Don't Miss Events!

Looking for festivals and events to enjoy during your visit? We've got 'em — a lineup of food festivals, fireworks shows, art festivals, bourbon celebrations, multicultural festivals, craft beer fests, music festivals, and holiday lights take place all year throughout the region. Eat, drink, explore with these marquee events and more. 

BLINK 2026 - The nation's largest immersive art, music, and lights festival takes place October 8-11, 2026. This free event transforms over 30 city blocks into a walkable art gallery. Held every two years. 
 

• 4th of July Week -  From professional sports and live music to fireworks and festivals, there are tons of events happening for the entire family! 

• Glier's Goettafest - A two-weekend-long food fest dedicated to the local dish goetta, a sausage-like breakfast meat made of pork, beef and steel-cut oats. Held in July and August.

• Ohio River Paddlefest - The Ohio River Paddlefest stands out as the nation's premier paddling celebration, drawing over 2,000 participants who navigate from four and a half to nine miles along the Ohio River utilizing canoes, kayaks, and various human-powered crafts.

• Oktoberfest(s) - America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, plus Oktoberfest Covington held in Mainstrasse Village. Held in September.

• Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks and Riverfest - A massive fireworks display held on the Ohio River to close out summer. Held Labor Day Weekend.

• Dark Charge Winter Block Party at Braxton - An annual block party spotlighting Braxton Brewing Co.'s bourbon barrel-aged brews, music and limited edition sips, kicked off by an exclusive dinner - Stave: A Night in the Dark. 

• PNC Festival of Lights - The Cincinnati Zoo’s holiday light display, ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today. Held in December and January
   

Build your itinerary beyond the event and enjoy world-class museums, notable attractions, a nationally recognized food scene, top-rated public art, professional and minor league sports, and a wide variety of live music venues — hosting everything from symphony orchestras to national touring acts.