Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame 2026 Induction Ceremony
The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame was founded and created by Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece. The Commissioner grew up in the music industry and later served as the Deputy Director of Ohio Tourism. She introduced the idea on April 26, 2021, at a press conference with diverse music and community stakeholders in front of an empty lot filled with gravel and rocks. She called for the creation of a Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame to celebrate the legacy and untold stories of music artists, songwriters, producers, and musicians from Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and Southwest Ohio. On July 1, 2021, the idea was unanimously passed by the Hamilton County, Ohio Board of Commissioners creating an international state-of-the-art, outdoor interactive permanent tourism attraction and exciting music corridor on the Ohio Riverbanks.
The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame celebrates a rich musical legacy while also serving as a technology, economic development, and education project—all in one landmark site. Located along the Ohio Riverbank across from Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Music Festival, and next door to the Andrew Brady Music Center, the Walk of Fame represents a public–private partnership supported by $18.5 million in economic development, tourism, and design/build/technology infrastructure. The official Inductee Stars are proudly sponsored by Procter & Gamble.
This free, family-friendly, state-of-the-art attraction features augmented reality activations, an experiential drum machine, a musical waterfall, nightly jam sessions at 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., as well as interactive kiosks and media consoles with QR codes that honor the contributions of Black musical artists—and much more.
During Cincinnati’s biggest weekend—Music Festival Weekend, which generates more than $107 million in economic impact—the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame hosts its world-renowned, star-studded Induction Ceremony. Held annually during this weekend, the ceremony honors a new class of inductees including artist like James Brown, The Isley Brothers, Zapp, and more.
This annual event draws over 7,000 guests to both an indoor and outdoor celebration along the riverfront. The Induction Ceremony features historic performances from Grammy Award–winning artists such as Regina Belle, Bootsy Collins, Shirley Murdock, Dottie Peoples, Zapp, The Ohio Players, and more. Celebrity host Jawn Murray, executive producer of The Sherri Shepherd Show, has also been featured as the annual host.
The celebration begins with a parade of stars processional, as attendees’ journey through the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame before entering the Andrew J. Brady Music Center to enjoy the induction ceremony. The event concludes with a free outdoor concert on the main stage. This event is completely free and open to the public, made possible through a public–private partnership. 25 Race St Cincinnati Ohio 45202 or 190 W. Mehring Cincinnati Ohio 45202