Parking
Consider that July 13 and 14 will be crowded with the World Choir Games at U.S. Bank Arena and the Reds playing the Cardinals right next door, plus the Queen City Sausage Festival in Newport.
Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (DCI) suggests parking in these garages:
• Banks Garage: A new garage with seven entrances and exits
• Fountain Square: North and south garages
• Washington Park: A new garage with 450 spaces
• Fifth and Race lot: Across from Saks Fifth Avenue
The following are garages have $1-per-hour parking:
• Garfield Garage: Enter from Ninth (westbound) between Vine and Race streets
• Gramercy Garage: Enter from Seventh (eastbound) between Elm and Race streets
• Westin Garage: Enter from Vine (northbound) between Fourth and Fifth streets
For a list of all parking options, visit www.downtowncincinnati.com/PlanYourVisit/parking
Metro bus routes
A 50-cent Riverfront Parking Shuttle (Route 85) has extended hours between riverfront parking lots and central business district downtown, mostly because of the World Choir Games.
For more specific Metro information, visit www.go-metro.com/riding-metro/world-choir-games
Saturday: A shuttle service between the U.S. Bank Arena and downtown hotels will be available, designed to help World Choir Games participants, but it’ll get you closer to the festival. Guests pay 50 cents each way. (Free for World Choir Games participants with passes.)
Buses run every five minutes until 7 p.m., every 15 minutes until 8:30 p.m., and then every five minutes.
What to bring
Organziers noted certain items are allowed, even encouraged, to assure your comfort:
Sunglasses, sunscreen, folding chairs (no more than 9 inches off the ground), blankets, bug repellent, rain gear, earplugs, empty water bottles, empty Camelbaks, binoculars, baby strollers or small wagons.
What not to bring
The following are prohibited items:
Weapons, fireworks, illegal substances, framed or large backpacks, glass containers or coolers, food, beverages or Cambelbaks that are full, carts, skateboards, scooters, tents, large umbrellas, chairs that are not 9 inches off the ground, pets (exception is service dogs), audio recording, professional cameras or video equipment.
Behavior which will not be allowed: Moshing, crowd surfing, stage diving.
Food
A multitude of food and beverages will be available at the festival, including selections from these restaurants:
Claddagh Irish Pub, Pizza Bomba, La Rosa’s Pizzeria, Gold Star Chili, Taste of Belgium, Eli’s BBQ, Taco Azul.
There will also be Toyota’s EcoMarket available that offers vegan options. In total, there are more than 20 locations for beer, soda and water.
