Cincinnati's Entertainment History
Hear stories about the glory days of Cincinnati Entertainment from the Frontier Days to the 20th Century. Cincinnati Heritage Programs will present talks on six consecutive Tuesday evenings in Reakirt Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.
Price: Single Session – $20 Members; $25 Non-Members. Receive a 20% discount when you purchase all six sessions! Please note, all sessions must be purchased at the same time to get the discount.
Sessions go on sale February 12 at 9 a.m.
Available sessions:
Early Cincinnati Entertainment
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 7 to 8:15 p.m.
For those hardy early pioneers, local entertainment provided a temporary escape from the difficulties and risks associated with the hardships of survival on the frontier. As the city grew in population and sophistication, the entertainment offerings grew with it. By the late 1800s Cincinnati and its theaters had become nationally known and recognized.
Registration deadline: Advance registration encouraged. If spaces are still available, can register day-of event online.
Grand Old Theaters
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Queen City can take pride in her many grand ornate theaters such the RKO Grand, B. F. Keith’s, the Emery, the RKO Palace and the RKO Albee. Hear about their history and some of the memorable entertainment that was featured in their great halls. The talk will be followed by a visit to the Cincinnati Historical Society Library and the Newsreel Theater.
Registration deadline: March 6 at Noon.
Famous Cincinnati Entertainers
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 7 to 8:15 p.m.
Many famous entertainers developed their early careers in Cincinnati, including some of the biggest stars who were either born in Cincinnati or developed their professional careers in the Queen City, such as Tyrone Power, Vera-Ellen, Andy Williams, Mamie Smith, Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Roy Rogers and the Isley Brothers.
Registration deadline: Advance registration encouraged. If spaces are still available, can register day-of event online.
Radio Waves
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Broadcast radio changed the country and the world forever. It was the first mass media where millions of people experienced events simultaneously. Radio Waves brings back memories of Cincinnati 's innovative powerhouse, WLW, along with other fine radio stations, programs and talented performers who entertained and informed generations of listeners. The talk will be followed by a visit to the Cincinnati Historical Society Library and the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater.
Registration deadline: March 20 at Noon.
Golden Age of Television
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 7 to 8:15 p.m.
Hear the fascinating stories about television’s pioneers such as Ruth Lyons, Paul Dixon, the Cool Ghoul and Skipper Ryle who entertained greater Cincinnatians “by the seat of their pants” on live TV.
Registration deadline: Advance registration encouraged. If spaces are still available, can register day-of event online.
King Records and Herzog Studios
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 7 to 8:15 p.m.
As early as 1943, Cincinnati was the heart of recording all types of music including the style that brought Rock and Roll into its heyday of the 1950s. Before Nashville was on the recording map, singers such as Hank Williams and Patti Page recorded at Herzog Studios on Race Street. Hear how King Records became an independent record label recording and manufacturing bluegrass, country, jazz, doo-wop, R&B and how it made James Brown, the Godfather of Soul.
Registration deadline: Advance registration encouraged. If spaces are still available, can register day-of event online.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
