Cincinnati Music Festival Kicks Off This Weekend – What You Need to Know

Overview of the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival

The 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival is set to begin on Thursday, offering an exciting lineup of performances that promise to captivate music lovers. The event will take place at multiple venues throughout the weekend, starting at the Andrew J. Brady Center and moving to Paycor Stadium for the following days.

Performance Schedule and Artists

Thursday’s opening night will focus on a celebration of hip hop, with several notable artists set to perform. Among them are Scarface, Goodie Mob, Young MC, and the Sugarhill Gang, along with special guests The Furious Five. This night is expected to be a nostalgic journey through the history of hip hop.

On Friday and Saturday, the festival will shift to Paycor Stadium, where headlining acts will take the stage. Earth, Wind & Fire will perform on Friday, while LL Cool J will headline on Saturday. These performances are anticipated to draw large crowds and provide an unforgettable experience for fans.

Other artists scheduled to appear across the three-day event include Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, PJ Morton, The Zapp Band, Lucky Daye, the Bar-Kays, The TMF Band, and Dave Hollister. For a complete list of performers and their schedules, attendees can visit the official Cincinnati Music Festival website.

Ticket Information

Tickets for all three nights of the festival are available through Ticketmaster. Digital tickets will be sent directly to attendees' phones, making the process convenient and efficient. Prices vary depending on the night, with Thursday's show at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center starting around $118, and Friday and Saturday's performances priced at approximately $86 each.

For more details on ticket purchasing and information about the clear bag policy, interested individuals can refer to the official festival resources. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to ensure availability.

Parking Details

Parking options will be available at several locations throughout the weekend. The Cincinnati Music Festival has provided a map and a list of parking locations from Thursday through Saturday. Some of the available lots include:

• Duke Energy Center Garage 1: 605 Plum Street, Cincinnati, OH
• Duke Energy Center Garage 2: 609 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
• Fountain Square Garage: 520 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH
• Enquirer Building Parking Garage: 312 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
• 3rd and Race Street Lot: Corner of 3rd Street and Race Street, Cincinnati, OH
• Scripps Center Garage: 312 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH
• 3rd and Main Lot: 120 E 3rd Street, Cincinnati, OH
• Queen City Square Parking Garage: 319-331 E. 4th Street, Cincinnati, OH
• Western and Southern Garage: 310 Broadway Street, Cincinnati, OH
• Broadway Lot: 295 Broadway Street, Cincinnati, OH
• East Garage: 443 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH
• Longworth Hall Lot: 700 W. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH
• South Lot: 131 Madison Street, Newport, KY

Prices for parking vary by location, but most lots charge around $20. The festival also has designated areas for Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up, which can be found on the official website.

Weather Forecast

While the weekend won’t be completely affected by rain, attendees should be prepared for the possibility of some storms during the shows. Temperatures are expected to rise into the 90s, with heat index values reaching around 100 on Thursday. There may be isolated to scattered storms in the afternoon and evening hours.

On Friday and Saturday, there is a likelihood of scattered storms and downpours, so it’s advisable to bring rain gear and stay informed about the weather forecast as the event approaches.

Additional Information

For those looking to stay updated on the latest news, weather, and sports updates in Cincinnati, the team at Ohio’s own WLWT offers valuable resources. Special edition Stanley tumblers have been selling out quickly, but some options are still available for purchase.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the festival or attending for the first time, the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival promises to deliver an exciting mix of music, entertainment, and community spirit.