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.
- Senator Warnock Condemns Racist Post Targeting the Obamas ‘This Has No Place in America’
- Ari Lennox JD Collab, Amaya’s New Boo, Keith Lee Fight Advice, & More
- Sybil Wilkes Breaks Down What We Need to Know: February 6, 2026
- A Disney Cruise That Celebrates Culture and Centers Black Families
- Win Tickets to New Edition, Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton!
- A Black Hercules on Disney’s Newest Cruise Line Is the Magic We Needed
- Bad Bunny Isn’t Waiting Until The Super Bowl To Show Off His Swag, Rocks Cartier & Bottega Veneta During A Press Stop
- Normani’s New Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Photos Are The Gym Motivation We Didn’t Know We Needed
- How Bomm Sheltuh Played A Role In J. Cole’s Early Career
- Kamala Harris Relaunches KamalaHQ As Gen Z Media Hub ‘Headquarters’
