Cincy Fringe Festival
FloatBrilliance at Cincinnati Fringe Festival
For the last 14 years, artists and production companies from around the world have converged downtown for the Cincy Fringe Festival, putting on more than 200 live shows at multiple venues throughout Over-the-Rhine for the 13-day event. Performances push the envelope on convention, style and content—whether the medium is theater, music, film, visual art, dance or poetry—and encompass the offbeat, quirky and peculiar: the “fringe” of artistic expression. May 29–June 10, 2018, cincyfringe.com
Summerfair
One of the area's largest fine arts and crafts festivals, Summerfair is held at Coney Island each year and features a wide range of work, from paintings and fiber arts to ceramics, metalwork and wood works. Attendees will also enjoy live music, dancing, a children's area and food. June 1-3, 2018, summerfair.org
Bunbury Music Festival
Bunbury Music Festival (Photo: Chris Casella)
Held along the Ohio riverfront at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove, Bunbury Music Festival is the largest music festival in Cincinnati USA, hosting more than 50 alternative and indie acts throughout the three-day fest. Headliners include Jack White, The Chainsmokers, blink-182, and more. Forbes and USA Today have both dubbed it one of the best music festivals in the country. In between sets, check out dozens of food trucks and craft beer vendors for a wide sampling of local cuisine. June 1-3, 2018, bunburyfestival.com
Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance
Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance (Photo: Gary Kessler)
The Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance is a nationally recognized car show that highlights some of the most spectacular automobiles and motorcycles of all time. Cars are displayed in the formal gardens of historic Ault Park, with a classic pavilion overlooking the show field, hosting an automotive art show and brunch. The show has displays that include 50 years of Camaro and Firebird, Tuner cars. You can cool off with a cold brew from the craft beer garden, or take part in several special weekend events. June 10, 2018, ohioconcours.com
Goettafest at MainStrasse Village
Mainstrasse Village Goettafest
Taste the Cincinnati favorite in everything from goetta pizza to goetta omelets and enjoy games, children's activities, arts and crafts, music and entertainment. Admission to MainStrasse Villages's Goettafest is free. June 15-17, 2018, mainstrasse.org
Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival
Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate the end of slavery in America with Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival's diverse, family-friendly activities including traditional story telling, dancing, sack races, live music, flag parade & peace march and folk crafts. Festival goers can also watch living history performances, enjoy food from local vendors, and kids will love the opportunity to ride a horse, meet a goat, have their faces painted and so much more. Admission is free to the event held at Eden Park. June 16-17, 2018, juneteenthcincinnati.org
Bridge Folk Music & Arts Festival
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
The sounds of bluegrass, folk, jazz and funk will echo across the Covington landing with live music by eight local, national and international acts on two stages at this free event. Plus, more than 50 visual arts and artisan vendors showcase their works, dine on cuisine from food vendors, and adult beverages including a bourbon tasting. Other activities will be held throughout the day. June 16, 2018, facebook.com/BridgeFolkFestival
Cincinnati Pride Parade & Festival
Cincinnati Pride Parade
Enjoy a two-hour parade, live music, drag queen performances, beer and spirits at Sawyer Point during the annual Cincinnati Pride Parade & Festival. Admission is free and the event also includes a Family Fun Zone. June 23, 2018, cincinnatipride.org
Cincinnati Music Festival
Cincinnati Music Festival
Now in its 55th year, Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G is one of the largest R&B events in the country. This year’s lineup includes DJ Jazzy Jeff, Charlie Wilson, Boyz II Men, Jill Scott, The Roots, and more. Don’t miss the ’90s-themed pre-party on Thursday night at Paul Brown Stadium’s East Club Lounge, with a fashion show, performances, DJs and more. Click here to find a buy one, get one ticket deal when you book a hotel at CincinnatiUSA.com. July 26-28, 2018, cincymusicfestival.com
Glier's Goettafest
Glier's Goettafest (photo: @hidekikealoha)
You may or may not be familiar with Cincinnati’s renowned goetta (that’s “get-uh”), but spend a day at Glier’s Goettafest—the largest goetta festival in the world—and you’ll become well acquainted with the concoction, a mixture of sausage, oats and spices. All food vendors are required to incorporate it into their offerings, so expect things like goetta calzones, goetta brownies and bacon-goetta nachos. The Newport on the Levee event also includes carnival games, beer, fireworks, live bands and free admission! August 2-5, 2018, goettafest.com
Ohio River Paddlefest
Paddlefest (photo: Meg Vogel)
One of America's largest paddling events, Ohio River Paddlefest involves more than 1,800 paddlers traveling down the Ohio River. Along the course, participants will explore historic Mill Creek, paddle under seven bridges, view the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky skylines, and enjoy live music and refreshments at the “Halfway Celebration” on the Covington shoreline. Even if you're not paddling, celebrate with those that are at the Finish Line Festival at Gilday Riverside Park with craft beer, food trucks, vendors and exhibits. August 4, 2018, ohioriverpaddlefest.org
Cincy Blues Fest
Sawyer Point
More than 40 local and national blues acts perform at Sawyer Point during Cincy Blues Fest. The annual music event includes internationally touring artists as well as local performers on three stages. August 11, 2018, cincybluesfest.org
Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion
The Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion is one of Cincinnati's largest family-focused events spanning three days of weekend fun throughout the region at various venues like Sawyer Point and Sharonville Convention Center. Activities include a city-wide parade; live performances of blues, R&B, jazz, spoken word, gospel and poetry; games; health screenings; annual job fair; and a kids area. August 17-19, 2018, myblackfamilyreunion.org
Cincy Brew Ha-Ha
Cincy Brew Ha-Ha
Head to Sawyer Point for Cincy Brew Ha-Ha, America's largest beer and comedy festival featuring more than 120 beers and more than 75 comedians on four stages. Admission is free, beer and food available for purchase. August 24-25, 2018
Riverfest
Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks (Photo: David Long)
The region's biggest end-of-summer celebration kicks off at noon on the Sunday before Labor Day with live music and family-friendly activities along the riverfront at Sawyer Point, including the annual Rubber Duck Regatta–the ceremonial pitching of 100,000-plus rubber ducks off the Purple People Bridge to race downriver–and followed by a military ceremony. The day culminates in the Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks extravaganza, with rockets shot off barges in the Ohio River and coordinated to music by local radio station WEBN. September 2, 2018, webn.com
Written by: Baihley Grandison with additional reporting by Amber Potter and Emily Lloyd
