Cincinnati, Ohio, the Queen City, is a vibrant and diverse city with something to offer visitors all year round. From its rich history and cultural landmarks to its thriving arts and entertainment scene, Cincinnati is a city that should be on every traveler’s radar.
If you’re planning a trip to Cincinnati in 2024, here are 10 of the best times to visit:
1. Reds Opening Day (March/April)
Reds Opening Day is a major event in Cincinnati, and it’s a great time to visit the city. The energy and excitement are palpable, and there are plenty of activities and events happening around town.
Culture: Reds Opening Day is a celebration of Cincinnati’s baseball team, the Reds. The day kicks off with a parade through downtown Cincinnati, followed by the first game of the season at Great American Ball Park.
Nearby Transportation: Great American Ball Park is located in downtown Cincinnati, and it’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Accommodation Options: There are plenty of hotels and Airbnb rentals available in downtown Cincinnati.
2. Cincinnati May Festival (May)
The Cincinnati May Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious choral festivals in the United States. The festival features performances by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the May Festival Chorus, as well as guest artists from around the world.
Culture: The Cincinnati May Festival is a celebration of choral music. The festival features a variety of choral works, from classical to contemporary.
Nearby Transportation: The Cincinnati May Festival is held at Music Hall, which is located in downtown Cincinnati. It’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Accommodation Options: Downtown Cincinnati has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
3. Taste of Cincinnati (May)
Taste of Cincinnati is a food festival that features over 50 restaurants from around the city. The festival is held over Memorial Day weekend, and it’s a great way to sample some of Cincinnati’s best food.
Culture: Taste of Cincinnati is a celebration of Cincinnati’s diverse culinary scene. The festival features a variety of food, from traditional Cincinnati chili to international cuisine.
Nearby Transportation: Taste of Cincinnati is held in downtown Cincinnati, and it’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Accommodation Options: Downtown Cincinnati has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
4. Cincinnati Fringe Festival (June)
The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is a theater festival that features over 100 performances from around the world. The festival is held over two weeks in June, and it’s a great way to see some of the most innovative and exciting theater.
Culture: The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is a celebration of theater, performance art, and dance. The festival features a variety of performances, from comedy to drama to experimental theater.
Nearby Transportation: The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is held in various venues around downtown Cincinnati. It’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Accommodation Options: Downtown Cincinnati has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
5. Bunbury Music Festival (June)
Bunbury Music Festival is a three-day music festival that features a variety of musical genres, from rock to hip-hop to electronic dance music. The festival is held in June, and it’s a great way to see some of your favorite artists live.
Culture: Bunbury Music Festival is a celebration of music and culture. The festival features a variety of musical genres, as well as food, drinks, and activities.
Nearby Transportation: Bunbury Music Festival is held at Sawyer Point Park, which is located in downtown Cincinnati. It’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Accommodation Options: Downtown Cincinnati has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
6. Macy’s Music Festival (July)
Macy’s Music Festival is a free music festival that features a variety of musical genres, from country to rock to pop. The festival is held over two days in July, and it’s a great way to see some live music for free.
Culture: Macy’s Music Festival is a celebration of music and community. The festival features a variety of musical genres, as well as food, drinks, and activities.
Nearby Transportation: Macy’s Music Festival is held at Paul Brown Stadium, which is located in downtown Cincinnati. It’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Accommodation Options: Downtown Cincinnati has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
7. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September)
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States. The festival is held over two weekends in September, and it features German food, music, and beer.
Culture: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is a celebration of German culture. The festival features German food, music, and beer, as well as traditional German activities like dancing and stein holding competitions.
Nearby Transportation: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is held at the Riverfront, which is located in downtown Cincinnati. It’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Accommodation Options: Downtown Cincinnati has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
8. BLINK (October)
BLINK is a light and art festival that features over 100 light installations from around the world. The festival is held over four nights in October, and it’s a great way to see the city in a whole new light.
Culture: BLINK is a celebration of art and technology. The festival features a variety of light installations, from traditional light sculptures to interactive installations.
Nearby Transportation: BLINK is held in various venues around downtown Cincinnati. It’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Accommodation Options: Downtown Cincinnati has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
9. Christmas at the Newport Aquarium (November/December)
Christmas at the Newport Aquarium is a holiday event that features over a million lights, festive decorations, and live entertainment. The event is held from November to December, and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Culture: Christmas at the Newport Aquarium is a celebration of the holiday season. The event features festive decorations, live entertainment, and a variety of holiday-themed activities.
Nearby Transportation: Newport Aquarium is located in Newport, Kentucky, which is across the river from Cincinnati. It’s easily accessible by public transportation or car.
Accommodation Options: Newport, Kentucky, has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
10. New Year’s Eve (December)
New Year’s Eve is a great time to visit Cincinnati. The city has a variety of events and activities to ring in the new year, from fireworks to live music to parties.
Culture: New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati is a time to celebrate and reflect on the past year. The city has a variety of events and activities to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.
Nearby Transportation: Public transportation is available in downtown Cincinnati, where most of the New Year’s Eve events take place.
Accommodation Options: Downtown Cincinnati has a variety of hotels and Airbnb rentals to choose from.
So, there you have it, the 10 best times to visit Cincinnati in 2024. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to have a great time in the Queen City.
