It’s going to be yet another busy weekend in Cincinnati. The city’s biggest music festival is here: Cincinnati Music Festival. Kick the weekend off by celebrating the new Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame inductees, then see the hottest acts in R&B, hip-hop, soul and funk at Brady Music Center and Paycor Stadium.
Grab a bite of Cincy’s heritage at Glier’s Goettafest, and stop by Festival513 to browse more than 100 vendors. If you’re feelin’ sporty, lace up your sneakers to compete in the Queen City 5K or watch some 3-on-3 basketball at Heritage Bank Center.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best places to be this weekend.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
1. The Cincinnati Music Festival
The biggest names in R&B, hip-hop, soul and funk are coming to the Queen City for this beloved festival.
On Thursday, catch Scarface, Goodie Mob, The Sugarhill Gang and Young MC at Brady Music Center for a special kickoff event.
On Friday at Paycor Stadium, see Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, PJ Morton and The Zapp Band. Finally, make it out to see LL Cool J with DJ Z-Trip, Lucky Daye, 112, The Bar-Kays, special guest Toni Braxton and more on Saturday.
Thursday: 7:30 p.m., The Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St., Downtown.
Friday-Saturday: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Paycor Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Downtown. cincymusicfestival.com.
2. Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction
During Cincinnati Musical Festival weekend, celebrate Black talent at one of Cincinnati’s newest attractions, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. The Induction and Dedication Ceremony will honor the 2025 inductees: Nancy Wilson, the Ohio Players, the O’Jays and Dottie Peoples. Afterward, see a star dedication and live performances by Mr. Southern Soul Bigg Robb & Friends, Regina Belle and Dottie Peoples. Stay for a National Line Dance Block Party Festival. Look dapper dressed in all-white attire.
Details: noon Friday, Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St., Downtown. Free. cincymusicwalkoffame.org.
3. Glier’s Goettafest
At this two-weekend-long festival, try all things goetta from fudge to pizza. The goetta-based creations you’ll find at this festival test the limits of the ingredient and please the tastebuds of the many who try them. Buy something from the world’s only goetta vending machine, and take a picture with “The Goetta Guy.”
Details: 5-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Festival Park, Riverboat Row, Newport. Runs July 24-27 and July 31-Aug. 3. Free admission. goetta.com/goettafest.
4. Festival513
Don’t miss Cincinnati’s premier merchant festival. Browse over 100 merchandise and food booths.
Details: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, noon-2 a.m. Saturday, Freedom Way across from Paycor Stadium between Elm St. and Marian Spence Way, Downtown. Free admission. festival513.com.
5. Queen City 5K
Put on your sneakers and huddle up at the starting line. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned or novice runner. Challenge yourself, meet new people and, most importantly, have fun participating in this race.
Details: 7 a.m. Saturday, Paycor Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Downtown. $35. closingthehealthgap.org.
6. BIG3: Summer in the City
Rapper Ice Cube and the BIG3 are bringing premier 3-on-3 basketball to Heritage Bank Center. Watch as players battle it out in four 50-minute 3-on-3 basketball games. Top musical artists will perform at halftime, and there might be an appearance from Ice Cube himself.
Details: 1 p.m. Saturday, Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com.
7. Kidz Bop at PNC Pavilion
Kidz Bop is bringing their “Certified BOP Tour” to Cincinnati. The show includes a brand-new stage design, fan-favorite hits you can’t help but sing along to like “Espresso” and “HOT TO GO!,” interactive moments and the return of the Daddy Dance Off. A special appearance will be made by “Doggyland Live,” co-created by rapper Snoop Dogg.
Details: 4 p.m. Sunday, PNC Pavilion, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. kidzbop.com.
8. Bengals training camp
See the Bengals players get ready for the season at one of their public practices. While witnessing them in action on the field, enjoy a bite from the concession stand, shop Bengals merchandise and have the opportunity to get a signed autograph from the players.
Details: various dates and times through Aug. 10, Kettering Health Practice Fields, 1 West Mehring Way, Downtown. bengals.com.
9. Butler and Clermont county fairs
Butler and Clermont County fairs are happening this week. See youth 4-H projects, hope on rides, eat classic carnival food, view exhibits and shop at various vendors. Don’t miss grandstand entertainment such as tractor pulls, rodeos and demolition derbies.
Butler: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Saturday, Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton. $10, $5 ages 6-12, free for senior citizens and veterans, $5 and free ages 6-12 Saturday only, week passes available. butlercountyohfair.org.
Clermont: Events starting between 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville. Sunday free for everyone, $15 Monday-Saturday (includes most rides), all week free ages 2-under and veterans, week passes available. clermontcountyfair.com.
10. Final Friday
Art lovers unite on Final Friday. Browse and buy art directly from the artists. There are more than 250 studios over four buildings. Shops will host artists, and there will be pop-up bars and live music.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. Valet parking is $10. Free admission. itsfinalfriday.com.