Attendees at 2025's CliftonFest event. Photo provided | Clifton Cultural Arts Center

Clifton’s annual celebration of music and art, CliftonFest, returns to the neighborhood’s Gaslight District once again this fall.

The flyer for the 2026 CliftonFest. Graphic provided | Clifton Cultural Arts Center

On Sept. 26, thousands of Cincinnatians will descend upon the neighborhood for a free street festival with a full day of live music, local art, food and community spirit. 20 local music acts will perform, and over 50 arts & crafts vendors will be on site.

Additionally, 25 chalk artists will create new murals in the neighborhood’s streets, transforming the area into a colorful open-air gallery, and the festival will screen a series of short films — including “King of Them All,” centered around the history of King Records.

This year’s headliners include Coastal Club, Ernie Johnson and DJ Boywife. Other acts include Girl Gordon, Sharp Toys, Stokelys, Mic Carr & Shades, Deej, Daniel Noel, Grandace, The Laurelys, Estrada do Sol, Jordan Wilson Coalition and the Cincinnati Jazz Academy.

For more information, visit the official CliftonFest website.