10 Spring Festivals in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

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

Bockfest

Moerlein Lager House

March 5-7, 2021

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 typical festival would include a parade in downtown Cincinnati and ceremonial “blessing” of the first keg to kick things off, plus 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. The 2021 festival looks different than usual due to COVID-19 safety protocols. Guests can purchase packages with beer, food and merchandise to enjoy at home; take a socially-distanced Brewing Heritage Trail tour; or visit one of two dozen participating venues for in-person celebrations that follow all necessary safety protocols.

Cincinnati International Wine Festival

NEW Cincy Wine Fest @ Home: March 18, 2021

The 2021 grand tastings and other festivities have been postponed until the fall; however, you can still take part in a virtual wine tasting this spring from the comfort and safety of home. Tickets include an exclusive and interactive online tasting experience with a participating winery host. You will be able to ask questions, taste along with a professional, and have a fun and educational experience from home. You will need to be able to pick up your wines, or must live in the Cincinnati area (if selecting the delivery option with the Aficionado ticket).

This Time Tomorrow: Performing Arts Festival

This Time Tomorrow Performing Arts Festival

April 7-11, 2021

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 brings together artists from near and far to the Cincinnati region to share their unique works of art. This year, a new format has been designed to deliver remarkable experiences in spaces that are accessible and safe in light of ongoing concerns around COVID-19.

Asian Food Week

Pho Lang Thang (photo: Erin Woiteshek)

May 3-9, 2021

Kick off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with prix fixe meals at Asian restaurants in the Cincinnati region during Asian Food Week. You can even order "secret" dishes that are not usually on the menu (but don't tell anyone we told you!) Come back in August for Asian Food Fest at The Banks.

Butterfly Show

International Butterfly Show

May 8-September 6, 2021

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. The 2021 show marks the 25th anniversary with Butterflies of Bali.

Cincinnati May Festival

Cincinnati May Festival Chorus at Music Hall

May 16-30, 2021

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. Updates to the festival will take place to ensure safety with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. More details still to be released.

Homecoming in Association with MusicNOW

Smale Riverfront Park (photo: Cincinnati Park Board)

2021 EVENT DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED

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!

Taste of Cincinnati

2021 EVENT DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED

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!

Appalachian Festival

2021 EVENT CANCELED
Festival plans to return May 6-8, 2022

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.

Cincy Cinco Festival

Fountain Square

2021 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.

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