Table Of Contents
When summer arrives, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday or a Saturday, every day is a concert day. From smooth grooves in the park to string quartets by candlelight, there is a concert this summer for everyone. So forget about dropping a bundle on concerts and pack your blanket, we’re going to concerts every day of the week with this complete guide to the best outdoor concerts in Cincinnati this summer.
Walnut Hills
1. Candlelight Summer concerts
Hip-hop and classical music might seem worlds apart, but the upcoming Candlelight Open Air concert is fascinatingly blurring those lines. On July 30, the StringSource string quartet will reimagine iconic songs by artists like Coolio, Cardi B, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and The Notorious B.I.G. Eminem, among others in a night to remember. Head to their 6:45 p.m. show for a pre-dinner treat or at 9:00 p.m. to finish your night with a bang. Don’t miss this chance to experience hip-hop like never before under the summer sky at The Palomar Cincinnati.
Over-the-Rhine
2.Reggae Wednesday
Take a trip to the islands without leaving Cincinnati. Every Wednesday at Washington Park from 7 to 10 p.m. enjoy the infectious grooves of reggae music in an evening full of positive energy. Grab a picnic basket and come as you are. Admission is free.
🎵July 10: Hurricane
🎵July 24: Zion Lion
🎵August 7: Gizzae
3. Jazz at the Park
Unwind with free, live jazz every Monday night from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sherwin-Williams Porch in Washington Park. Cincinnati’s talented jazz musicians take the stage, showcasing the city’s vibrant jazz scene. No reservations are needed, just come and enjoy the music.
🎵July 8: Mandy Gaines & Brad Meyers
🎵July 15: Phil DeGreg Trio
🎵July 22: Dixie Karas Quartet
🎵July 29: Camille Saba Smith
🎵August 5: Tachoir Trio
🎵August 12: Queen City Cabaret
🎵August 19: John Zappa’s Now Hear This
🎵August 26: Ben Levin
🎵September 9: Jazz Attack
🎵September 16: Sophia Troyer Duo
🎵September 23: April Aloisio Trio
🎵September 30: Jordan Pollard Trio
🎵October 7: Al West Jr. Quartet
🎵October 14: Spherical Agenda
🎵October 21: Carlos Vargas Trio
🎵October 28: Tough Friend
4. Roots Revival
Get ready to tap your toes and clap your hands every Thursday this summer at Roots Revival. Enjoy free bluegrass, roots, and Americana music from 7 to 9 p.m. at Washington Park’s bandstand. It’s the perfect spot for a fun night out.
🎵July 11: Jordan Wilson Coalition (6 to 8 p.m.)
🎵July 18: The Carriers
🎵July 25: Ruby Vileos
🎵August 1: Casey Campbell Project
🎵August 8: Mike Oberst & Justine Cefalu
🎵August 15: Shelby Lore
🎵August 22: TyeDye
🎵August 29: Bedel & Hibbard.
5. Friday Flow
Craving soulful vibes, smooth lyrics, and a chance to move your body? Every Friday night, Washington Park transforms into a dance floor under the summer sky. From 7 to 10 p.m., feel the groove of soulful beats and smooth lyrics performed by talented R&B artists.
🎵July 5: Love Street
🎵July 12: Road to CMF: Troop
🎵July 19: Road to CMF: Ruff Endz
🎵August 2: Ley Ley
🎵August 9: Glenn Jones
🎵August 16: Vanae
🎵August 23: Da Tailor Made Band
🎵August 30: Vincent Stroud
6.OTR Performs
OTR performers are back, bringing their A-game for a free afternoon show on Sundays at Washington Park. Set your funky blanket in front of the stage and local artists to blow your mind. From ballet moves that’ll make your jaw drop to music that’ll get your groove on, there’s something for everyone.
🎵July 7: Dead Centric
🎵July 14: Shakespeare in the Park
🎵July 21: Cincinnati World Drum Festival
🎵July 28: Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra presents Music of Paul McCartney
🎵August 4: Cincy Steel
🎵August 11: Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra
🎵August 18: TBA
🎵August 25: TBA
7. Electronic Dance Music in the Park
Over-the-Rhine goes electric on August 24 in a one-of-a-kind event for friends and family. Electronic Dance Music in the Park is coming back this year with more incredible DJs to dance to. Cincinnati favorites, as well as Dayton and Chicago EDM DJs, make part of this year’s amazing lineup. Dress in your best rave outfit or come as you are. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m.
