Things to do in Black Cincinnati this week!
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Features
Reggae Wednesday, a free Reggae Series at Washington Park
Enjoy an evening of soulful melodies, infectious beats, and community camaraderie under the stars. Whether a longtime reggae fan or simply looking to explore some tunes, dive into the island vibes and groove to the music.
Relive music from the early 2000s at the Friday Flow Series
Showcasing the top R&B artists and groups in the business. A new local or national artist or group is featured every Friday. The series is a fantastic chance to learn about new musicians and enjoy old favorites’ sounds.
Monday, May 18
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 insecurities 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.
Black Experience Book Club
6 p.m.
The Mercantile Library (Downtown)
Free for Members; $15 for Non-Members
Examine literature by Black authors, providing a structured space for thoughtful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the Black experience in America. This month features the book These Heathens by Mia McKenzie.
Jazz at the Park: Brent Gallaher Quintet
6 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Enjoy an evening of live jazz with saxophonist Brent Gallaher, known for his polished musicianship, strong band leadership, and spirited mainstream jazz performances.
PLANNING AHEAD
Tapped In by Pones
June 3 – June 10
Gabriel’s Corner (OTR)
Starting at $20
Blending African, Irish, vaudeville, Broadway, and contemporary styles, and featuring live jazz call-and-response alongside regional choreographers, this premiere celebrates creativity, resistance, and cultural convergence, spotlighting lesser-known stories through collaborative performance.
Tuesday, May 19
Bargain Movie Screening: Is God Is
Times Vary
Esquire Theatre (Clifton)
$5
Black sisters embark on an epic quest for revenge, confronting a charged family history that will push them to extraordinary lengths.
Smart Savings Utilities Fair
9 a.m. – Noon
Community Action Agency (Bond Hill)
Free Admission
Learn how to keep your bills down, get help with payments, and find out about resources.
Elizabeth Hawes: Radical American Fashion Exhibit
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum (Mt. Adams)
Free Admission
50+ garments from the 1920s to the 1960s, as well as original sketches and illustrations. See the story of one of the women who helped shape American identity in fashion design and personal expression. Ends August 2.
Jazz at the Square: Organized Gentlemen
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Get ready to groove at the Square every Tuesday night, featuring live Jazz music from local and regional acts.
Author Talk: Cincinnati Soul – Black Baseball in Cincinnati
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Main Library (Downtown)
Free Admission
Join author Al Lautenslager for a discussion exploring the overlooked history of Black baseball in Cincinnati, highlighting legendary teams, athletes, and the community’s lasting impact on the sport and local culture.
PLANNING AHEAD
Ari Lennox R&B Concert
June 5, 8 p.m.
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
GRAMMY-nominated R&B powerhouse Ari Lennox is hitting the road in 2026 with her highly anticipated North American tour in support of her critically acclaimed third studio album, Vacancy.
Wednesday, May 20
2026 Initiative Job Fair
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Hartwell Recreation Center (Hartwell)
Free Admission
Connect with employers and explore career opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to dress in professional attire and come prepared to engage with recruiters.
Green Man Wednesdays Live Music
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Green Man Park (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
Enjoy weekly music, entertainment, and community activities all summer long.
Unwind and Wine – Karaoke Night
7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Confessions Bar and Lounge (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
Enjoy a lively night of karaoke, music, wine, and high-energy entertainment with plenty of laughs, performances, and good vibes.
PLANNING AHEAD
Abolitionists & African Americans in Walnut Hills Walking Tour
May 30, 10 a.m. – Noon
Harriet Beecher Stowe House (Walnut Hills)
Walnut Hills is a diverse, historic, and changing Cincinnati neighborhood. Walk and learn with a guide from the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.
Thursday, May 21
Kennedy Heights Block Party
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Woodford Academy (Kennedy Heights)
Free Admission
Enjoy a community celebration filled with food, music, games, local vendors, and family-friendly activities for all ages.
Open Mic Night: May
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House (Walnut Hills)
Starting at $7
Share poetry, music, and original work during an open mic night celebrating creativity, storytelling, and community in a welcoming space for all voices.
Line Dancing Classes
6:30 p.m.
9745 Mangham Drive (Lincoln Heights)
$40 for 8 classes
Step to the beat, feel the joy, and join the fun!
Mandy Gaines and Brad Myers
7 p.m.
Caffè Vivace (Walnut Hills)
$15
A seasoned vocalist with deep roots in jazz and performance teams up with Brad Myers, a versatile jazz, rock, and roots-influenced multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer.
PLANNING AHEAD
Paul Taylor Jazz Concert
June 6, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An American smooth jazz alto and soprano saxophonist and singer who has released twelve albums since his debut, On the Horn, in 1995.
