Only 1 WEEK out

The Final Countdown Is On

The 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival is almost here, and now’s the time to lock in your plans.

The Furious Five has just been added as special guests with The Sugarhill Gang to Thursday night — and you’re not gonna want to miss our celebration of Hip Hop on Thursday, July 24. It’s going to be a historic kickoff to the weekend.

New Showtimes for 2025

Plan ahead and don’t miss a moment.

Doors open earlier this year on Saturday at 6:15 pm with our first act going on at 7:15 pm, so you can catch every artist from start to finish — including LL COOL J, Toni Braxton, Lucky Daye, and more.

Need tickets?

We’ve still got a few left — but with a lineup this strong, they won’t be around much longer.

We have extended our BOGO offer for our 300 level and NO SERVICE FEES through our office from now until the festival! This is only through our office so call now to lock in your spot!

Lock in Your Seats through Our Office

PIT SEATS STILL AVAILABLE

Want to be front and center for the biggest weekend of the summer? PIT SEATS are still available — but not for long.

Get up-close energy, access to the backstage bar, and special credentials that put you right in the heart of the action.

Secure your spot now before they’re gone.

Secure your spot!

FIELD SUITES: A NEXT-LEVEL EXPERIENCE

Take your CMF weekend to the next level with our exclusive FIELD SUITES.

Enjoy the show in style with premium field-level seating and access to the VIP Backstage Bar with Field-level restrooms, non-alcoholic drinks, and dinner included.

Perfect for groups, celebrations, or just living it up the CMF way. Contact our office today to lock in your suite.

Get your Suite experience NOW!

LOCAL OFFER DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Good news, CMF Fans! We’re extending the Local Offer application deadline to July 16th.

If you’re a local business, vendor, or community partner looking to get involved with CMF 2025 — this is your chance. From brand exposure to exclusive on-site activations, the Local Offer connects you directly with thousands of festivalgoers.

Don’t miss this extended opportunity to be part of the experience.

Apply now or share with someone who should!

Apply Here!

SAVE THE DATE: The 2025 Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony Is Almost Here

Everyone’s been asking — so here it is.

Save the date: Saturday, July 26 at Noon for the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony, right in the heart of downtown. This unforgettable event is FREE and open to the public.

Get ready for an iconic afternoon celebrating the rich legacy of Black music with:

2025 Inductees: Jazz legend Nancy Wilson, gospel icon Dottie Peoples, funk trailblazers The Ohio Players, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The O’Jays
Live performances by Regina Belle, Bigg Robb, and the 2nd Wind Band
Celebrity host Jawn Murray, Executive Producer of the Sherri Shepherd Show
Presented by Founder Alicia Reece, Hamilton County Commissioner

Dress code: All white. Fans, cowboy boots, and hats are welcome.

Join us in making history and help us reach our goal of 250,000 fans in the Queen City for this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration.

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show LIVE at Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend

Get ready for laughs, energy, and real moments as Rickey Smiley and the crew broadcast live from Fountain Square—bringing the signature fun, culture, and connection that keeps the Queen City buzzing.

From July 23 to July 25, this live broadcast is serving up more than just air time. It’s a party with purpose, packed with surprise moments, guest appearances, and that feel-good energy only Rickey can deliver.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the show, this is your invitation to tap in, turn up, and kick off your CMF weekend the right way.

It’s live. It’s local. It’s legendary. Let’s show Rickey and the team how Cincinnati shows up and shows out.

The Friday Flow continues — and so does the vibe!

Cincinnati’s favorite FREE R&B summer tradition is still going strong at Washington Park, presented by P&G. Each Friday night brings the city together with live music, local flavor, and the kind of community energy you can’t find anywhere else.

Up Next: The Levert Experience – Friday, July 18

Don’t forget to swing by the CMF station while you're there! We’ve got exclusive giveaways, photo ops, and all the essentials to help you countdown to Festival Weekend in style.

Music starts at 6 PM — bring your friends, your lawn chairs, and your summer spirit. See you in the park!

Cincinnati Music Festival x Welcome Party

CMF Weekend Kicks Off in Just ONE Week!

The countdown is on for the biggest weekend of the summer — and it all starts with the Official Cincinnati Music Festival Welcome Party at Love on Fourth on Wednesday, July 23!

Get ready for a night full of music, connection, and nonstop CMF energy. This is the first party of the weekend, and the place to be if you want to start your festival experience the right way.

Good energy. Great music. Incredible vibes.

Tickets are moving fast — secure yours now before it sells out.

Get you Tickets

Tap & Save is coming July 16

Metro’s Tap & Save program guarantees you’ll always pay the lowest fare:

No more buying passes in advance - simply preload value through the Transit App with w/EZfare or on a reloadable smart card.
Fare automatically deducted every time you scan your phone or smart card.
Guaranteed lowest fare over a 24-hour or 30-day period.
Once you reach 24-hour or 30-day fare rate, you won’t be charged for additional rides during that period.
Just scan or tap your smart card—no exact change or overspending.
Charges resume at the start of the next fare period (24-hours or 30-days).

Get more info!

More Than Music: What’s Happening Around the City - Presented by Visit Cincy

Make the most of your Cincinnati Music Festival weekend by checking out Visit Cincy's calendar of local events! From celebrations and free live music at the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame to Reds games, art exhibits and farmers markets - here's how to make the most of your visit.

Check Local Events CMF Week!

An Itinerary for Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in Cincinnati & NKY - Everything Cincy

Click here to view itinerary!