Quarterly Review | July–September 2025
Letter from The Banks Project Executive, Phil Beck
Thank you for your continuing patronage, as we highlight the third quarter of activity along the Ohio River to educate, engage, and entertain visitors at The Banks.
As the Riverfront Plan Update analysis and planning continues, we mark 25 years since adoption of the most recent Master Plan for riverfront development. You’re invited to become part of the Riverfront Update process—please voice your opinion about future development in Poll #2. https://riverfrontupdate.com
In July, the Cincinnati Black Music Hall of Fame announced its four 2025 inductees and welcomed thousands of visitors. The former Hilltop Concrete site was transformed into additional parking for events at The Banks, Smale Riverfront Park, and Paycor Stadium. Be sure to learn about the Freedom Center’s new experience, “In This Place,” greeting visitors upon entering the museum with answers to compelling “Why Questions”—why is the Freedom Center located in Cincinnati and why does it sit on the banks of the Ohio River? Looking ahead, we highlight Christkindlmarkt’s return to Schmidlapp Lawn in November with expanded festival tent, competitions, and other new features to make your holidays “merry and bright.”
All this, and a pictorial tour of events that occurred at The Banks during third quarter, plus a peek into the fourth and final quarter of this year. We’re ready, so let’s go!
Phil Beck, AIA, LEED AP
The Banks Public Partnership Project Executive
Photo credit: Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
Photo credit: Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
Entertain
Black Music Legends Honored
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame inducts newest members
For the fifth consecutive year, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame honored Black music legends with induction into the Black Music Walk of Fame. In addition to the celebration ceremony held at The Brady Center July 26, each artist was honored with a permanent star placed on the walkway to this free, interactive, historical, musical experience at the corner of Elm Street and Mehring Way. This year’s honorees included Dottie Peoples, Nancy Wilson, The Ohio Players, and The O’Jays.
Inaugural
inductees in 2021
Interactive attraction
opened July 2023
20 music legends inducted
188,936 visitors
since July 2024
Educate
In This Place
“Why Cincinnati?” for the Freedom Center?
Have you ever wondered why the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center calls Cincinnati home? Or why this major cultural attraction is located at The Banks? Wonder no more! Dr. Stephanie Lampkin, Freedom Center curator, explained the significance of the new “In This Place” exhibit which opened in May of this year to coincide with the Freedom Center’s 30th anniversary.
“The Freedom Center’s physical location in downtown Cincinnati is just a few steps from the banks of the Ohio River, the great natural barrier that separated the slave states of the South from the free states of the North. The Freedom Center’s new experience, entitled “In This Place,” provides visitors with the opportunity to understand the significance of our location and the history that was made here,” Lampkin said.
The exhibit, located on the first floor near the museum store, features many interactive elements such as a touch-screen table and artifact cases that highlight Cincinnati’s role in the larger arc of American freedom struggles. “The value of this exhibit is its potential to educate visitors about our shared American history, regardless of one’s racial or ethnic background,” Lampkin added.
Rooted in the stories of the Underground Railroad, The Freedom Center illuminates the true meaning of inclusive freedom by presenting permanent and special exhibits that inspire, public programming that provokes dialogue and action, and educational resources that equip modern abolitionists.
Photo and video credits: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Plan your Freedom Center visit
Photo credit: Amanda Brennaman
Engage
Iconic Voice of the Reds
Unveiling the statue of Cincinnati Reds
broadcaster, Marty Brennaman
The Cincinnati Reds unveiled a bronze sculpture of Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman outside Great American Ball Park on September 6, 2025. The statue depicts Marty behind the radio microphone, just as he was for 46 unforgettable seasons as the voice of Reds baseball.
His signature sign-off, “…And this one belongs to the Reds!” captures the essence of Marty’s career and serves as the title of the bronze statue on Crosley Terrace, near the Reds front office on Joe Nuxhall Way. Local sculptor Tom Tsuchiya, known for his statues of Reds legends and other public art throughout Cincinnati, created the piece.
From 1974–2019, Marty called the highs and lows with passion for the game and a love for the fans. For 31 of those years, he was paired with beloved pitcher-turned-broadcaster Joe Nuxhall. Marty was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award in 2000 and inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2021 — its first broadcaster to receive the honor.
Tsuchiya, a UC alumnus and renowned bronze sculptor, also creates the Hall of Fame plaques seen in Cooperstown. His art captures the spirit of his subjects — perfect for a man who captured the soul of Reds baseball with every game.
