News
3CDC Newsletter 03.13.25
Source If you’re lucky enough to be downtown Cincinnati this week, you’re lucky enough…unforgettable events are just the four-leafed clover on top! Saturday at 12PM, the Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade, now in its 57th year, steps off at Central Avenue, skipping eastbound on Mehring Way before jigging its way through The Banks! The beloved Irish heritage tradition features families, floats, pipers, step dancers, marching bands, and more. This year, the parade committee selected former Bengals offensive
3CDC Fountain District Update March 2025
Source EVENTS Sláinte! Irish cheer and plenty 'o green beer are on deck to welcome spring events back to Fountain Square's plaza! Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Weekend with a party that's as good as gold. The festivities on Saturday and Sunday will feature live Celtic rock bands taking over the Fifth Third Bank Center Stage starting at 12PM each day, a variety of Irish-themed bites, and unforgettable free family fun! Check out Fountain Square’s event page for the full band lineup. Just a pop-fly down
3CDC Newsletter 03.06.25
Source You’ve goat plans this week downtown! Bockfest, Cincinnati’s annual celebration of spring, Over-the-Rhine's brewing heritage, and Bock Beer, is marching into its 33rd year this weekend! The community-centered festival features unique, and at times eccentric, experiences Friday through Sunday in and around Over-the-Rhine’s historic brewery district. Festivities officially kick off on Friday at 6PM when the Queen City’s funkiest and most entertaining parade steps off from Arnold’s Bar and Grill and
3CDC Newsletter 02.25.25
Source Mabeth, Mittenfest, Mardi Gras, music, and more! March is roaring in with an exciting lineup of events downtown. Starting tomorrow night, enter a world of power, prophecy, and psychological manipulation in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’sreimagining of Macbeth. Set during the early days of the Cold War, this haunting production delves into ambition, mind control, and psychological manipulation. When enigmatic witches unveil a prophecy of power, Macbeth and his calculating wife spiral into a ruthless
3CDC Newsletter 02.20.25
Source Sausage, soccer, and chili...it’s shaping up to be a very Cincinnati-centric week downtown! This weekend, throw your crown in the ring to be named Bockfest Sausage Queen! Bockfest, Cincinnati’s annual celebration of spring and Over-the-Rhine’s brewing heritage, is right around the corner, but before we can tap the kegs and let the festivities start flowing, it’s tradition to select festival royalty. The renowned (and sometimes notorious) Bockfest Sausage Queen helps lead the Bockfest Parade by
3CDC Newsletter 02.13.25
Source You had me at hello downtown ♥. Love is in the air at Fountain Square! Tomorrow, the UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank is getting an extra dose of sweetness for Love Skate from 5 to 8PM. In addition to ice skating—a classic date night activity—the event will also feature some of downtown’s Black-owned businesses inside the WGU Warming Tent. Guests can visit Moreau Sewing Unlimited’s “Piece of my Heart” activation to participate in a sentimental couples craft and create a delicious
3CDC Newsletter 02.06.25
Source There’s no shortage of engaging, exciting, and powerful downtown events celebrating Black History Month and Black voices and culture! All week long, catch the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Primary Trust, at Playhouse in the Park! Written with profound affection for the hero at its center, Primary Trust is an achingly beautiful, modern-day tale that will restore your faith in others. Meet Kenneth, a shy, 38-year-old Black man who sells books by day and drinks mai tais with his best friend Bert by
3CDC Newsletter 01.30.25
Source The temperatures might be on the rise, but you still have a license to chill at any one of this week’s memorable events downtown! Saturday morning, break the ice on your winter workout routine at the Cincinnati Cyclones Frozen 5K/10K benefiting the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation. Each year, thousands of brave runners take to the streets in support of youth hockey programs in our community. The unique race takes participants on a course along the Ohio Riverbank and through Cincinnati’s Transit
3CDC Newsletter 01.16.25
Source It’s a meaningful week downtown as organizations across The Queen City celebrate and honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equality and justice. On Monday, join the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for the 20th annual King Legacy Celebration. The ticketed event represents the Freedom Center’s commitment to community unity and is an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring message that freedom is a universal and fundamental human right. The King Legacy Celebration
