Salsa on the Square celebrates 18 years in May

For 18 years, every Thursday night in the summer, Fountain Square has transformed into a vibrant celebration of music, dance and community with Salsa on the Square. This year, the beloved event returns in May, running from 7 to 10 p.m., free and open to all.

While recent revitalization efforts around the Fountain District have brought new cultural events to the area, Salsa on the Square has been one of Fountain Square’s flagship events for 18 years now. Nicholas Radina, a local musician, says the idea came from a conversation with Bill Donabedian, then managing director at 3CDC.

“He came to me and said, ‘I want to do a salsa night,’” Radina remembers. That idea led to a small event, anchored by a 15-by-15 tent on the square.

At the time, live Latin music in Cincinnati was mostly confined to clubs. Radina wanted to bring it into a public, more accessible space. “The goal was to introduce Latin music to a wider audience,” he says. “We wanted people to see it, feel it and maybe even dance along.”

While the general public may not have had Latin music at the top of mind when the event started, Radina says that the event was an instant success. “I think everyone was hungry for it,” he says.

Perhaps due to the initial success, the event’s format has remained consistent since its inception. A local band opens the night with a set, followed by a beginner dance lesson led by instructors from across the city. After a second, slightly more advanced lesson, the band returns for a final set. “Even if you know nothing about salsa, you can come for the first set and get an idea. It’s approachable, fun and inclusive,” Radina says.

The local community is at the heart of the event. While visiting performers occasionally appear, the focus is on Cincinnati musicians and dance instructors, according to Radina. Bands like Tropicoso have become fixtures and newer groups are welcomed, ensuring the tradition evolves alongside the city’s music scene. “We have to celebrate and support the artists here,” Radina says. “Giving them a public platform strengthens the whole community.”

Radina says the event’s impact has grown steadily over time, not just as entertainment, but as a cultural bridge. What began as a way to introduce Latin music to a wider audience has helped normalize it in Cincinnati’s public spaces, drawing crowds of all types of people from all across the city.

That accessibility, he says, is what has sustained the event for nearly two decades. The combination of live music and guided instruction creates an entry point for newcomers while maintaining authenticity for those already immersed in the scene.

Looking ahead, Radina hopes to build on that foundation beyond the summer season. Ideas include expanding the program into local schools, bringing musicians and instructors into classrooms and more. The goal, he says, is to invest in the next generation while extending the reach of what has become a Cincinnati tradition.

“The dream is for Salsa on the Square to outlive me,” Radina says. “It should be a tradition that brings people together every Thursday night, no matter the generation.”