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Annual Cincinnati Festivals You Can’t Miss

Whether you love enjoying the outdoors, art galleries and museums or dining out, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cincinnati. Depending on where you live, you may even be able to walk or take a quick streetcar ride to many attractions and activities in the city, such as one or more of the various Cincinnati festivals. Below, learn more about some of the annual festivals in and around Cincinnati that have people returning to enjoy them, year after year!

6  Celebrated Cincinnati Festivals

As highlighted in local guides like Visit Cincy, numerous festivals and other events seem to be happening weekly, especially during the warmer months. However, there are several Cincinnati festivals that residents and visitors alike look forward to attending each year. Here are some of the Cincinnati festivals that you too may want to put on your calendar!

  1. Taste of Cincinnati®: For over four decades, this Cincinnati food festival has provided the opportunity for people to enjoy various culinary offerings from regional vendors. This three-day event takes place annually over Memorial Day weekend and includes not only a diverse assortment of food and beverages but also a variety of live music to enjoy.
  2. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati®: This annual Cincinnati festival has happened each September for over 45 years. Taking place most recently at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, this multi-day event features food, beverages and entertainment as a way to celebrate the area’s German heritage. If you are bringing younger kids with you to the event, then you might want to check the schedule for Family Day, which offers several free activities designed just for kids and families! For a summer celebration of one specific German-inspired sausage or goetta, Goettafest is a two-weekend event that invites people to experience this food in many different ways. Admission to this event is also free!
  3. Cincinnati Music Festival: In addition to food festivals, music is also the focal point of many Cincinnati festivals. With a history tracing back to the early 1960s, this festival is a ticketed event and currently takes place each year in July at Paycor Stadium. With a history of performers such as Aretha Franklin, Snoop Dogg, En Vogue, and Earth, Wind & Fire, experience incredible R&B, jazz, hip-hop and more during this weekend event.Plus, there are many free music festivals that take place annually in and around Cincinnati. From the Cincy Blues Fest and the Lebanon Blues Festival in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati to the Merchants & Music Festival just over the Ohio River in Fort Thomas, KY, music fans have many different festivals that they may want to experience over the course of each year.
  4. Cincinnati Fringe Festival: This Cincinnati festival aims to celebrate theatre, dance and more, as it has done for more than 20 years. Located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, this festival takes place over the course of two weeks, starting at the end of May and running through mid-June. Another opportunity to celebrate public art featuring light-based designs, the BLINK festival happens every other year during October.
  5. May Festival: Many of Cincinnati’s long-running festivals have a prominent place in the city’s history and people’s fond memories, and the May Festival may be considered the oldest of this group. Originating in the late 1800s, the May Festival is “the oldest choral festival in the Western Hemisphere,” according to the event website. Community members can participate in this experience by acquiring tickets to one performance or to the complete series. However, they may also choose to be actively involved by participating in the May Festival Community Chorus.
  6. Ohio Renaissance Festival: In addition to festivals within the city limits, the Greater Cincinnati area also boasts many other incredible festivals to experience, such as the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Located about an hour away from downtown Cincinnati, this festival typically runs from the last weekend in August to the last weekend in October. From dressing in accordance with the weekend’s theme to simply enjoying the entertainment, food and shopping opportunities, there are many different ways to enjoy the Ohio Renaissance Festival and weekends during which to do so.

Cincinnati residents and visitors have the opportunity to attend dozens of festivals each year. In fact, attending these festivals for many people may be a family affair or even a tradition to share with friends. If you are looking to find an apartment in proximity to Cincinnati festivals and everything else that the city has to offer, our leasing experts are here to help. Please contact our team today for assistance!