The Ultimate 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival Lineup & Ticket Guide: Who’s In, Who’s Out, And How To Get The Best Seats
The Cincinnati Music Festival (CMF), presented by P&G, is officially set for a spectacular three-day weekend in 2025, promising one of the most jam-packed lineups in its storied history. As of this current date in December 2025, the full roster of R&B, Soul, and Hip-Hop legends has been confirmed, with a major headliner switch that has fans buzzing across the country. This guide provides the definitive, day-by-day schedule, ticket details, and essential travel information you need to plan your trip to the Queen City.
The festival, which has been a staple of the summer music scene for decades, will once again take over the city from Thursday, July 24, through Saturday, July 26, 2025. With a blend of classic acts, contemporary stars, and a dedicated Hip-Hop kickoff night, the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival is shaping up to be an unmissable event for music lovers.
Cincinnati Music Festival 2025 Full Lineup and Schedule
The 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival is expanding its footprint and musical genres, dedicating its first night to a celebration of Hip-Hop's enduring legacy before moving to the main R&B and Soul events at Paycor Stadium. This year’s lineup features over 15 major entities, ensuring a diverse and unforgettable experience for every attendee. The festival is a multi-venue event, utilizing both the Andrew J Brady Music Center and the massive Paycor Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals).
Thursday, July 24: Hip-Hop Kickoff at Andrew J Brady Music Center
The festival begins with the annual Hip-Hop Celebration, moving the energy to the Andrew J Brady Music Center on the riverfront. This night is a must-see for fans of classic, lyrical Hip-Hop, featuring a legendary lineup of iconic artists:
- Scarface
- Goodie Mob
- The Sugarhill Gang & The Furious Five (pioneers of the genre)
- Young MC
This dedicated kickoff concert sets a high-energy tone, honoring the roots of Hip-Hop and providing a contrast to the weekend's main R&B and Soul focus.
Friday, July 25: R&B & Soul Night at Paycor Stadium
The action moves to the massive Paycor Stadium for the first of two main nights. Friday’s lineup is a powerhouse of funk, soul, and contemporary R&B, headlined by one of the greatest bands of all time:
- Earth, Wind & Fire (The legendary headliners)
- Anthony Hamilton (The soulful R&B crooner)
- Jazmine Sullivan (The contemporary R&B powerhouse)
- PJ Morton (Grammy-winning singer-songwriter)
- The Zapp Band (Masters of funk and party anthems)
- Dreion (Emerging talent)
Saturday, July 26: The Headliner Switch & Grand Finale at Paycor Stadium
Saturday night promises to be the biggest event, featuring a major shakeup from the initial announcement. While Janet Jackson was an early headliner, the final confirmed lineup features two new legends, bringing a blend of Hip-Hop and R&B royalty to close out the festival.
- LL Cool J (The Hip-Hop icon and actor)
- Toni Braxton (The R&B diva and multi-Grammy winner)
- Lucky Daye (Contemporary R&B star)
- 112 (The classic R&B group)
- The Bar-Kays (Funk and Soul legends)
- TMF (formerly of MAZE) (Featuring Frankie Beverly's former band members)
- Jubu Smith
- Z-Trip (DJ and producer)
The inclusion of LL Cool J and Toni Braxton replacing Janet Jackson is a significant, fresh update, ensuring the festival maintains its star power with a dynamic mix of classic and modern performers.
Essential CMF 2025 Ticket Information and Pricing
Securing your tickets early is paramount for the Cincinnati Music Festival, as it consistently sells out and is considered one of the longest-running and most successful R&B and Soul concerts in the United States.
Ticket Sales and Pricing Overview
Tickets for the 2025 festival were officially on sale as of early December, with high demand leading to rapid sales across all tiers.
- General Admission (GA) Single Day: Prices for a single day GA ticket hover around $173.86, though starting prices can be found as low as $31 for limited sections or resale markets.
- VIP Packages: For the ultimate experience, VIP packages are available, which can cost as high as $1053.99, offering premium seating and exclusive amenities.
- Where to Buy: Official tickets are primarily sold through Ticketmaster and the official Cincinnati Music Festival website.
Fans are strongly advised to purchase directly from official vendors to avoid potential fraud and secure the best seating at Paycor Stadium. Given the caliber of acts like Earth, Wind & Fire and LL Cool J, demand is expected to remain high throughout the spring and summer.
Travel and Accommodation: Making the Most of Your Cincy Trip
The Cincinnati Music Festival draws tens of thousands of visitors to the downtown area, making early planning for travel and lodging critical. The festival’s official partner, Jampack, offers dedicated travel packages to simplify your experience.
Official Hotel & Ticket Packages
The official travel package partner, Jampack, provides bundled deals that include both your festival ticket (in a section of your choice) and a 2-4 night hotel stay. These packages are highly recommended for out-of-town guests as they often include:
- Flexible Booking: Options for easy payment plans and group coordination services.
- Convenience: Securing both your entry and lodging in one transaction.
For those booking independently, downtown Cincinnati hotels are the most convenient, offering easy access to both the Andrew J Brady Music Center and Paycor Stadium. The Hyatt Regency Cincinnati is a popular 4-star downtown property that is frequently mentioned as a nearby lodging option.
Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords for CMF 2025
To fully immerse yourself in the CMF experience, consider the context and history of the event. The festival is presented by P&G, a massive corporate sponsor that helps ensure the event's longevity and high production value. The music spans multiple genres, including R&B, Soul, Funk, and Hip-Hop, making it a diverse cultural event. Key logistical entities include the two venues: Paycor Stadium (the main event space) and the Andrew J Brady Music Center (the kickoff venue). The festival’s history dates back decades, establishing it as a premier destination for fans of classic and contemporary black music. The surrounding area offers numerous Cincinnati attractions, dining options, and riverfront views, turning the festival into a full-fledged weekend getaway. Other relevant LSI keywords include CMF performers, ticket master sales, VIP packages, hotel deals, and the Cincinnati Bengals (due to the stadium location).
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