Every month Tour de Cincinnati creates a shortlist of notable events around Greater Cincinnati—large festivals, food weeks, entertainment, and ongoing series—to make sure you mark down these dates to keep in mind as you make plans in the coming weeks.
Here are several important dates for local events in August to get in your calendars now:
August 1–31
Black Business Month
Click here for a comprehensive list of Black businesses to support in Cincinnati in August and beyond. Courtesy of The Voice of Black Cincinnati.
Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing
August 2: Ray Rissel Park Pavilion (Mt Healthy), 7p
August 5: Stewart Park/Madisonville Rec Center, 7p
August 9: Harry Whiting Brown Community Center (Glendale), 7p
August 11: Mt Storm Park, 7p
August 13: Rose Garden at Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, 7p
August 14: Ault Park, 7p
August 19: Braxton Factory 52, 7p
August 20: Delhi Park, 7p
August 21: Bearcat Commons, 7p
August 23: Stanbery Park, 7p
August 28: Summit Park Canopy, 7p
August 29: Downtown Main Library, 1p
August 29: live on WVXU, 7–8p
August 30: The Carnegie Center (indoors), 7p
These are just Hamilton County productions. For a complete lineup of area shows, click here.
Free and open to the public
Traveler’s Table
1011 S Fort Thomas Avenue
A new restaurant concept in Fort Thomas, replacing Grassroots & Vine with an entirely new dining experience.: where guests can “Travel the World Without Leaving the Table.” Every meal celebrates the flavors, cultures, and stories of destinations around the world.
through August 2
Cincinnati Opera 2026 Summer Festival
Music Hall
MainStage season enhanced by an expanded selection of Studio Sessions.
August 1: Orpheus and Euridice, 3p and 8p
August 2: Carmen, 3p
Grand Carnivale
Kings Island
International festival and cultural event complete with live music, cultural crafts, lively activities, authentic cuisine, and more. Daily Spectacle of Color parade concludes with an end-of-night finale filled with fireworks, lasers, lights, and drones.
July 30–August 2
Goettafest
Newport’s Festival Park at the Levee
A celebration of all things goetta featuring two weekends of Glier’s Goetta-inspired dishes, live music, and family fun.
Free admission
July 31–August 1
July 31: Outdoors for All Expo
Schmidt Recreation Complex, 4–9:30p
Exhibitors, hands-on activities, live music, local beer and more.
If you’re just attending the Expo, please park on streets adjacent to the park or at Riverview East Academy and walk in following the Ohio River Trail.
August 1: 25th Ohio River Paddlefest
7a (races start; finish line festival closes at 2p)
Paddlefest supports Adventure Crew commitment to Outdoors for All.
through August 8
Read Around the Block
College Hill
Join the College Hill Forum this summer for a a celebration of reading. Visit Little Free Libraries, CHPL – College Hill Branch, and local bookstores to get stamps on your passport. There will be books, prizes, and events. Follow along with College Hill Forum and check back to the Weekend Rundown for events throughout the month.
June 1: Kickoff Party at Patrick’s Park, 6–8p
August 8: Wrap Party at Patrick’s Park, 6–8p
All events and activities are free
through August 30
Seas the Summer
Newport Aquarium
Pick up your FREE Summer Bucket List and set off on a journey through 10 themed experiences throughout the aquarium. Each gallery brings a classic summer experience to life, creating unforgettable moments for explorers of all ages.
Included in aquarium admission
August 7–9
Ohio’s Annual Sales Tax Holiday
Goods of any kind priced at $500 or less are exempt from tax during the holiday. This sales tax holiday helps families buy clothing, supplies, and other items their children may need to be successful in the coming school year.
FAQ for exclusions and restrictions
August 4–29
Summermusik Festival
Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra
Three different concert experiences designed to provide something unique for everyone’s musical tastes. Concerts at multiple venues. Click the link above for schedule and details.
August 6–9
Annual 127 World’s Longest Yard Sale
Yard sale that spans 690 miles from Gadsden, AL to Addison, MI. Northside’s neighborhood-wide garage sale will be on August 8 from 9a–2p to coincide with the 127 Yard Sale.
VOA Music Fest
Voice of America Park
30+ artists playing a weekend of music, including Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, and Jordan Davis.
August 7–8
On Point Music Festival
Sawyer Point
Two days of music, including July for Kings, Sylmar, Saintseneca, The Tillers, and many more, as well as roller rink, beach volleyball, and pickleball tournament.
Free admission
Spark in the Dark
Miami Whitewater Forest
Illuminate the night this summer with glow boat rentals, night hikes, and refreshments available for purchase.
August 8–9
Arcade Music Fest
Covington
Arts and music festival spanning multiple venues, with the main stage of the event at the corner of Washington and Pike Streets.
Cincinnati Open Community Weekend
Lindner Family Tennis Center
Family friendly two-day celebration ahead of tournament play, featuring interactive on-court experiences, tennis drills, autograph sessions with the pros, face painting, balloon artists, fairy hair, live music and more. There will also be a 5K run, a Red Bull BassLine exhibition and opportunities to see the pros up close during practice sessions.
Tickets
August 9
Family Day
Stricker’s Grove, 12–8p (rides close from 4 to 5 for dinner)
Stricker’s Grove is only open to the public four days a year and one of those is Family Day the second Sunday in August. Food and alcohol available for purchase on-site. You can also bring your own food.
$22 admission (kids under 2 free) includes all rides all day, 18-hole mini golf, unlimited soft drinks
August 11–23
Cincinnati Open
Lindner Family Tennis Center
World-class tennis tournament with entertainment and events, plus fine food and drink options. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States still played in its original city.
Tickets
August 13
Bengals Preseason Starts
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions
Paycor Stadium, 7p
Click here for remaining preseason and regular season schedule
August 13–16
38th Annual Midwest Black Family Reunion
Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove
Four-day event celebration of the historic strengths and values of the Black family, featuring free events such as a job fair, parade, speakers, concerts, and opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses.
Great Inland Seafood Festival
Newport’s Festival Park on the Levee
Full weekend of live music and seafood from local vendors.
Free admission
August 14–15
Charm at the Farm
Lebanon
Open-air vintage market featuring 115+ local and regional artisans purveying vintage and handmade items, repurposed furniture, jewelry, clothing, home decor, gifts. There will also be food options, drinks, and entertainment.
Tickets
August 15
Oktoberfest Season Kickoff
Grainworks Brewing Company, 11a
Live music, food, fun, and games.
August 20
August Summer Music Festival
Ault Park Pavilion, 6–10p
Local favorite food, craft beer/margaritas/wine/hard seltzer and water will be available for purchase. The Remains will be performing. There will also be inflatables & games, and volunteer organizations will have kids’ crafts and activities from 6-8pm.
Free admission
August 28–30
First of Fall Festival 2026
Boone County Fairgrounds
Largest Handmade craft show in Boone County featuring crafters and food trucks.
Parking is $5/car
Germania Oktoberfest
Germania Society
The largest German Bier selection in the Tri-State, traditional German food, three stages of live German music all weekend, dancing, games, and family friendly fun.
$5 admission per person at the gate (kids 12 and under free)
