Things to do in Black Cincinnati this week!
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How to stay safe in and around the water this summer
Whether your family is spending a day at the beach, an afternoon at the pool or taking a boat out on a lake, remember these tips from Cincinnati Children’s Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center to keep your kids safe in, on or around any body of water.
Free Events in Cincinnati for Black Adults
Cincinnati offers a variety of free events and activities that celebrate art, culture, and community. Black adults can take full advantage of experiences that speak directly to their interests and identities at no cost.
Monday, July 6
Museum Exhibits & Omnimax Shows
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; open daily
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Starting at $12.50
Experience Wild Rescue OMNIMAX® and a look at stunning parks and waterways, and the deep connection between people and nature. Finally, experience the LEGO® Jurassic World Exhibition, which features massive dinosaur builds, hands-on activities, and immersive scenes inspired by the Jurassic World franchise, with opportunities to build, create, and discover across themed environments. Finally, visit the Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors and “Equal to Any in the City:” Ball & Thomas Photographs 1840s – 1870s exhibits to celebrate America 250.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal (Evanston)
Free Admission
Hamilton County residents experiencing food insecurity can access food and clothing at the pantry on Mondays and Tuesdays. Call 513-531-4337 for more information. Check out our list of other Cincinnati pantries and soup kitchens.
Strings on the Square: The Music of Michael Jackson
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: Mandy Gaines & Brad Meyers
6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy an evening of jazz featuring the rich vocals of Mandy Gaines and the versatile musicianship of Brad Myers, blending jazz, roots, and contemporary influences into a dynamic live performance. Ends October 26.
PLANNING AHEAD
Kindred The Family Soul R&B Concert
July 18, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The husband-and-wife duo is celebrated for music rooted in love, family, and real-life experiences, blending smooth grooves with uplifting, conscious lyrics.
Tuesday, July 7
Discount Movie Screening – Jackass: Best and Last
Times Vary
Kenwood Theatre (Kenwood)
$7
Experience the final installment of the Jackass franchise, featuring the crew’s signature outrageous stunts, chaotic humor, and high-energy antics in a wild send-off to the series.
Opera Storybook Hour
11 a.m. – Noon
Summit Park (Blue Ash)
Free Admission
Children can enjoy interactive opera-inspired storytelling featuring live reading, singing, and music, followed by hands-on crafts, audience participation, and creative activities that bring classic opera stories to life.
Pop-Up Play
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy a fun-filled pop-up experience with games, crafts, and creative activities designed for all ages, featuring weekly themed partners that bring art and hands-on exploration to the park.
CAA Mobile Food Pantry
Noon
Peace Baptist Church (Avondale)
Free Admission
Hamilton County residents experiencing food insecurities can access fruit, vegetables, and baked goods on a first-come, first-served basis. Check out our list of other Cincinnati pantries and soup kitchens.
Jazz at the Square: Retro Nouveau
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.
Zumba
6:30 p.m.
Zencinnati (OTR)
$18
High-energy dance fitness class fusing hip-hop and Afrobeats for fun, vibes, and serious cardio.
Buju Banton and Stephen Marley Reggae Concert
7 p.m.
Riverfront Live (East End)
Starting at $50
See Buju Banton and Stephen Marley live with special guest Gramps Morgan for a night of reggae classics, soulful performances, and unforgettable island vibes.
3-2-1 Tuesdays – Reds Vs. Phillies
7:10 p.m.
Great American Ball Park (The Banks)
Starting at $20
For all Tuesday Reds home games, fans can buy $3 beers (select 12-oz beers), $2 Bar-S hot dogs, and $1 ice cream cups.
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
PLANNING AHEAD
After Hours: Sci-Fi Edition
August 6, 7 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Whether you’re just a curious explorer or have written your own guide to the galaxy, come explore the wonders of the universe and maybe discover some of the science behind science fiction, cocktail in hand.
Wednesday, July 8
Printed Voices from Kenya: Social and Cultural Reflections
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Kennedy Heights Arts Center (Kennedy Heights)
Free Admission
Featuring 154 prints of various printmaking techniques by 42 established Kenyan artists, young and old. These artists use their artwork as their voice and a tool for communication to reflect on the cultural and social issues they face. Ends August 22.