Friday, May 22
LEGO® Jurassic World: The Exhibition
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Starting at $9.50
Featuring more than 50 massive dinosaurs, iconic scenes, and interactive props made from over six million LEGO® bricks, LEGO® Jurassic World: The Exhibition invites you to relive the magic of beloved stories and characters from the Jurassic World franchise as you embark on a thrilling journey across Isla Nublar. Ends January 4.
Support Black-Owned Restaurants at the Taste of Cincinnati 2026
4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Fifth Street (Downtown)
Free Admission
The annual food festival in Downtown Cincinnati highlights delicious dishes from talented chefs and popular dining experiences throughout the Queen City. Also, see Gym Class Heroes perform on the main stage at 8:30 p.m. Ends May 25.
Soul Pocket Dance Party
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt. Lookout)
Starting at $13
Enjoy an energetic live performance from Soul Pocket, a 13-piece band delivering crowd-moving music, powerful vocals, and nonstop entertainment.
Chris Powell – Comedy Show
7 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
Liberty Funny Bone (Liberty)
$20
Live for a night of sharp storytelling, stand-up comedy, and crowd-favorite humor from the actor and writer behind shows like Detroiters and Love Life. Ends May 23.
Emma Play
7:30 p.m.
Otto M Budig Theater (OTR)
Starting at $14
Follow the headstrong matchmaker—convinced she can’t possibly fall in love—as she orchestrates romance for those around her with heartwarming and hilarious results. An all-Black female cast featured in the Gilded Age. Think Bridgerton. Ends June 14.
A Big Funny Night of Comedy feat Reginald Ballard
8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
The William Frances Theatre (Elmwood Place)
Starting at $28
Enjoy a night of nonstop comedy featuring hilarious stand-up performances, lively energy, and plenty of laughs with friends and fellow comedy fans.
Gemini Bash Ft. DJ Luke Nasty, Bone the Mak, and Asoda
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Greenwich Tavern (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
Enjoy a high-energy celebration featuring live performances by DJ Luke Nasty, Bone The Mack, and local artists, plus music, dancing, and party vibes all night.
FINALLY FRIDAY: Midwest
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Vintage on Race (OTR)
Starting at $23
Kick off the weekend with a lively social gathering featuring music, fashionable looks, dancing, and a crowd ready to connect and celebrate.
PLANNING AHEAD
Pride Brady Block Party
June 4, 6:30 p.m.
ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park (The Banks)
Free Admission
Enjoy giveaways, food trucks, activities, and entertainment prior to a concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra featuring Thorgy Thor from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Anita Spritzer, local drag performers Johnny Justice and Quasi Powell, and Cincy Voque!
Saturday, May 23
WeTHRIVE Summer Fitness Series
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Central Park Fitness Court (Forest Park)
Free Admission
Take part in an outdoor workout led by Coach Pinkie.
HBCU Celebration
3 p.m.
Great American Ball Park (The Banks)
Starting at $32
Celebrate HBCU pride at the ballpark with special pregame ceremonies, on-field experiences, alumni chapter participation, and a Reds matchup against the Cardinals. The Fan Zone Pregame Mixer begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 5:15 p.m. The Reds vs Cardinals game starts at 7:15 p.m.
FC Cincinnati PreMatch at the Park
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Festivities will include music, vendors to interact with, a variety of food trucks serving delicious food, inflatable soccer games, the inflatable FCC slide, and so much more! Afterward, watch FC Cincinnati take on Orlando at 7:30 p.m.
Porgy and Bess: Festival Finale
7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $16
Festival Director Julia Bullock takes center stage as Bess in her own deeply personal and poignant curation of Gershwin’s legendary opera, Porgy and Bess.
Fifth & Vine Live: Mic Carr & The Shades
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Experience an interactive live performance with Mic Carr & The Shades, blending R&B and hip-hop while audiences help shape the creative energy behind his new album.
HHQ Comedy Series: Stand Up!
7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Solids & Stripes (Lower Price Hill)
$23
Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy hosted by Shaun Ross of No Limit Records, featuring live laughs, entertainment, and music from R&B singer Damone Rose.
Vincent Ingala Jazz Concert
7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $35
The Connecticut-born saxophonist, known for his smooth blend of contemporary jazz and R&B, brings an upbeat, feel‑good energy to every performance.
Baby Keem Rap Concert
8:30 p.m.
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Starting at $87
An inventive sound and boundary-pushing approach to modern hip-hop.
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
The Bridgerton Affair
Co-Hosted by Crystal Kendrick, The Voice of Black Cincinnati
June 7, 12:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (OTR)
Guests are most cordially invited to The Bridgerton Affair. This delightful afternoon gathering will feature fun photo opportunities, a peek into the world of costumes and designs, a charming craft, and a short dance lesson fit for the ton. Attendees are encouraged to arrive in their most splendid Regency attire, as ensembles will be judged for accuracy and originality, with prizes awarded! At 2 p.m., the celebration continues as you take your seat for a performance of “Emma.” One simply must not miss it.
Sunday, May 24
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.
