What Are We Doing?
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Cincinnati, and 2025 does not disappoint.
Experience a vibrant arts scene, celebrate our favorite teams, welcome national conferences, and take part in new events sure to make memories.
Let’s get these events on the calendar!
January: Heat up 2025
Fire and Ice at Moerlein Lager House (Jan. 24, Feb. 1 and.8): Fire performers, ice sculptures, cozy igloos and themed dinners make Fire & Ice a new winter tradition. Returning for its second year, the event also features local mixologist and historian Molly Wellman showcasing each evening’s theme, chef and courses. Get more information and tickets here.
Polar Plunge at The Banks (Jan. 25): Get freezin’ for a reason! The Polar Plunge is the largest community fundraising event dedicated to supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Ohio and Special Olympics Kentucky. This annual tradition combines fun and charity for an unforgettable experience. Sign up here.
February: Get Cooking!
Fire up the comfort food at Cincinnati Museum Center! The exhibition Julia Child: A Recipe for Life opens Feb. 1. This intimate and immersive exhibition encourages guests to fall in love all over again with the person who made America fall in love with cooking.
March: Best Bet? Be at The Banks
Bockfest 5K (March 8): The Banks is the place to be in March, beginning with the opening race of the TQL Beer Series from PigWorks. Bockfest 5K runners can enjoy post-race festivities, including beer and live music.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 15): Cincinnati’s celebration of Irish heritage marks its 57th year. The parade winds through The Banks, with bars and restaurants joining in with food and drink specials.
Reds Opening Day (March 27): Cincinnati’s unofficial holiday returns as the Reds take the field against San Francisco for their first home game of the season. The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade ends at The Banks, making it a short commute to your seat at Great American Ball Park, or a barstool at your favorite watering hole.
May: A Marathon Month
Flying Pig Marathon (May 2–4): The Best Marathon in America returns in early May with multiple races, a Fitness Expo and a weekend of celebration of fitness and community spirit. Races from one mile to 26.2 happen throughout the weekend. Learn more about the schedule and sign up here.
Summerfair (May 30–June 1): Summer isn’t summer without Summerfair at Coney Island. For more than 50 years, the three-day fine arts show has highlighted artists and artisans from all over the country. The event is also a fundraiser to support artists throughout the year, through awards, scholarships and exhibitions.
June: Creativity and Collaboration
Americans for the Arts Conference (June 11-15): The spotlight is on Cincinnati’s arts scene in 2025, with several large conventions headed to the Queen City to check out one of the most vibrant arts cities in America. Americans for the Arts Conference, or AFTACON, brings together a gathering of creative minds, this conference highlights the impact of arts and culture.
July: Innovation and Entertainment
Black Tech Week (July 14–16): Celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship with workshops, panels, and networking events focused on technology and diversity. Black Tech Week offers up the industry’s most meaningful conference content, connections and culture.
Cincinnati Music Festival (July 24–26): Earth, Wind and Fire and Janet Jackson. Enough said. This year’s CMF headliners are only the beginning. The nation’s largest urban music festival is back at Paycor Stadium and the Andrew J. Brady Center in July. Watch for more acts to be added in the next few months.
August: Serving Up Some Action
Cincinnati Open (Aug. 5–18): Tennis fans can catch world-class matches as top players from the ATP and WTA compete in this prestigious tournament held at the newly renovated Lindner Family Tennis Center.
September: Sports and Community
Queen City Championship (Sept. 10–14): TPC River’s Bend hosts the LPGA’s Kroger Queen City Championship, presented by P&G. The tournament features of the best golfers in the world, outstanding fan amenities, unprecedented access to pro athletes and a fun family time.
AFCI Conference (Sept. 15–18): The Association of Film Commissioners International Cineposium comes to Cincinnati for its 50th anniversary convention. The event will dive into topics like regional dynamics and collaboration, technology, diversity and sustainability in the industry.
PigWorks 14K/7K (Sept. 20): Earn those treats at Oktoberfest by starting the day at the PigWorks 14K/7K race, another in the TQL Beer Series.
Kroger Wellness Festival (Sept. 26–27): After a year off due to severe weather, the Kroger Wellness Festival is back with panels on health and wellness, expert talks, celebrity appearances, interactive exhibits, and freebies galore.
October: Art, Music, and Culture
Hyde Park Square Art Show (Oct. 5): Explore works from local and regional artists in a charming outdoor setting in the city’s longest running single day arts fair.
America’s River Roots Festival (Oct. 8–12): A new event for 2025, America’s River Roots celebrates the Ohio River’s music, arts and culture, with a focus on food, beer, bourbon and history. Celebrate roots music and culture with performances, workshops, family-friendly activities, as well as sightseeing river cruises.
Queen Bee Half Marathon (Oct. 10–11): Bee a Queen for a day at this fun half marathon and four mile run, brought to you by the folks behind the Flying Pig Marathon.
November: Honor and Run
DAV 5K (Nov. 8): Honor the veteran in your life by supporting the DAV 5K, a walk, roll, run and ride that raises funds for Disabled American Veterans, headquartered in Erlanger.
December: Feeling Festive
Celebrate the holiday season in Cincinnati with beloved traditions, including the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House, PNC’s Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo, and A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park.