Cincinnati, Ohio is home to a vibrant music scene with concerts happening almost every night of the week. As the birthplace of funk music and a major stop on national tours, Cincinnati attracts big name artists as well as up-and-coming local bands. Music fans can find concerts in numerous venues across the city, from large arenas and classic concert halls to intimate clubs and outdoor festivals. Knowing the major concert venues in Cincinnati can help you discover where to experience live music across genres like rock, pop, country, jazz, blues, and more.
Major Concert Venues in Cincinnati
Here are some of the top places to catch concerts in Cincinnati:
Arenas & Stadiums
For major touring acts and huge crowds, Cincinnati has several large arena and stadium venues.
- Heritage Bank Center – Formerly known as the Cintas Center and U.S. Bank Arena, this 18,500 seat arena hosts the biggest concerts from today’s top pop, rock, and country superstars. Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Keith Urban are among recent headliners.
- Great American Ball Park – The home of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team also holds outdoor concerts during the summer, fitting over 42,000 fans. Recent performers include Billy Joel and the Zac Brown Band.
- Riverbend Music Center – This large outdoor amphitheatre located along the Ohio River books big name bands and summer package tours. With room for over 20,000 people, it attracts artists like Dave Matthews Band, Sam Hunt, and Chicago.
- Paul Brown Stadium – As the home stadium of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, this venue can accommodate major concert tours in the offseason, with capacity for 65,000. U2, Kenny Chesney, and Taylor Swift have played here recently.
Theaters & Concert Halls
For more intimate, seated shows, Cincinnati’s theaters and concert halls host renowned artists in beautiful historic venues.
- Aronoff Center for the Arts – This elegant downtown theater complex features multiple stages perfect for live music, from the 2,500 seat Procter & Gamble Hall to the more intimate 650 seat Fifth Third Bank Theater. Events range from classical music to Broadway shows.
- Taft Theatre – First opened in 1928, this gorgeous 2,500 seat concert hall attracts big legacy acts like Judy Collins along with popular indie bands. The architecture emulates a Moorish castle.
- Bogart’s – This standing room only venue in Corryville holds just 1,500 people for a more up close and personal concert experience. Indie rock, alternative, metal and country acts frequent Bogart’s.
- Southgate House Revival – Spread over three separate music venues, this Newport concert hall books underground and emerging bands in genres like indie rock, alt-country, and Americana. Capacity ranges from 340 to 1,100.
Nightclubs & Bars
For a wide range of local, regional, and national acts in an intimate club environment, check out Cincinnati’s top music bars and nightclubs.
- Madison Live – This concert club in Covington welcomes rock, indie pop, jam bands, and more on one of two stages holding 700 to 1,700 people. Drinks and pub food available.
- Top Cats – One of Cincinnati’s premier blues and jazz clubs, Top Cats features live music almost every night on their colorful main stage as well as in the more casual downstairs lounge.
- MOTR Pub – This hip neighborhood joint mixes cold beer, creative cocktails and great pub grub with nightly live music from local rock, indie, punk, and alt-country bands as well as regional touring acts.
- Rhinegeist Brewery – Housed in a historic Cincinnati brewery, Rhinegeist is one of the area’s most popular craft breweries and hosts concerts with bands of all genres several nights a week.
Major Music Festivals in Cincinnati
In addition to concerts at regular venues, Cincinnati is home to several large annual music festivals that bring dozens of acts across genres:
Bunbury Music Festival
Held along the Ohio River every summer since 2012, Bunbury is Cincinnati’s biggest music festival featuring over 100 indie, rock, pop, and hip hop acts performing across 3 outdoor stages for tens of thousands of fans.
Cincinnati Music Festival
One of the largest music festivals in the Midwest, “CMC Fest” is a weekend celebration of funk, R&B, soul, hip hop, and gospel music with big names like Janet Jackson and Charlie Wilson at Paul Brown Stadium.
MidPoint Music Festival
Showcasing primarily indie rock bands at clubs and theaters in Over-the-Rhine, MidPoint highlights Cincinnati’s vibrant local music scene alongside national alternative acts during this 3-day September festival.
Underscore Music Festival
A relatively new September festival focused on a more intimate experience, Underscore takes place across four walkable Covington venues highlighting Cincy’s indie, Americana and roots music talent.
Best Music Genres in Cincinnati
Known for its diversity, Cincinnati delivers concerts spanning all musical tastes and categories. Here are some of the top genres and scenes:
Rock/Indie Rock
Cincinnati loves rock music, from the days of The Isley Brothers and Bootsy’s Rubber Band funk rock to modern indie groups like The National, Walk the Moon, and Foxy Shazam. Catch local bands at Northside clubs and regional/national acts at Bogart’s, Southgate House or festivals.
Country
Situated in the heart of the region that first defined country music and still fosters major stars, Cincinnati offers plentiful options for the country fan. Riverbend draws huge country tours while bars like Oakley Station and J.D. Legends spotlight local talent.
Jazz
Hometown jazz legends like trumpeters Maynard Ferguson and Al Hirt helped establish Cincinnati’s strong ties to jazz. Venues like Caffè Vivace, Greenwich, and Blue Wisp Jazz Club regularly feature live jazz combos while outdoor summer concerts include jazz acts.
Blues
The Blues is alive and well in the Queen City, which hosts the Cincinnati Blues Festival plus top clubs like BB King’s, Allyn’s Cafe, and Top Cats to experience the best in local, regional, and national blues artists and bands 7 nights a week.