🎵August 24
8. Cincy Music Jerk Festival
On September 7 the Cincy Music Jerk Festival comes as a one-day extravaganza for all senses. It’ll feature a diverse lineup of DJs and musicians playing everything from Caribbean beats to soulful R&B from 3 to 10:30 p.m. Local and international food vendors will tantalize your taste buds, while the vibrant atmosphere promises an unforgettable experience. So come dance, eat, and celebrate at Washington Park.
🎵September 7
Downtown
9. Jazz at the Square
Looking for a way to unwind after work and soak up some summer vibes? Head down to Fountain Square every Tuesday night for Jazz at the Square. From 5 to 8 p.m., the Fifth Third Bank Center Stage will be alive with the smooth sounds of local and regional jazz acts. So grab your favorite drink, find a spot, and sway the night away – all for free!
🎵July 9: Myles Ellington Twitty Quintet
🎵July 16: Phil Tipton Quintet
🎵July 23: Jim Anderson Sextet
🎵July 30: Mike Wade Quintet
🎵August 6: Retro Nouveau
🎵August 13: Marc Fields Quintet
🎵August 20: Eric Wurzelbacher Quartet
🎵August 27: Eric Lechliter/Michael Mavridoglou Trumpet Summit
🎵September 3: Estrado do Sol
🎵September 10: Ricky Nye
🎵September 17: Patsy Meyer
🎵September 24: Hank Stephens & Erin Stuckey
🎵October 1: Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley & Ben Tweedt Duo
🎵October 8: Bobby Sharp Trio with Jennifer Ellis
10. Fountain Blues
Wednesdays got you down? Head to Fountain Square’s Fountain Blues for a soulful summer escape. Live blues acts take the Fifth Third Center Stage each week, offering a mid-week pick-me-up you won’t want to miss. Shows run from 5 to 8:00 p.m.
🎵July 3: Change It Up Charlie
🎵July 10: Ralph & the Rhythm Hounds
🎵July 17: Jamie Carr Band
🎵July 24: Ryan Snyde Band
🎵July 31: Pslicion Blues Band
🎵August 7: Gina & Johnny Band
🎵August 14: Ben Levin Band
🎵August 21: Doug Hart Band
🎵August 28: Mojo Blues Cats.
11. Amped Up
Sunshine, music, and friendly competition – that’s Amped Up. Every week at Sawyer Point, catch live music performances by local artists at the Schott Amphitheater from 6 to 9 p.m. While you tap your toes, catch a tournament of professional pickleball happening right next door. Grab food and drinks from the bars, and explore the park’s walking paths, art installations, sand volleyball courts, and its fun playground.
🎵July 26: Timestamp
🎵September 27: Pandora Effect
🎵October 4: Retrovention
🎵October 5: Dangerous Jim & the Slims.
12. Indie Friday
Your Fridays got groovier this summer with Fountain Square’s Indie Friday. Every Friday night, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Fifth Third Bank Center Stage explodes with eclectic tunes from up-and-coming artists.
🎵July 5: Josh Fudge
🎵July 12: Arlo McKinley
🎵July 19: TBA
🎵August 2: Yam Yam
🎵August 9: The Orphan The Poet
🎵August 16: Parker Barrow
🎵August 23: Houseplant
🎵August 30: King Buffalo
🎵September 6: Lydia Shae
🎵September 13: Lung
🎵September 20: Carriers
🎵September 27: Siri Imani
🎵October 4: Music Resource Center
🎵October 11: The Yugos
13. Rockin’ the Roebling
Catch free live music every Thursday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Rockin’ the Roebling concert series at the Schmidlapp Event Lawn and stage in Smale Riverfront Park. Enjoy the music of DJs from 6 to 7 p.m. and then local bands from 7 to 10 p.m. Food trucks, craft beers, wine, and more will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and even your furry friends for a fun-filled evening.
🎵July 4: Ernie Johnson From Detroit
🎵July 11: Sungaze, Sylmar
🎵July 18: Erin Coburn
🎵July 25: Buzz Bins (2-5 p.m.)
🎵August 1: Brother Smith
🎵August 8: The Menus
🎵August 15: Crown Watts
🎵August 22: Trauma Illinois (2-5 p.m.)
