The annual festival brings generations of R&B, soul, hip-hop and funk fans to Paycor Stadium

At Cincinnati Music Festival, the crowd is the tradition. 

The festival returns to Paycor Stadium July 23–25, bringing three days of music, community events and longtime fan traditions to Cincinnati’s riverfront. This year’s lineup includes Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige, Nelly, Tyrese, Trey Songz, Ledisi, SWV, Doug E. Fresh, Heatwave and more. 

Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day Communications, says the Cincinnati Music Festival stands apart because of the shared experience it creates. 

“What makes Cincinnati Music Festival special is that it is more than a concert. It is a reunion,” Reau says. “Families, friends and music lovers have been making this pilgrimage to Cincinnati for generations.” 

Unlike some festivals built around several stages, Cincinnati Music Festival centers its main performances around Paycor Stadium. 

“Everyone gathers around one iconic stage at Paycor Stadium to share the experience together,” Reau says. 

The 2026 lineup continues the festival’s focus on connecting generations of music fans. Reau says the lineup “perfectly captures what Cincinnati Music Festival has always done best: honor music legends while introducing audiences to artists shaping today’s sound.” 

The weekend begins Thursday with a reimagined kickoff celebrating hip-hop, featuring Talib Kweli, DJ Spinderella, Hi-Tek and DJ Vader before the Friday and Saturday stadium concerts. Friday’s lineup includes Charlie Wilson, Tyrese, Ledisi, 803 Fresh and special guest Nelly. Saturday brings Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, SWV, Doug E. Fresh and Heatwave to the stage. 

The festival’s reach also extends beyond the stadium. Reau says the Cincinnati Music Festival welcomes more than 80,000 visitors each summer and generates an estimated $107 million in annual economic impact. 

“Culturally, it reinforces Cincinnati’s place as one of America’s historic music cities while shining a spotlight on local attractions like the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame and creating opportunities for local artists, entrepreneurs and community organizations,” Reau says. 

This year’s newer elements include the expanded Thursday kickoff, a new state-of-the-art stage, the 513 Festival at The Banks, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony, fan activations from P&G and live broadcasts from The Rickey Smiley Morning Show at Fountain Square. 

“The result is a festival that has evolved into a true citywide celebration where the music inside the stadium is only part of the experience,” Reau says.