There is more road construction this year downtown and in Over-the-Rhine, thanks to the forthcoming streetcar project, which will be a great benefit to MPMF in the coming years (unless some bitter politician steps in again in an effort to block our impressive urban progress). But don’t be discouraged by a few lane or road closures. (If you’re especially anxious about this, you can find complete info about the latest streetcar-related closures at roadmapcincy.com.)
Luckily, MidPoint is a totally walkable and very bike-friendly festival.
Biking is a great way to traverse along the MidPoint route, as Cincinnati continues to become a more bike-friendly city. The city of Cincinnati is partnering with MPMF to promote the bike-friendliness of the MidPoint Music Festival.
MPMF attendees are encouraged to set up their own “shuttle service” to zip from venue to venue this year on their bicycles. The city of Cincinnati will convert a number of on-street metered parking spaces into bicycle-only rack spaces adjacent to MPMF venues. These temporary spaces are in addition to the numerous permanent bicycle corrals already located throughout downtown and Over-the-Rhine.
With all of the MPMF venues located in such a compact area, it’s a great opportunity to experience how easy it is to get around on a bicycle.
“MidPoint’s efforts to present a tight, easily navigated festival this year is accentuated beautifully by the city’s efforts to create an even more bike-friendly environment, “ MPMF Artistic Director Dan McCabe says.
See the map above for the locations of the city of Cincinnati’s bike corrals and racks near MPMF venues.
Popular car service Uber is also an option. Uber is offering MPMFers a special discount so that festgoers can call for a car to help them get around the MPMF route in a flash. First-time Uber users can simply use promo code “MPMF14” to receive up to $20 off of their first ride.
A couple years ago, MPMF offered cheap and easy bike rentals to get around the festival. This year, the new bike share program Red Bike is expected to have its operation up and running in time for MidPoint. Red Bike has stations all along the MPMF route. For details on how to use the service and where to pick up your bike, visit cincyredbike.org.
If you’re driving in for MPMF, there is usually plenty of street parking along the fest’s route (you may have to look for a few minutes, but it’s there). Or you can simply leave your car at one of the many parking garages in the area, including the ones at Washington Park and under Fountain Square. Check the MPMF map on the opposite page for other parking garages/lots in the area.
You can also get to the festival using Cincinnati’s Metro bus service (though be aware that late-night hours are limited). Find out if Metro will serve your MPMF needs by checking the schedules and routes at go-metro.com.
If you’re coming into the area and want to stay overnight on one or more of the days of MPMF, you can get a room at a great rate at the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati (150 W. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-352-2100, millenniumhotels.com). The hotel has partnered with MPMF to offer rooms for just $99 a night (while they last). Simply mention MPMF when booking to receive the special rate.
If you’re bike-less, don’t want to rent one and don’t want to call a car, fear not. Though it’s not in a giant open field, MidPoint is still very much a walkable festival. The distance from MPMF’s northernmost venue to its southernmost venue is only one mile — the same distance between to the two large stages at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
