Music lovers, get ready for a jam-packed weekend of live entertainment across Greater Cincinnati. The biggest names in R&B and hip-hop take the stage at Paycor Stadium for the Cincinnati Music Festival, while the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame honors its newest inductees.
Catch more than 30 artists performing at David Shaw’s Big River Get Down, featuring shows at eight venues throughout Hamilton. The festival fun continues at SharonFest and Festival513, and food lovers can spice things up at Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire or celebrate a Cincinnati favorite at the two-weekend-long Glier’s Goettafest.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
1. Cincinnati Music Festival
The Cincinnati Music Festival is here. The biggest names in R&B, hip-hop, soul and funk are coming to the Queen City for this beloved festival. See performances by Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz and more.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Paycor Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Downtown. cincymusicfestival.com.
Three-time Grammy winner Toni Braxton performs during the last day of the Cincinnati Music Festival Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Paycor Stadium.
2. Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
Celebrate Black talent at the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. The Induction and Dedication Ceremony will honor the 2026 inductees.
Details: noon Saturday, Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, 190 W Mehring Way, Downtown. Free. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org.
Kacy Dennis Jr., right, accepts the inductee award for on behalf of his late mother Nancy Wilson during the Black Music Walk of Fame induction ceremony, Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Downtown Cincinnati.
3. Glier’s Goettafest
At this two-weekend-long festival, try all things goetta from fudge to pizza. The more than 50 goetta-based creations you’ll find at this festival test the limits of the ingredient and please the tastebuds of the many who try them.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Newport Festival Park, Riverboat Row, Newport. Runs July 23-26 and July 30-Aug. 2. Free admission. goetta.com/goettafest.
Goetta ribbon fries topped with cheese, ranch dressing, bacon bits and, of course, goetta.
4. David Shaw’s Big River Get Down
Over 30 artists at eight different venues over two days. Yes, this event is big, just like the name suggests. Check out the online schedule for all locations, dates and times. The ticketed venue, RiversEdge Amphitheater, features JJ Grey & Mofro and Band of Horses on Friday and Fruition and The Revivalists on Saturday.
Details: 7-10:45 p.m. Friday, 7:30-11 p.m. Saturday, RiversEdge Amphitheater, Marcum Park, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton. bigrivergetdown.com.
5. SharonFest
Build connections within the Sharonville community. Kids can bounce on inflatables and play games. Adults can enjoy live music from Stagger Lee, Second Wind and Under the Sun.
Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday, 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Gower Park, 10997 Thornview Drive, Sharonville. Free. sharonfest.com.
6. Festival513
Don’t miss Cincinnati’s premier merchant festival. Browse over 100 merchandise and food booths, right outside the Cincinnati Music Festival entrance.
Details: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, noon-2 a.m. Saturday, Freedom Way across from Paycor Stadium between Elm St. and Marian Spence Way, Downtown. Free admission. festival513.com.
People go through Festival513 at The Banks during the Cincinnati Music Festival Friday, July 27, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. Now in its 17th year, Festival513 is a free two-day festival that highlights and celebrates the eclectic culture within the African American community.
7. Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire
This is the ultimate experience for hot sauce enthusiasts. Enjoy showcasing, 400 hot sauces, competitions and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 2:30-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oscar Event Center, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. $12. junglejims.com.
8. Queen City 5K
Put on your sneakers and huddle up at the starting line. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned or novice runner. Challenge yourself, meet new people and, most importantly, have fun participating in this race.
Details: 8 a.m. Saturday, Paycor Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Downtown. $35. runsignup.com.
9. SMOY Festival
Enjoy live music, rides, baskets, raffles, games, wing eating contests, ice cream eating contests and more.
Details: 6-11:30 p.m. Friday, 5-11:30 p.m. Saturday, 3-8 p.m. Sunday, St. Margaret of York Church, 9483 Columbia Road, Loveland. smoyfest.org.
See Cincy Shakes’ performance of ‘Dogberry and Verges are Scared.’
10. ‘Dogberry and Verges are Scared’ (last chance!)
Experience Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” from the point of view of Messina’s most misguided watchmen, Dogberry and Verges. While Benedick and Beatrice spar, the bumbling constables take center stage.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, The Otto M. Budig Theater, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs July 10-25. cincyshakes.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 events this weekend. Cincinnati Music Festival, Glier’s Goettafest
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