Note Worthy Night
On June 12, Cincinnati will welcome visitors and residents alike to a free celebration on the riverfront. The event, hosted by ArtsWave, will open the 2025 Americans for the Arts Convention with live music, light installations, food trucks, and a drone show at Smale Riverfront Park.
This public gathering, called the Party at the Banks, is designed to be welcoming, visually engaging, and musically vibrant. Running from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, the evening will be emceed by Drew Lachey, a familiar figure in Cincinnati’s creative community. The highlight of the event will be a performance by Ben Folds, a multi-platinum recording artist known for his work as a solo musician, composer, and arts advocate.
Folds is a fitting choice for this occasion. In addition to his career in pop and classical music, he has worked to support national arts policy, education, and funding. He has performed with major symphonies, served as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, and spoken publicly on the importance of the arts in public life. His appearance in Cincinnati reflects both his personal commitment to the arts and the strength of the city’s cultural institutions.
The event will also feature installations inspired by BLINK, Cincinnati’s popular light-based art festival, as well as a drone show over the Ohio River. Attendees can expect a mix of live music, community engagement, and a celebration of local food through a variety of food trucks.
This evening celebration coincides with a moment of recognition for the region’s arts community. ArtsWave recently completed its 2025 campaign, raising $12.3 million in support of more than 150 local arts projects and organizations. The achievement reflects a strong base of community support and a growing interest in the role of the arts in civic and economic life.
The Americans for the Arts Convention, held in Cincinnati from June 12 to 14, brings together arts professionals, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and cultural advocates from across the United States. The conference includes panels and workshops focused on arts funding equity, sustainability strategies, and the role of arts in community development. Public events like the Party at the Banks help broaden access and participation while reinforcing the value of local creative work.
ArtsWave’s goal is to invite participation, highlight success, and offer an opportunity for celebration. The evening will not require a ticket or reservation, and all are encouraged to attend.
Event Information
🗓️ Thursday, June 12, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Smale Riverfront Park, 166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
🎟️ Free Admission
🔗 artswave.org/partyatthebanks
The evening reflects a commitment to collaboration, public engagement, and the continued growth of Cincinnati’s creative community.