The 11 Best Ways to Watch Cincinnati’s Annual Labor Day Riverfest Fireworks

Riverfest returns this Labor Day weekend, bringing hundreds of thousands to the riverfront to watch one of the most epic firework displays of the year. While it is typically the norm for families and friends to cozy up at the usual spots such as Newport on the Levee or Cincinnati's Serpentine Wall, there are plenty of Labor Day firework viewing events in and around Cincinnati this weekend that are sure to catch your eye. From riverboat cruises to rooftop views, there truly is something for everyone. Tickets are going fast for some of these events so get them while you can. 
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Sawyer Point
Festivities on the river start at noon. Free. Sawyer Point, 705 E. Peter Rose Way, Downtown
For those who want to be right where the magic happens, head to the fireworks headquarters at Sawyer Point. Expect live music ahead of the show along with food stands and other activities. As it is the heart of the event, plan to arrive many, many hours ahead of the fireworks.

Sawyer Point

Festivities on the river start at noon. Free. Sawyer Point, 705 E. Peter Rose Way, Downtown
For those who want to be right where the magic happens, head to the fireworks headquarters at Sawyer Point. Expect live music ahead of the show along with food stands and other activities. As it is the heart of the event, plan to arrive many, many hours ahead of the fireworks.
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Riverfest on the Levee
Starts at noon. Free admission. Newport on the Levee, Newport
Newport on the Levee is hosting a Kentucky-side party to watch the fireworks. The day promises "live music, pop ups and fun." During the afternoon, expect to see a slew of entertainers, including stilt-walkers, face-painters and caricature artists, along with yard games and a cotton candy cart. FC Cincinnati will also be hosting a giant soccer dart game on the lawn from noon-4 p.m. DJs and musicians will provide the soundtrack all day until DJ Maximus takes over at 6 p.m. for the fireworks countdown celebration. There will be food trucks and other food vendors and Levee businesses will also offer various discounts and specials.

Riverfest on the Levee

Starts at noon. Free admission. Newport on the Levee, Newport
Newport on the Levee is hosting a Kentucky-side party to watch the fireworks. The day promises "live music, pop ups and fun." During the afternoon, expect to see a slew of entertainers, including stilt-walkers, face-painters and caricature artists, along with yard games and a cotton candy cart. FC Cincinnati will also be hosting a giant soccer dart game on the lawn from noon-4 p.m. DJs and musicians will provide the soundtrack all day until DJ Maximus takes over at 6 p.m. for the fireworks countdown celebration. There will be food trucks and other food vendors and Levee businesses will also offer various discounts and specials.
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Boom on the Bridge
6-11 p.m. $150. Purple People Bridge, 1 Levee Way, Newport
Celebrate the fireworks while contributing to a Cincinnati landmark during "Boom on the Bridge" on the Purple People Bridge. All proceeds will go toward the capital campaign to maintain and paint the bridge. Tickets include drinks, unlimited grill-out food, live music and a parking pass.

Boom on the Bridge

6-11 p.m. $150. Purple People Bridge, 1 Levee Way, Newport
Celebrate the fireworks while contributing to a Cincinnati landmark during "Boom on the Bridge" on the Purple People Bridge. All proceeds will go toward the capital campaign to maintain and paint the bridge. Tickets include drinks, unlimited grill-out food, live music and a parking pass.
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Fireworks Celebration Event at The View at Shires' Garden
5-11p.m. $150. The View at Shires' Garden, 309 Vine St., Downtown.
The View at Shires' Garden on the rooftop of City Club Apartments downtown will provide a luxury dinner experience along with panoramic views of the city and the fireworks. Champagne is provided for a toast when the fireworks begin. Live music and entertainment, plus a post-fireworks dessert hour, will complete the night.

