SerpApi.Org
Downtown is once again set to become the center of the R&B and hip-hop world as Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, Nelly and Talib Kweli headline the Cincinnati Music Festival at Paycor Stadium (July 23-25).
Why it matters: The annual three-day concert is one of the region's biggest weekends, drawing more than 80,000 people from across the country for a tradition that has celebrated Black music and culture since 1962.
What's new: An on-field Club Lounge featuring upgraded seating, expanded bar service and large video screens.
- It'll also host Thursday night's kickoff concert.
The lineup:
- Thursday: Talib Kweli, DJ Spinderella, special guest Hi-Tek and DJ Vader
- Friday: Charlie Wilson, Nelly, Tyrese, Ledisi and 803 Fresh
- Saturday: Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, SWV, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick and Heatwave
If you go: Tickets start at $109.80 for Thursday and $67.15 for both Friday and Saturday.
Beyond the concerts, free events and fan experiences will keep downtown buzzing all weekend.
- Festival513 returns to Freedom Way with nearly 100 food and merchandise vendors just across from the stadium on Friday and Saturday.
- Visitors can also explore the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, a free, interactive outdoor attraction along the riverfront.
Of note: The Reds are thankfully out of town, so traffic congestion shouldn't be too bad.
- But if you're planning to head to The Banks at all this weekend, expect traffic – and parking prices – to be more than usual.