Workout on the Green
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Get active with weekly fitness classes featuring STEP Down Cincinnati and high-energy Zumba workouts that combine movement, music, and fun in a welcoming community atmosphere.
Play in the Park
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Kennedy Heights Park (Kennedy Heights)
Free Admission
Enjoy a high-energy night of classic rock and pop covers featuring Roger Klug, Julie Spangler, and band, delivering crowd-favorite songs, upbeat performances, and a lively community concert atmosphere.
Wednesdays in the Woods: Somos Música Y Sabor, Immigrant & Refugee Solidarity
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Burnet Woods (Clifton)
Free Admission
Enjoy a night of live music, art, and community connection celebrating immigrant and refugee cultures, featuring performances, local organizations, and artwork that honors diasporic identity and shared experiences.
PLANNING AHEAD
Regional Business Summit
August 5, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cintas Center (Evanston)
Participants will gain new perspectives and actionable strategies to help strengthen competitiveness, support innovation, and advance long-term, inclusive economic growth across the region.
Thursday, July 9
Gee Horton’s Chapter 4: In Another Lifetime Exhibit
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Contemporary Arts Center (Downtown)
Price Varies
Explore a powerful, immersive showcase examining Black masculinity, memory, and inherited trauma through drawing, photography, video, and installation. Ends August 30.
Last Chance: Coming of Age | New works of the HAIRitage Series
Noon – 5 p.m.
Kennedy Heights Arts Center – Lindner Gallery (Kennedy Heights)
Free Admission
Series of artworks by Erin Smith Glenn that addresses Black hair culture in a way that demands its attention; begs to justify the discriminations against it; commands the viewer; and ultimately upholds the values of her ancestors. Ends July 11.
Roots Revival: Evan McMillian & Sam and Andrew Hibbard
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy an evening of live Bluegrass, Roots, and Americana music up at Washington Park’s bandstand.
Salsa on the Square: Somos Musica y Sabor & The Get Down Cincinnati
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.
Lalovavi Opera
7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Price Varies
Experience an Afrofuturist opera that blends powerful music, adventure, and themes of identity, love, and destiny as a young heroine embarks on an epic journey to uncover hidden truths and shape her future. Enjoy 15% off using promo code: ENCORE15. Ends July 11.
PLANNING AHEAD
Jazz in the Park
August 1, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Central Park (Forest Park)
The largest and longest-running jazz festival in the area! Enjoy performances by local and nationally known artists, plus food trucks, beer, and vendors.
Friday, July 10
NCBAE National Conference
9 a.m.
First Financial Center (Downtown)
Starting at $75
Attend a powerful two-day convening of Black artists, cultural leaders, institutions, entrepreneurs, executives, and visionaries from across disciplines and across the globe. Through July 11.
Black Mental Health Summit
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
5600 Chappell Crossing Blvd (West Chester)
Free Admission
A powerful day of education, connection, and healing to empower the community.
Family Fun Fridays
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Rapid Run Park (West Price Hill)
Free Admission
Join an evening full of family fun! Alongside games and activities, there will be free canoes available for all to use.
Edgemont Inn Tavern Re-Enactment
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House (Walnut Hills)
Pay What You Can
The event pays tribute to the Edgemont Inn, a historic Green Book-listed tavern and boarding house once operated by Irene Bacon during the segregation era. Housed within the same property that now honors Harriet Beecher Stowe, this re-enactment revives the spirit of a place that once served as a vital refuge for Black travelers and the Walnut Hills community.
Friday Flow: Road to CMF: Q Parker
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Q Parker is a Grammy‑winning R&B singer, songwriter, and member of the iconic group 112, known for his smooth vocals and standout contributions to ’90s and 2000s soul music.
Riverfront Socials – Skate Downtown Cincy
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove (Downtown)
Free Admission
Teens can enjoy a fun, skate-filled evening featuring DJ music, roller skating, games, crafts, ping pong, raffle prizes, snacks, and chill outdoor lounge spaces in a relaxed, social park setting designed for connection and summer fun.
Dogberry and Verges are Scared Play
7:30 p.m.
Otto M. Budig Theater (OTR)
Price Varies
Enjoy a hilarious new comedy that reimagines Much Ado About Nothing through the eyes of its lovable, bumbling watchmen, delivering laugh-out-loud mishaps, clever storytelling, and plenty of heart. Through July 25.
DJ Pillo and Friends
9 p.m.
