With so much to explore—from professional sports and renowned events to unique cultural attractions and award-winning family adventures—we’ve put together signature attractions, events and landmarks to be your guide to the must-do experiences in this picturesque river region. It’s easy to see why Cincinnati was named one of the 52 Places to Go in 2018 by The New York Times—with a burgeoning theater and culinary scene, the cultural allure of the region beckons you to explore!
Whether planning your first visit or returning for an exciting getaway, be sure to include a few of these Cincinnati must-see experiences and your visit will be filled with endless fun and memories that last a lifetime!
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Kings Island
With more than 100 rides, shows and attractions plus Soak City Waterpark, Kings Island offers the perfect combination of world-class thrills and family attractions.
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Creation Museum
Bible history comes to life at the family-friendly Creation Museum! Journey through biblical history in this state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot museum designed by a former Universal... Read more
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Cincinnati Bengals
Who Dey! The Cincinnati Bengals, members of the North Division of the AFC in the NFL, take to the field each fall at Paul Brown Stadium, a cornerstone of Cincinnati's riverfront... Read more
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Jungle Jim's International Market Fairfield
Jungle Jim’s International Market is a place where the first rule is to treat customers like gold. The second is to have fun doing it. People come from several states away for the... Read more
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Cincinnati Art Museum
Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum features an unparalleled art collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years.
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New Riff Distilling
New Riff crafts a range of whiskeys—Bourbon, Rye, and eventually Malted Rye and a host of specialty recipes—as well as Kentucky Wild Gin. New Riff Distilling’s core Bourbon is a... Read more
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The B-Line
An experience centered around four Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Distilleries: New Riff Distilling, Boone County Distilling Co., The Old Pogue Distillery, and Neeley Family... Read more
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Contemporary Arts Center
Founded in Cincinnati in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary local women, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to... Read more
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IKEA West Chester
IKEA West Chester offers a wide variety of family-friendly services to make your shopping experience fun for not just Mom and Dad but the kids as well!
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BB Riverboats
Take a cruise with BB Riverboats, a staple of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky riverfront for more than 30 years, and learn about the history of the river, take in a magnificent meal,... Read more
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Findlay Market
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions.
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JACK Cincinnati Casino
No matter what you want to play, we’ve got your game. From the newest slots and table games to live poker, we’ve got 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed choices. Dining... Read more
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Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Feed a giraffe or meet a new animal friend during an Animal Encounter at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Africa exhibit. Take the kids for a ride on the Safari Train or for... Read more
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Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is home to the Cincinnati History Museum,
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Coney Island
Coney Island has been Cincinnati’s favorite place to play with something for everyone since 1886. Sunlite Water Adventure is your tropical oasis for water fun. It features the largest... Read more
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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as a monument to freedom bringing to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom around the world, throughout... Read more
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Newport Aquarium
While exploring Newport Aquarium's million gallons of fun, guests have the opportunity to touch a shark, play in the interactive frog bog and even pet a penguin during the Penguin... Read more
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Ark Encounter
The Ark Encounter features a jaw-dropping reconstruction of Noah's ark, built to biblical specs. At over 1.5 football fields long and reaching higher than a four-story house, the Ark... Read more
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Cincinnati Reds
Located on the winding banks of the Ohio River, Great American Ball Park is the home of the Cincinnati Reds and is praised for innovative features, breathtaking views and affordable... Read more
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Butterfly Show
March
Thousands of free-flying butterflies flutter among visitors and throughout the tropical landscape inside Krohn Conservatory.
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Bockfest
March
Bockfest is a three-day celebration of bock beer, the coming of spring and Cincinnati’s brewing heritage that takes place annually the first full... Read More
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Findlay Market Opening Day Parade
April
Opening Day in Cincinnati, an unofficial local holiday and tradition dating back to 1920, begins with the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade followed... Read More
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Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
May
Attracts runners from all over the world who enjoy its picturesque course as well as the family-oriented fitness events throughout the weekend... Read More
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Taste of Cincinnati
May
The nation's longest-running culinary arts festival, Taste of Cincinnati feeds hundreds of thousands of guests each Memorial Day Weekend. From... Read More
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Bunbury Music Festival
June
Bunbury Music Festival features three days of performances on three stages throughout Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove.
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Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G
July
What began in 1962 as Ohio Valley Jazz Festival has evolved into a spectacular three-day R&B music celebration held each summer at Paul Brown... Read More
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NASCAR Racing at Kentucky Speedway
July
Each summer, you'll find the biggest names in NASCAR at Kentucky Speedway for a weekend of racing that concludes with the Monster Energy NASCAR... Read More
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Patriotic Pops
July
All-American celebration with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performing patriotic favorites and concluding with Rozzi's Famous Fireworks.
