What's the surrounding area like?

The Riverbend Music Center is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati. It is part of the Old Coney Island amusement park complex. Nearby there is Belterra Park with a race track and a casino. The best choice of bars and restaurants is in downtown Cincinnati.

How can I spend a day in Cincinnati before heading to the concert?

Cincinnati Reds

Take in a game at the Great American Ballpark in downtown Cincinnati, home to baseball's oldest franchise, the Cincinnati Reds. The ballpark is in downtown and has a great view over the Ohio river. The average ticket price is around $22.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens

A visit to the zoo is always a winner. Cincinnati zoo is the second oldest zoo in the entire United States and home to all sorts of different animals: from big cats to primates as well as amphibians, fish and reptiles. General admission starts at $16 if you buy online or a little more at the gate. Parking will add around $10.

Kenwood Towne Centre

If shopping is your thing, then head over to the Kenwood Towne Centre mall. Shop in over 180 specialty stores and the 2 department stores. Grab a bite to eat at the foodcourt and order your dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. The Kenwood Theater is located next door if you want to catch the latest movie.

Where are the best places to eat and drink near the Riverbend Music Center?

Market Buffet

Located within the Belterra Park gaming & entertainment center is the Market Buffet which serves up a range of cuisines. At under half a mile from the Riverbend Music Center, it is the ideal place to eat before the concert. The dinner buffet opens at 4pm and costs $19.95. There is a lot to choose from, from Brazilian rotisserie meats to fresh stone-baked pizza.

Eli's BBQ

If you really want to have a great choice of restaurants, you should head to downtown Cincinnati. Here you will discover Eli's BBQ that serves up fantastic hickory smoked ribs. Be brave and go for the full rack of ribs for $30. It is worth the journey downtown.

Gordo's Pub & Grill

If you're on the lookout for a good burger, good beer and somewhere to watch the game, you can't go wrong at Gordo's. Try one of their half pound burgers, treat yourself to a few craft beers, and then jump in a taxi for a 20 minute journey to the Riverbend after.

Is there anything else visitors to Cincinnati should know?

Jerry Springer was once the mayor of Cincinnati. We're not saying that affects your visit, but now you have a fun fact.

View more restaurants near Riverbend Music Center

What's the best way to get to the Riverbend Music Center?

The Riverbend Music Center is easy to get to by car. It is situated just off Interstate I-275. From the North, take either I-71 or I-75 and merge onto the I-471 and cross the bridge into Northern Kentucky before merging onto the I-275 and crossing back into Ohio. You can take the 1st or 2nd exit for the Music Center. From the South, take the I-71 or I-75 north and merge onto the I-275 and then take the 1st or 2nd exit after crossing the bridge into Ohio.

If you plan on taking public transportation, there are very limited options, unfortunately. You should probably think about carpooling or taking a cab if you don't have your own car. There isn't much in the way of hotels immediately near the Riverbend Music Center as most are located in downtown Cincinnati.

How much are drinks/food in Riverbend Music Center?

There is a huge choice of food and drink from the various concessions around the music center. A bottle of water will cost around $5 but the venue does allow one bottle of unopened water to be brought in per person at events. The Riverbend Music Center also allows you to bring your own food, so you don't necessarily have to pay the concession prices while you're there.

Is there any parking?

There is ample parking at the venue for concerts and events.

How much does parking cost?

Parking is included in the cost of all tickets at the Riverbend Music Center.

What time do the doors normally open?

Gates generally open 60 to 90 minutes prior to all events unless otherwise noted.

Any other important information visitors should know?

Riverbend Music Center does allow you to bring in lawn chairs so that you can sit back and relax during your concert. If you do bring one, make sure that it is no more than 9 inches off the ground or you won't be able to bring it in. Don't forget that the venue is open-air, so be prepared and take an umbrella just in case.