Cincinnati Music Festival is one of the longest-running jazz festivals in the United States. Besides jazz, the Cincinnati Festival lineup features more genres like R&B, soul, and hip-hop. More than 80,000 music lovers across the US are going to the Cincy Music Festival every year.
Being one of the biggest US festivals, the lineup is more than exciting. So, this one can be special if you’re a jazz, soul, and R&B fan. With acts like Maxwell, New Edition, MC Lyte, October London, and many others, the Cincinnati Music Festival lineup uncovers a new dimension of musical experiences.
But let’s take one step at a time and explain everything you have to know before attending such a special event.
When Is the Cincinnati Music Festival 2025?
The end of July is reserved for great music and authentic experiences. Starting on 24 July with a few extraordinary acts and ending on 26 July, the 2025 edition of the Cincinnati Festival promises a great party for everyone.
Where Is the Cincinnati Festival Held?
The first edition was happening on Cincinnati’s riverfront, and it was a complete jazz festival. It changed a few venues until the festival found its forever home in Paycor Stadium. The best thing is that the stadium is also on Cincinnati’s river waterfront, making the whole experience authentic.
What Music Genres Does the Cincinnati Festival Cover?
If you’re tired of EDM performances, the techno experiences, or maybe the alternative and indie acts, you’ll surely like the sound of Cincinnati Music Festival’s new lineup.
The first name of the festival was the Cincinnati Jazz Festival, so it’s evident that the primary genre would be jazz. Knowing that many genres exist in the same family, the Cincinnati Music Festival lineup opened some slots for hip-hop, soul, R&B, and even contemporary pop sounds.
Also, the organizers stayed true to the initial idea of supporting jazz artists all the way around.
In the past, acts like Gladys Knight, R Kelly, Faith Evans, Patti Labelle, and even Chaka Khan were part of the lineups. In the 2020s, Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Jodeci, and After 7 performed at the Cincinnati Festival, showing that the event is still one of the most important festivals in the US.
Participation Lineup for the 2025 Cincinnati Festival
The promising 2025 lineup features exceptional acts you should take notice of. You’ll find the exact performer to lift your mood from Earth, Wind & Fire to Janet Jackson.
You have three days to enjoy “Cincy Music Fest,” as fans usually want to refer to this festival.
Who Is Headlining Cincinnati Fest 2025?
In the organizer’s December newsletter, they announced that the headliners are here. On Friday (first day), the festival will celebrate disco, funk, R&B, and soul, so all the acts get equal time on the stage, including Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, and three more artists to be announced yet.
Janet Jackson will have the main act on the last day, and we look forward to seeing who the hip-hop artists are for the old-school hop-hop night (the first day of the festival.)
Who Else Is Playing at Cincinnati 2025?
We talked about the headliners, but now we can say a few words about each act featured in the Cincinnati 2025 lineup:
- TMF Band (formerly Maze) ft. Jubu – TMF Band is a group of musicians who have rebranded themselves after being known as Maze and are still producing their own original music. John “Jubu” Smith is a well-known guitarist and vocalist, most noted for his time with Tony Toni Toné, and now heads his own ventures and is involved with TMF.
At Cincinnati Music Festival 2025, they should cover the announced Tribute to Frankie Beverly - Ronald Isley – the lead singer of The Isley Brothers, is famous for his voice and timeless R&B hits.
- Joe – an R&B singer-songwriter with chart topping albums and hits like “I Wanna Know” and “Stutter”.
- After 7 – an R&B group created by the Edmonds brothers, with smooth harmonies and hits like “Ready or Not,” are celebrated.
- Dave Hollister – a soulful R&B artist with smooth vocals and writing that has made significant contributions to the genre.
- Raheem Devaughn – Raheem DeVaughn is a Grammy nominated singer songwriter referred to as the Love King; a man passionate in his music that celebrates love and relationships.
Please be aware that this is not the full lineup for 2025. The organizer announced they would fulfill the lineup with three more artists per day. So, we are eager to see who those will be. Stay with us on this page, frequently booming to read the names.
Cincinnati Festival Lineup by Day – Participation Lineup
We mentioned the acts for the 2025 lineup, but now it’s time to provide the exact schedule for this year’s Cincinnati festival. So, let’s see:
Day 1 📅 Thursday, July 24
To be announced.
Day 2 📅 Friday, July 25
🔥 Earth, Wind & Fire
⭐ Anthony Hamilton
Three more are to be announced.
Day 3 📅 Saturday, July 26
⭐ Janet Jackson
⭐ TMF Band ft. Jubu
⭐ Ronald Isley
⭐ Joe
⭐ After 7
⭐ Dave Hollister
⭐ Raheem Devaughn
Three more are to be announced.
