Cincinnati is a magnet for various forms of entertainment, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The city's offerings span concerts, sports events, comedy shows, and theater productions, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The city has housed performances from bands like Kings of Leon to solo acts like Adele. Riverbend Music Center and Bogart’s are popular venues to catch live music. Rising indie bands often prefer smaller settings like MOTR Pub. Meanwhile, electronic music has found its home at venues like The Mad Frog. Jazz fans flock to places like the Blue Wisp Jazz Club, featuring local talent and visiting virtuosos.

Cincinnati is home to the Cincinnati Reds in baseball and the Cincinnati Bengals in football. Both teams have storied histories and fiercely loyal local followings. Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium are the respective homes of these teams. The city has also hosted key events like the Western & Southern Open, attracting top-tier tennis talent.

Local venues like Go Bananas Comedy Club and the Funny Bone regularly bring in a mixture of established and upcoming comedians. Past acts include names like Bill Hicks and Mitch Hedberg, and the clubs continue to scout talent with unique styles that resonate with the Audience.

The Aronoff Center for the Arts and the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park have both been places for highly acclaimed productions, including works by Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati caters to younger audiences, staging adaptations of popular children's books and fairy tales.

Cincinnati has always been a city of arts and culture. It was one of The Earliest American boomtowns in the heart of the country, growing rapidly in the 19th century. Its status as a riverport made it a melting pot of cultures and tastes, and that cosmopolitan spirit continues today. Through the Decades, the city's entertainment industry evolved to keep pace with changing tastes, all while retaining its commitment to quality and variety. This multi-faceted approach to entertainment makes Cincinnati not just a place to visit but a place to experience.

We continue to break down Cincinnati by their events. Try to find events near you.

Concerts in Cincinnati

Cincinnati has been a stop for an array of Musical acts across genres and levels of fame. Small venues like The Comet and Northside Tavern have hosted indie rock bands like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and psychedelic acts such as Ty Segall. Medium-sized venues like 20th Century Theater and Taft Theatre have been stages for more established artists like MGMT and Fiona Apple, who prefer a more intimate setting. Larger venues like Heritage Bank Center and Riverbend Music Center host chart-topping artists; for example, Rihanna and Drake have played to sold-out crowds here.

Several festivals also take the limelight; Bunbury Music Festival has had a wide range of performers from WALK THE MOON to Snoop Dogg. MidPoint Music Festival is another event that leans more on alternative and indie acts, like Real Estate and Kurt Vile.

In the realm of classical music, Music Hall is a can't-miss venue. They’ve hosted orchestras from around the world, and their resident Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a top-tier ensemble that has played pieces from composers as diverse as Beethoven and John Adams.

Electronic and DJ culture isn't left out; venues like The Mockbee host an eclectic range of electronic musicians and DJs who appeal to those seeking beats beyond the mainstream. There's also a thriving hip-hop scene with performers like Vince Staples and Pusha T making appearances at venues like OTR Live.

Sports in Cincinnati

When it comes to men's professional sports in Cincinnati, the city is most prominently represented by the Cincinnati Reds in MLB and the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. The Reds play at the Great American Ball Park, a stadium known for its spectacular views of the Ohio River. The Bengals make their home at Paycor Stadium, another venue with remarkable architectural features and state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to these teams, FC Cincinnati represents the city in Major League Soccer, playing their matches at TQL Stadium, a soccer-specific venue with a lively atmosphere.

Turning to college sports, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats are a dominant force, particularly in men's basketball and football. The Bearcats basketball team plays at Fifth Third Arena, a multipurpose arena with a seating capacity of around 12,000. Football games happen at Nippert Stadium, which is one of the oldest college football stadiums in the United States. Xavier University, located less than 20 miles from Cincinnati, also has a strong men's basketball program; the Musketeers play at the Cintas Center, a venue praised for its fan-friendly design. The Northern Kentucky University Norse is another college basketball team in close proximity, competing in the Horizon League and playing their home games at Truist Arena.

Comedy in Cincinnati

The comedy scene is as vibrant as its musical and sporting counterparts. Performers like Wanda Sykes, Jerry Seinfeld, and Aparna Nancherla have graced the stages of various venues in the city. Comedy clubs such as Go Bananas and Funny Bone have been popular spots for both established comedians and up-and-comers, offering a consistent rotation of talent. These clubs often feature local comedians who eventually move on to larger national platforms. Funny Bone, located in Liberty Township, not only brings in big-name acts but also offers open mic nights, giving aspiring comedians a chance to hone their craft.

The comedy scene extends beyond the traditional club setting, too. The Taft Theatre, known more for hoSting concerts and theatrical performances, has also been a choice venue for stand-up comedy. There, audiences enjoyed acts like Demetri Martin and Mike Birbiglia in a more formal atmosphere. Cincinnati’s annual Brew Ha-Ha combines comedy with craft beer, drawing comedians from across the nation. This unique event allows attendees to enjoy local brews while watching a medley of comedic acts.

Theater Shows in Cincinnati

The theater scene in Cincinnati provides a robust offering of performances that range from classical to contemporary. Plays like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Les Miserables" have had successful runs at the Aronoff Center For the Arts, a key venue that regularly features a wide range of productions. The Playhouse in the Park, another Cincinnati gem, is particularly known for its commitment to new works and has been the launching pad for plays that have eventually moved to Broadway and Off-Broadway stages. The Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, located in the historic Over-the-Rhine district, focuses on social issues through its selection of plays and musicals, offering both thought-provoking and entertaining experiences.

Fans of Shakespeare have a dedicated space at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, where they can watch classics and adaptations alike. This venue goes beyond the Bard, incorporating a variety of dramatic styles and time periods into its annual repertoire. The Know Theatre, meanwhile, is a more experimental space, with a commitment to affordability and boundary-pushing plays.

If you are still looking for something else to do in Cincinnati here is a good resource of information.