Fireworks Celebration Event at The View at Shires' Garden

5-11p.m. $150. The View at Shires' Garden, 309 Vine St., Downtown.
The View at Shires' Garden on the rooftop of City Club Apartments downtown will provide a luxury dinner experience along with panoramic views of the city and the fireworks. Champagne is provided for a toast when the fireworks begin. Live music and entertainment, plus a post-fireworks dessert hour, will complete the night.
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Newport Central Catholic High School
5 p.m. $5. Newport Central Catholic High School, 13 Carothers Road, Newport.
Bring your family to Newport Central Catholic High School for a kid-friendly option to watch the fireworks show. Food, drinks and games will be available.
Photo: ncchs.com

Newport Central Catholic High School

5 p.m. $5. Newport Central Catholic High School, 13 Carothers Road, Newport.
Bring your family to Newport Central Catholic High School for a kid-friendly option to watch the fireworks show. Food, drinks and games will be available.
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Riverfest West
5-9 p.m. Free admission. Mt. Echo Park, 202 Crestline Ave., Price Hill.
Head to Mt. Echo Park on the West Side for an iconic view of the river, live music and food for purchase. There will be kid-friendly events, including face painting and a bounce house.

Riverfest West

5-9 p.m. Free admission. Mt. Echo Park, 202 Crestline Ave., Price Hill.
Head to Mt. Echo Park on the West Side for an iconic view of the river, live music and food for purchase. There will be kid-friendly events, including face painting and a bounce house.
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Top of the Park
506 E. Fourth St., Downtown. Call for ticket availablity.
Enjoy made-to-order cocktails and plenty of tapas at Top of the Park, a two-story rooftop bar above the Phelps hotel. The bar sports panoramic views of the city, perfect for watching the fireworks.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Top of the Park

506 E. Fourth St., Downtown. Call for ticket availablity.
Enjoy made-to-order cocktails and plenty of tapas at Top of the Park, a two-story rooftop bar above the Phelps hotel. The bar sports panoramic views of the city, perfect for watching the fireworks.
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Drees Pavilion at Devou Park
Free admission. Drees Pavilion, 790 Park Lane, Covington.
Drees Pavilion, the highest point at Devou Park in Covington, offers stunning views of downtown Cincinnati. Enjoy views of the city and the fireworks show which starts at 9 p.m.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Drees Pavilion at Devou Park

Free admission. Drees Pavilion, 790 Park Lane, Covington.
Drees Pavilion, the highest point at Devou Park in Covington, offers stunning views of downtown Cincinnati. Enjoy views of the city and the fireworks show which starts at 9 p.m.
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Queen City Riverboats WEBN Fireworks Cruise
5-11 p.m.  $75, cruise only; $200 dinner cruise. Queen City Riverboats, 303 Dodd Drive, Dayton, Ky.
Queen City Riverboats offers two cruises to catch the fireworks on the river. The cruises are available with or without dinner included and include a full cash bar.

Queen City Riverboats WEBN Fireworks Cruise

5-11 p.m. $75, cruise only; $200 dinner cruise. Queen City Riverboats, 303 Dodd Drive, Dayton, Ky.
Queen City Riverboats offers two cruises to catch the fireworks on the river. The cruises are available with or without dinner included and include a full cash bar.
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Buckhead Mountain Grill
4:30 p.m. $100. Buckhead Mountain Grill, 35 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue.
Buckhead Mountain Grill on the river in Bellevue is taking reservations for a dinner buffet with a view of the fireworks. Tickets include appetizers, a dinner buffet and dessert as well as non-alcoholic beverages, live music and a parking pass.

Buckhead Mountain Grill

4:30 p.m. $100. Buckhead Mountain Grill, 35 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue.
Buckhead Mountain Grill on the river in Bellevue is taking reservations for a dinner buffet with a view of the fireworks. Tickets include appetizers, a dinner buffet and dessert as well as non-alcoholic beverages, live music and a parking pass.
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Celebrations Riverboats Riverfest Cruise
4-11 p.m. Sunday. $170. Celebration Riverboats Co., 848 Elm St., Ludlow. 
Set sail along the river to see the fireworks on the Celebrations Riverboats Riverfest Cruise. This boat ride is complete with an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and open bar. Speakers on board will play the WEBN broadcast so you won't miss out on the show's full experience.

Celebrations Riverboats Riverfest Cruise

4-11 p.m. Sunday. $170. Celebration Riverboats Co., 848 Elm St., Ludlow.
Set sail along the river to see the fireworks on the Celebrations Riverboats Riverfest Cruise. This boat ride is complete with an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and open bar. Speakers on board will play the WEBN broadcast so you won't miss out on the show's full experience.
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