A Local Tradition
The Cincinnati Music Festival has been an iconic event in Cincinnati history, featuring dazzling lineups and drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees. Originally called the "Ohio Valley Jazz Festival", this weekend-long event began in 1962 and has featured legendary headliners such as: Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle and Erykah Badu. This list goes on, and is archived online. This festival has a long history of bringing top artists together, creating a celebration of music and culture.
After a two-year hiatus, CMF returns in 2022 with a lineup of incredible performers and a slew of additional events for attendees to take advantage of while in town. Whether this will be your first festival, or if you've been going for years - Cincinnati Music Festival 2022 is not-to-be missed!
The Main Event
Cincinnati Music Festival returns in 2022 with three nights of lineups, running from Thursday, July 21 to Saturday, July 23. Thursday is a new addition to the traditional lineup, and that evening's performances will take place at a brand-new venue.
The Lineup:
- Thursday, July 21: Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Arin Ray
* Paul Brown Stadium:
- Friday, July 22: Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Jonathan Butler
- Saturday, July 23: Janet Jackson, The O'Jays, Tank, After 7, Kirk Whalum
Where to Start?
First things first: be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time. If you need a hotel, check out this offer for a buy-one-get-one-free ticket package (offer valid through 7/19/22). Getting around downtown is easy, with different options available to you.
- The Cincinnati Bell Connector is a great, free option for public transportation in the downtown area.
- Cincinnati Metro bus is another way to get around - especially if you're looking to travel outside of the immediate downtown area.
- There are also rideshare options: Uber, Lyft, etc, as well as traditional taxi and black car services
Festival Parking
If you plan on staying downtown for the entire festival, there are many easy options for overnight parking. You can find a list of long-term lots here, along with information regarding rates. Don't worry about moving your car during your stay - there are endless options for dining, drinking, and additional entertainment in the immediate downtown area that are either walkable or easy to reach using public transportation or rideshare.
For those driving in just for the concerts - parking is available at Paul Brown Stadium, as well as at The Banks lot. We recommend developing your parking plan prior to traveling downtown, and having a back-up option in mind just in case. No worries, even though lots may fill up, there is more than enough parking space for all festival attendees.
Special Events Throughout the Week
In addition to the music lineup, there are other local events for festival-goers to take advantage of.
Wednesday, July 20
- Enjoy a free, family-friendly screening of "The Lion King" in Washington Park
Thursday, July 21
- Dance the night away at Salsa on the Square from 7 - 10 p.m.
Friday, July 22
- Attend a panel discussion at Vibe Cincinnati's "The Untold Speaker Series". Featuring Victoria Eady Butler, Dr. Gina Paige, and Joi Brown. Secure your free tickets here.
- Attend a panel discussion at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center about the history of voting rights and suppression.
- Sample a variety of foods before or after the concert at Cincy Soul: The Black Taste, taking place on 5th Street, adjacent to Fountain Square, until 2 a.m.
- Browse booths of clothing, accessories and more just outside of Paul Brown Stadium at Festival 513, from 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Saturday, July 23
- Lace up your shoes and get your day started at the Queen City 5k, beginning at 8 a.m.
- Spend your morning at the Women's Liberation Workshop at the Contemporary Arts Center; an event focused on women's health and wellness
- Take part in history by attending the official Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Dedication Ceremony. It's only fitting that this state-of-the-art installation honoring the many musical legends born in Cincinnati will open to the public during CMF weekend!
- Attend a panel discussion at Vibe Cincinnati's "The Untold Speaker Series". Featuring Raekwon the Chef and the Honorable Ambassador Andrew Young Jr. Secure your free tickets here.
- Attend a special viewing of "America's Truth: Cincinnati" at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
- Enjoy a panel discussion and book signing at The Westin Cincinnati, presented by Visit Cincy Vibe and Black Art Speaks.
- Attend the third annual Cincinnati Music Festival Outdoor Museum, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Washington Park.
- Sample a variety of foods before or after the concert at Cincy Soul: The Black Taste, taking place on 5th Street, adjacent to Fountain Square, until 2 a.m.
- Browse booths of clothing, accessories and more just outside of Paul Brown Stadium at Festival 513, from 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Sunday, July 24
- Enjoy brunch at Copa Lounge: buffet-style or ala carte, with bottomless mimosas from 12 - 5 p.m.
- Sample a variety of foods at Cincy Soul: The Black Taste, taking place on 5th Street, adjacent to Fountain Square, until 2 a.m.
- Get your tickets to "Women Who Brunch", a networking opportunity at McCormick and Schmick's Seafood.
- Sample some of Kentucky's finest bourbons at "Riff Tops", New Riff Distillery's rooftop party series; 12 - 4 p.m.
Visitor's Guide
Below is a guide to what to do, eat, and where to stay - no matter where you're staying during festival weekend.
Downtown
Nearby Cultural Cincinnati experiences
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - This must-see museum is offering $2 off admission when you show your CMF ticket.
- Cincinnati Museum Center - Experience three museums, OMNIMAX Theatre, and special exhibit The Science Behind Pixar, all inside the beautifully restored Union Terminal. The Museum Center is also offering a $2 off admission by showing your CMF ticket.
- Cincinnati Reds - Round out your weekend with a visit to Great American Ball Park to watch the Reds take on the St. Louis Cardinals. Sunday's game starts at 1:40pm.
- Cincinnati Opera presents Aida on July 22, 26, 29 & 31 at Music Hall.
- Contemporary Arts Center - This free museum has multiple exhibits on display.
- Taft Museum of Art - Browse Jane Austen: Fashion & Sensibility.
- Findlay Market - Visit Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market located in Over-the-Rhine.
Where to Eat
- Nosh at some of these Black-owned eateries: BlaCk Coffee Lounge, Ollie’s Trolley, Sweet Petit. Check out one of the hottest new spots in OTR for amazing soulfood: Soul Secrets.
- Other popular spots: Prime Cincinnati, Taste of Belgium, Lucius Q, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, The Eagle, Bakersfield OTR, 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, Schwartz's Point, or Nostalgia.
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.
- Find other small shops throughout the downtown/Over-the-Rhine area like Cincy Shirts, Unheardof, Batsakes Hat Shop, Rad OTR.
Uptown
Nearby Unmistakably Cincinnati experiences
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - Visit the #1 zoo in the nation according to USA Today's 2019 Summer Readers’ Choice poll.
- Cincinnati Art Museum - A free museum with a number of rotating exhibits.
- American Sign Museum - Take a 100+ year journey of the past at the largest public museum in the country dedicated to signs.
- Harriet Beecher Stowe House - Explore the Walnut Hills home where this author lived during the formative years that led her to write the best-selling novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Where to Eat/Hang/Shop
- Try some of these Black-owned eateries: Just Q’in, Island Frydays, Bow Tie Cafe, Conscious Kitchen, Darou Salam, Alabama Que, Green Man Twist,The Sweet Place.
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Enjoy strolling boutiques and shops near Hyde Park Square, Wooburn Avenue in East Walnut Hills, Ludlow Avenue in Clifton, Madison Avenue in O'Bryonville, and Hamilton Avenue in Northside. Head to Rookwood Commons & Pavilion for shops like T.J. Maxx, Old Navy, and many other well-known stores.
Northern Kentucky/South
Nearby Must-Do 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
- 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), 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.
Nearby Unmistakably Cincinnati experiences
- Kings Island - Enjoy world-class fun and thrills on more than 100 rides and attractions throughout Kings Island and Soak City Water Park.
- 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.
- 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, and Quarter Bistro.