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The Black Family Reunion
August
This 3-day cultural weekend event brings people together to focus on the historic strengths and traditional values of the Black Family.
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Glier's Goettafest
August
Each August, experience this family-friendly, appetite-satiating, weekend-long festival devoted to enjoying a regional specialty: goetta.
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Ohio River Paddlefest
August
Held annually in August, Paddlefest celebrates the Ohio River’s beauty and draws over 2,000 people from 20+ states to paddle 9 miles on the river.
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Cincy Brew Ha-Ha
August
America's largest beer and comedy festival features more than 100 beers and over 50 comedians on four stages along the Ohio River at Sawyer... Read More
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Western & Southern Open
August
Held annually at the Linder Family Tennis Center in Mason, the Western & Southern Open is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States still... Read More
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Western & Southern / WEBN Fireworks at Riverfest
September
Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks is the Cincinnati region's booming, end-of-summer blowout that concludes with one of the largest fireworks... Read More
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Ohio Renaissance Festival
September
Live the legend in this authentically recreated 30-acre, 16th-century English village. Rub elbows with nobility and be entertained by hundreds of... Read More
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Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati
September
The second-largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world (the first being the original in Munich, Germany), Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is a three-day... Read More
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BLINK® | Illuminated by ArtsWave
October
BLINK® is a four-day interactive light and art event spanning Cincinnati's urban core including Downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine and Downtown... Read More
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Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa
November
Each holiday season at Newport Aquarium, Santa dons his scuba gear and swims with the fishes, sharks, turtles and more all while interacting with the... Read More
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PNC Festival of Lights
November
Celebrate the season each winter at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Festival of Lights featuring more than 2.5 million lights, train... Read More
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Christmas Nights of Lights
November
Coney Islands' Christmas Nights of Lights premiered in 2016 and quickly became a holiday favorite! Bring the whole family to enjoy this drive-... Read More
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WinterFest
November
Kings Island's beloved holiday tradition has returned with ice skating, rides, and more.
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Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
November
Celebrate the holidays with train exhibits, whimsical scenes and a visit with Santa.
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Redsfest
December
Meet players and coaches, enjoy the kids fun zone, get autographs and much more at this premier fan fest celebrating the Cincinnati Reds each... Read More
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Frisch's Presents The Nutcracker
December
Celebrate the magic of the holidays each year with Cincinnati Ballet as the beloved story of Clara and her nutcracker doll turned handsome prince... Read More
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A Christmas Carol
December
Each December Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents this loving production of Dickens’ classic ghost story which remains faithful to the story of... Read More
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Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
Originally opened as St. Mary's Church in 1837, the first Roman Catholic Church in Covington, by 1895 the St. Mary's Cathedral was nearly complete: the interior being modeled after the... Read more
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Fountain Square
Eat lunch under the sun, check out what’s playing on the video board, or take part in the multitudes of free programming including music, movies and special events. Presiding over the... Read more
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Washington Park
This newly renovated park located across from historic Music Hall includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides; interactive water features with... Read more
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Purple People Bridge
First opened in 1872 as Cincinnati's first railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River, the L&N Railroad Bridge evolved through the years to accommodate streetcar, pedestrian and... Read more
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Music Hall
Located in Over-the-Rhine overlooking Washington Park, Music Hall is home to the Cincinnati Sym
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Smale Riverfront Park
Located on 45-acres along Cincinnati's downtown riverfront, park features include splash grounds and water play areas, playground, picnic area, Carol Ann's Carousel,
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Carew Tower Observation Deck
Completed in 1930, Carew Tower stands 49 stories tall in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Visitors to the 49th floor Observation Deck can enjoy one of the city's most spectacular... Read more
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Roebling Suspension Bridge
When the Roebling Suspension Bridge opened to traffic in 1867 connecting Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, its span of 1057 feet was the longest in the world. John A.
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World Peace Bell
You'll want to swing by Newport to visit the World Peace Bell: the largest, free-swinging bell in the world.
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Krohn Conservatory
Built in 1933 at the height of the Art Deco era, Krohn Conservatory showcases more than 3,500 plant species from around the world.
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Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove
Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove make up a mile long stretch of park along Cincinnati's riverfront between Smale Riverfront Park and Berry International Friendship Park.
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Aronoff Center for the Arts
The Aronoff Center for the Arts is located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the state-of-the-art facility opened in October 1995.
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