CINCINNATI – Rest up, get dressed up and prepare for an extended weekend full of parties.
The 2018 Cincinnati Music Festival is returning to Paul Brown Stadium Thursday through Saturday. The stadium, though, won't contain all the fun as the Queen City hosts thousands of out-of-town visitors for the festival.
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Here's a list of parties you won't want to miss before and after each day of the annual music festival.
PTO: An Adult Skip Party: Pregame at Revel OTR before Paul Brown Stadium opens Friday for the Cincinnati Music Festival. The winery will start playing music and serving drinks at noon. It also promises a few extra surprises throughout the day. Noon-7 p.m. Friday. Revel OTR Urban Winery, 111 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Joints & Jams Music Fest Afterparty: Keep the party going at the Backroom after Charlie Wilson closes the second day of the Cincinnati Music Festival. DJ Chris Paul will team up Friday with Dayton, Ohio's Premium Blend for live, simultaneous performances that will continue late into the night. 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday. The Backroom, 700 Race St. Downtown. $10 presale; $15 at the door; $65 table. www.deluxnightlife513.com
Cincy Soul: Now in its third year, Cincy Soul has grown into more than just a food festival showcasing the delicious dishes of local minority-owned eateries. This year's festivities will begin shortly after 6 p.m. Friday on Fifth Street and Fountain Square and continue through Sunday. Legendary rapper Big Daddy Kane will perform on the square at 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by Bilal at 6 p.m. The party will continue with a performance by Estelle at 5 p.m. Sunday. Organizers promise to keep Downtown hopping until midnight Friday and Saturday with DJs and other fun activities after the music festival ends. And yes, there will be plenty of delicious food to eat, too. 6 p.m.-midnight Friday; 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday. Cincy Soul, Fifth Street and Fountain Square, Downtown. For more information visitthe event Facebook page.
Silent Party: Downtown Cincinnati will be lit in neon Friday and Saturday nights during the "Silent Party" taking place during Cincy Soul. What is a silent party you ask? People will be able to rent neon-lit headphones from a vendor booth. The headphones will stream three different color-coded channels of music as people walk around the festival. Blue trimmed headphones will stream R&B and funk; red will stream reggae; green will play 1990s hip-hop trap music. The party goes from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. each night. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Silent Party, Fifth Street and Fountain Square. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Cincy Music Fest International Carb-Latin-Afro Fusion Party: This afterparty promises a hot evening of dance and drinks thanks to a blend of reggae, hip-hop, Latin, Afrobeat, R&B and Caribbean music into the early morning hours.10 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday. Cove 51, 11473 Chester Road, Sharonville. $10 general admission. bit.ly/2L1ZCBA
Lando’s Old-School Music Fest Afterparty: Feeling lucky? Then after the music festival ends Friday, Saturday or both nights head over to Jack Casino for Lando's Old School afterparty. There will be music and plenty to drink, along with the chance to test your luck at the tables or slots.11 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Jack Cincinnati Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Downtown. $15. For more information visitthe event Facebook page.
Second Annual White & Gold Affair: If you're looking for somewhere to brunch, dance and share a drink with fellow Cincinnati Music Festival attendees before the finale at Paul Brown Stadium, look no further. This year's White & Gold Affair will include music by DJ PRE$STIGE and brunch service until 3 p.m. Saturday. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday. PRVLGD Lounge & Bistro, 301 W. Fifth St., Downtown. $45-$500. bit.ly/2LvWSLX
Fourth Annual Grown and Sophisticated All-White Mid Day Cruise: Dress in your best all-white attire and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Ohio River on Saturday. Two DJs will spin music as you enjoy light bites and an open bar during the boat ride.1-4 p.m. Saturday. River Queen Riverboat, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport. $50 general admission; $95 VIP. bit.ly/2L3gvvK
Rock the Boat 2018: The All White Boat Ride Day Party: Just like the above event, this one recommends all-white attire as well. There also will be drinks and music. 1-5 p.m. Saturday. The Celebrations Queen, 848 Elm St., Ludlow, Kentucky. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Daycation 2: The All-Midwest Day Party: This one is an all-day party split into two parts. Part One: Daycation 2 goes from 2-9 p.m. Saturday at Switch with music by DJ Ty Lyles, DJ Sirprize and DJ Yella. Part two is the afterparty, which starts at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and goes until 2 a.m. Sunday. DJ Allad will join DJs Ty Lyles and Sirprize, and there will be a special performance by the Village Movement. A $30 early-bird package will get you admission to the day party and afterparty, plus a drink ticket and food. General admission is $20 for the afterparty or $40 for entry, drink ticket and food at the door. 2-9 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 p.m. Saturday-2 a.m. Sunday. Switch, 312 W. Fourth St., Downtown. $5 day party general admission; $30 early bird package; $20 day-of general admission; $40 day-of VIP package. http://bit.ly/2Nk7ZVE
Kool Moe Dee Cincy Music Fest Afterparty: Rapper Kool Moe Dee will end the 2018 Cincinnati Music Festival weekend on a high note. The rapper will perform at Cove 51 during this 21-and-older afterparty Saturday. Dress your best and be prepared to impress. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. Cove 51, 11473 Chester Road, Sharonville. $20 general admission. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
