2025 Cincinnati Music Festival promises soul, sound, and legacy

Contributed

Cincinnati is getting ready to groove again as the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G (CMF) returns July 24–26 with a powerhouse lineup and a weekend packed with music, culture, and community. One of the nation’s premier celebrations of R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop, the festival draws fans from all over the country to the Queen City each year, and this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable experience.

From the smooth soul of Toni Braxton and the legendary funk of Earth, Wind & Fire, to the iconic rhymes of LL Cool J and the pioneering flow of The Sugarhill Gang, the 2025 edition of CMF blends musical generations into a weekend of timeless entertainment.

The Lineup: Legends, Lyrics, and Lasting Memories

THURSDAY, JULY 24, “A Tribute to Hip-Hop”

Location: Andrew J. Brady Music Center
The festival kicks off with a salute to hip-hop history at the Brady Center, showcasing some of the genre’s most iconic names. The lineup features:

• Scarface – Known for his deep lyricism and Southern storytelling
• Goodie Mob – A fusion of funk and conscious hip-hop from Atlanta
• The Sugarhill Gang – Pioneers who brought rap into the mainstream
• Young MC – The voice behind the classic “Bust a Move”

FRIDAY, JULY 25, Funk & Soul at Full Power

Location: Paycor Stadium
Friday night shifts the energy to Paycor Stadium with a blend of soul legends and modern maestros. The lineup includes:

• Earth, Wind & Fire – One of the greatest bands of all time, delivering hits like “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” with their signature horn section and high-energy stage show
• Jazmine Sullivan – GRAMMY-winning vocalist known for “Pick Up Your Feelings” and powerhouse ballads
• Anthony Hamilton – A master of modern soul whose rich voice brings heartfelt emotion to every performance
• PJ Morton – The Maroon 5 keyboardist turned solo R&B star with a New Orleans groove
• The Zapp Band – Dayton’s own electro-funk legends, bringing the talk box and timeless bounce
• Dreion – A rising artist and Cincinnati native who will pay tribute to the Queen City’s musical roots with a special set honoring King Records

SATURDAY, JULY 26, A Grand Finale of R&B Royalty

Location: Paycor Stadium
Saturday continues the momentum with another stacked lineup, this time highlighting vocal legends and contemporary crooners. Highlights include:

• Toni Braxton – The sultry, soulful voice behind “Un-Break My Heart” and “Breathe Again” returns to command the stage with elegance and emotion
• LL Cool J – Hip-hop’s original ladies’ man will bring charisma and classics to the stadium, backed by DJ Z-Trip
• Ronald Isley – An Ohio legend bringing decades of R&B history and unmistakable smoothness
• Lucky Daye – One of the genre’s freshest talents blending retro soul with new-school swagger
• Joe, After 7, Dave Hollister, Raheem DeVaughn, 112 – R&B hitmakers who defined the ‘90s and 2000s with silky vocals and slow jams
• Jubu & Friends – Leading a tribute to Frankie Beverly, the evening will honor the legacy of Maze and their enduring impact on festival culture

Ticket Info & Festival Tips

• Single-day and weekend passes are available at cincymusicfestival.com
• Local transportation and rideshare hubs will be enhanced throughout the weekend
• Festival-goers are encouraged to explore The Banks, Fountain Square, and Findlay Market for a full weekend experience

More Than Music: A Citywide Celebration

CMF isn’t just a music festival, it’s a cultural moment for Cincinnati. From pop-up markets featuring Black-owned businesses to art exhibitions, fashion showcases, and local cuisine, the festival brings a wave of energy and tourism to downtown.

Additional Events (in chronological order)

Friday Flow concert series, Washington Park

• July 11 featuring Tony Terry
• July 18 featuring The Levert Experience

CMF Outdoor Museum presented by P&G, Kroger & ArtsWave, at Washington Park

CMF Outdoor Art Museum presented by P&G, Kroger and ArtsWave is hosted in Washington Park during Friday Flow.  The outdoor public exhibition features six Black artists who will create canvases around the theme Rhythm & Renaissance: A Visual Celebration of Legends

• Friday, July 18, 4-10pm.  

Visit Cincy Marketplace, Fountain Square

A variety of local and minority-owned shops, vendors, and artisans will exhibit on Fountain Square.

• July 24-27, opens at 11 am each day

Rickey Smiley Show, Live from Fountain Square

• Thursday, July 24 & Friday, July 25, 6-10 am

“Clips and Conversations with ‘Beyond the Gates’ cast,” Freedom Center

Join the cast of CBS’ Beyond the Gates for an afternoon of behind-the-scenes insights, and powerful conversation at the Freedom Center.

• Friday, July 25, 12-3 pm

10^th Anniversary of the Queen City 5K, The Banks

Take in the sights of the Ohio Riverfront and run (or walk) for a cause. Proceeds from the race contribute to scholarship funds and opportunities for local youth of diverse backgrounds.

• Saturday, July 26, 8 a.m. 

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Dedication, The Brady Center

A cross promotion between the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame and CMF.

• Saturday, July 26, noon

Big3 Basketball League, Heritage Bank Center

The 3-on-3 pro basketball league, founded by rapper and actor Ice Cube, features former NBA players, All-Stars and international professionals.

• Sunday, July 27, 1 p.m.