Miles of Music
Each July, Cincinnati welcomes a wave of rhythm, heritage and connection that transforms the city into a celebration of sound. The Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G returns July 24–26, 2025, offering a lineup that spans generations, genres and cultural milestones. More than 60 years strong, this event has evolved from a jazz showcase into one of the nation's most iconic urban music festivals. The 2025 edition delivers three days of world-class performances, powerful storytelling and unmistakable soul.
From the legendary grooves of Earth, Wind & Fire to the poetic bars of LL Cool J, the 2025 lineup blends timeless acts with fresh voices. This year, more than ever, the festival serves as a cultural crossroads for those who travel from across the country to experience music in a city rich with history, hospitality and hometown pride.
The Music: A Living Timeline of Black Excellence
Thursday, July 24 kicks off the festival at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center with “A Tribute to Hip-Hop,” honoring the genre’s foundation and continued influence. Scarface brings his raw Southern storytelling, while Goodie Mob represents Atlanta’s conscience with gritty verses and funk-inspired beats. The Sugarhill Gang, the first rap group to hit the charts, will revive the rhythm that helped launch a movement. Young MC rounds out the evening with the crowd-pleasing anthem “Bust a Move,” promising a night where golden-age hip-hop meets modern appreciation.
On Friday, July 25, the scene shifts to Paycor Stadium, where funk and soul take center stage. Earth, Wind & Fire returns as the night’s crown jewel, delivering classics like “September” and “Shining Star” with their signature horn section and dazzling showmanship. Jazmine Sullivan, a GRAMMY-winning powerhouse, lends depth and emotion with hits like “Girl Like Me” and “Pick Up Your Feelings.” Anthony Hamilton, known for his deeply soulful ballads, will bring raw vocal richness, while PJ Morton adds a New Orleans-inspired groove that blends R&B with gospel and pop. Hometown love comes from Dreion, a rising Cincinnati star, who will pay tribute to the city’s musical roots, including a nod to the legendary King Records. And don’t forget Zapp, the Dayton electro-funk group whose talk box sound laid the groundwork for modern hip-hop production.
Saturday, July 26 continues the energy with a lineup designed for fans of timeless R&B and smooth ballads. Toni Braxton headlines with her unmistakable voice and a string of hits that defined the ‘90s and early 2000s, including “Un-Break My Heart” and “Breathe Again.” LL Cool J, backed by DJ Z-Trip, will turn the stadium into a throwback party, bringing charisma, crowd engagement and a discography of hip-hop staples. Ronald Isley, a living legend with deep Ohio roots, adds a layer of tradition with music that spans decades of Black innovation. Lucky Daye, one of the genre’s most exciting young artists, blends old-school influences with contemporary confidence. Fans of classic slow jams will find plenty to love with performances from Joe, After 7, Dave Hollister, Raheem DeVaughn and 112. The evening concludes with Jubu & Friends, who will lead a heartfelt tribute to Frankie Beverly and the enduring legacy of Maze.
More Than Music: A City in Celebration
The festival isn’t just confined to the stadium or the music center. Downtown Cincinnati becomes a hub of activity, bringing together locals and visitors for pop-up experiences, fashion, art and wellness.
The Visit Cincy Marketplace at Fountain Square runs July 24–27, opening each day at 11 a.m. and showcasing a curated selection of local and minority-owned vendors. This is the place to pick up unique apparel, art, and artisan goods while soaking in the buzz of the festival weekend.
Art lovers should head to Washington Park on Friday, July 18 for the CMF Outdoor Art Museum. The public exhibition, presented by P&G, Kroger and ArtsWave, features six Black artists creating works on the theme Rhythm & Renaissance: A Visual Celebration of Legends. The park also hosts the Friday Flow concert series, with performances by Tony Terry on July 11 and The Levert Experience on July 18 as a warm-up to the main event.
Other highlights include the Rickey Smiley Morning Show broadcasting live from Fountain Square on July 24 and 25, the Clips and Conversations event with the cast of Beyond the Gates at the Freedom Center on July 25, and the Queen City 5K on Saturday, July 26, which raises scholarship funds for local youth. That same day, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame will host its annual induction ceremony at The Brady Center. On Sunday, July 27, fans can close out the weekend with Ice Cube’s Big3 Basketball League at Heritage Bank Center, showcasing 3-on-3 competition with former NBA stars.
For the Out-of-Towners: A Guide to the Queen City
If you’re flying or driving in, downtown Cincinnati is the place to stay. Top hotel options include the AC Hotel at The Banks, 21c Museum Hotel, Kinley Cincinnati Downtown and the Lytle Park Hotel, each offering close access to festival venues and nightlife. You’ll also find affordable and stylish options just across the river in Covington and Newport, Kentucky, both a short walk or rideshare ride from downtown via the Roebling Bridge.
Getting around is simple. The Cincinnati Bell Connector, the city’s free streetcar, connects major areas including The Banks, Fountain Square, and Over-the-Rhine. Uber and Lyft are reliable and in heavy rotation throughout the weekend, with dedicated pickup points near key venues.
When it comes to food, the city delivers. Skip the chain restaurants and dig into local favorites. Sotto is perfect for intimate Italian with housemade pasta and a moody basement vibe. Via Vite offers Italian fare with a view of Fountain Square. For brunch or lunch, Maplewood Kitchen and The Eagle are popular for modern comfort food. Head to Findlay Market for quick bites from local vendors—try pho, Belgian waffles, or Caribbean jerk chicken.
Bar hopping is easy and festive near The Banks and in Over-the-Rhine. Try The Stretch for cocktails before a show or Fishbowl at The Banks for a fun, lively crowd. Over-the-Rhine options like Rhinegeist Brewery, Killer Queen, and Taft’s Ale House deliver drinks with a local twist.
A Lasting Impression
The Cincinnati Music Festival isn’t just an event. It’s a movement through music. It captures what makes the Queen City special: its deep roots, its pride in culture, and its openness to joy. Whether you’re here for the headliners or discovering new favorites, the memories made over this weekend will linger long after the last note fades into the summer night. From stadium singalongs to soul-filled side events, CMF 2025 is a full-circle experience.
For tickets, lodging info, and the full schedule, visit cincymusicfestival.com.