2025 Cincinnati Music Festival: Everything You Need to Know

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2024 Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G — Source: Kya Kelly / Kya Kelly

The annual Cincinnati Music Festival (or “Jazz Fest” as the OGs call it) returns to the Queen City for three days. The celebration runs July 24–26 and will light up downtown with back-to-back nights of R&B, hip-hop, and soul.

Dates & Lineup

The weekend kicks off at Andrew J. Brady Music Center before shifting to Paycor Stadium for two massive nights.

Thursday, July 24 – Andrew J. Brady Music Center
A salute to hip-hop, with performances by:

Scarface
Goodie Mob
Sugarhill Gang
Young MC

Friday, July 25 – Paycor Stadium

Earth, Wind & Fire
Anthony Hamilton
Jazmine Sullivan
PJ Morton
The Zapp Band featuring Dreion

Saturday, July 26 – Paycor Stadium

LL Cool J
Toni Braxton
Lucky Daye
112
The Bar-Kays
Jubu
Ronald Isley
Joe
After 7
Dave Hollister
Raheem DeVaughn

Tickets

Access to the festival is still open, with prices starting at $86. Purchase tickets through:

Ticketmaster
The festival office at 513-924-0900
In person at 4027 Allston St. in Oakley (Mon–Fri, 10AM–4PM)

Arrival Times

Plan accordingly:

Thursday & Friday: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: Doors open at 6:15 p.m., show kicks off at 7:15 p.m.

Parking Options

Parking will be available at several key spots near the venues. Here are some recommended locations:

Fountain Square Garage: 520 Vine St.
Former Enquirer Building Garage: 312 Elm St.
Third and Race Lot: Corner of Third & Race
Scripps Center Garage: 312 Walnut St.
Third and Main Lot: 120 E. Third St.
Queen City Square Garage: 319–331 E. Fourth St.
Western & Southern Garage: 310 Broadway St.
Broadway Lot: 295 Broadway St.
East Garage: 443 E. Pete Rose Way
Longworth Hall Lot: 700 W. Pete Rose Way
South Lot (Newport): 131 Madison St.

Most garages and lots will charge between $20–$30.

Getting Around

Want to skip parking altogether? Take advantage of the streetcar, The Connector, which loops through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine with extended hours during festival weekend. Metro buses also run near the festival grounds, with a central stop at 5th and Main.

Using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft? Be mindful of longer wait times and surge pricing. Organizers recommend drop-offs and pick-ups on Second Street, just west of Race Street for smoother navigation.

Bag Policy

Security will be tight. Only the following bags are allowed:

Clear bags no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″
Small clutches no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″

The following items are not allowed through the gates: backpacks, tinted or patterned clear bags, large totes, mesh bags, non-clear fanny packs, oversized purses, camera cases, and seat cushions with storage compartments. Need to stash an item? Lockers will be available on-site. See you in the city.