July: Cincinnati Music Festival When: July 24-26 Where: Paycor Stadium, Downtown What: Music lovers from all over the country will be in town for the Cincinnati Music Festival, celebrating R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul. The event features a stellar lineup of iconic and contemporary artists — like Earth, Wind & Fire and Janet Jackson — delivering unforgettable live performances. With a storied history dating back to 1962, the festival has become one of the largest and most anticipated music events in the Midwest. Cost: Ticket prices range from $60 to $600. Photo: Rich Esteban (CC by 4.0)

One of Cincinnati Music Festival’s headliners will no longer be performing.

Festival organizers announced Thursday that Janet Jackson will no longer be able to perform due to personal matters.

“To all my Cincinnati Music Festival fans…. I’m so sorry that I won’t be able to be with you all in July. Some personal matters have come up and I am unable to attend. I look forward to seeing you all soon!” Jackson said in a statement.

Organizers say they are working quickly to fill Jackson’s spot.

The Cincinnati Music Festival returns to The Banks this summer with performances at Andrew J Brady Music Center and Paycor Stadium from Thursday-Saturday, July 24-26, 2025. Current headliners include a lineup of R&B artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, a Special Tribute to Frankie Beverly and more. Tickets for are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.

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This article appears in Mar 19 – Apr 2, 2025.

Katherine Barrier is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s journalism program and has nearly 10 years of experience reporting local and national news as a digital journalist. At CityBeat, she...