financial Center (Downtown)
Free Admission, Registration Required
Registration deadline is June 1, or after 175 registrants
The International Youth Leadership Conference is one of Omega Psi Phi’s Flagship youth events for young men who are rising 9th through 12th graders.
Past workshops have covered self‑esteem enhancement, goal setting and academic success, health and wellness, manhood 101, financial literacy, social and personal responsibility, civic engagement, Black history, service learning, conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, coding/gaming, and mental health.
The Battle for Ohio: Ques at the Ballpark
July 29
6:10 p.m.
Great American Ball Park (The Banks)
Starting at $150
Join the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Cleveland Guardians for an experience featuring all you can eat and drink. Every ticket includes an exclusive, custom purple Omega Psi Phi x Cincinnati Reds hat.
85th Grand Conclave Welcome Kickoff
July 30
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Vintage On Race (Downtown)
Starting at $25
Kick off the weekend with a welcome party at a downtown bar.
85th Grand Conclave Golf Tournament
July 31
8 a.m. with the course range open at 6:30 a.m.
Glenview Golf Course (Glendale)
$185
Registration deadline is June 30
The tournament will feature 18‑hole stroke play and skins formats across multiple flights, with entry including food, gift bags, prize opportunities, plus a day‑of 50/50 raffle and closest‑to‑the‑pin contest.
An OmegaSTEM Experience
July 31
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
First Financial Center (Downtown)
Free Admission, Registration Required
Registration deadline is June 1, or after 200 registrants
Featured activities include a drone‑flying competition, a humanoid robotics demonstration on how artificial intelligence is used in the industry, light breakfast and lunch, and prizes and OmegaSTEM swag for all participants.
Talent Hunt Performance and Master Class
July 31
8 a.m. – 5 p.m
First Financial Center (Downtown)
Free Admission, open to the public
Featuring instrumental music, vocal music, and dance by undergraduate and graduate students from the Juilliard School, for the students participating in the International Talent Hunt Demonstration.
Talent Hunt Demonstration
August 1
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m
Hyatt Regency (Downtown)
Free Admission, open to the public
Provides exposure, encouragement, and financial assistance to talented young people participating in the performing arts. Winners are awarded recognition and may be given college scholarships.
White Owt: Clave Edition
August 1
6 p.m. – Midnight
Schmidlapp Event Lawn (The Banks)
Starting at $50
An elevated night of style, fellowship, and celebration. Guests will enjoy a full cash bar, local vendors, a covered patio, and a dedicated cigar gazebo designed for the grown‑and‑refined Conclave experience.
85th Grand Conclave Events
Prettiest Happy Hour: Welcome to Cincinnati
July 30
6 p.m. – Midnight
The Rooftop @ 21C (Downtown)
Free Admission, Registration Required
An elevated rooftop and indoor art museum decor experience hosted by Ms. Aleah Hordges. Rooftop is cigar and hookah-friendly.
The Party Next Door “Welcome to Cincinnati Edition”
July 30
8 p.m. – Midnight
Nicholson’s (Downtown)
Free Admission, Registration Required
Featuring DJ Honcho, DJ So-N-So, and a Live Band all night.
Rooftop Yoga
July 31 – August 2
Time Varies
The Rooftop @ 21C (Downtown)
$10
A refreshing 1-hour guided session led by an elite instructor, set against breathtaking morning views of downtown Cincinnati.
FreakniQ Day Party
July 31
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Memories Lounge (Downtown)
Starting at $35
The Ques are touching down in Cincinnati for the hottest day party, bringing nonstop music, energy, and vibes all day with DJ Joker and DJ Big Mike on the decks.
Bicentennial Brothers Golden Anniversary
July 31
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
BB Riverboats (Newport, KY)
Starting at $100
an unforgettable evening of music, food, and celebration in the true spirit of friendship and brotherhood. Enjoy a full buffet, cash bar, and entertainment from DJ Lo Key.
A Taste of Chicago Steppers Set
July 31
8 p.m. – Midnight
21C Museum Hotel (Downtown)
Free Admission, Registration Required
$60 dinner participation
Get ready to step into the smoothest, sexiest Friday night of the Weekend! A Taste of Chicago Steppers Set is bringing that authentic Chicago flavor straight to Cincinnati — the music, the movement, the vibe, the energy.
Cincinnati Clave Boat Ride
July 31
8 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Sawyer Point Park & Yeatman’s Cove (Riverfront)
Starting at $95
Enjoy a complimentary buffet, cash bar, music, and entertainment featuring DJ Vader.
The Royal Experience
July 31
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Vintage on Race (Downtown)
Starting at $45
Friday night, enjoy the #1 party in Cincinnati with elevated vibes, premium sounds, and a night of luxury you won’t forget. Dress to impress!
Camo and Denim
July 31
9 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Hard Rock Casino (Downtown)
Starting at $40
Dress your best in Camo & Denim and get ready for a full casino-level nightlife experience. Featuring a performance by Kid Capri.
