Have a Blast
Cincinnati has said goodbye to summer with the Labor Day Fireworks since 1977, and everyone has their favorite spots to enjoy the show. Whether it’s shoulder to shoulder on the river with 500,000 of your closest friends, far away from the madding crowd in a quiet park overlooking the city, or plopped in front of the tv in your own living room – it’s a tradition the first Sunday in September.
But let’s say you want something a little different this year. Maybe air conditioning and indoor bathrooms are starting to seem like necessities, rather than luxuries for a day of fun. Several organizations and businesses have found ways to elevate the fireworks experience – and in many cases, bring you closer to the show than you’ve ever been.
CAST Boom Bash
Commonwealth Artists Student Theatre is hosting an evening of fun and fundraising at the Sample Space at The Banks with (wait for it) bathrooms, food and an open bar. It’s the trifecta of comfort. Try your hand at ping pong and skee-ball, karaoke and dancing. When the fireworks begin, you can walk right outside and get an amazing view. Tickets to CAST Boom Bash are $125 and proceeds benefit the development of a regional high school awards program for area students from all high schools.
Boom on the Bridge
You can’t get much closer to the fireworks than the Purple People Bridge. Boom on the Bridge is a complete VIP experience with unobstructed views, live music featuring The Naked Karate Girls, local food and drinks and easy parking at Newport on the Levee. All proceeds from the celebration will go to preserving, maintaining and enhancing the iconic Purple People Bridge.
Labor Day at Shire’s Garden
The View at Shire’s Garden is the perfect rooftop to check out the fireworks, while being far away from the fray. Labor Day at Shire’s Garden starts at 5:30pm, and guests can enjoy a buffet throughout the night and a sparkling wine toast when the fireworks begin. Tickets are $150 and can be bought individually or by the table.
RiverfestWest
Bring the family to Mt. Echo Park to check out the fireworks after a day of activities. Family fun starts at 4pm with food trucks, inflatables, games and live music by Cincinnati Dancing Pigs and Marsha Brady. The event is free.
Labor Day & Riverfest Fireworks Cruise
BB Riverboats provides an up-close view of the Riverfest from the river itself. Tickets for the Labor Day fireworks cruise are $175 for the evening of family-friendly fun featuring a
dinner buffet, dessert, and a snack buffet for a grand finale to the fireworks.