Special Feature
Moerlein Lager House’s Christkindlmarkt returns for its fourth year
A popular holiday attraction, Christkindlmarkt returns to Smale Riverfront Park adjacent to The Banks this November, with new holiday features based on customer input from the first three years of this Schmidlapp Lawn event.
Moerlein Lager House’s Greg Hardman, whose brainchild has activated Schmidlapp Lawn for visitors over the winter holidays since 2021, confirmed the 2025 Christkindlmarkt will open Saturday evening, November 22. The outdoor holiday attraction, complete with fire pits, warming igloos, and traditional German fare, will continue with hours Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday evenings through December 28, including Christmas Eve. Closed: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
“We listened to our patrons and have some exciting new features for 2025. This year we will expand our vendor list while the popular wood carver, glass blower, and German ornament booths will return. Carol Ann’s Carousel will be open, welcoming families while Christkindlmarkt is open and giving families an opportunity to make memories,” Hardman commented.
“To expand the focus on the food as well as the fun, and we’re placing a giant FestTent on the Schmidlapp Lawn that will include a 12′ x 32′ stage with seats for 300 and space to accommodate 300 more guests standing,” Hardman added. “We are again pleased to partner with Munich Sister Cities Association (our nonprofit organization benefactor) to support student scholar trips to Germany.”
Hardman is also working on a series of music- and competition-focused events, including a three-week, Cincinnati “Merry-oke” competition, and the US Stein-Holding championships. Check out the website for confirmed events and appearances, as the programs, vendors, and full list of sponsors are updated. Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt in Smale Riverfront Park adjacent to The Banks is produced by Moerlein Lager House.
• Find our more about this free event
• Chriskindlmarkt facebook
• Visit Moerlein Lager House
This series of brief video vignettes, Before The Banks, tells the amazing stories of what came before the transformational development along the Cincinnati Riverfront.
• Click here to begin your experience!
Current Events
Gary Brightwell and Zac Taylor thrill fans with autographs at the Bengals Training Camp.
Music lovers enjoy Festival513. More
Reaching new heights! Kids playing together at the P&G go Vibrantscape at Smale Riverfront Park.
Competition is strong during the Hoop it Up 3×3 Queen City Slam! More
Kids patiently wait for balloon animals during Family Fun Days at Smale Riverfront Park. More
Preparing for Parks Donor Wall at Lot 23.
Smale Riverfront Park’s stream attracts children on a hot day.
Community and creativity come together for Music at the Esplanade on Saturdays during summer. More
A celebration of service and community honoring veterans and active-duty military members during Hamilton County Military & Veterans Appreciation Day. Photo credit: Hamilton County
Enjoying a sunny stroll as the riverboats arrive for the upcoming America’s River Roots Festival. More
The Reds clinch 2025 playoff berth by earning the third National League Wild Card spot.
Lot B tailgating for the Bengals home opener.
Picnickers enjoying lunch at the Castellini Esplanade at Smale Riverfront Park.
Formerly Hilltop Concrete, 515 West Water Street is now the home of Hamilton County and Messer’s Field Office. New, interim parking is striped and ready to boost convenience for visitors to the western edge of The Banks.
What’s Next
Here is just a sampling of the activities along the riverfront:
October
19th-annual Hats Off Luncheon
Signature fundraising event in Smale Riverfront Park to support Cincinnati’s parks and greenspaces.
October 3 More
Paycor Stadium Renovations Design & Construction Management Services RFQs
Submissions due October 6 More
America’s River Roots Festival Experience the pull of the river!
October 8–12 More
Cincinnati Taco Week
Because Taco Tuesday isn’t enough!
October 13–19 More
Cyclones First Face-Off
Hockey is back in the Queen City with $2 hot dogs, soda and beer.
October 18 More
Architectural & Engineering Facility Condition Assessment of GABP RFQ
Submissions due October 22 More
December
Pregame at The Banks
Join the excitement before every home game in the heart of The Banks with live music, food and drinks, giveaways, and more.
Home game days More
Santacon
Spread holiday cheer at the 18th annual Cincinnati Santacon!
December 13 More
Christkindlmarkt
A festively fun wonderland of treats and treasures for the entire family.
November 22–December 28 More
Q3 2025 Economic Inclusion Appendices
For more information: Phil Beck, AIA, LEED AP Project Executive The Banks Project (513) 946-4434