Cincinnati's Convention Center Transformation: Embracing Change, Rescheduling Events

The Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati is undergoing a major $240 million renovation project, forcing the relocation or postponement of several popular events scheduled for 2024 and 2025. The extensive construction work, which includes remodeling the exterior and modernizing the interior spaces, will temporarily disrupt the convention center's operations, leading organizers to adapt their plans to accommodate the changes.

Adapting to the Transformation: Rescheduling Cincinnati's Iconic Events

Redsfest: A Beloved Baseball Tradition Finds a New Home

Redsfest, one of the biggest fan festivals in Major League Baseball, is a highly anticipated annual event that allows fans to interact with current and former Cincinnati Reds players. Due to the convention center's closure, Redsfest has been canceled for 2024, but the Rick Steiner Memorial Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament, a popular component of the festival, has been rescheduled to take place at the Great American Ball Park in November 2024.

Cavalcade of Customs: Showcasing Automotive Artistry

The Cavalcade of Customs, a renowned custom car show featuring hot rods, custom cars, and motorcycles, has been canceled for 2025. However, the event is set to return to the Duke Energy Convention Center in January 2026, with the specific dates yet to be determined.

Cincinnati Auto Expo: Celebrating the Automotive Industry

The Cincinnati Auto Expo, a showcase of hundreds of vehicles from manufacturers, clubs, museums, and private collections, has also been canceled for 2025. The event is expected to make its return to the Duke Energy Convention Center in 2026, with the dates to be announced at a later time.

Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show: Outdoor Enthusiasts' Haven

The Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show, which features demonstrations, exhibitions, and vendors for boating, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities, has been canceled for 2025. The event is scheduled to resume at the Duke Energy Convention Center in 2026, with the specific dates yet to be determined.

Wendy's Bridal Show: Celebrating Love in a New Venue

The Wendy's Bridal Show, the region's longest-running wedding show, has found a temporary home at the Sharonville Convention Center for the 2025 edition, scheduled for January 4-5. The event will feature displays by caterers, florists, DJs, and other wedding vendors.

Cincinnati Golf Expo: Teeing Off at a New Location

The Cincinnati Golf Expo, which showcases golf entertainment, retail, and travel exhibitors, has found a new home at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center for the 2025 event, scheduled for February 7-9.

Cincinnati Home & Garden Show: Blooming with Anticipation

The Cincinnati Home & Garden Show, which features landscaping companies, remodeling contractors, and interior design companies, has been canceled for 2025. However, the event is set to return to the Duke Energy Convention Center from February 20–22 and February 27–March 1, 2026.

Cincy Winter Beerfest: Raising a Glass to a New Venue

The Cincy Winter Beerfest, Cincinnati's largest craft beer festival, is currently in flux. The event organizers have not yet confirmed the 2025 event details, including the venue and dates. However, an employee at The Party Source, a presenting sponsor, indicated that the organizers are hopeful to hold the event again early next year, though the specific location remains undetermined.

International Wine Festival: Uncorking a New Chapter

The International Wine Festival, which features wine tastings from different countries and a wine auction, has found a temporary home at the Freestore Foodbank's new Community Resource and Distribution Center for the 2025 event, scheduled for March 6-8.

Jurassic Quest: Dinosaurs on the Move

Jurassic Quest, an interactive exhibit featuring animatronic dinosaurs, has not yet announced a Cincinnati date for 2025. Organizers advise the public to check their website for updates on the event's current and upcoming schedule, which does not currently include a stop in Cincinnati.

Flying Pig Expo: Running Towards a New Venue

The Flying Pig Expo, a race weekend event that hosts local and national vendors selling running apparel and more, has found a new home at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center for the 2025 event, scheduled for May 1-3.

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market: Spreading Cheer in a New Location

The Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, featuring hundreds of vendors selling holiday decor, apparel, food and wine, jewelry, toys, and more, has been scheduled for November 8-10, 2024, at the Sharonville Convention Center.