2024 Cincinnati Music Festival Guide

The Cincinnati Music Festival, traditionally known as the Cincinnati Jazz Festival, is back for its 35th year at Paycor Stadium along the Ohio Riverfront. A user-friendly map is available at the bottom of the article.

The Culture: Hip-Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century

All Weekend 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cincinnati Art Museum?(Mt Adams) Free Admission

In celebration of hip hop’s remarkable, decades-long impact and influence on society, the Cincinnati Art Museum will host a multimedia exhibition showcasing more than 90 works of art by some of today’s most essential and celebrated artists. See the ticketed exhibition for free during the Cincinnati Music Festival weekend.

CMF Outdoor Museum

All Weekend Dawn to Dusk Washington Park (OTR) Free Admission

Enjoy an outdoor art exhibit celebrating Black art, culture, and community. Ten regionally recognized artists will create live works of art. This year’s theme is “For All Life’s Beats: Looking Good, Feeling Good, and Living Good.” Art pieces will remain in the park for patrons to explore for the next few weeks!

The Negro Motorist Green Book

All Weekend 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (The Banks) Price Varies

The Negro Motorist Green Book offers an immersive look at the reality of travel for African Americans in mid-century America and the annual guide that served as an indispensable resource for the nation’s rising African American middle class. The exhibition includes artifacts from business signs and postcards to historic footage, images, and firsthand accounts. Get $2 off with code CMF.

Fountain Blues

July 24 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Fountain Square (Downtown) Free Admission

Step into the rhythm at the Fifth Third Center Stage as the soulful sounds of authentic Blues music from the Ryan Snyde Band fill the Square!

Reggae Wednesday

July 24 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Washington Park (OTR) Free Admission

Enjoy an evening of soulful melodies, infectious beats, and community camaraderie under the stars with Zion Lion.

Rickey Smiley Morning Show

July 25 – 26 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. Fountain Square (Downtown) Free Admission

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show stars Rickey Smiley, J. Anthony Brown, Noree Victoria, Demetria McKinney, Lil’ JJ, Ajiona Alexus, Gabriel Burgess, Roz Ryan, and Ray J.

Visit Cincy Vibe Marketplace

July 25 – 28 Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Sunday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fountain Square (Downtown) Free Admission

Explore local and minority-owned shops, vendors, and artisans. Add a new masterpiece to your art collection, or grab a keepsake to remember the trip. Keep the party rolling with a lineup of extra concerts on Fountain Square featuring headliners Sunshine Anderson and Tony Terry.

Slutty Vegan x Foodies With A Cutie Invades the 6

July 25 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. 6′ in the Mornin’ (Walnut Hills) Price Varies

Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering tour of Atlanta favorite Slutty Vegan‘s menu items at a local Black-owned breakfast spot, 6 in the Mornin.’ The event will also feature a special surprise from Foodies With A Cutie.

CMF Thursday

July 25 7:30 p.m. Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks) Price Varies

Featuring MC Lyte, EPMD, KRS-One, Black Sheep, DJ Vader

PTO Party

July 26 2 p.m. Revel OTR Urban Winery (OTR) Free Admission

Enjoy a day party that is a great reason to call off work with a soundtrack provided by DJ Stank, DJ Mic Drop, DJ Guy Wes, and DJ Vader!

CMF Friday

July 26 7:30 p.m. Paycor Stadium (The Banks) Price Varies

Featuring Maxwell, Ne-Yo, Fantasia, and October London

Festival 513?

July 26 – 27 Friday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Saturday Noon – 2 a.m. Freedom Way?(The Banks) Free Admission

A centralized merchandise and food vending area featuring nearly 100 merchandise and food booths.?

Queen City 5K

July 27 8 a.m. Paycor Stadium (The Banks) Starting at $40

Enjoy a 5K walk or run before the Cincinnati Music Festival festivities begin. Walkers and runners will continue to help provide programs, resources, and scholarships for grade school kids and seniors on their way to college. The course starts near Paycor Stadium, continues down the river, continues along Smale Park, and passes Great American Ball Park and Heritage Bank Arena.

