The 14 Best Ways to Watch Cincinnati’s Annual Labor Day Riverfest Fireworks

By CityBeat Staff on Thu, Aug 29, 2019 at 5:08 pm

Riverfest returns this Labor Day weekend, bringing hundreds of thousands to the riverfront to watch one of the most epic firework displays of the year. While it is typically the norm for families and friends to cozy up at the usual spots such as Newport on the Levee or Cincinnati's Serpentine Wall, there are plenty of Labor Day firework viewing events in and around Cincinnati this weekend that are sure to catch your eye. From riverboat cruises to rooftop views, there truly is something for everyone.

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Boom on the Bridge

Celebrate the fireworks while contributing to a Cincinnati landmark during “Boom on the Bridge” on the Purple People Bridge. All proceeds will go toward the capital campaign to maintain and paint the bridge. Tickets include drinks, unlimited grill-out food, live music from Model Behavior and a free parking pass. 6-10:30 p.m. Sunday. $150. Purple People Bridge, 1 Levee Way, Newport.
Photo via Facebook.com/PurplePeopleBridge

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Fireworks Celebration Event at The View at Shires’ Garden

The View at Shires’ Garden on the rooftop of City Club Apartments downtown will provide a luxury dinner experience along with panoramic views of the city and the fireworks. Champagne is provided for a toast when the fireworks begin. Live music and entertainment, plus a post-fireworks dessert hour, will complete the night. 6 p.m.-midnight Sunday. $150-$600. The View at Shires’ Garden, 309 Vine St., Downtown.
Photo via Facebook.com/ShiresGarden

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Newport Central Catholic High School

Bring your family to Newport Central Catholic High School for a kid-friendly option to watch the fireworks show. Activities include face painting, a cornhole challenge and a split-the-pot drawing. Food and drinks will be available. 5 p.m. Sunday. $5. Newport Central Catholic High School, 13 Carothers Road, Newport.
Photo via ncchs.com

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River’s Edge Fireworks Party

For the first time, BB Riverboats will host a fireworks watch party inside its brand-new River’s Edge event and docking facility on the river in Newport. The company promises unobstructed views of the show and the river as well as hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner buffet and dessert. This event does not include a cruise. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Sunday. $140. BB Riverboats River’s Edge, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport.
Photo via Facebook.com/BBRiverBoats

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Riverfest West

Head to Mt. Echo Park on the West Side for an iconic view of the river, live music and food for purchase. There will be kid-friendly events, including a visit from the Cincinnati Circus Company and a bounce house. 3-10 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Mt. Echo Park, 202 Crestline Ave., Price Hill.
Photo via Facebook.com/PriceHillWill

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Top of the Park

Enjoy made-to-order cocktails and plenty of tapas at Top of the Park, a two-story rooftop bar above the Phelps hotel. The bar sports panoramic views of the city, perfect for watching the fireworks. The menu includes charcuterie, sliders and flatbread. 506 E. Fourth St., Downtown.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Mt. Adams Pavilion

Mt. Adams Pavilion will open up its party decks for the fireworks with views of the show. Musical performances will include Two For Flinching and DJ Steve The Greek. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday. $10 first and second deck; $20 penthouse and third deck; $5 after the fireworks. Mt. Adams Pavilion, 949 Pavilion St., Mt. Adams.
Photo via Facebook.com/MountAdamsPavilion

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Sawyer Point

For those who want to be right where the magic happens, head to the fireworks headquarters at Sawyer Point. Expect live music ahead of the show along with food stands and other activities. As it is the heart of the event, plan to arrive many, many hours ahead of the fireworks. Festivities on the river start at noon; the fireworks start just after 9 p.m. Free. Sawyer Point, 705 E. Peter Rose Way, Downtown.
Photo via Facebook.com/SawyerPoint

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Drees Pavilion at Devou Park

Drees Pavilion, the highest point at Devou Park in Covington, offers stunning views of downtown Cincinnati. The pavilion will be open to the public during the fireworks, complete with concessions. 6-9 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Drees Pavilion, 790 Park Lane, Covington.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Queen City Riverboats WEBN Fireworks Cruise

Queen City Riverboats offers two cruises to catch the fireworks on the river. The cruises are available with or without dinner included and include a full cash bar. 5 p.m. Sunday. $65, cruise only; $120 dinner cruise. Queen City Riverboats, 303 Dodd Drive, Dayton, Ky.
Photo via Facebook.com/QueenCityRiverboats

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Buckhead Mountain Grill

One of three locations for this family-owned Louisville chain, Buckhead Mountain Grill on the river in Bellevue is taking reservations for a dinner buffet with a view of the fireworks. Tickets include appetizers, a dinner buffet and dessert as well as non-alcoholic beverages, live music and a parking pass. Single bar seats are available. 4:30-10:30 p.m. Sunday. $100. Buckhead Mountain Grill, 35 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue.
Photo via Facebook.com/BuckheadMountainGrill

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AC Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks

This modern hotel situated right at The Banks is sure to offer perfect views of the fireworks show. Watch with some cocktails from the upper deck, the largest hotel rooftop bar downtown. There will be drink specials and live music from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, with limited VIP tickets available ($50). Or if you want to stay the night, many of the rooms offer city views with their own balconies. 4:30 p.m.-midnight. 135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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RiverBlast Grand Slam for Gateway

Reds fans, here’s an event for you. Gateway Community & Technical College will host the RiverBlast Grand Slam in the Fox Sports Club at the Great American Ball Park to benefit the Gateway Foundation during the fireworks. You’ll be able to meet Reds mascot characters such as Mr. Redlegs and get a behind-the-scenes stadium tour. The event will include full beverage service, appetizers, buffet dinner and dessert as well as private outdoor seating. 5 p.m. Sunday. $200. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Celebrations Riverboats Riverfest Cruise

Set sail along the river to see the fireworks on the Celebrations Riverboats Riverfest Cruise. This boat ride is complete with an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and open bar. Speakers on board will play the WEBN broadcast so you won’t miss out on the show’s full experience. 4:30-11 p.m. Sunday. $196.10. Celebration Riverboats Co., 848 Elm St., Ludlow.
Photo via Facebook.com/CelebrationsRiverboats

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