🎵August 29: Natural Progression
14. Salsa on the Square
This summer la cosa se pondrá caliente at Fountain Square. Shake up your Thursdays with Salsa on the Square. Groove to live Latin bands playing salsa, merengue, cumbia, and jazz from 7 to 10 p.m. Learn some moves with free dance classes for beginners and seasoned dancers alike. Happy hour starts early, so grab discounted drinks and get ready for a fiesta under the Cincinnati sky.
🎵July 4: Nuyorican LF
🎵July 11: Dayton Salsa Project
🎵July 18: Tropicoso
🎵July 25: The Amador Sisters
🎵August 1: Max Rosado
🎵August 8: Fabiola Méndez
🎵August 15: Son del Caribe
🎵August 22: Al Sone del Iya
🎵August 29: Dayton Salsa Project
🎵September 5: Somos Musica y Sabor
🎵September 12: Tropicoso
🎵September 19: The Amador Sisters
🎵September 26: Latin Beat Project
15. Fifth and Vine Live
How big a rocker are you? If you headbanged just reading that, then this concert series is definitely for you. Get ready to belt out your favorite tunes every Saturday night at Fifth & Vine Live in Fountain Square. This summer, regional fan-favorite cover and tribute bands will be rocking the Fifth Third Bank Center Stage from 7 to 10 p.m.– for free!
🎵July 6: Voices of America Country Music Fest: Preston James
🎵July 13: Classic Rock Experience
🎵July 20: 2nd Wind
🎵July 27: Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend
🎵August 3: Voices of America Country Music Fest: Walker County
🎵August 10: Jump
🎵August 17: TBA
🎵August 24: Soul Quest
🎵August 31: Aja Tribute to Steely Dan.
🎵September 7: Voices of America Country Music Fest: Shelby Darrall
🎵September 14: Sabbath
🎵September 21: Hot Magnolias
🎵September 28: 2nd Wind
🎵October 5: Soul Pocket
16. Music at the Esplanade
Live music, yummy eats, fresh farmers market finds? Sign us up! Smale Park’s Music at the Esplanade is basically summer Saturdays summed up. Every weekend, from 5 to 7 p.m., they turn the park into a party with local bands, tasty treats, and even an art market. Best of all, it’s free, so there’s no excuse!
🎵July 6: Catlea
🎵July 13: The Foles
🎵July 20: Gettier
🎵July 27: Positive Vibe Band
🎵August 3: Tooth Lures a Fang
🎵August 17: Jet Jurg
🎵August 24: The Sweat Peas
🎵August 31: Union Son
17. Operation Thank You
Celebrate our troops on August 24 with a vibrant concert featuring Noah Smith, Naked Karate Girls, and the Varner/Netherton Revival Band. Enjoy live music from 2:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Sawyer Point Park, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display to cap off the evening.
🎵August 24
Burnet Woods
18. Wednesdays in the Woods
The Clifton Cultural Arts Center is throwing its free summer concert series again this year at the Burnet Woods bandstand. Every Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., there’s live music, yummy food trucks, drinks, art, and lawn games. And don’t worry about the kids because there’s even a free kids’ art corner to keep them all night entertained.
🎵July 10: Daglio
🎵July 17: The SunBurners
🎵July 24: Jake Speed & the Freddies
🎵July 31: Push Play
🎵August 7: Burning Caravan
🎵August 14: Saffire Express
Mount Lookout
19. Summer Music Festival
Check out the fantastic live music at Ault Park’s Summer Music Festival, a beloved tradition in the area. Admission is free, and from 6-8pm, we’ll have inflatables, games, and kids’ crafts and activities. As the night falls, join astronomer Dean Regas and his team for some stargazing through their telescopes, weather permitting. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening with the whole family!
🎵July 18: Marsha Brady
🎵August 15: Floyd & the Walkmen
🎵September 19: The Foles Band.
Mount Auburn
20. Saturdays in the Park
Spend your Saturday mornings at Inwood Park for Saturdays in the Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Gather under the picnic shelter with family and friends, where you can enjoy live music in a relaxed and beautiful setting. Bring your own brunch or treat yourself to a delicious breakfast at the park. It’s a wonderful way to kick off your weekend!
🎵July 6: Jump ‘n’ Jive Band
🎵July 13: Ti & D Band
🎵July 20: Aprinas Revolutionary Love
🎵July 27: Muwosi