NEWPORT, Ky. (June 25, 2026) – The Cincy Region is gearing up for America’s 250th birthday with a busy “Reds,” white and blue week that kicks off with a sold-out Noah Kahan show at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday, July 1, and culminates in a weekend home stretch for the Cincinnati Reds with several Independence Day celebrations on Friday, July 3.
"There is no better place to experience America’s 250th birthday than right here in the Cincy Region," said Julie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of MeetNKY and Interim President & CEO of Visit Cincy. "We are kicking off an incredible holiday week with Noah Kahan fans descending on the region, a Reds home series and major events like Cincy Blast activating both our Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky riverfronts. We are ready to give visitors a world-class experience they won't find anywhere else."
A Fourth of July celebration that began in Newport as Newport Blast is evolving and expanding this year. Cincy Blast brings activities to both sides of the Ohio River to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the aforementioned Cincinnati Reds games, a car show, live music, family-friendly fun, boat cruises and a fireworks and drone show, presented by Rozzi Fireworks, all happening on Friday, July 3.
Cincinnati’s Celebrations
At Sawyer Point in downtown Cincinnati, Cincinnati Parks will host the All-American Birthday Bash & Car Show & Operation Thank You event kicking off at 2 p.m. with a celebration of automotive culture. If you have a car that commands attention, 200 spots are up for grabs to put your car on display and vie to be crowned as the king of classics. Attendees can check out the jaw-dropping cars, and groove to live music from What About Jane, The Classic Rock Experience and Varner Netherton Revival.
Operation Thank You is also joining the All-American Birthday Bash & Car Show by featuring a Veteran Village, a VA Claims Van and static military displays.
In addition, Cincinnati Reds fans can watch the home team take on the Baltimore Orioles beginning at 7:10 p.m. at Great American Ball Park.
Newport’s Celebrations
In Northern Kentucky, Newport on the Levee will host its signature Fourth of July event beginning at 5 p.m. with music from various DJs and a live performance by DV8 Band from 7 to 10 p.m. Face painting and photo opportunities with Lady Liberty will take place from 5 to 9 p.m.
Newport Aquarium is also hosting a special after-hours event from 7 to 10 p.m. where those with a ticket can explore exhibits, enjoy a picnic-style dinner, play yard games on the Aquarium's Riverside Room Outside Terrace and view the Cincy Blast fireworks from one of the best locations on the riverfront.
Finally, celebrate the nation’s birthday with BB Riverboats during a two-hour riverboat cruise with a buffet dinner and views of the fireworks and drone display from the river. Musical entertainment will be provided, and all seating will be banquet-style and reserved. Boarding starts at 7 p.m. with a sailing time of 8 p.m.
Go to VisitCincy.com for a full list of events taking place across the region throughout the holiday weekend and plan your path to celebrate.
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About MeetNKY:
MeetNKY drives quality of life and economic growth for Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development. Learn more at MeetNKY.com and VisitCincy.com.
About Visit Cincy
Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region’s people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world through sales, marketing, communications and community-building strategies. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County and the Cincy Region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions and facilities to visitors, meeting planners and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.
