Let’s Groove
2025 Cincinnati Music Festival
presented by P&G
July 24–26
Thursday: Andrew Brady Center
Friday & Saturday: Paycor Stadium
Single-day and weekend passes available at cincymusicfestival.com.
Cincinnati is getting ready to groove again as the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G (CMF) returns July 24–26 with a powerhouse lineup and a weekend packed with music, culture, and community. One of the nation’s premier celebrations of R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop, the festival draws fans from all over the country to the Queen City each year, and this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable experience.
From the smooth soul of Toni Braxton and the legendary funk of Earth, Wind & Fire, to the iconic rhymes of LL Cool J and the pioneering flow of The Sugarhill Gang, the 2025 edition of CMF blends musical generations into a weekend of timeless entertainment.
The Lineup: Legends, Lyrics, and Lasting Memories
THURSDAY, JULY 24, “A Tribute to Hip-Hop”
Andrew J. Brady Music Center
The festival kicks off with a salute to hip-hop history at the Brady Center, showcasing some of the genre’s most iconic names. The lineup features:
Scarface – Known for his deep lyricism and Southern storytelling
Goodie Mob – A fusion of funk and conscious hip-hop from Atlanta
The Sugarhill Gang – Pioneers who brought rap into the mainstream
Young MC – The voice behind the classic “Bust a Move”
FRIDAY, JULY 25, Funk & Soul at Full Power
Paycor Stadium
Friday night shifts the energy to Paycor Stadium with a blend of soul legends and modern maestros. The lineup includes:
Earth, Wind & Fire – One of the greatest bands of all time, delivering hits like “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” with their signature horn section and high-energy stage show
Jazmine Sullivan – GRAMMY-winning vocalist known for “Pick Up Your Feelings” and powerhouse ballads
Anthony Hamilton – A master of modern soul whose rich voice brings heartfelt emotion to every performance
PJ Morton – The Maroon 5 keyboardist turned solo R&B star with a New Orleans groove
The Zapp Band – Dayton’s own electro-funk legends, bringing the talk box and timeless bounce
Dreion – A rising artist and Cincinnati native who will pay tribute to the Queen City’s musical roots with a special set honoring King Records
SATURDAY, JULY 26, A Grand Finale of R&B Royalty
Paycor Stadium
Saturday continues the momentum with another stacked lineup, this time highlighting vocal legends and contemporary crooners. Highlights include:
Toni Braxton – The sultry, soulful voice behind “Un-Break My Heart” and “Breathe Again” returns to command the stage with elegance and emotion
LL Cool J – Hip-hop’s original ladies’ man will bring charisma and classics to the stadium, backed by DJ Z-Trip
Ronald Isley – An Ohio legend bringing decades of R&B history and unmistakable smoothness
Lucky Daye – One of the genre’s freshest talents blending retro soul with new-school swagger
Joe, After 7, Dave Hollister, Raheem DeVaughn, 112 – R&B hitmakers who defined the ‘90s and 2000s with silky vocals and slow jams
Jubu & Friends – Leading a tribute to Frankie Beverly, the evening will honor the legacy of Maze and their enduring impact on festival culture
More Than Music: A Citywide Celebration
CMF isn’t just a music festival, it’s a cultural moment for Cincinnati. From pop-up markets featuring Black-owned businesses to art exhibitions, fashion showcases, and local cuisine, the festival brings a wave of energy and tourism to downtown.
Cincy Marketplace, Fountain Square
July 24-27, 11 a.m. each day
A variety of local and minority-owned shops, vendors, and artisans will exhibit on Fountain Square.
Rickey Smiley Show, Live from Fountain Square
Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25, 6–10 a.m.
Live broadcast of the daily morning radio show, featuring entertainment news, celebrity interviews, news , advice, comedy, and more.
“Clips and Conversations with ‘Beyond the Gates’ cast,” Freedom Center
Friday, July 25, 12–3 p.m.
Join the cast of CBS’ Beyond the Gates for an afternoon of behind-the-scenes insights, and powerful conversation at the Freedom Center
10th Anniversary of the Queen City 5K, The Banks
Saturday, July 26, 8 a.m.
Take in the sights of the Ohio Riverfront and run (or walk) for a cause. Proceeds from the race contribute to scholarship funds and opportunities for local youth of diverse backgrounds.
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Dedication, The Brady Center
Saturday, July 26, noon
The ceremony honors 2025 inductees Dottie Peoples, Nancy Wilson, The Ohio Players, and The O’Jays·
Big3 Basketball League, Heritage Bank Center
Saturday, July 27, 1 p.m.
The 3-on-3 pro basketball league, founded by rapper and actor Ice Cube, features former NBA players, All-Stars and international professionals.