My Top 10 Moments from Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend 2026
By Juli "Ms iCandi" Long
Every year, Cincinnati Music Festival weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year. Normally, my focus is covering the concerts inside Paycor Stadium. This year, things looked a little different. Media credentials only allowed us to choose one day inside the festival, so I picked Saturday and decided to spend Friday exploring everything else happening around the city.
Honestly? It ended up being one of my favorite Cincinnati Music Festival weekends yet.
What I discovered was something I've probably overlooked for years. The festival may be the main attraction, but the magic happens all across Cincinnati. From live music and community celebrations to local artists, Black-owned businesses, and unforgettable conversations, this weekend reminded me why I love this city so much.
Here are my Top 10 moments from Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend 2026.
10. Discovering the Festival Beyond the Festival
Choosing not to spend Friday at Paycor Stadium turned out to be one of the best decisions I made all weekend.
I started my morning at the Rickey Smiley Morning Show live on Fountain Square, something I'd never attended before despite knowing it happens every year. Watching people arrive before sunrise with lawn chairs just to be part of the experience showed me how much this weekend means to Cincinnati.
From there, I attended the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame press conference before spending my evening bouncing around downtown, supporting local musicians, DJs, venues and Black-owned businesses.
The festival may have a stadium, but the weekend belongs to the entire city.
9. Cincinnati Felt Like One Big Family Reunion
Everywhere I went, people were introducing themselves.
"Where y'all from?"
Chicago.
Detroit.
Atlanta.
Indianapolis.
Miami.
Texas.
Of course, Cincinnati was well represented too.
What I loved most was how nobody felt like a stranger. People were dancing together, laughing together, taking pictures together and hyping each other up. Whether it was on Fountain Square, at the Walk of Fame or backstage at the festival, there was this overwhelming sense of community.
That feeling stayed with me all weekend.
8. Celebrating Black Music History
Saturday morning started early with the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.
Watching WCIN Radio and Heatwave receive their stars was bigger than unveiling plaques. It was watching generations of history receive the recognition they deserve.
One of my favorite parts was seeing former WCIN personalities, DJs and staff members reunite. The hugs, the laughter and the stories reminded me that music isn't just entertainment. It's family, history and legacy.
A huge thank you to Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece for continuing to pour into this vision. Every year the Walk of Fame continues to grow, and our city is better because of it.
7. Interviewing Regina Belle
I've interviewed some amazing people over the years.
But sitting across from Regina Belle?
That one hit differently.
She was warm, humble and incredibly gracious.
As a movie lover, getting to tell her how much A Whole New World meant to me growing up was surreal. Three generations of my family have listened to her music.
For just a moment, I found myself starstruck.
Then we settled into a beautiful conversation that reminded me legends are people too.
6. Reading Lelee's Memoir Between Interviews
This one makes me laugh.
Every time I found a quiet moment Saturday morning, I disappeared into a corner with Lelee Lyons' memoir, I Regret the Day I Lost My Virginity.
I couldn't put it down.
Little did I know that just a few hours later, I'd be backstage talking to Lelee herself.
Sometimes life writes the best stories.
5. Meeting SWV Backstage
Meeting SWV was everything I hoped it would be.
Lelee signed my book, asked where I was in the story and shared how freeing it felt to finally tell it. Then she gave me the biggest hug.
I've always jokingly said Lelee was my "big sister in my head," so that moment meant more than I can explain.
Coko and Taj were just as sweet. They noticed the SWV hoodie tied around my waist and immediately hyped me up for representing.
Some fan moments stay with you forever.
This was one of mine.
4. Dancing with Full Force
If you've ever been to one of my movie nights, then you already know why this moment meant so much.
One week before my House Party themed Ms iCandi Movie Night, I was standing in front of Full Force dancing to Ain't My Type of Hype while they performed it live.
Even better?
Bowlegged Lou gave Movie Crew a special shout-out and recorded a drop for me after the show.
Little girl Juli was screaming.
Adult Juli wasn't doing much better.
3. Finally Seeing Mary J. Blige Live
How had I never seen Mary live before?
She looked incredible.
She sounded incredible.
Her mic was ON.
Watching Mary J. Blige command that stage reminded me why she's still one of the greatest to ever do it. Every song took the crowd on a journey through love, heartbreak, healing and celebration.
She didn't just perform.
She owned the night.
2. Relationships Really Do Matter
One message followed me throughout the entire weekend.
Relationships matter.
That wasn't just something said during the Walk of Fame festivities. I lived it.
Relationships opened doors.
Relationships created opportunities.
Relationships led to interviews.
Relationships got me backstage.
Relationships introduced me to new people.
Relationships reminded me that kindness still exists.
This weekend wasn't built on credentials alone.
It was built on genuine connections I've spent years nurturing, and I'm incredibly grateful for every person who believed in me enough to say, "Come on in."
1. Coming Home
As amazing as the weekend was, my favorite moment happened after it was all over.
Coming home.
Checking in with my kids throughout the weekend and hearing my son tell me, "Have a great interview, Mom. I love you," reminded me why I keep chasing this dream.
This journey started long before I became a mother.
Thankfully, becoming a mom didn't mean I had to stop dreaming.
My children cheer me on.
They celebrate my wins.
They understand that Mom has dreams too.
And that's something I'll never take for granted.
Final Thoughts
This year's Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend reminded me that sometimes the best experiences happen when your plans change.
Even with Cincy Soul being canceled, only having one day inside the stadium and having to pivot more than once, I still experienced one of my favorite festival weekends to date.
I laughed.
I danced.
I interviewed legends.
I celebrated my city.
I made new connections.
I strengthened old ones.
I even fell...twice.
Most importantly, I was reminded that Cincinnati shines brightest when we celebrate each other.
Until next year...
Candi is outside. Leo season has officially begun.
Comments