🎶 Event Overview
Official Name: Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G
Dates: July 25–27, 2024
Location: Paycor Stadium (formerly Paul Brown Stadium), Cincinnati, Ohio
The Cincinnati Music Festival (CMF) is one of the oldest, largest, and most beloved R&B and soul festivals in the United States. What began as a jazz gathering in the 1960s has transformed into a multi-day celebration of Black music, legacy, and culture. Drawing crowds of over 60,000 annually, the festival features iconic performers, rising stars, and community-centered experiences that highlight empowerment, entertainment, and cultural pride.
Presented by Procter & Gamble, CMF brings together generations of music lovers for a weekend filled with unforgettable performances, business expos, and networking opportunities—all in the heart of Cincinnati.
📚 History and Background
Founded: 1962
Original Name: Ohio Valley Jazz Festival
Founder: Sponsored originally by local Cincinnati businesses to spotlight jazz music
The festival began as a local jazz showcase in the 1960s but quickly grew in scale and popularity. Over the decades, it expanded to include soul, R&B, funk, and hip-hop, becoming a premier destination for Black music fans across the Midwest and beyond.
Notable Milestones:
- 1970s–80s: Hosted legends like Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, and James Brown.
- 2005: Moved to Paul Brown Stadium to accommodate its growing crowds.
- 2015: Procter & Gamble became the presenting sponsor, adding more community and corporate involvement.
- 2023: Featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Jill Scott, Babyface, and Al Green, drawing a multigenerational audience from all over the country.
CMF has become an anchor of Black cultural tourism, contributing tens of millions to the local economy and offering a space where music, fashion, business, and community converge.
🌟 Why You Should Attend
Cincinnati Music Festival is more than a concert—it’s a cultural homecoming.
Whether you’re grooving to the classics or discovering new sounds, CMF offers something for everyone.
What Makes CMF Stand Out:
- 🎤 Unmatched Lineups featuring the best in R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop.
- 🧠 Cincy Soul Business Expo: Celebrates Black entrepreneurship and innovation.
- 💃🏾 Day Parties, Riverfront Mixers & Networking Events happening throughout downtown.
- 🛍️ Black Vendor Marketplaces highlighting local and national brands.
- 🏙️ Scenic Downtown Vibes: Concerts are hosted along the Ohio River with skyline views.
Community Engagement:
CMF also hosts wellness events, empowerment panels, and family-friendly activities that center Black joy and resilience.
🎤 What to Expect in 2024
Headliners & Featured Artists:
While the full lineup is still being finalized, past years have featured:
- Mary J. Blige
- Charlie Wilson
- New Edition
- Usher
- Fantasia
- Earth, Wind & Fire
Expect a stellar 2024 lineup of R&B greats, hip-hop icons, and chart-topping newcomers. Pre-party events and aftershows are also planned throughout the weekend.
Core Events:
- 📍 Thursday, July 25: Pre-party kickoff concert at The Andrew J. Brady Music Center
- 📍 Friday, July 26: Opening Night at Paycor Stadium – R&B legends take the stage
- 📍 Saturday, July 27: Grand Finale – Live performances, tributes, and surprises
- 🧠 Cincy Soul Business Expo: Held at Duke Energy Convention Center – open all weekend
- 🍴 Cincy Soul Food Festival: Food trucks, Black chefs, and cultural cuisine all weekend on Fountain Square
Tickets:
- 🎟️ General Admission: Starting at $75 per night
- 🎟️ Weekend Pass: $190+
- 🎟️ VIP Packages: Access to premium seating, VIP lounge, meet & greets
Buy at: www.cincymusicfestival.com
✈️ Travel & Logistics
Closest Airport:
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – 15 minutes from downtown
Ground Transportation:
- Uber/Lyft are readily available
- Cincinnati Bell Connector (streetcar) runs throughout the downtown area
- Shuttles may be provided from select hotels (check the CMF site closer to event)
Parking Tips:
Public garages and surface lots near Paycor Stadium fill quickly—arrive early or use rideshare.
🏨 Where to Stay
Luxury Options:
- 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
- The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Mid-Range & Affordable:
- AC Hotel by Marriott
- Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Downtown
Travel Tip: Festival organizers often partner with hotels to offer discounted CMF blocks, so check the website for booking links early.
🍴 Where to Eat: Local & Black-Owned Favorites
Must-Try Black-Owned Restaurants in Cincinnati:
- Sweets and Meats BBQ – Smoked meats, comfort food sides
- Just Q’in BBQ – Black-owned, faith-based BBQ with rave reviews
- Allyn’s Café – New Orleans-inspired Creole dishes
- Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey – Brunch spot with soul food twists
Festival Eats:
Cincy Soul and CMF partner to host food trucks, pop-ups, and chef activations throughout the weekend—expect everything from gumbo and jerk chicken to vegan soul and gourmet lemonade.
💡 Tips for First-Timers
- 👟 What to Wear: Festival casual by day; trendy, stylish looks by night. Bring a light jacket for evening shows on the riverfront.
- 🌤️ Weather: Hot and humid—stay hydrated and wear breathable clothes
- 🎒 Essentials: Sunscreen, phone charger, clear bag for entry, ID for drinks
- 🧑🏿🤝🧑🏾 Meet People: Join the CMF Facebook group or follow the hashtag to connect in advance
- 📱 Stay Organized: Download the CMF mobile app for schedules, maps, and updates
🌐 How to Stay Connected
Official Website: www.cincymusicfestival.com
Instagram: @cincymusicfest
Facebook: facebook.com/CincinnatiMusicFestival
Twitter/X: @CincyMusicFest
YouTube: Cincinnati Music Festival Channel
Hashtag: #CincyMusicFest2024
📝 Final Notes
- 🎟️ Tickets and VIP packages available now at www.cincymusicfestival.com
- 📋 Interested in becoming a vendor, speaker, or performer? Submissions are open through May 15, 2024
- 🛡️ Follow local and event-specific health guidelines posted on the website closer to the event
📢 Call to Action
The vibe. The music. The memories.
Join thousands for Cincinnati Music Festival 2024, where Black excellence and rhythm meet on the river.
📆 Mark your calendars: July 25–27, 2024
🎟️ Secure your spot: www.cincymusicfestival.com
📣 Bring your squad. Dress your best. Celebrate the culture.