3CDC Newsletter 01.09.25
Source There’s snow place like downtown Cincinnati! An exhilarating journey awaits at Heritage Bank Center as Cirque du Soleil makes a whimsical weekend-long visit to The Queen City for CRYSTAL, beginning tonight! Feel your adrenaline soar as you dive into a world of playful imagination with the show’s protagonist, Crystal, as she learns to see things differently and become whom she was always destined to be: herself. Using larger-than-life visual projections on ice (a Cirque du Soleil first) and a
3CDC Newsletter 01.02.25
Source It’s 2025 and downtown is alive with events and experiences! This weekend at Music Hall, join the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for a wondrous journey into the mysterious world of Harry Potter with A Night at Hogwarts. Using only music, with no film projections, the Pops will bring to life the magical music of all eight Harry Potter films, plus more from the “Potterverse,” featuring the iconic themes you know and love. The concert will also include insights from the books and films, interactive
3CDC Newsletter 12.09.24
Source Nothing brings us more comfort and joy than our vibrant downtown and its festive events! Wander into the Land of Sweets with the Cincinnati Ballet at the 50th anniversary celebration of The Nutcracker in Cincinnati. The Company first performed the holiday classic in 1973, and beginning tonight they are treating audiences to ten days of special commemorative performances at historic Music Hall with Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Experience the
3CDC Newsletter 12.05.24
Source Do you hear what I hear?! The Queen City is bringing the merriment and the melodies this week downtown! Tomorrow, the multi-platinum Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is taking over the Heritage Bank Center for a holiday rock opera like no other. This year's tour marks the grand return of The Lost Christmas Eve to the stage for the first time since 2013. Audiences can expect an all-new, dazzling spectacle packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and the incredible storytelling synonymous with TSO. The
3CDC Newsletter 11.27.24
Source There’s an attitude of gratitude and a bounty of wonderful events waiting for you this week downtown! Strut your stuffing tomorrow morning at the 115th annual Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race! One of the oldest and largest family favorite traditions will bring out thousands of runners and walkers bright and early to work up a holiday appetite on the new and expanded 5K and 10K courses! The quarter mile Kids Fun Run kicks off the race day excitement at 8:30AM followed by the longer distance
3CDC Newsletter 11.21.24
Source Before we open up the throttle on holiday hubbub, there are plenty of chances to mix in a bit of merriment this week downtown! Tomorrow, one of Cincinnati’s most beloved traditions is back! The Shillito’s Elves have returned for another season of holiday magic. This year, the decades-old elves have set up shop on Main Street in Over-the-Rhine. The Shillito’s Elves, a collection of mechanized figures that depict various Christmas scenes, including Santa’s workshop, made their debut in the 1950s in
3CDC Newsletter 11.14.24
Source Sweater weather is better together! Cozy up for some community togetherness this week downtown. Tomorrow, throw on an extra layer and make your way to Heritage Bank Center to see the Cincinnati Cyclones face off against the Bloomington Bison. Join the Cyclones in honoring those who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. Military during this special Military Appreciation game. Limited edition Navy-inspired Military Appreciation jerseys will be auctioned off online up until the final
3CDC Newsletter 10/31/2024
Source Happy Halloween, Cincinnati! Skip the tricks and enjoy the treat of another beautiful week downtown. Tonight, the legend of headless Jack lives on at The Banks! Eight of your favorite bars are teaming up to host Jack’s Halloween Bar Hop from 7 to 11PM. At every stop, enjoy themed cocktails and candy, and play spirited games like Candy Cornhole, Scarecrow Shuffle, Jack-o-Lantern Toss, and more! Pick up a bingo card during the event check-in and collect stamps at every stop along the hop for a chance
3CDC Newsletter 10.17.2024
Source Bright lights, Queen City! Tonight, BLINK is flipping the switch on the fourth iteration of the city-wide festival. The nation's largest free public light and art event will take place over four nights in our city’s urban core with large-scale projection mapping, media light, interactive light sculptures, murals, and more by local, national, and international artists. Over 35 Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky city blocks are transforming into an immersive art experience with Ohio-side zones
