Exploring the Region During Cincinnati Music Festival Week

There's so much to see and do throughout the Cincinnati region, we hope you'll stay a few extra days when you're in town for Cincinnati Music Festival this year. Use this guide to explore Unmistakably Cincinnati experiences, dining, shopping and more located near where you'll be staying. And be sure to check out this guide to all the special activities happening downtown leading up to the festival. 
 

Nearby Unmistakably Cincinnati experiences

• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - This must-see museum is offering $5 off admission when you show your CMF ticket.
• Cincinnati Museum Center - Experience three museums, OMNIMAX Theatre, and special exhibit Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs all inside beautifully restored Union Terminal.
• Cincinnati Reds - Round out your weekend with a visit to Great American Ball Park to watch the Reds take on the Colorado Rockies. Sunday's game starts at 1:10pm.
• Cincinnati Opera presents The Gershwin's Porgy & Bess on July 20, 25, 27 & 28 at Music Hall.
• Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents Miss Holmes at their theater in Over-the-Rhine.
• Contemporary Arts Center - This free museum has multiple exhibits on display including works by Saya Woolfalk and Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum.
• Taft Museum of Art - Browse L’Affichomania featuring bright, seductive French posters from the turn of the 20th century.
• Findlay Market - Visit Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market located in Over-the-Rhine.
• Dangerwheel - Watch this two-block, downhill race in the Pendleton neighborhood.

Where to Eat

• Nosh at some of these Black-owned eateries: Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey, BlaCk Coffee Lounge, Ollie’s Trolley, Sweet Petit.
• Other popular spots: Prime Cincinnati, Taste of Belgium, Lucius Q, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, The Eagle, Bakersfield OTR, Senate, Moerlein Lager House, Joella's Hot Chicken, Montgomery Inn Boathouse, Sotto, Mita's.

Where to Hang

• Check out all these events happening throughout festival week. (Link to other article).
• Grab a drink and dance the night away at PRVLGD, OTR Live, COPA Lounge, Revel OTR.
• Listen to jazz at Hilton Netherland Plaza, Symphony Hotel or Schwartz's Point.

Where to Shop

• Visit these Black-owned shops: Smith & Hannon Bookstore, Black Owned, BrickOTR, Own Lane Shoes, MABBAM, GO(O)D Co. Apparel.
• Explore Carew Tower for apparel, gift shops, restaurants, and more. Plus, head to the to the observation deck for 360-degree views of the region.
• Find other small shops throughout the downtown/Over-the-Rhine area like Cincy Shirts, Unheardof, Batsakes Hat Shop, Rad OTR.

Uptown

Staying just outside the city center near University of Cincinnati, Rookwood/Norwood/Hyde Park and the surrounding neighborhoods? Be sure to stop by some of these local favorites.
 

Here are some nearby options if you're staying near the river in Covington or Newport, Kentucky or bit farther south of the river like Erlanger or Florence.

 

Nearby Unmistakably Cincinnati experiences

• Newport Aquarium - Touch a stingray, go eye-to-eye with rare white alligators, and dare to walk above the sharks on the world's first suspended rope bridge at this aquarium located at Newport on the Levee.
• BB Riverboats - Step aboard for amazing views of the Cincinnati skyline and riverfront areas from the Belle of Cincinnati or the River Queen.
• The B-Line - Create your own unique bourbon experience at distilleries, bars and restaurants in Northern Kentucky.
• Ark Encounter - Tour this life-size Noah's Ark towering higher than four stories and stretching more than 1.5 football fields long.

Where to Eat/Hang/Shop

• Glier's Goettafest is happening Thursday through Sunday along Newport's riverfront. While you're there stop by Newport on the Levee for some shopping and fun.
• Grab a bite at Agave & Rye, Bouquet, Buckhead Mountain Grill, Commonwealth Bistro, Coppin’s, Dee Felice (plus live jazz), Eddie's Southern Style Barbeque (Black-owned), Joe's Crab Shack, Knotty Pine on the Bayou, Libby's Southern Comfort, Purple Poulet, Rich’s Proper Food & Drink, Otto’s.
• Sip on some bourbon along The B-Line at stops like New Riff Distilling, Boone County Distilling, Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, The Prohibition Bourbon Bar at Newberry Bros. and Wiseguys. 
• Stroll through Crestview Hills Town Center or Florence Mall to find finishing touches for your weekend outfits.

North

Staying north of the city in areas like Blue Ash, Sharonville, Kenwood, Springdale, West Chester or Mason? Here are some places to include in your itinerary.

• Kings Island - Enjoy world-class fun and thrills on more than 100 rides and attractions throughout Kings Island and Soak City Water Park.
• The Beach Waterpark - Water slides abound plus white sand, cool water, real palm trees and a sunset party on Reggae Sundays.
• Jungle Jim’s International Market - Browse this wacky, gargantuan jungle of a supermarket with hundreds of thousands of products from more than 70 countries.

Where to Eat/Hang/Shop

• Enjoy a meal at Blue Ash Chili, Carlo & Johnny, Montgomery Inn, Pappadeaux, Rasheeda’s Cafe, Sene Grill, Silver Spring House or Stone Creek Dining Company.
• Dance the night away at Cove 51 in Sharonville. They're hosting Afrobeats starting at 9:00pm on Friday, July 27.
• Find the latest styles and unique boutiques at Kenwood Town Centre or Liberty Center.

West

Whether you're west of the city or nearby in Indiana, consider some of these options.

• Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Primavista or Incline Public House.
• Other popular eateries include: Cabana on the River, Henke Winery, Maury's Tiny Cove, Muse Cafe (Black-owned), Somm Wine Bar and Whisky's.
• Try one of three nearby casinos in Indiana: Rising Star, Hollywood and Belterra.

East

If you're staying near Mariemont, Loveland, Eastgate or farther east, enjoy some of these options nearby.

• Catch a horse race and play the slots at Belterra Park. Plus, enjoy several dining options onsite.
• Spend a day at Coney Island enjoying Sunlite Pool, the largest recirculating pool in North America, plus water slides, amusement park rides, and more.
• Popular eateries include 20 Brix, El Coyote, Paxton's Grill, Pirate's Cove, Quarter Bistro and Sky Galley.