Northside Tavern (Northside)
Free Admission
Experience an electrifying night with special guest DJ Bizzy Bizz and dope mixes to keep the dance floor rocking.
PLANNING AHEAD
Forest Park Celebrates America 250
July 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Central Park (Forest Park)
Get ready, Forest Park, the America 250 Celebration is almost here! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, food, family fun, and community pride. Just Vince and the Fellas will headline the evening.
Saturday, July 11
WeThrive Forest Park Summer Fitness Series
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Central Park Fitness Court (Forest Park)
Free Admission
Join Coach Pinkie for a fun, free community workout.
2026 APNET Summer Youth Program
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
DePaul Cristo Rey High School (Clifton)
Price Varies
The program empowers youth through academic enrichment, leadership development, cultural education, and hands-on learning experience.
Semiquincentennial Soiree America250 Theme Day
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (Queensgate)
With historical costumed interpretation, glimpses of seldom-seen home movies from our collections, a rare Saturday opening for the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, and a tasting of, and discussion about, the “American-ness” of traditional American foods.
Cincy Blues Fest
2:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Village Green Park (Fairfield)
Free Admission
Experience the power and soulful emotion of blues music in a beautiful outdoor park setting. Food and drink vendors will be available with a variety of great food, beer, and drinks.
Back Ousside Walk
10 a.m. – Noon
Caldwell Nature Preserve (Carthage)
Free Admission
Join Cincinnati Black Pride for an outdoor walk. Feel free to stick around afterwards for a picnic and conversation. Kids and pets are welcome as well.
What’s the TEA Sis?! Women Empowerment and Networking Event
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dreamz on the Pike (Springdale)
$95
An unforgettable experience bringing women together from all walks of life, backgrounds, careers, and cultures for a day full of connection, laughter, healing, and elevation.
Cincinnati NAACP Block Party
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Samuel Ach Park (Avondale)
Free Admission
Enjoy a family-friendly community event featuring local resources, food trucks, a children’s bounce house, face painting, a live DJ, music, and opportunities to connect with community leaders and organizations.
ULGSO Legacy Luncheon & Fashion Show
Noon – 2 p.m.
Cintas Center (Evanston)
Starting at $100
Enjoy an afternoon celebrating community leaders with a legacy luncheon, honoree recognition, and a fashion show featuring professional models and bold designs from emerging and established fashion creatives.
Music at the Esplanade: Vudu Childe
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Smale Riverfront Park (Downtown)
Free Admission
Experience a night of live music celebrating improvisation across blues, rock, funk, and jazz, featuring dynamic performances by a talented band.
Rec @ Nite: A Safe, Fun, and Inclusive Summer Space for Teens
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Lincoln Rec Center | 1027 Linn Street, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Hirsch Rec Center | 3630 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45229
Evanston Rec Center | 3204 Woodburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207
Winton Hills Rec Center | 5170 Winneste Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232
Free Admission
Teens can enjoy a full night of music, games, sports, creative activities, esports, and community-focused fun in a safe, welcoming environment designed just for ages 12–17.
IN SESSION: 1 Year Anniversary
7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Clifton Cultural Arts Center (Clifton)
$13
Enjoy live DJs, visual art, local vendors and an atmosphere designed for movement, creativity, and shared experiences.
Velvet Jazz Live
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Starvin Marvin’s (Fairfield)
$18
Dive into smooth tunes and soulful vibes as Velvet brings the stage to life. This event is perfect for R&B lovers who want to feel the music up close and personal.
Kirk Whalum Jazz Concert
7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $35
Soulful, passionate, stirring, these are the words most often used to describe Kirk Whalum’s music. Forged from his Memphis gospel roots and Houston’s thriving nightclub scene in the 1980s, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his.
PLANNING AHEAD
Woodlawn/Lincoln Heights Brady Block Party
July 17, 6:30 p.m.
Woodlawn Community Center Fields (Woodlawn)
Free Admission
This FREE outdoor event is open to the public, and all are welcome. Enjoy giveaways, food trucks, activities, and entertainment prior to a concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra!
Sunday, July 12
Beyond the Picturesque – Art Exhibit
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Taft Museum of Art (Downtown)
Free Admission on Sundays and Mondays
Known for her emotionally resonant portraiture and narrative storytelling, 2026 Duncanson Society Honoree Ayana Ross captures the quiet strength and complexity of Black life, reflecting everyday moments that carry deeper meaning. Ends July 26.