Funk
As the 19th century home of King Records and birthplace of artists like James Brown’s backing group The J.B.’s, Bootsy Collins, and The Ohio Players, Cincy is proud of its funk music legacy. Catch funk concerts at The Woodward or check out the Cincinnati Funk Fest.
Hip Hop/Rap
Though not as widely known for rap and hip hop as genres like funk or rock, Cincinnati still enjoys an active scene. Underground rappers and DJs frequent nightspots like Believe Music Hall and Pachinko while mainstream hip hop shows visit Heritage Bank Center.
The Best Concert Experiences in Cincinnati
Some of the most memorable concerts in Cincinnati provide a unique listening experience, like these:
Riverbend PNC Pavilion
The venue’s location on the banks of the Ohio River provides beautiful views of the water and Cincinnati skyline during outdoor summer concerts from the covered but open-air pavilion that seat over 20,000.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at Music Hall
For an elegant night of world-class classical music, the Cincy Symphony Orchestra performs throughout the year at the renowned Springer Auditorium in the art deco masterpiece Cincinnati Music Hall.
Concerts at Washington Park
This civic green space hosts free outdoor concerts during warmer months, allowing music fans to spread out picnic blankets while enjoying live music in an amphitheater-style setting.
Rock shows at Bogart’s
Dubbed one of the top rock clubs in America, Bogart’s has an energy and intimacy that electric rock concerts thrive on, with acts standing just feet from the enthusiastic crowd.
The Southgate House Revival
These three adjacent venues with capacities ranging from 340-1,100 gives concertgoers options, from cramped punk shows to alt-country bands in a mid-size theater.
How to Find Out About Concerts Happening in Cincinnati
To best keep your finger on the pulse of the wide-ranging Cincinnati concert scene, utilize these helpful resources:
- Follow venue websites and social media for concert announcements, on-sales, and presales.
- Sign up for artist/band email lists and text alerts for tour news.
- Listen to local radio stations like 102.7 WEBN and 101.1 WIZF that promote area shows.
- Check Cincinnati publications and blogs like CityBeat, CincyMusic, and CincyWeekend for upcoming show previews.
- Look for ads and articles in the Cincinnati Enquirer and alternative newspapers.
- Use comprehensive concert databases like Songkick, Bandsintown, and ConcertArchives to track your favorite artists and venues.
- Follow Cincinnati-focused concert calendars like the one on CincyWeekend.com.
How to Get the Best Deals on Cincinnati Concert Tickets
While Cincinnati concert tickets are often cheaper than bigger touring markets, you can still save more on seats with these money-saving tips:
- Buy early when tickets first go on sale to get best selection.
- Join fan clubs and artist presales that offer special access to tickets.
- Sign up for venue and promoter presales for early ticket windows.
- Check Groupon and LivingSocial for discounted concert ticket deals.
- Look for special concert ticket promotions on radio stations.
- Purchase lawn seats or restricted view seats which are typically the cheapest.
- Attend free concerts like at Washington Park and save your budget for bigger shows.
- Last minute deals can pop up on sites like StubHub as shows get closer.
Getting to Cincinnati Concerts
Most major concert venues are located in or near downtown Cincinnati and are readily accessible from highways like I-75, I-71, and I-275. Here are some concert-going tips for transportation and parking:
- Utilize affordable ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft to shows downtown.
- Take advantage of public transit via Cincy Metro buses and streetcars with stops at venues like Heritage Bank Center.
- Riverbend runs concert shuttles from downtown hotels and designated lots right to the entrance gate.
- Parking lots, garages, and street parking are available near most venues, though fees can be pricey.
- Arrive early to secure better parking spots and allow time to walk further for cheaper or free street parking.
- Consider parking farther away from the venue or outside downtown to save money.
Where to Eat and Drink Around Cincinnati Concert Venues
Enhance your concert experience by checking out the great food, drinks, and atmosphere at bars and restaurants neighboring popular Cincinnati music venues.
Around Heritage Bank Center
- Rhinehaus for craft beers, German food, and outdoor biergarten
- Moerlein Lager House with local brews and upscale pub grub overlooking the Ohio River
- Taste of Belgium for waffles, crepes, and chicken and waffles
- Graeter’s Ice Cream parlor for signature ice cream since 1870
Near Madison Theater
- Krueger’s Tavern for burgers, beers, and sporty bar vibe
- Goodfellas Pizzeria for huge New York-style slices and subs
- The Gyro Guys for quick, delicious Mediterranean eats
- Pompilio’s Restaurant with family-style Italian entrees and pizzas
Around Riverbend Music Center
- KingFish for Cajun seafood, steaks, and waterfront patio
- Champion Brewing Company with local craft brews, farm-to-table pub fare
- Tin Roof bar with live music, beer towers, burgers, barbecue and tacos
- Steamboat House known for Cincinnati chili, burgers, and river views
Near Southgate House Revival
- Hofbrauhaus for imported German beer and huge hearty meals
- Newport Pizza for cheesy pies, subs, salads, and pasta
- The Pub at Roebling Point bar with craft cocktails and bar bites
- Carabello Coffee coffeehouse with fair trade coffee and teas, pastries
Conclusion
With its mix of intimate clubs, gorgeous theaters, and massive arenas, Cincinnati provides a wide array of concert experiences across your favorite musical genres. From rock, country, and blues to pop, funk, and hip hop, both local bands and national touring acts entertain music lovers night after night in Cincy’s diverse venues. Use this guide to discover where to find the best concerts and live music that Cincinnati has to offer.
