10 Opening Day Pre-Game Parties Celebrating the Return of the Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati takes the Reds' opening day very seriously, and so do the city's bars, breweries and parks.

After two years of COVID-related cancellations or delays, this year's opening day was pushed from its original March 31 date to April 12 after the first few series of the 2022 Major League Baseball season were canceled. While the Reds' first official game of the season is on April 7 against the Atlanta Braves, the home opener takes place on April 12, when the team plays the Cleveland Guardians at Great American Ball Park.

Be ready to call off work as the festivities start as early as 9 a.m. and last all day.

Findlay Market Opening Day Parade  
The 103rd Opening Day Parade kicks off at noon. Grand Marshal Barry Larkin, Baseball Hall of Famer and former Red, leads the procession.  Businesses and groups from the city will make their way from Findlay Market down Race Street and east onto Fifth Street, walking, marching, biking, driving and operating floats all the way to the Taft Theatre. Noon April 12. Leaves from Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, findlaymarketparade.com.

Arnold’s Opening Day Extravaganza
Arnold's Bar and Grill is going big with an Opening Day Extravaganza. Breakfast will be served from 9-11 a.m., with live music, entertainment and beer specials all day. Members of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will perform "Casey at the Bat" and "Who's on First?," and Jim Tarbell will be wandering the bar dressed as Peanut Jim Shelton. One out of five beer cups will be marked, and those who get the marked cups will win special Reds memorabilia. Variants and rare beers will be tapped first thing in the morning, and Todd Hepburn will take to the piano in the afternoon to play baseball songs. Doors open at 9 a.m. April 12. 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, arnoldsbarandgrill.com.

Opening Day at Rhinegeist Brewery
Get ready to start celebrating early at Rhinegeist. Visit the taproom for drink specials, giveaways, baseball-themed decor and watch the game live on the taproom jumbotron. Doors open at 9 a.m. April 12. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, rhinegeist.com.

Opening Day at The Phoenix
Enjoy prime parade viewing, an all-you-can-eat ballpark buffet and DJ Toad at The Phoenix. Located directly on the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade route, The Phoenix offers more parking options than The Banks — plus private restrooms. The ticketed event is 21 and over. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 12. $35. 812 Race St., Downtown, eventbrite.com. 

Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party
For those who want to be as close to the action as possible while they pre-grame, this block party adjacent to Great American Ball Park will be offering food and drinks all day long. Look for beer and vodka booths, and visit bars and restaurants all along Joe Nuxhall and Freedom ways. Proceeds benefit the Reds Community Fund. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 12. 150 E. Freedom Way, The Banks, facebook.com.

Opening Day at Moerlein Lager House
Moerlein Lager House has updated its beer garden, so get ready to drink some brews before the big game. 700WLW's Gamble 'N Fin will be on-site hosting a live show with promised "opening day guests." There will also be trivia each hour, games, live music and more on the event lawn. 10 a.m. April 12. 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks, facebook.com.

Opening Day at Braxton in Covington
Northern Kentucky Reds fans unite and join in the Cincinnati tradition of opening day. The Braxton taproom in Covington will be screening the Reds on all TV's while serving Garage Beer specials, pretzel chili dogs and, the ballpark classic, Cracker Jacks.  Braxton will offer a shuttle to the game starting at 3 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. April 12. 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, facebook.com.

Opening Day at Washington Park
Celebrate the Reds' opening day at Washington Park with live music, food and drinks.  On top of great views of the Opening Day Parade, the Washington Park party also offers games, activities and giveaways for the family. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 12. 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org. 

Opening Day at Rosedale
Doors open at noon with drink specials running until midnight, including $4 Coors drafts and a $5 Reds bomb. Noon April 12. 208 E. 12 St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com.

Opening Day Street Party at Roebling Point
The bars and restaurant of Roebling Point in Covington are ready to party for opening day. This black party will include live music, beer, food and more. Court and Park streets will be closed to traffic. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. April 12. Roebling Point, Covington, facebook.com.

For more Cincinnati Reds information and tickets, visit reds.com.

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