Things to do in Black Cincinnati this week!
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Features
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Black Music, Heritage, and Performers
Enjoy a dynamic new season featuring an expanded lineup of artists and programs celebrating African American musical excellence. This year’s highlights include performances led by conductor Damon Gupton, as well as appearances by Boyz II Men, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonist Steven Banks, and pianist Isata Kanneh‑Mason.
Flow Pass, An African American Arts Experience by ArtsWave
ArtsWave, a long-time advocate for Black art, announced the 2026-2027 season of Flow, an African American arts experience. The series features 4 unique, Black-centered events for just $210.
Monday, September 7
Labor Day
PLANNING AHEAD
Boyz II Men with the Cincinnati Pops
September 16, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Grammy-winning R&B legends Boyz II Men bring their silky harmonies and unmatched charisma to the Cincinnati Pops stage for a night of pure musical magic.
Tuesday, September 8
Bargain Movie Screening: By Any Means
Times Vary
Kenwood Theatre (Kenwood)
$7
A young Black FBI agent is sent into 1960s Mississippi to investigate a wave of brutal killings targeting civil rights leaders. Forced to work alongside notorious mafia hitman Greg Scarpa, he finds himself pulled into a deadly hunt where justice and vengeance begin to blur.
CAA Mobile Pantry
11 a.m.
BLOC Ministries (Price Hill)
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.
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.
Jazz at the Square: Rick Auhagen & Larry Feldner
5 p.m. – 8 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.
Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz
7 p.m.
Ensemble Theatre (OTR)
Starting at $22
This thrilling and moving musical begins with Stephen’s first hit Broadway song, “Corner of the Sky,” and features the myriad musical ways it led to everything that came after, including “Defying Gravity.” Through September 27.
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
G-Eazy and Logic with Juicy J
September 25, 7 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
G-Eazy and Logic have announced The Endless Summer Part II, a North American tour that marks their first co-headlining run together since the sold-out 2016 “Endless Summer Tour.”
Wednesday, September 9
Cincinnati Zoo Seniors Special Admission Rate
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Avondale)
$10
Adults 62 and better can enjoy discounted admission on weekdays through September!
Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Freedom Center (The Banks)
Price Varies
A compelling selection of 28 black-and-white photographs by renowned civil rights photographer Matt Herron. This exhibition documents the historic Selma to Montgomery March, a pivotal moment in American history that directly led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Through November 8.
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 with Be All in Movement and a yoga class.
Intro to Wine Pairings
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Starting at $80
Savor the flavors of Italy with a six-wine flight and culinary accompaniments.
Soul Quest Band Performance
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Silverton Town Commons (Silverton)
Free Admission
Bring lawn chairs and enjoy a soulful concert in the park!
Verses & Vibes: A Collective of Artistry
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Muse Café (Westwood)
Free Admission
Poets, writers, singers, rappers, comedians, and more are welcome to perform their different expression forms.
PLANNING AHEAD
The Music of Hans Zimmer Symphony Concert
September 19, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
From the antics of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean and the eerie, breathless space of Interstellar, to the arrival on Arrakis in Dune and the battle scenes in Gladiator, you’ll relive some of the most epic moments from Hans Zimmer’s most enduring film scores.
Thursday, September 10
Museum Exhibits & Omnimax Shows
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Starting at $12.50
First, see the “Equal to Any in the City:” Ball & Thomas Photographs 1840s – 1870s Exhibit and experience American history through the lens of one of the 19th century’s greatest photographers. Then, experience Arctic: Our Frozen Planet OMNIMAX ® and Embark on a yearlong adventure at the top of the world. Finally, explore 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.
Glow in the Dark: School Carnival
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
American Sign Museum (Camp Washington)
Starting at $10; Members and Children Under 12 Free
Enjoy live performances, an ice cream truck, crafts, a photobooth, and afterhours access to the autumn installment!
Be the Change: The O’dell Owens Story Special Pre-release Screening
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
CET Studios (West End)
Free Admission; Registration encouraged
See a screening of a new documentary by Emmy Award-winning producer Richard Wonderling exploring the life and legacy of Dr. O’dell M. Owens: physician, educator, public servant, and lifelong champion for Cincinnati.
Collaborative 25 Conference
6:30 p.m.
Freedom Center (The Banks)
Free Admission; Registration Required
The 25th Anniversary of the Cincinnati Collaborative Agreement provides an important opportunity to reflect on a quarter-century of work to strengthen relationships among Cincinnati residents, law enforcement, community organizations, and public institutions. Through September 11.
