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Northern Kentucky is a burgeoning market for music festivals, with the region boasting several live music venues that offer concertgoers diverse experiences.
Julie Kirkpatrick, CEO of meetNKY, Northern Kentucky’s tourism bureau, believes that music festivals were a great way for the region to generate money for the local economy, foster civic pride, and highlight small businesses and vendors.
“Events are so critical to our region for a couple of reasons—whether it is the Cincinnati Music Festival, the amazing BLINK Art and light installation or Oktoberfest, it puts new eyes on our community,” she said during the Covington Business Council Luncheon on April 17. “Ultimately, we always hope in the visitor industry, it brings in thousands of people to come and spend their money here.”
From riverfront celebrations to iconic performances, here’s a look at music festivals slated for this summer in and near Northern Kentucky.
Outlaw Music Festival
June 22: Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati
Country and folk music fans have much to anticipate with the Outlaw Music Festival’s 10th Anniversary Tour stop at Riverbend. The impressive lineup includes legendary artists such as Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trampled By Turtles and Myron Elkins.
Celebrating a decade of authentic Americana, the festival has grown into one of North America’s largest annual touring franchises, known for uniting music legends with contemporary superstars. Expect an unforgettable evening of performances that honor the outlaw spirit and genre-defying music.
Festival on the Lake
Aug. 16: A.J. Jolly Park, Alexandria
Festival on the Lake is one of Northern Kentucky’s premier music festivals. Taking place at A.J. Jolly Park in central Campbell County, Festival on the Lake features local bands and artists that play at the lakefront Stapleton Pavilion.
Attendees often set up lawn chairs and relax while taking in the music and scenic views of the lake, open summer skies and green scenery.
In addition to live music, Festival on the Lake offers other activities, such as watercraft rentals, food and craft vendors, and a kids’ fun zone.
St. Celia’s Labor Day Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Independence
One of Northern Kentucky’s most prominent church festivals is returning for another year, this time taking place over Labor Day weekend.
St. Celia, a Catholic church in Independence, hosts an annual music festival that features various tribute bands. The festival will host Bohemian Queen, a top-rated Queen tribute band, with local favorite Vinyl Countdown opening the show. The following days will feature Midnight Blue, a Foreigner tribute band, then the VERY BEST, a Garth Brooks tribute band.
Besides musical performances, the festival will have a Corvette raffle, chicken dinner, food and craft vendors and a variety of other games and family-friendly activities.
Merchants & Music Festival
Sept. 20: Tower Park, Fort Thomas
Started in 2003, Merchants & Music, sponsored by West Sixth Brewing, boasts the title of Northern Kentucky’s largest music festival. Fort Thomas’ Tower Park is an ideal venue for attendees to listen to national and local artists alike. Past performers include Bret Michaels of Poison, Pure Prarie League, John Michael Montgomery, Dusitn Lynch and Andrew McMahon.
Merchants & Music features food trucks from around the region, craft tents and other amenities. Attendees are encouraged to rock sunglasses, lawn chairs, sunscreen and a group of friends to enjoy the show.
America’s River Roots Festival
Oct. 9-12: Cincinnati, Covington, Newport
America’s River Roots Festival promises to be one of the largest music festivals in Greater Cincinnati history. Its purpose is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Ohio River region, drawing inspiration from another popular local event – Tall Stacks. The five-day event will serve as a kickoff to America’s 250th birthday celebration.
While the acts have yet to be announced, artists will be curated by Bryce Dessner of The National. The festival is divided into eight zones, two of them on the Northern Kentucky side, in Covington and Newport.
In addition, attendees will get to see riverboats from various ports, including the Steamboat Natchez from New Orleans and the Belle of Louisville, and can take riverboat cruises. Northern Kentucky will be well represented in the festival’s food and culture events, too, like bourbon tastings, river walks and a river cities expo.