In the October Newsletter, a survey was announced with a question: “Should we keep our CMF Thursday Night Theme – Old School Hip Hop?” In the December Newsletter, the organizer announced that they will keep the vibe of old-school hip-hop on Thursday night. So, we should expect some tremendous old-school hip-hop artists on July 24. Let’s see who they will book.
“The response to our Poll in October was a big one! 83% of you voted to keep the vibe old school hip hop on Thursday night and we’re busy booking the show now! Thanks for the feedback!”
from the December Newsletter.
How Much Do the Tickets for the Cincinnati Festival Cost?
Cincinnati Music Festival has an exclusive partnership with Ticketmaster (affiliate link) as the first seller.
This festival is among the most affordable, from $65 for a standard daily ticket to $175 for the best (gold circle) seats. But if you are a big fan of the artists from the 2025 lineup, then the PIT seats are available for $600. The map of the stadium (2025 seating chart) can be found in a PDF document.
If you are also interested in accommodation, we recommend you check the hotel & ticket packages page on the official festival website.
How Can I Get Tickets to Cincinnati Music Fest 2024?
As mentioned, Ticketmaster (affiliate link) is the official seller. Even if you find other sources, they often redirect you to Ticketmaster’s website.
You will be redirected to order tickets on Ticketmaster even if you visit the official festival webpage.
If the tickets are already sold, and you are passionate about the Cincinnati Music Festival lineup, you can always check the re-sellers, such as Vivid Seats (affiliate link).
If you use our affiliate link, you will help support us, and that will not cost you anything additional.
Important Info About Cincinnati Festival 2025
Each update you need on this festival is available on their official website.
You can also find clear instructions on how to get to the venue if you like. You can arrive by car or air, depending on where you come from. There are two main airports: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Lunken.
Indeed, Cincinnati is close to Dayton, Lexington, Louisville, Columbus, and Indianapolis – which means you can arrive there and still have less than a 2-hour ride to get to the festival.
I want you to know that many hotels already offer accommodation for every ticket holder, so explore all those options and find where to stay easily.
Cincinnati Festival Videos
You’re planning to attend this festival for the first time but don’t know what to expect. Don’t worry; these videos will get the atmosphere closer to you so you can easily prepare for the upcoming experience.
Cincinnati Festival Gallery
Experience the unique festival spirit through photos from previous editions. We’re sure you want similar ones for your Instagram feed.
Cincinnati Festival Reviews
You may need more reviews for this festival online, but we believe there is a strong reason for that.
People review businesses, venues, and events when they are less than 100% happy with the experience. We couldn’t find specific reviews on our favorite Cincinnati Music Festival and its previous and current lineups, so we believe people have nothing to be bitter about.
One blog post stands out, and it’s about the 2019 edition. The author Ijeoma Kola says that millennials are an age group that should visit this festival because they’ll know all their songs.
Previous Years’ Cincinnati Fest Lineups
We’ll now share the previous lineups to prove that Cincinnati is an exciting experience for festival enthusiasts. You may see some repeating artists who were performing previously.
Cincinnati Music Festival 2024 Lineup
Day 1 📅 Thursday, July 25
⭐ MC Lyte
⭐ KRS One
⭐ EPMD
⭐ Black Sheep
Day 2 📅 Friday, July 26
⭐ Maxwell
⭐ Ne-Yo
⭐ Fantasia
⭐ October London
⭐ The Original Lakeside
Day 3 📅 Saturday, July 27
⭐ New Edition
⭐ Kem
⭐ SWV
⭐ Coco Jones
⭐ Stokley
Cincinnati Music Festival Lineup 2023
According to the official website, in 2023, the audience enjoyed many exciting acts like:
- Snoop Dogg
- Al Green
- Jodeci
- Baby Face
- Jill Scott
- Midnight Star
- Avery Sunshine
- P-Funk Connection
- Doug E. Fresh
- Slick Rick
- Gerald Albright
- Norman Brown
- Rakim
- Big Daddy Kane
Cincinnati Music Festival 2022 Lineup
The 2022 lineup was more than exciting with these performers:
- Janet Jackson
- Keyshia Cole
- Ari Lennox
- The O’Jays
- After 7
- Charlie Wilson
- Tank
- Arin Ray
- BJ the Chicago Kid
- Jonathan Butler
- Tony Toni Tone!
- Kirk Whalum
More Similar Music Festivals
If you like this year’s Cincinnati Music Festival lineup, we’re sure you’ll enjoy many other exciting festivals like:
- Gasparilla Music Festival – Besides jazz, it features country, rock, and indie genres.
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – For those who enjoy jazz, gospel, folk, and blues.
- Summerfest – A legendary festival featuring jazz, pop, metal, and hard rock, among other genres.
- Newport Jazz Festival – If you love jazz, rock, and pop.
- Essence Music Festival – Celebrated as the biggest celebration of African-American culture and music in the United States, with a diverse lineup of artists and empowering events.