Salsa on the Square: Son del Caribe & 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. Ends October 1.
Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves Celebrate John Coltrane
7:30 p.m.
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Starting at $52.75
September 2026 marks the centennial of John Coltrane’s birth. To honor the enduring legacy of one of jazz’s most transcendent voices, the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Dianne Reeves will release a tribute album, which revisits Coltrane’s seminal 1963 collaboration with Johnny Hartman.
Make Believe Play
7:30 p.m.
Know Theatre (OTR)
Price Varies
From the writer of Camp Siegfried comes a mystery about the lingering impact of childhood trauma. Through September 26.
PLANNING AHEAD
The Great Gatsby Broadway Musical
September 15 – September 27
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Tony Award®-winning new musical is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth, and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage.
Friday, September 11
Walk the Road to Recovery
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Covington Plaza (Covington)
Free Admission; Registration Required
Attend an event that will honor National Recovery Month through live music, food, storytelling, and community connection.
NeoSoul Night: Andrea Hall with Special Request Band ft. DJ Bravo & Co-Hosts Taymar Istral & Sista Lu
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Grab a seat on the Lawn and enjoy an evening full of smooth grooves and soulful vocals.
A Live Band Experience: Stephen Stringz x Queen Destiny
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The District Kitchen + Cocktails (Northside)
Starting at $24
Hear the electrifying sound of violinist Stephen Stringz alongside powerhouse vocalist Queen Destiny, backed by a full live band. Expect a soulful mix of R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul vibes.
$uicideboy$ with Destroy Lonely, Shakewell, DRAIN, Black Kray, and $lim Gucci
6:30 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Price Varies
The powerhouse cousins and global leaders in independent rap will bring an electrifying mix of talent.
Gladys Knight Concert
7 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Price Varies
The evening promises a mix of timeless hits and heartfelt performances that showcase why she’s known as the Empress of Soul.
Afroman Concert
7:30 p.m.
Lori’s Roadhouse (West Chester)
Starting at $34.80
Attend a high-energy music experience that blends his signature humor, catchy beats, and cult‑favorite hits with a strong stage presence.
Eureka Day Stage Play
7:30 p.m.
Falcon Theatre (Newport)
$30; $15 Student Tickets
See a wildly funny, razor-sharp comedy that holds a mirror up to our fractured moment — from the paralysis of groupthink to the chaos of online discourse — and asks whether a community built on the dream of endless agreement can survive a problem that demands a real answer. Through September 26.
The Thorn
7 p.m.
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Starting at $49.25
The Thorn tells the epic story of God’s love for the world and the spiritual battle for all humanity. The story of Christ is presented in an immersive show with music, drama, aerial acts, movement arts, modern dance, and special effects. Ends September 12.
Helado Negro Pop Concert
8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Starting at $39.50
Helado Negro is the project of Roberto Carlos Lange, a producer and singer-songwriter celebrated for crafting compassionate, atmospheric, and experimental pop music.
DJ Pillo and Friends
9 p.m.
Northside Tavern (Northside)
Free Admission
Attend a a social event showcasing the city’s DJs, Artist, Film, Media, Authors and just all-around movers and shakers in the talented Cincinnati underbelly.
PLANNING AHEAD
Pitbull with Lil Jon
September 15, 8 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Following numerous successful solo touring runs, Mr. Worldwide is once again set to deliver an electrifying live experience packed with career-spanning hits, instantly recognizable anthems, and nonstop party energy.
Saturday, September 12
Health Fair
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Southern Baptist Church (Avondale)
Free Admission
Attendees can expect a family-friendly day featuring health screenings, expert discussions, community resources, wellness activities, a blood drive, and fun for all ages.
Village of Lincoln Heights 80th Incorporation Anniversary Celebration: Mayor’s Prayer Brunch
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lincoln Heights Elementary School (Lincoln Heights)
Free Admission; Reservation Required
Join community leaders, residents, and guests for a special prayer brunch celebrating 80 years of faith, service, and community.
Sorority Par “Tea”: Steeped in Wellness
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Red Door Church (Forest Park)
Starting at $50
This gathering invites ALL WOMEN from the community: sororities, women’s organizations, and women centered groups together to slow down, and support one another’s mental, physical, and emotional health.
Health is Love x Dr Shomo Knows Quarterly Book Club
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse (Evanston)
Starting at $13
Attend a Book Club discussing Keke Palmer’s empowering book Master of Me.
