The 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival, featuring renowned artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, LL Cool J, and Toni Braxton, will take place this weekend, drawing music fans to the city. The festival begins on July 25 with a welcome party at Love On Fourth, followed by performances at the Andrew J. Brady Center. The main events are scheduled for July 26 at Paycor Stadium.
In addition to the musical acts, the weekend will host several events, including the Ricky Smiley Morning Show at Fountain Square, Festival513, and the Queen City 5K. These festivities will result in various road closures across downtown Cincinnati, beginning on Friday.
Road Closures and Traffic Management
Road closures will be in effect on July 25 and July 26, with specific streets affected during the festival hours. The following closures are scheduled:
– Central Avenue southbound will be closed between Seventh and Sixth Streets from 16:00 to 02:00.
– Elm Street will be closed south of Second Street during the same hours.
– Freedom Way will close between Elm Street and Marian Spencer Way starting at 02:00 on July 24 for Festival513.
– Race Street will be closed between Third and Second Streets from 16:00 to 02:00.
– Additional closures include Rosa Parks Street and Joe Nuxhall Way south of Second Street, both closing at 02:00 on July 24 for Festival513.
Concert exit procedures will mirror those implemented during Cincinnati Bengals games. By 23:00, Central Avenue southbound will be closed south of Seventh Street, along with Third Street eastbound and Walnut Street south of Third Street.
Parking Options for Attendees
For those attending the festival, parking will be available at several garages and lots in downtown Cincinnati and near the riverfront. Recommended locations include:
– Duke Energy Center Garage 1 at 605 Plum Street
– Duke Energy Center Garage 2 at 609 Elm Street
– Fountain Square Garage at 520 Vine Street
– Enquirer Building Parking Garage at 312 Elm Street
– Third and Race Street Lot at the corner of Third Street and Race Street
– Scripps Center Garage at 312 Walnut Street
– Queen City Square Parking Garage at 319-331 E Fourth Street
Attendees using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be dropped off and picked up on the North Curb Lane on Second Street between Vine and Walnut Streets.
For further details about the Cincinnati Music Festival, including the full lineup, visit the festival’s official website. This weekend promises to be an exciting celebration of music and community in the Queen City.