Cincy’s 3rd Annual Africa Day Celebration
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Celebrate a vibrant cultural experience featuring music, dance, food, arts, and family-friendly activities, headlined by HOOLIBOY with DJ sets and community entertainment throughout the event.
The Cool Kids T-Shirt Party
4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Pitch Cincy (OTR)
Starting at $15
Enjoy a high-energy summer kickoff party featuring DJs, dancing, rooftop and indoor/outdoor vibes, and a lively social atmosphere built for music, movement, and connection throughout the day and into the evening.
AfroSwag Hair & Fashion Show x AfroArt After Dark 2026
5 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
$55, free admission for off-runway and street-level viewing
Celebrate the creativity and cultural influence of Black hair, fashion, and art while providing a platform for emerging and established artists, designers, stylists, performers, and small businesses.
Upcoming Events
Abolitionists & African Americans in Walnut Hills Walking Tour
May 30, 10 a.m. – Noon
Harriet Beecher Stowe House (Walnut Hills)
Walnut Hills is a diverse, historic, and changing Cincinnati neighborhood. Walk and learn with a guide from the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.
Journey to Our Roots: The Rising of Okoto Kekeres
May 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bi-Okoto Cultural Center (Pleasant Ridge)
Blending storytelling, live drumming, and dynamic choreography. This production celebrates heritage, identity, transformation, and the resilience of a people whose traditions continue to inspire generations. Enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience filled with rhythm, color, and powerful movement.
Tapped In by Pones
June 3 – June 10
Gabriel’s Corner (OTR)
Starting at $20
Blending African, Irish, vaudeville, Broadway, and contemporary styles, and featuring live jazz call-and-response alongside regional choreographers, this premiere celebrates creativity, resistance, and cultural convergence, spotlighting lesser-known stories through collaborative performance.
Pride Brady Block Party
June 4, 6:30 p.m.
ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park (The Banks)
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!
Ari Lennox R&B Concert
June 5, 8 p.m.
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
GRAMMY-nominated R&B powerhouse Ari Lennox is hitting the road in 2026 with her highly anticipated North American tour in support of her critically acclaimed third studio album, Vacancy.
Paul Taylor Jazz Concert
June 6, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An American smooth jazz alto and soprano saxophonist and singer who has released twelve albums since his debut, On the Horn, in 1995.
The Bridgerton Affair
Co-Hosted by Crystal Kendrick, The Voice of Black Cincinnati
June 7, 12:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (OTR)
Guests are most cordially invited to The Bridgerton Affair. This delightful afternoon gathering will feature fun photo opportunities, a peek into the world of costumes and designs, a charming craft, and a short dance lesson fit for the ton. Attendees are encouraged to arrive in their most splendid Regency attire, as ensembles will be judged for accuracy and originality, with prizes awarded! At 2 p.m., the celebration continues as you take your seat for a performance of “Emma.” One simply must not miss it.
Lindsey Webster Jazz Concert
June 12, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for her warm vocals and modern blend of jazz, R&B, and soul, Webster delivers emotionally rich songs that feel both intimate and timeless.
Evanston Brady Block Party
June 13, 6:30 p.m.
Evanston Playground (Evanston)
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!
Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Freedom Center (The Banks)
Free Admission
True to the spirit of the earliest Juneteenth celebrations, all are welcome to join the fun with live music, food trucks, and a Community Market where attendees can shop small and support local businesses. Experience drop-in programming centered around the theme “What does Afro-futurism mean to you?” and give back through the Juneteenth Blood Drive with Hoxworth Blood Center.
North Mississippi Allstars Rock Concert
June 19, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The band is known for turning every show into a high‑energy jam session, blending gritty guitar work with soulful grooves.
The Pharcyde Rap Concert
June 20, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An influential alternative rap group from South Central Los Angeles known for their playful lyricism, jazz-influenced production, and offbeat approach to hip-hop.
Jubilation! Ambassadors on a Sacred Journey
Through June 21
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (The Banks)
Celebrating the history, accomplishments, and legacies of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey as they become familiar with the individuals and music of this world-renowned ensemble, which introduced African American spirituals to the world.
West End Brady Block Party
June 21, 6:30 p.m.
Ezzard Charles Park (West End)
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!
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Jazz Concert
June 23, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Blending rock, funk, soul, jazz, blues, hip-hop, and Caribbean influences into a raucous, high-energy sound, Shorty has built a reputation as one of the most dynamic and ecstatic live performers working today.
Contacts to Contracts Conference
June 25, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Word of Deliverance (Forest Park)
Free Admission
A full-day experience designed to help small businesses turn connections into real contract opportunities.
Spyro Gyra Jazz Concert
June 27, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An intimate night of genre‑blending jazz fusion from one of the most enduring bands in contemporary instrumental music.
Madisonville Brady Block Party
June 28, 6:30 p.m.
Madisonville Recreation Center (Madisonville)
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!
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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