Discover the top things to do…
Explore its diverse collection of neighborhoods, like OTR and Covington, uncover hidden gems like live music at MOTR, and get inspired by trying out a class at Baker-Hunt Art & Cultural Center
Cincinnati Toy Heritage Mural
Take a self-guided ArtWorks walking tour of the public art murals downtown. The Cincinnati Toy Heritage Mural is just one of many murals on the ArtWorks tour. Click here, then hit the link to a free mural map!
See MoreCindependent Film Festival
The Cindependent Film Festival is Cincinnati’s premier indie film event, celebrated for its bold programming, community engagement, and filmmaker-first approach! The festival will be held Sept. 18-20 in 2025, at Memorial Hall.
See MoreCincinnati Music Hall
Attend a show at Cincinnati Music Hall! Built in 1878 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, Cincinnati’s Music Hall is among the City’s most recognizable buildings. Impressive from the outside for its Victorian-gothic architecture, it’s arguably more remarkable on the inside as the home to the Cincinnati Opera (the nation’s second-oldest opera company), Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (the nation’s sixth-oldest symphony orchestra), May Festival (the longest-running choral festival in the Western hemisphere), the opening night of the OTR Film Festival, and Cincinnati Ballet.
See MoreCincinnati Shakespeare Company
Catch a live production at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Every seat at the state-of-the-art theater in the Otto M. Budig Theater is incredible thanks to the modular design. In fact, all seats are less than 20 feet from the stage!
See MoreWashington Park
Shop local artisans at Cincinnati's curated urban market, City Flea! The market is held once a month at Washington Park in the heart of the city. Shop more than 100 vendors for a wide variety of goods, from both local shops and afar. The market runs from spring through fall, and occasionally in winter. Markets may pop up more than once a month at other locations like Factory 52. Always check thecityflea.com before you go to see what day and location they'll be at during your visit.
See MoreART ON VINE
This monthly, local fine art and handmade goods market features over 80 artists and makers. Shop unique and one-of-a-kind gifts by artists from Ohio and beyond at Fountain Square in the spring and summer, and at Rhinegeist Brewery in the fall. (Check their online schedule for dates and locations before you go.)
See MorePendleton Art Center
Head to Pendleton Art Center for Final Fridays! On the last Friday of the month, artists open their studios in the PAC, making it the world's largest collection of artists all in one place. Admire local art, and shop for unique gifts, vintage finds, and more!
See MoreRookwood Pottery — OTR Retail Store
Take a Rookwood Factory Tour. Rookwood Pottery Company, established in 1880 by Maria Longworth Nichols Storer in Cincinnati, Ohio, holds the distinction of being the first large manufacturing enterprise in the United States founded and owned by a woman. Renowned for its exceptional art pottery and architectural tiles, Rookwood quickly gained international acclaim, rivaling European and Asian firms that had been in existence for centuries. After ceasing operations in 1967, the company was revived in 2004 and now operates from a production facility in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, continuing its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.
See MoreClifton Cultural Arts Center
Take skating classes, learn to paint botanicals, practice cookie decorating, get creative with your writing, and check out even more inspiring courses at this community creativity hub just north of downtown!
See MoreThe Carnegie
Just over the river in Covington, Ky., check out the Carnegie, a cultural center and community hub, where you can experience art exhibits and theatrical shows, and kids can get involved in art education. For the theater, book tickets in advance to see one of their dynamic shows in person!
See MoreCincinnati Circus Company
Take an aerial fitness class at this unique, circus-focused company! There are classes for all skill levels. You can also come here to see performers in action. Watch these talented artists fly through the air, juggle with fire, perform magic, and much more.
See MoreAronoff Center for the Arts
Designed by architect César Pelli, the Aronoff Center for the Arts opened in 1995 and has since become central to Cincinnati’s vibrant arts scene. Its modern design features dramatic glass, stainless steel, and brick facades, making it a well-known addition to the skyline. Showing dances, musicals, plays, and more, a visit here will leave you inspired.
See MoreMegaCorp Pavilion
Catch a live show at the MegaCorp Pavilion, also across the river in Kentucky. The indoor-outdoor pavilion is a perfect spot for a summer concert series! Upcoming shows including the Psychadelic Furs, Weird Al, and Garbage. 🎶
See MoreThe Andrew J Brady Music Center
Hosting over 140 events annually, complete with Roebling Bridge and Smale Riverfront Park views, this indoor-outdoor facility is almost sure to be bumping during your visit. Check their schedule for upcoming events and shows, including the Cincinnati Music Festival, Bonnie Raitt, Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, and lots more!
See MoreRiverbend Music Center
Head to a live show at this outdoor amphitheater along the Ohio River! Favorite artists, like Luke Bryan, Wiz Khalifa, and Thomas Rhett, are all playing here this year, so go check out the concert dates.
See MoreWoodward Theater
Showing both live music and film screenings, the Woodward Theater, which was a historic Over the Rhine venue, originally opened in 1913 as a silent film house. It was beautifully restored and reopened in 2014 to serve as a cultural hub for the community and visitors alike! Upcoming shows include School of Rock Allstars and Cincinnati miniFEST. 🎸
See MoreMOTR Pub
From indie rock to folk, jazz, and comedy, MOTR is a pub that hosts diverse acts seven nights a week, all with no cover charge. Choose from over 50 whiskey options, rotating craft beers, and more for a night out on the town here!
See MoreCincinnati Ballet
The Cincinnati Ballet showcases long-standing favorites like "The Nutcracker" during the holidays, classics like "Swan Lake" and "The Great Gatsby," as well as modern performances. Check the schedule to book tickets. Both kids and adults can also take ballet classes here!
See MoreCincinnati Art Museum
Go to an Art After Dark event at the Cincinnati Art Museum for a unique peek at Cincy's art scene at night. Or take a day trip to explore the permanent and rotating exhibits of this famed museum, one of the oldest art museums in the country, that features more than 73,000 works of art across 6,000 years of history!
See MoreTaft Museum of Art
Once belonging to the family of former President William Howard Taft, The Taft Museum of Art, located in downtown Cincinnati, is a distinguished institution housed in a historic 1820s Federal-style mansion. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the museum boasts a diverse collection of over 800 works, including European and American paintings, Chinese porcelains, and decorative arts. Notable artists featured in the collection include Rembrandt, Goya, Turner, and Whistler.
See More21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Visit (or stay) at 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati, a unique hotel in the heart of downtown Cincy. In addition to its 156 beautifully designed rooms and suites, the award-winning boutique hotel has a free museum with curated exhibitions and permanent installations. This is a great spot for art lovers as the hotel is located right next to the Contemporary Art Center and is across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts.
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BookBaker-Hunt Art & Cultural Center
The Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center has been making art accessible since 1922. Founded by Margaretta Baker-Hunt and her niece, it started as a homegrown effort and now spans a 3-acre campus with studios, a mansion, and more. The nonprofit offers classes and events for all ages, creating a laid-back, welcoming space where the community can learn, create, and connect through art.
See MoreFootlighters, Inc.
Footlighters is a nonprofit theatre group based in Newport, KY, performing out of the historic Stained Glass Theatre—once a church, now a creative hub. They’re known for putting on high-quality plays and musicals, often teaming up with other local nonprofits. From full-scale productions to kid-friendly shows, Footlighters offers a wide range of performances and has become a key player in supporting the arts scene across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
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