# Cincinnati Music Festival 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cincinnati-music-festival-2026 > Updated: 2026-07-27T14:06:03.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The Cincinnati Music Festival was held July 23‑25, 2026 at Paycor Stadium and the Andrew J. Brady Music Center. The three‑night event featured a roster of R&B, hip‑hop and soul acts—including Mary J. Blige, Nelly, Trey Songz, Charlie Wilson, Talib Kweli, SWV and others—drawing more than 100,000 visitors. City officials highlighted an estimated $100 million economic impact and noted the stadium’s recent $500 million renovation, which added new hospitality spaces and extra seating. A follow‑up report on July 27 described the festival’s continued draw of Midwest fans and detailed the lineup: opening night with DJ Spinderella, Talib Kweli and local DJ Vader; Friday performances by Ledisi, Nelly, Charlie Wilson (performing after a recent stroke) and Tyrese; and a Saturday head‑line set by Mary J. Blige, complemented by Heatwave, Doug E. Fresh with Slick Rick, SWV and Trey Songz. The coverage underscores the event’s role in boosting tourism and showcasing the upgraded venue for large‑scale entertainment beyond football games. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-27: Cincinnati Music Festival 2026 fills Paycor Stadium with R&B and hip‑hop acts The 2026 Cincinnati Music Festival filled Paycor Stadium with R&B and hip‑hop performances, headlined by Mary J. Blige and featuring Charlie Wilson, Tyrese and Doug E. Fresh. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cincinnati-music-festival-2026-fills-paycor-stadium-with-rb-and-hiphop-acts ### 2026-07-23: Cincinnati Music Festival attracts 100,000 visitors, drives $100 million economic impact The July 2026 Cincinnati Music Festival drew 100,000+ fans, generated $100 million for the local economy, and debuted Paycor Stadium’s $500 million renovation with new premium club areas. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cincinnati-music-festival-attracts-100000-visitors-drives-100-million-economic-impact --- Cite as: Cincinnati Music Festival 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cincinnati-music-festival-2026