Reds Opening Day Parade 1Credit: Findlay Market

This post is updated annually.

Since the late 19th century, the Cincinnati Reds have been the only Major League Baseball team given the privilege of starting every season at home. It’s no wonder that Reds Opening Day is a can't-miss annual celebration! If you've never experienced a Reds Opening Day before - make 2024 the year to do so. It doesn't get more Cincy than this. 

The Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals on Thursday, March 28 will start at 4:10 p.m., but to get the full experience you HAVE to join in on the festivities beforehand. Here's the scoop on local Cincinnati Reds parties, parking information, and more Opening Day festivities.

Kids playing cornhole during Reds Opening Day Celebration at Washington Park (photo: Lowry Photo)

Reds Opening Day at Washington Park (photo: Lowry Photo)

 

Celebrate Reds Opening Day at these local parties

Opening Day Celebration at Washington Park (photo: Lowry Photo)
Opening Day Celebration at Washington Park (photo: Lowry Photo)

 

Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party | March 28, 2024, 11 a.m.Celebrate the start of baseball season at the Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party, benefiting the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy! Come for the free fun, live music, and entertainment! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Findlay Market Opening Day Parade | March 28, 2024, 12 p.m. - Kick off the Reds season with a big parade featuring local celebrities (this year's grand marshal is long-time radio personality Jim Scott), current and former Reds players, marching bands, and more. Best of all it's free!

Home Opening Day Party at Washington Park | March 28, 2024, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Spend the day at Washington Park for drinks on The Porch. Enjoy top-notch parade views, live music (headliners 'Gee Your Band Smells Terrific), family-friendly games & activities, and giveaways. 

Opening Day at Rhinegeist | March 28, 2024, 9 a.m. - close - Enjoy Opening Day at Rhinegeist, with the brewery opening their doors bright and early at 9 a.m.! Enjoy baseball-themed giveaways throughout the day, special celebratory bar deals, a colossal bobblehead photo booth and the grand opening of the rooftop bar for the season.

DORA – Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

The Banks (photo: provided by The Banks)
The Banks (photo: provided by The Banks)

 

Just outside of the Great American Ball Park, The Banks is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area! This means that between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 a.m., guests can walk around outside in the designated area with an alcoholic beverage in a DORA-approved cup. The boundaries are from Heritage Bank Center to Paycor Stadium and from Mehring Way to Second Street. Click here for a map of the DORA district.

 

Check out our list of local sports bars for a pre or post-game celebration. Some classic locations at The Banks that are sure to run specials on Opening Day include Tin Roof and The Holy Grail.

 

Parking & Transportation

Metro bus (photo: Paige E. Malott)
Metro bus (photo: Paige E. Malott)
 
With thousands of people converging downtown for Reds Opening Day and the added complication of parade road closures, finding parking can seem like a daunting task. Don't worry! Here are some tips to help you plan ahead and ease the process.
 

Parking on Reds Opening Day

  • If you want to park south of or near Fountain Square – get there early! It will be busy. Along with the major parking garages near The Banks, you will likely find day-of temporary lots in the area around the ballpark. 
  • If you’re headed to Washington Park or the nearby blocks, try some of the lots along Central Parkway like the garage behind Music Hall at 1251 Central Parkway. There is a garage below the park, so you may get a spot if you arrive early enough.
  • You can also park in Northern Kentucky and walk across the Ohio River on the Roebling Bridge from Covington or the Purple People Bridge in Newport to the game. ​Check out more parking tips for Cincinnati Reds games.

Public Transportation on Reds Opening Day

  • Cincinnati’s bus system, Metro, will provide regular service but some downtown stops may be altered slightly.
  • The Connector (downtown streetcar) offers free fare all day! Usual hours are 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Check their website for complete details and any changes to the route or schedule for Opening Day
  • The Southbank Shuttle runs through downtown Cincinnati, and Newport and Covington, Kentucky and costs $1, making it easy to park and ride to the game.