10 Spring Festivals in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

Don't miss these popular festivals and events happening every year!

Bockfest

Bockfest Hall

Cincinnatians’ beer consumption once more than doubled that of the national per capita average, making it one of the most prolific brewing cities in the U.S. Today, as the largest and oldest festival of its kind, Bockfest fondly recalls that amazing beer heritage. A parade in downtown Cincinnati and ceremonial “blessing” of the first keg kicks it off, and there are more than enough fun happenings – live entertainment, historic walking tours, a 5k race, delicious food, a homebrew competition and, of course, plenty of bock beer—for three full days of merriment. February 28-March 1, 2020.

Cincinnati International Wine Festival

2020 EVENT CANCELED
Whether you’re a wine savant or merely a casual partaker, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival is worth checking out. Most of the festivities—which include winery dinners, Grand Tastings, a charity auction and luncheon, and memorial golf tournament—take place at the 750,000-square-foot Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati and draw more than 200 wineries from around the world (providing more than 700 vinos to sample). Your imbibing benefits a good cause: In the festival’s history, more than $6 million in event proceeds has been donated to dozens of charities around the region.

Butterfly Show

International Butterfly Show

2020 EVENT POSTPONED
Every summer for more than two decades, the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park has transformed its indoor gardens into a butterfly gala, setting more than 10,000 butterflies loose in one of its greenhouses for visitors to mingle with and admire during the annual Butterfly Show. This year’s theme is "The Butterflies of Bali."

This Time Tomorrow: Performing Arts Festival

This Time Tomorrow Performing Arts Festival

2020 EVENT CANCELED
Immerse yourself in the arts with the five-day This Time Tomorrow: Performing Arts Festival that includes contemporary performances brought to you by the Contemporary Arts Center. This Time Tomorrow will bring together artists from near and far to the Cincinnati region to share their unique works of art at various venues around the city along with special workshops and a late-night party going into the wee hours of the night.

Cincy Cinco Festival

Fountain Square

2020 EVENT CANCELED
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Fountain Square at Cincy Cinco Festival, the city's premier Latino festival. Enjoy free games, crafts and activities for kids; plus live music, dance performances and food.

Homecoming in Association with MusicNOW

Smale Riverfront Park (photo: Cincinnati Park Board)

2020 EVENT CANCELED

Experience the Homecoming Festival this spring at Smale Riverfront Park. This two-day music festival will feature world-class musicians and groups including The National, Patti Smith and Her Band, Of Monsters and Men and more. MusicNOW, happening in conjunction with Homecoming, also includes special city-wide exhibitions, installations and special performances. Purchase general admission tickets, or upgrade to VIP tickets that include private lounge areas, drinks, and more!

Appalachian Festival

2020 EVENT CANCELED
The region's rich Applachian heritage is on full display at this annual festival held at Coney Island. Appalachian Festival attendees can dance to old-time music, shop handmade wares, listen to storytellers spinning tales and chow down on traditional favorites like biscuits and gravy, country ham, fried chicken, cornbread and more.

Asian Food Fest

2020 EVENT RESCHEDULED FOR AUG. 8-9

Enjoy authentic food from Asia including Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, India, Korea, Japan and more during Asian Food Fest at The Banks. This free event also includes cultural dances and music.

Cincinnati May Festival

Cincinnati May Festival Chorus at Music Hall

2020 EVENT CANCELED
Cincinnati is home to the oldest continuous choral festival in the Western hemisphere. Join the May Festival Chorus and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for two weekends of choral music at M usic Hall. One of the only true choral festivals remaining, May Festival features a choral repertoire rarely found in the usual concert season.

Taste of Cincinnati

2020 EVENT RESCHEDULED FOR JULY 3-5

What better way to experience the region than a full-on extravaganza devoted to all things edible? Held downtown and spanning five city blocks, Taste of Cincinnati congregates more than 40 restaurants and food trucks from around the city, along with plenty of beer and wine-tasting stations, live music, carnival rides and games. The second longest–running culinary arts festival in the country, Taste offers a slew of delectable selections; things like Thai basil lime popsicles from Streetpops, grilled cheese donuts from Tom + Chee or fried-cheese ravioli from Pompilios. It’s also a free event, so mark your calendars!

Written by Baihley Grandison; with additional reporting by Amber Potter and Abby Davidson