Cincinnati Open Fan Fest
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy a free celebration featuring a live Wimbledon watch party, mini tennis, face painting, food trucks, live music, shopping, flower bouquet making, permanent jewelry, photo opportunities, and chances to win Cincinnati Open tickets.
Second Sunday Summer Concerts: 2nd Wind Band
7 p.m.
Arlington Memorial Gardens (North College Hill)
Free Admission
Enjoy an evening of live music from 2nd Wind Band as part of a summer concert series, featuring a lively outdoor performance in a relaxed, community-friendly setting.
Upcoming Events
Forest Park Celebrates America 250
July 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Central Park (Forest Park)
Get ready, Forest Park, the America 250 Celebration is almost here! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, food, family fun, and community pride. Just Vince and the Fellas will headline the evening.
Woodlawn/Lincoln Heights Brady Block Party
July 17, 6:30 p.m.
Woodlawn Community Center Fields (Woodlawn)
Free Admission
This FREE outdoor event is open to the public, and all are welcome. Enjoy giveaways, food trucks, activities, and entertainment prior to a concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra!
Kindred The Family Soul R&B Concert
July 18, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The husband-and-wife duo is celebrated for music rooted in love, family, and real-life experiences, blending smooth grooves with uplifting, conscious lyrics.
Jazz in the Park
August 1, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Central Park (Forest Park)
The largest and longest-running jazz festival in the area! Enjoy performances by local and nationally known artists, plus food trucks, beer, and vendors.
Regional Business Summit
August 5, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cintas Center (Evanston)
Participants will gain new perspectives and actionable strategies to help strengthen competitiveness, support innovation, and advance long-term, inclusive economic growth across the region.
After Hours: Sci-Fi Edition
August 6, 7 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Whether you’re just a curious explorer or have written your own guide to the galaxy, come explore the wonders of the universe and maybe discover some of the science behind science fiction, cocktail in hand.
Boney James Jazz Concert
August 8, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An American saxophonist known for blending jazz, R&B, and contemporary soul into a signature smooth‑jazz sound.
Robert Glasper Jazz Concert
August 13, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for blending jazz, hip‑hop, and soul, Glasper brings an energy that turns every performance into something unforgettable.
Will Downing Jazz Concert
August 21, 7:30 p.m
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An evening of rich, velvety vocals from one of contemporary R&B’s most enduring stylists. His blend of sophisticated soul, jazz‑infused arrangements, and romantic ballads creates a concert atmosphere that feels both elegant and deeply personal.
TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue Hip-hop Concert
August 21, 7:30 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
For the first time, these three trailblazing groups will tour together, celebrating decades of era-defining hits, culture-shifting influence, and timeless R&B and hip-hop anthems.
Stanley Jordan Jazz Concert
August 22, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for a groundbreaking two‑hand tapping technique, Jordan turns the guitar into a full orchestra unfolding onstage.
Printed Voices from Kenya: Social and Cultural Reflections Art Exhibit
Through August 22
Kennedy Heights Arts Center (Kennedy Heights)
Featuring 154 prints of various printmaking techniques by 42 established Kenyan artists, young and old. These artists use their artwork as their voice and communication tool to reflect on the cultural and social issues they face.
Jonathan Butler Jazz Concert
August 29, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The Sister Accord Foundation is pleased to announce that world-renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Jonathan Butler, will receive The Sister Accord Leadership Award in recognition of his long-standing commitment to Excellence.
Gee Horton’s Chapter 4: In Another Lifetime Art Exhibit
Through August 30
Contemporary Arts Center (Downtown)
Through large-scale photorealist drawings, photography, collage, video, and installation, Horton reflects on Black masculinity, generational memory, and childhood, exploring themes of safety, vulnerability, and the fragile boundary between freedom and protection.
Stokley R&B Concert
August 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The Sister Accord Foundation is pleased to welcome previous Sister Accord Leadership Award Recipient, Stokley, to help in celebrating their 13th Anniversary.
Cincinnatians, do you want your event to be featured in our upcoming week’s view? Submit it to The Voice of Black Cincinnati’s event calendar. The description of the event must be 300 words in length and include a feature photo that is not a flyer.
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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