FC PreMatch at the Park: Noche Latina
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Festivities will include music, tons of vendors to interact with, a variety of food trucks serving up some delicious grub, inflatable soccer games, the inflatable FCC slide, and so much more!
Soulful Saturday’s
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Greenwich (Walnut Hills)
Starting at $18
This special edition features nationally award-winning Chicago spoken word artist Ollie “Hoodraised” Woods, winner of the National Poetry Awards Spoken-Word Artist of the Year and a 2x National Spoken-Word Awards Host of the Year.
Tyreek McDole Concert
7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Caffè Vivace (Walnut Hills)
$28
With a string of prestigious awards to his name, Tyreek stands out as a bold new voice in jazz on his 2025 Artwork Records debut, Open Up Your Senses.
Summer Concert Series: Positive Vibe Band
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Element Eatery (Madisonville)
Free Admission
Enjoy live music and food from over 9 different vendors!
Heist Play
7:30 p.m.
Playhouse in the Park (Mt. Adams)
Starting at $39
Inspired by movies like Ocean’s Eleven, Now You See Me, and The Usual Suspects, this theatrical caper is a high-tech mystery for the stage. When Marvin assembles a team of professional thieves to pull off one last job, the heist goes sideways into a web of danger, betrayal, and double crosses. Ends October 11.
Lea Salonga Symphony Concert
7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $27
Celebrated for her iconic performances in Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, and as the singing voice of Disney’s Jasmine and Mulan, Salonga brings her luminous voice and heartfelt artistry to a program filled with Broadway showstoppers, beloved film songs, and timeless favorites — all soaring with the full symphonic splendor of the Pops. Ends September 13.
Network Play
7:30 p.m.
Otto M. Budig Theater (OTR)
Starting at $14
Set in 1970s America, as television tightens its grip on American culture, veteran anchorman Howard Beale unravels live on air. What begins as a breakdown becomes a broadcast phenomenon. Ends September 26.
PLANNING AHEAD
Cincinnati Children’s Discovery Day
September 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cincinnati Children’s Burnet Campus (Avondale)
Calling all future scientists and health specialists! Cincinnati Children’s invites students in grades 7 to 12 to explore science and research. Families and youths may register by September 18.
Sunday, September 13
Off-Trail Urban Hikers
7:30 a.m.
Locations Vary
Free Admission
Check the Facebook page for this week’s location. Hike approximately two miles and enjoy nature with fabulous people.
Inspiring Life Through Fashion Show
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
CET Studios (West End)
Starting at $45
See a blend the beauty of fashion with the power of education. This isn’t just a runway; it’s a movement to shine a light on Sickle Cell Disease, support the amazing warriors and share crucial information that saves lives.
Fountain District Fanfest: Overtime
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Partake in activities like music, cornhole, drink specials and more!
2026-2027 Youth Programs Kickoff
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Woodward Career Technical High School (Bond Hill)
Free Admission; Registration Required
Join the Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as they provide information to students and parents about programs like the Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, and EMBODI.
Upcoming Events
Pitbull with Lil Jon
September 15, 8 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Following numerous successful solo touring runs, Mr. Worldwide is once again set to deliver an electrifying live experience packed with career-spanning hits, instantly recognizable anthems, and nonstop party energy.
The Great Gatsby Broadway Musical
September 15 – September 27
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Tony Award®-winning new musical is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth, and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage.
Boyz II Men with the Cincinnati Pops
September 16, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Grammy-winning R&B legends Boyz II Men bring their silky harmonies and unmatched charisma to the Cincinnati Pops stage for a night of pure musical magic.
The Kaplan New Works Series
September 18 – September 26
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Internationally acclaimed choreographer Mthuthuzeli November* draws inspiration from the work of Cincinnati visual artist Gee Horton, exploring how an artistic vision can move from one medium into another.
The Music of Hans Zimmer Symphony Concert
September 19, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
From the antics of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean and the eerie, breathless space of Interstellar, to the arrival on Arrakis in Dune and the battle scenes in Gladiator, you’ll relive some of the most epic moments from Hans Zimmer’s most enduring film scores.
G-Eazy and Logic with Juicy J
September 25, 7 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
G-Eazy and Logic have announced The Endless Summer Part II, a North American tour that marks their first co-headlining run together since the sold-out 2016 “Endless Summer Tour.”
Party Train
September 26
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Party Train (Formerly of The Gap Band) carries forward one of the most iconic sounds in American music — the horns, the grooves, and the unmistakable funk that made The Gap Band a global phenomenon.
