Cincinnati Music Festival Ticket Calculator
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Ticket Benefits
General Admission Benefits
- Entry to all four days
- Free water refill stations
- Access to open fields and side-stage areas
Tip: Early-bird pricing ends May 1. Plan your budget now to save money on your Cincinnati Music Festival experience.
Planning your summer? Cincinnati Music Festival 2025 is set to light up the Ohio Riverfront with a mix of rock, pop, hip‑hop, and electronic acts from June 12‑15, 2025. Below is everything you need to know about the Cincinnati Music Festival 2025 lineup, ticket options, and insider tips.
Key Takeaways
- Headliners: Foo Fighters, Lizzo, and Kendrick Lamar.
- Festival runs four days (June 12‑15) at Riverfront Park.
- Three ticket tiers: General Admission, VIP, and Platinum Pass.
- Early‑bird pricing ends May 1; buy on Ticketmaster.
- Plan transportation with the City’s free shuttle or rideshare zones.
Who’s Playing? Official Headliners
The organizers, CincyFest Productions, released the headline roster on March 15. Foo Fighters will close the main stage each night, delivering the classic rock anthems that draw crowds of all ages. Pop powerhouse Lizzo headlines Friday night, promising high‑energy choreography and a few surprise guests. And hip‑hop legend Kendrick Lamar anchors the Sunday lineup, bringing his Grammy‑winning catalog to the heart of the Midwest.
Full Day‑by‑Day Lineup
Beyond the headliners, the festival features a blend of established stars and breakout talent. Here’s a quick look at each day’s schedule.
- Friday, June 12 - Opening acts: Tame Impala, H.E.R., and local indie favorite The Ohio Sound. Main stage: Lizzo (8 pm), followed by side‑stage electronic set by Flume.
- Saturday, June 13 - Alternative wing: Vampire Weekend, Alessia Cara, and rising R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan. Main stage: Foo Fighters (9 pm).
- Sunday, June 14 - Hip‑hop block: Anderson .Paak, Doja Cat, and surprise collab with Travis Scott. Main stage: Kendrick Lamar (7:30 pm).
- Monday, June 15 - Family‑friendly finale: St. Vincent, Billie Eilish (acoustic set), and a fireworks‑backed closing performance by Foo Fighters (9 pm).
Ticket Options - Which Pass Is Right for You?
| Tier | Price (USD) | Perks | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $120 (early‑bird) / $150 | Entry to all four days, free water refill stations | Open fields and side‑stage areas |
| VIP | $250 (early‑bird) / $300 | Dedicated VIP lounge, early entry (30 min), premium viewing platform, exclusive merch bundle | Main stage front rows + lounge access |
| Platinum Pass | $450 (early‑bird) / $500 | All VIP benefits + backstage tour, meet‑and‑greet with at least one headliner, complimentary parking, reserved campsite | All areas, including backstage corridors |
Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster on April 1. Early‑bird pricing ends May 1, so grab yours quickly if you want the best deal.
How to Purchase Your Tickets - Step‑by‑Step
- Visit the official festival site and click the “Buy Tickets” button.
- You’ll be redirected to Ticketmaster’s checkout page; create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Select your preferred tier (General, VIP, or Platinum) and the number of passes.
- Enter payment details - credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay are accepted.
- Review the confirmation email, download the QR code, and add it to your mobile wallet.
All tickets are non‑transferable after the event starts, but you can sell resale tickets on Ticketmaster’s verified platform if your plans change.
Logistics - Getting to Riverfront Park
The festival grounds are located at Riverfront Park in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The city offers three convenient ways to arrive:
- Free shuttle: Runs every 15 minutes from the central parking garage (Lot A) to the festival gate.
- Rideshare zones: Designated drop‑off points near the main entrance; look for the purple “Rideshare” signs.
- Public transit: The Metro’s Red Line stops at Riverfront Station, just a two‑minute walk away.
Parking passes are included only with the Platinum Pass; all other ticket holders should use the shuttle or rideshare options to avoid traffic bottlenecks.
What to Pack - Insider Tips
Summer in Cincinnati can swing between 70°F and 90°F, so stay comfortable:
- Reusable water bottle - refill stations are scattered across the grounds.
- Lightweight rain jacket - occasional afternoon showers are common in June.
- Portable phone charger - long setlists can drain battery fast.
- Band‑ana or eye mask - useful for blocking bright stage lights during night shows.
Leave glass containers and large tripods at home; security will confiscate them at entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the festival start and end?
The event runs from Thursday, June 12, through Monday, June 15, 2025. Gates open at 12 pm each day, and the final performance ends at 10 pm on Monday.
Are there age restrictions?
All ages are welcome with a General Admission ticket. However, the VIP lounge and Platinum backstage areas are 21+ only, and they require a valid ID.
What is the refund policy?
Tickets are non‑refundable unless the event is canceled. In that case, a full refund or credit for a future festival will be issued automatically.
Can I bring my own food or alcohol?
Outside food and drinks are prohibited. The venue has a wide range of vendors, and a licensed bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails for attendees 21+.
Is there a camping option?
Camping is available only for Platinum Pass holders at the nearby Camp Riverfront site. It includes a secure tent area, shower facilities, and a special early‑entry lane.
With the headliners announced, tickets on sale, and all the logistics sorted, you’re ready to lock in your spot at the biggest musical celebration of the summer in the Midwest. See you at Riverfront Park!