3CDC - Fountain District Update
Source The Fountain District is getting a glow-up two years in the making! BLINK, the nation's largest public light and art event, is illuminating the Queen City from October 17–20, and the Fountain District's vibrant streets, businesses, and civic spaces are at the heart of the unforgettable experience. More than a local event, BLINK connects us all, attracting over 2 million visitors and artists from around the world. It’s not just about the lights—it’s about the connection, the conversation, and the
3CDC Newsletter 10.10.2024
Source October chills are just around the corner, but the thrills are here and thriving this week downtown! Tomorrow night, gather around and hear the tale of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the latest heart-pounding production from the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Cast away by his creator, Victor Frankenstein’s rejected creature is thrust into a world that recoils in terror, disgusted by his inhumanity. A new spin on the gothic tale from the mother of science fiction promises to be a spine-tingling
This Week Downtown - 09.19.24
Source This week is om pah pah poppin’ with unforgettable Cincinnati events! America’s Oktoberfest returns downtown today through Sunday. First held in 1976, the nation’s largest Oktoberfest celebrates the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio. This year, the perennial favorite festival is set to be bigger than ever at a new venue, Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove! Expect bigger tents, expanded seating, more entertainment, and the same world-class, unforgettable experience. Oktoberfest is free and open
This Week Downtown - 09.12.24
Source You’ll miss these warm downtown days when they’re gone. Soak them up while you can at any one of the memorable events happening this week downtown! Kick the fun off on a pungent note today during the 8th Street Garlic Festival! Yes, you read that correctly. From lunch through dinner service, several of the Queen City’s finest eateries are banding together to celebrate the aromatic veggie that has been long revered as an essential culinary ingredient. Joining the quirky extravaganza are Arnold’s Bar
This Week Downtown - 08.29.24
In a summer full of memorable weeks downtown, this one is uniquely Cincinnati. The Fountain District Launch Party starts today! The weekend-long event celebrates the district’s recent brand debut and highlights the exceptional restaurants and bars, renowned arts and entertainment institutions, one-of-a-kind retailers, top-tier hotels, and vibrant civic spaces that make the Fountain District a Cincinnati destination. From deep discounts to specialty menu offerings and more, Fountain District’s Launch Party
This Week Downtown - 08.15.24
Long live summertime downtown! This week's events are all about savoring these dwindling August days in the company of friends and community. The 36th annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion is back and enlivening the city today through Sunday! The “Dedicated & Determined” themed festival features thoughtfully curated, family-friendly event experiences across the Cincinnati, including speakers and performers, a parade, a job fair, a heritage breakfast, and live music. At Sawyer Point, legendary
This Week Downtown - 07.03.24
There’s red, white, and so much to do this week downtown! A fireworks show is just the tip of the sparkler at Washington Park’s Fourth of July Celebration. Live music from local party starters, That’s What She Said, kicks off the patriotic fun tomorrow at 3PM accompanied by lawn games, pop jets, and more summer fun! Local food trucks will help you fuel up for family-friendly festivities, and cold drinks from the Sherwin-Williams Porch will keep you from melting like a popsicle all day long! The
This Week Downtown - 06.13.24
Source Community and jubilation are at the heart of Juneteenth celebrations across downtown this week! Saturday marks Paloozanoire’s fifth year producing Cincinnati’s Juneteenth Block Party. From 4 to 11PM at The Banks, the epic party will showcase freedom and the evolution of Black culture and include a Family Zone featuring Cincinnati Reds mascots and carnival performers, local DJs, minority-owned food trucks, and community-centric activities for all ages. Register for your free Block Party
This Week Downtown - 05.30.24
Source Spring is fading to summer across Downtown Cincinnati, but the season isn’t going quietly – outdoor music events are setting the tone for a vibrant summer ahead! Start your weekend and the First Financial Bank Summer Series off right in Washington Park tomorrow at Friday Flow. Over-the-Rhine’s favorite, free R&B series is back on the park’s civic lawn for a 12thseason featuring national and regional acts. Dust off your lawn chairs and see Memphis-based musician, Chris J, kick off the beloved series