JMR’s Orchestral Canvas Symphony Concert
September 25 – September 27
Music Hall (OTR)
A true masterpiece for the senses, this unique live music experience takes orchestral classics like Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Falla’s Three-Cornered Hat, and Respighi’s Pines of Rome, and pairs them with sweeping visual projections by Lightborne of some of the world’s greatest works of art — transforming Music Hall into a living gallery as images and melodies come alive together.
Pynk Beard Country Concert
September 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The rising artist is known for blending classic country storytelling with a modern edge, creating a sound that feels both familiar and fresh.
Demola Concert
October 2, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his genre‑bending performances and global fanbase, Demola brings a vibrant energy that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Mutual Dance Theatre Presents South Chicago Dance Theatre
October 2 – October 3
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
The highly buzzed-about South Chicago Dance Theatre makes its Cincinnati debut, presented by Mutual Dance Theatre’s Jefferson James Contemporary Dance Theater Series! Led by Artistic Director Kia S. Smith, whose rise has been described as “meteoric,” South Chicago Dance Theatre landed a spot on Dance Magazine’s national “must-see” list and has been called “the next big thing” by the Chicago Tribune.
CSO + Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestral Festival
October 2 – October 4
Music Hall (OTR)
Featuring thrilling performances with the combined forces of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, violinist Nicola Benedetti, and the CSO, this festival highlights new works and fresh takes on orchestral classics, while showcasing the multiple Grammy-winning JLCO.
Harvest Festival | Forest Park
October 3, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Central Park (Forest Park)
This family-friendly event offers an afternoon full of seasonal fun, including crafts, games, a petting zoo, kids’ train rides, food trucks, community vendors, and plenty of candy and treats.
Cincinnati Art Week
October 3 – October 10
Multiple Venues in Over-the-Rhine
Brings exhibitions, pop-up galleries, social gatherings, and special programming to Over-the-Rhine. Designed by artists, the week connects residents and visitors with exhibitions, conversations, creative experiences, public programming and the people shaping Cincinnati’s cultural landscape.
CeCe Winans with Charity Gayle, Red Worship, & Terrian
October 8, 7 p.m.
Heritage Bank Center (Downtown)
Winans is excited to bring along some of the biggest worship leaders for an evening designed to be unlike anything audiences have experienced before.
Tab Benoit Blues Concert
October 9, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
A four-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist who, for more than thirty years, has built a remarkable career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues.
Karyn White R&B Concert
October 10, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for hits like “Superwoman” and “Secret Rendezvous,” White brings her powerhouse vocals and timeless style. Fans can look forward to a soulful, high-energy performance that showcases why she remains one of the defining voices of ’90s R&B.
“Equal to Any in the City:” Ball & Thomas Photographs 1840s – 1870s Exhibit
Through October 14
Cincinnati Museum Center (Queensgate)
Experience American history through the lens of one of the 19th century’s greatest photographers. James Presley Ball, a free man of color, used his incredible skill to transcend racial barriers and establish himself as one of the most sought-after photographers in the country.
Panda Fest
October 16 – October 18
Smale Riverfront Park (The Banks)
Expected to feature more than 90 food vendors serving 200+ Asian street food offerings, 30+ merchandise vendors, traditional and contemporary cultural performances, interactive activities and Panda Fest’s signature panda-themed experiences.
Songs of Destiny Symphony
October 17 – October 18
Music Hall (OTR)
From myth to fire to consolation, this program traces a journey through passion, virtuosity, and reflection.
BOOP! The Musical Broadway
October 20 – October 25
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
For almost a century, the Betty Boop® character has won hearts and inspired fans around the world with her trademark looks, voice, and style. Now, in BOOP!® The Musical, Betty’s dream of an ordinary day off from super-celebrity in her black-and-white world leads to an adventure of color, music, and love in New York City.
Emmaline: The Great American Songbook Reimagined Jazz Concert
October 22, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
With lush vocals, timeless melodies, and Emmaline’s modern-retro charm, this will be an elegant evening of romance, nostalgia, and live music made for old souls and modern hearts alike.
Psycho in Concert Symphony
October 27, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary thriller Psycho comes alive on the big screen as its spine-tingling score is performed live-to-film by the Cincinnati Pops.
BLKBOK Classical Concert
October 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An evening that blends classical technique with the emotional storytelling of modern piano composition.
Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky Symphony
October 30 – October 31
Music Hall (OTR)
Conductor Kwamé Ryan returns for a program of passion, virtuosity, and expansive Romantic expression.
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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