Cincinnati’s rich arts legacy takes center stage this June as ArtsWave launches the 2025 Americans for the Arts Convention with a free, public festival on the city’s riverfront. The event kicks off June 12 at Smale Riverfront Park, showcasing the region’s creative energy while welcoming hundreds of arts leaders from across the country.
Party at The Banks brings food trucks, immersive light installations, a drone show over the Ohio River and a headlining performance by singer-songwriter Ben Folds. Cincinnati native Drew Lachey will host the mainstage music and fashion show, infusing the national spotlight with local talent and pride.
Activities go from 6 to 10 p.m
ArtsWave, Cincinnati’s regional arts agency, organized the celebration as part of its mission to fuel and promote the region’s cultural scene. With $12.3 million raised in its 2025 campaign, the organization continues to power hundreds of arts groups and creative initiatives throughout the region.
That momentum makes the city a fitting stage for this national conversation on the future of the arts.
The festival opens the Americans for the Arts Convention, a three-day event running June 12–14. The convention draws artists, funders and cultural leaders for panels, workshops and discussions on critical issues like funding equity, creative sustainability and the role of the arts in civic life. Founded in 1960, Americans for the Arts leads national efforts to advance the arts and arts education.
By launching the convention with a public celebration, organizers aim to blur the line between national dialogue and community connection, highlighting Cincinnati as a creative force with deep roots and bold ideas.
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