2025 Cincinnati Music Festival: Everything You Need to Know
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.
RELATED: CMF Weekend: Things to Do in Cincinnati July 23-27
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.
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2025 Cincinnati Music Festival: Everything You Need to Know was originally published on wiznation.com
