Cincinnati’s biggest Labor Day event is about to get a whole lot bigger.
Today, 102.7 WEBN iHeartMedia and Western & Southern announced sweeping changes as part of their 50th annual fireworks event, which will take place on Sunday, September 6 at the edge of the Ohio River downtown.
The 2026 edition of the Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks, titled “The Biggest Blast in America,” will expand dramatically in both scale and scope with a longer show, an increased number of fireworks, new multi-location pyrotechnics, drone formations and architectural effects, along with a panoramic viewing experience.
Utilizing the rooftops of several buildings around the Ohio River, the intent is to create a display of fireworks in front of, behind, side to side and all around viewers. Already one of the biggest annual fireworks shows in the U.S., this year’s edition will be one of the biggest on the planet.
“This year’s show promises to be the most expansive and innovative Labor Day fireworks celebration yet,” said John F. Barrett, Chairman, President and CEO of Western & Southern Financial Group. “For the 50th Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks, we’re proud to support a milestone that honors the past while delivering a truly unforgettable experience.”
In addition to the 360-degree viewing experience, the show will feature a second barge zone west of the Taylor Southgate bridge (promising double the fireworks), special lights and effects on buildings all across the Cincinnati skyline, and fireworks hand-selected from countries across the world, like Japan—something the annual show hasn’t done in 40 years.
“The Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks are woven into the fabric of Cincinnati, and the 50th show represents a once-in-a-generation moment for our city,” said Stefan Schellhas, Market President for iHeartMedia Cincinnati. “This year, we’re taking everything people love about the tradition — the music, the energy — and expanding it into one of the biggest Labor Day weekend fireworks shows in the United States. We’re incredibly excited to bring this experience to Cincinnati and celebrate with the entire region.”
The 50th anniversary Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks will take place on Sunday, September 6, along the Ohio River as part of Riverfest, featuring food vendors, entertainment and family-friendly activities beginning at 3 p.m. Additional event details, viewing information and programming announcements will be shared by WEBN in the coming months. Keep an eye on CityBeat for more news on the annual fireworks show.