Tonya Trottman
One could argue that the concept of "early‑bird pricing" is a temporal illusion, yet the festival organizers have anchored it to a concrete May 1 deadline, which, frankly, is a clever application of scarcity economics. The lineup, featuring Foo Fighters, Lizzo, and Kendrick Lamar, spans generational soundscapes, making it a microcosm of contemporary popular culture. While the logistical details are meticulously laid out, the casual misspellings lurking in the official FAQ betray a certain laissez‑faire attitude toward editorial rigor. In any case, the free shuttle schedule appears robust, aligning with the broader urban mobility strategy of Cincinnati. So, if you cherish both punctuality and auditory diversity, the ticket tiers merit a closer inspection.
Ray Htoo
Wow, the color palette of this fest is absolutely electric! From the pulsating beats of Flume to the soulful grooves of H.E.R., the schedule reads like a mixtape curated by a rainbow‑loving DJ. I love how the VIP lounge promises early entry – that extra half‑hour can be the difference between snagging a prime spot or standing in a sea of elbows. And hey, the reusable water bottle tip is both eco‑friendly and wallet‑savvy; never underestimate the power of staying hydrated while dancing. So grab those tickets, bring your brightest outfit, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together.
Natasha Madison
The narrative presented by the organizers seems designed to distract from the underlying agenda of cultural homogenization. While they tout "free shuttles" and "family‑friendly" programming, the true intention is to embed a uniform consumerist mindset across all demographics. The inclusion of high‑profile artists serves only to mask the subtle propaganda embedded in the schedule. Moreover, the restriction of backstage access to a privileged few underscores the class stratification they quietly endorse. Keep an eye out for any covert messaging during the headline sets – it’s often where the real influence is wielded.
Sheetal Srivastava
From a semiotic perspective, the festival’s branding employs a cacophony of intertextual signifiers that aim to elevate the perceived cultural capital of the event. The juxtaposition of mainstream headliners with niche electronic acts creates a bricolage that appeals to both populist sensibilities and avant‑garde aspirations. Operational logistics, such as the delineated shuttle routes, function as a spatial narrative reinforcing the curated experience of temporality. However, the tokenization of local talent, exemplified by "The Ohio Sound," risks being reduced to a mere epistemic garnish rather than a substantive inclusion. Ultimately, the festival orchestrates a dialectic between commercial viability and artistic legitimacy, inviting participants to navigate its layered ontology.
Rajat Patil
Dear fellow festival‑goers, please be advised that the ticket tiers have been clearly delineated with respect to access and amenities. The General Admission provides entry to all four days, whereas the VIP and Platinum options include additional privileges such as early entry and reserved parking. It is recommended to review the official website for the most current information before making a purchase. Should you require further clarification, do not hesitate to contact the customer service department.
deepak srinivasa
I find the detailed step‑by‑step guide for purchasing tickets quite useful, especially the reminder to download the QR code onto one’s mobile wallet. The inclusion of multiple payment methods, including Apple Pay, reflects an awareness of diverse user preferences. Moreover, the advice to consider the Platinum Pass for parking convenience resonates with those planning a hassle‑free arrival. Overall, the practical tips enhance the overall preparedness of attendees.
Vishal Bharadwaj
Honestly, Ticketmaster is just another corporate middleman trying to milk the fans dry. The early‑bird discount is a gimmick; you end up paying the same or more once the fees are added. Plus, the resale platform is a nightmare with bots snapping up tickets in seconds. If you care about fairness, look for alternative resale sites or local groups. Bottom line: don’t trust the hype, do your own research.
anoushka singh
Sounds like a fun weekend, hope the weather holds up!
Jitendra Singh
The festival’s schedule appears thoughtfully balanced across genres, offering something for every musical palate. I appreciate the inclusion of free water refill stations, which demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. The designated rideshare zones should help alleviate traffic congestion around the Riverfront Park. Overall, it looks like an event that encourages community engagement while maintaining logistical efficiency.
Madhuri Pujari
Wow, what an absolutely stellar lineup-Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Kendrick... you know, the usual suspects, nothing groundbreaking at all. And the ticket tiers? Oh, just the standard hierarchy: pay more, feel more important-how original! The free shuttle? Sure, if you enjoy waiting fifteen minutes for a bus that’s just as crowded as the concert crowd itself. Let’s not forget the mandatory rain jacket reminder-because we all love a surprise drizzle to ruin our hair. In short, if you’re into paying premium prices for predictable experiences, this is your golden ticket.
Sandeepan Gupta
First and foremost, congratulations on securing your tickets-this is the foundation of a successful festival experience. Begin by reviewing the official schedule and highlighting the sets you absolutely cannot miss; this will serve as your personal roadmap. Next, assemble a compact backpack that includes a reusable water bottle, a lightweight rain jacket, a portable phone charger, and a band‑ana for light protection against the stage lights. Remember to download the QR code onto your mobile device well before arrival to avoid any last‑minute scanning issues. Familiarize yourself with the free shuttle routes and rideshare drop‑off points, as they significantly reduce the stress of navigating downtown traffic. If you opted for the VIP or Platinum pass, plan to arrive early to take full advantage of the exclusive lounge and backstage access. For those camping, double‑check the campsite rules and bring a secure tent, sleeping bag, and a small flashlight-camping areas are often dimly lit after dark. Nutrition is another key factor: eat a balanced meal before heading to the venue, and carry some high‑energy snacks like granola bars or fruit to keep stamina high throughout the day. Hydration, of course, cannot be overstated; take advantage of the free water refill stations and refill regularly to stay alert. It is also advisable to set a meeting point with friends in case someone gets separated in the crowd-choose a landmark that is easy to locate. Finally, adopt a flexible mindset: while a schedule helps, unexpected changes happen, and being adaptable will enhance your overall enjoyment. By following these steps, you’ll maximize comfort, safety, and fun, ensuring that the Cincinnati Music Festival becomes a highlight of your summer.