ArtisanFest513 Small Business Flea

July 27 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Washington Park (OTR) Free Admission

Discover one-of-a-kind treasures, from handmade jewelry and artwork to delicious homemade treats. With something for everyone, this event is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone looking to support local artisans.

The Black Man Think Tank

July 27 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Smale Park (The Banks) Free Admission

An inclusive and supportive environment where Black men can openly discuss their health, financial, and relationship concerns, access culturally relevant resources, and gain the knowledge needed to lead fulfilling lives.

Cincy Soul: The Black Taste?

July 27 – 28 Saturday 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. | Sunday Noon – 10 p.m. Fountain Square?(Downtown) Free Admission

This culinary festival, a collaborative effort of Black-owned restaurants, caterers, and food trucks in Greater Cincinnati, unites, cultivates, fosters, educates, and highlights African American entrepreneurship while celebrating the Black experience through culinary excellence.

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame 1st Anniversary and Induction Ceremony

July 27 Noon Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks) Free Admission

Guests can wear their all-white attire and celebrate the 2024 Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Inductees with performances by Zapp and Roger Troutman.

Groove Theory – R&B Day Party

July 27 1 p.m. -6 p.m. Knox Joseph Distillery (OTR) Starting at $20

Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of sultry vocals, irresistible hooks, and the ultimate celebration of R&B music.

Grown and Sophisticated “All White” Cruise

July 27 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. BB Riverboats (Newport) Starting at $60

Enjoy a multi-level boat cruising the mighty Ohio River while listening to Hip-Hop and R&B music from not one but two DJs. The all-white-themed cruise is a huge hit among attendees, but they are not required to attend.

Black Cincy Sunset Yacht Party

July 27 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Queen City Riverboats (Dayton, KY) Starting at $55

Enjoy cruising the water wearing all white and vibing to Hip Hop, R&B, and Afrobeats! Don’t miss this opportunity to come together, celebrate, and have a great time sailing under the evening skies with friends, food, drinks, and good energy!

Lando’s Old School Happy Hour

July 27 7 p.m. – Midnight Fountain Square (Downtown) Free Admission

Enjoy an event for the 30 and up demographic with an Old-School atmosphere, R&B and Hip-Hop music from Lando, and DJ Essential.

CMF Saturday

July 27 7:30 p.m. Paycor Stadium (The Banks) Price Varies

Featuring New Edition, Kem, Stokley, En Vogue, and Coco Jones

BIG3: Coming in Hot

July 28 1 p.m. Heritage Bank Center (The Banks) Starting at $18.50

Watch some of your favorite former NBA stars and legends compete in this thrilling 3-on-3 format, showcasing their skills and passion for the game.

Natural Progression Performance

July 28 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fountain Square?(Downtown) Free Admission

Natural Progression is a local R&B and soul group known for its vibrant sound, which blends elements of Jazz, R&B, Soul, Neo-Soul, and Gospel.

Visit Black-owned Bar Belle’s Jazz, Wine, & Coffee Lounge

Friday and Saturday Time Varies Belle’s (Downtown)

Enjoy various weekend events, including a Music Fest Takeover and A Touch of White Party.

Visit Black-owned Bar LoVe on Fourth

All Weekend Time Varies LoVe on Fourth (Downtown) Enjoy various weekend events, including a Lando Old School Happy Hour, Kick-off Party, Grown 30 and up Party, TAP: The Adult Playground, The Jamboree, Sunday Brunch, Farewell Party, and an All-White Experience.

Visit Black-owned Bar Cinema

All Weekend Time Varies Cinema (OTR) Enjoy various weekend events, including Chill Thursdays, Everyone Stops at Cinema, YKWTFGO, One Big A** House Party, and an After Brunch.

View a map of where Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend events will be at the venue: