Downtown Cincinnati will turn Fountain Square into a free outdoor concert venue this summer as 3CDC and Visit Cincy roll out a packed lineup of national touring acts and local independent artists.
The schedule stretches from May through September and brings five marquee concerts to the square, including performances from The Verve Pipe, Deep Blue Something, The Jayhawks, Sixpence None the Richer and Augustana. Organizers will not require tickets for any of the shows.
At the same time, Fountain Square will launch a new Friday night local music series called “513 Airwaves” in partnership with Inhailer Radio, the Cincinnati-based independent station that streams online and on 90.9 HD3 while spotlighting local and emerging artists outside mainstream commercial radio.
The new series will run on 10 Fridays between June 5 and Oct. 2 and feature local and regional acts selected by the Inhailer team, including Ratboys, The Silkies, Davey Woodland and The Wonderlands.
Visit Cincy leaders said the expanded programming aims to strengthen the connection between downtown’s convention district, local businesses and tourism activity following the reopening of the First Financial Center and the addition of Elm Street Plaza.
“Fountain Square has long been a central gathering place, and this series adds even more reasons to spend time downtown,” Julie Kirkpatrick, interim CEO of Visit Cincy, said in a statement. “It strengthens the connection between the Convention District, local businesses, and the overall visitor experience.”
3CDC leaders said the partnership helps create a more active downtown environment while supporting nearby businesses and restaurants.
Beyond the Friday concerts, Fountain Square will continue hosting free programming throughout the week. Starting June 1, visitors can catch live music Monday through Saturday, including jazz and salsa performances. The Fountain Bar will also operate daily throughout the season.
Follow the Fountain Square event schedule online.
“We are incredibly grateful to Visit Cincy for their continued partnership and shared vision for a vibrant downtown,” Christy Samad, executive vice president of civic and commercial space activation at 3CDC, said in a statement. “Their support allows us to bring high-quality programming like our Friday Night Concerts to life.”
Fountain Square national concert lineup
- May 29 — The Verve Pipe with Deep Blue Something
- June 26 — Izzy Escobar with Illiterate Light
- Aug. 7 — J. Roddy Walston & The Business with The Bright Light Social Hour
- Aug. 28 — The Jayhawks with Sixpence None the Richer
- Sept. 25 — Augustana with Joe Jordan
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