Chicago Sundresses & Shorts Day Party
August 1
Noon – 5 p.m.
21C Museum Hotel (Downtown)
Free Admission, Registration Required
Hosted by Twitch Spr 84, Dion “Smity” Spr 88, and Mike Singleton Spr 10, this event blends art, music, and upscale brunch vibes into one immersive daytime groove.
Purple Passion All White Day Party
August 1
3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Privee on Elm (OTR)
Starting at $45
Cincinnati’s most stylish summer event invites you to join the Ques for an unforgettable All White Day Party, featuring an atmosphere of pure elegance and high‑energy fun with music by NYC Hot 97’s DJ Wallah and DJ AceDeuce, plus food and other offerings available throughout the day.
Coleman Love Comedy Explosion ft DL Hughley, Joe Torry, and Kelly Kellz
August 1, 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Starting at $49
An unforgettable night of laughter, energy, and elite entertainment featuring some of comedy’s most iconic voices, including DL Hughley, Joe Torry, and more. This is not your average comedy show. This is a fully produced, high-energy experience curated for a mature, professional crowd looking for a premium night out during Conclave Weekend.
All Purple and White Boatride
August 1
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
BB Riverboats (Newport, KY)
Starting at $40
Cruise in style with musical entertainment provided by DJ LO-KEY and DJ 7TRE.
Legacy Groove
August 1
8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Contemporary Arts Center (Downtown)
Starting at $40
This signature celebration honors distinguished brothers with 40, 30, 25, 20, 15, and 10 years in the fold, bringing together multiple generations for one powerful night of music, energy, and elevated nightlife
Ivy Qlassics Brunch & Day Party
August 2
Noon – 5 p.m.
Memories Lounge (Downtown)
Starting at $65
Cincinnati’s hottest brunch day party brings great food, upbeat energy, and nonstop vibes with the city’s best crowd, featuring music by DJ Ty Lyles and a brunch package that includes entry, an entrée, and unlimited mimosas for the first two hours.
R&B Brunch Day Party
August 2
Noon – 6 p.m.
21C Museum Hotel (Downtown)
Free Admission, Food available for purchase
A full food and beverage menu will be available for purchase, including small plates, entrées, and signature cocktails created exclusively for guests. Performance by Nikko Baby.
The Party Next Door Pt. 3 “R&B Singalong Edition”
August 2
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Nicholson’s (Downtown)
Free Admission, Registration Required
Featuring a performance by Nikko Baby.
Related Article: Things to do in Black Cincinnati this week
Cincinnati events happening during the Grand Conclave
Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
July 30 – August 2
Game time varies
Great American Ball Park (The Banks)
Starting at $8
The Reds face the Pirates in a home series packed with fan‑favorite promotions, including Thirsty Thursdays, Senior Days, Family Discount Days, a postgame concert featuring Marshmello, and special bobblehead giveaways.
Glier’s Goettafest Weekend 2
July 30 – August 2
Hours vary
Festival Park at the Levee (Newport, KY)
Free Admission
Glier’s Goettafest will feature more than 50 unique goetta creations. Festivalgoers can indulge in everything from goetta empanadas and goetta mac & cheese to deep-fried goetta balls and even goetta-inspired sweet treats. If it can be made with goetta, chances are you’ll find it here.
Friday Flow
July 31
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Experience the rich rhythms and melodies of R&B music as talented artists take the stage each week.
Josh Johnson’s Comedy Band Camp
August 1
5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Starting at $67
A stand-up and live music experience that brings together all of the community of being in one big band and all the nostalgia of summer camp.
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
August 1
7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $30
What began as a passion project has grown into a globally touring concert experience, uniting audiences on nearly every continent through the timeless power of MJ’s music.
FC Cincinnati vs. San Jose Earthquakes
August 1
7:30 p.m.
TQL Stadium (West End)
Starting at $49
This night serves as a heartfelt tribute to active‑duty service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, honoring them through patriotic ceremonies, in‑game recognitions, and partnerships with military organizations. Stop by Washington Park for free pregame festivities beginning at 4 p.m.
Sunshine Sessions
August 2
2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Focusing on House Music, a genre originating from Chicago 40 years ago, blending electronic beats with influences from soul, funk, hip-hop, and disco. This event showcases a lineup of both local and national DJs.
Experiences in Cincinnati
Need more than what is in the Grand Conclave Event Guide? In addition to scheduled events, Cincinnati has plenty to explore during the 85th Grand Conclave of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
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.
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 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.
About Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is an international historically African-American social fraternity. It was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Omega Psi Phi is a founding member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The fraternity has chartered over 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters. Over 250,000 men have been initiated into Omega Psi Phi.
Wikipedia | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Related Article: Things for African Americans to do in Cincinnati in 2026
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Grand Conclave Images provided by the Cincinnati Ques and created using Ai
