Just Fine
Photo: Shae Huth
The Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G
Thursday, July 23 to Saturday, July 25
Paycor Stadium
Visit CincyMusicFestival.com for tickets,
schedules and more information.
The Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G returns July 23-25, bringing three nights of R&B, hip-hop, soul and serious star power to Paycor Stadium. Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, Nelly, Trey Songz and a packed lineup of fan favorites will help turn Cincinnati into one enormous summer celebration.
Of course, anyone who has experienced CMF knows the music inside the stadium is only part of the weekend. From a live morning radio broadcast and a free street festival to a celebration of Cincinnati’s Black music legacy, the festival creates a citywide reunion filled with music, food, fashion and community.
Three nights and a whole lot of hits
The weekend begins Thursday, July 23, with an intimate concert at a new location: the recently renovated East Club Lounge at Paycor Stadium. Talib Kweli, DJ Spinderella, special guest Hi-Tek and DJ Vader will set the tone for the weekend with a night that blends hip-hop history, hometown pride and dance-floor energy.
On Friday, July 24, the celebration moves into Paycor Stadium with Charlie Wilson, Nelly, Tyrese, Ledisi and 803 Fresh. Expect sing-alongs, smooth vocals and at least one friend insisting that every song is “their song.”
Saturday, July 25, belongs to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Mary J. Blige headlines a lineup featuring Trey Songz, SWV, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick and Heatwave. In other words, Saturday night may require comfortable shoes and a fully charged phone.
Start the party with Rickey Smiley
CMF weekend doesn’t wait until the stadium gates open to get moving.
The nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show will broadcast live from Fountain Square Thursday and Friday of festival week, 6 to 10 a.m. at Fountain Square. Early risers can get a chance to start the day with celebrity interviews, comedy, music - and a crowd full of fellow festival fans.
Festival513 brings the block-party energy
Before heading into Paycor Stadium, fans can eat, shop and soak up the festival atmosphere at Festival513.
The free street festival returns July 24 and 25 along Freedom Way, across from Paycor Stadium. Now celebrating its 20th year, Festival513 features almost 100 food and merchandise booths with local vendors, festival fashions, accessories, art and plenty of Cincinnati flavor. Learn more at Festival513.com.
A new place to lounge
CMF will also introduce an enhanced fan experience with the debut of the new Club Lounge at Paycor Stadium.
Inspired by upgrades planned for the stadium, the hospitality space will include expanded indoor seating, upgraded bar service, contemporary lounge furnishings and large video screens to keep fans connected to the performances. The lounge will serve as a social hub throughout the weekend and host Thursday night’s concert.
It is a comfortable new option for fans who want to catch up with friends, grab a drink or take a breather without losing touch with the action.
P&G brings the samples, scents and surprises
P&G returns for its 12th year as presenting sponsor with immersive experiences designed to make the festival weekend even more memorable.
Ten participating brands will offer product demonstrations, samples, photo moments and interactive experiences. Fans can explore three main areas:
The P&G House Party will keep the celebration going between acts with live entertainment, samples and surprise musical moments.
The P&G Day Spa will create a colorful sanctuary of self-care featuring Febreze, Downy and Mielle.
P&G Brand Moments will bring Cascade, Dawn, Gain, Swiffer and Tide together in a vibrant walk-through experience filled with freshness, function and camera-ready fun.
CMF may be the only place where you can hear your favorite artist, refresh your hair and become emotionally invested in a laundry scent during the same weekend.
A festival with a lasting impact
Cincinnati Music Festival has been bringing people together since 1962. Today, it attracts more than 90,000 visitors from across the country and generates an estimated $107.4 million in annual economic impact for the region.
That impact can be felt throughout Greater Cincinnati as visitors fill hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment districts. More importantly, CMF creates an annual gathering where generations of fans come together around music, culture and shared memories.

