Cincinnati Music Festival Announces Thursday Night Lineup
The Cincinnati Music Festival is officially setting the tone for another big summer weekend. Organizers have announced the Thursday, July 23rd lineup. Thursday nights mark the official kickoff to the three-day celebration of music, culture, and legacy performances.
RELATED: Cincinnati Music Festival Drops Loaded 2026 Lineup
Thursday night will spotlight hip-hop royalty and hometown talent, bringing an intimate but high-energy experience ahead of the festival’s main stadium shows.
Thursday Night Lineup (July 23):
- Talib Kweli, with a special guest appearance by legendary producer and Cincinnati native Hi-Tek
- DJ Spinderella of Salt-N-Pepa
- DJ Vader from 100.3 R&B Cincy
Traditionally hosted at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center, this year’s Thursday night festivities will take place at the newly renovated East Club Lounge inside Paycor Stadium.
Ticket Information:
- $85 General Admission
- $125 VIP, which includes:
- Two top-shelf drink tickets
- Lite bites
- Exclusive access to the Overlook Bar
Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 7 at 10AM and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling the Cincinnati Music Festival office at (513) 924-0900.
This year’s Cincinnati Music Festival runs July 23–25, with a stacked lineup across all three nights.
Friday night at Paycor Stadium features Charlie Wilson, Tyrese, Ledisi, and 803 Fresh, while Saturday gets hot with headliner Mary J. Blige, alongside Trey Songz, SWV, Doug E. Fresh, Heatwave, and special guest Nelly.
- Fairest Of Them All! A Gallery Of Mirror Mesmerizers, Spellbinding Stunners & Dreamy Dazzlers Who Served Main Princess Energy At Disney Parks, Vol. 2
- From Reasonable Doubt To Roc Royalty: Atlanta Tastemakers Raise A D'USSE Toast To 30 Years Of JAŸ-Z's Landmark Debut
- Freedom Day & Diaspora Discussions: 'The Black Watch' Explores The Black Experience Through 'Miss Juneteenth' & 'Small Axe'
- Trump Delivers Profane Obama Tirade, Critics See The Jealousy
- Sound Waves: Beyond The Biopic, Revisiting Michael Jackson's Indelible Influence On Black Music & Performance
- For Us, Now Buy Us: BOSSIP's Best In Black-Owned 2026
- Kyrie Irving ‘Ghosted’ Cleveland Cavaliers Championship Reunion
- NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Delivers Inspiring Speech At Knicks Rally
- Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2026
- JT Reflects On “Act Up” Turning 8 Years Old, Says It Feels Like Yesterday
