Never sold the Cincy Region? Nine reasons why it needs to be on your radar this year

In the Cincy Region, America-loving repeat visitors will enjoy discovering the area’s celebrated bourbon and beer scene, surprising German heritage, street art, chilli parlours and anti-slavery history.

With BA increasing capacity on its direct Cincinnati route, America 250 in full swing and multiple local events celebrating their anniversaries, 2026 is the perfect time to visit this two-states-for-one destination.

New flight

British Airways is upping its non-stop service between London Heathrow and Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport from five to six flights a week from 29 March. It will fly daily except Thursday through to October 2026, further increasing capacity by upgrading from a Boeing 787 800 to a larger Boeing 777 200. 

Cincinnati has the UK’s only non-stop connection to Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, and with more than 55 US flights offered from the airport, it’s also a great gateway for onward exploration in the States.

New hotels

From heritage properties to big name favourites, there are plenty of exciting new openings across the Cincy hotel scene. 

The historic Gwynne Building in Downtown Cincinnati will be home to the Fidelity Hotel from July, while clients seeking extended stays can check into Home2 Suites by Hilton Cincinnati Downtown which sits within another restored landmark property. Blue Suede Cincinnati is due to bring further boutique charm to a century-old building.

The forthcoming 170-room Hyatt Centric Cincinnati will incorporate design elements from local artists, and a Marriott is also in development in the city.

Near the riverfront and sports stadiums and boasting a rooftop bar, 2025 newcomer The Moxy Hotel Cincinnati, has been named among the best hotels in America by USA Today.

America 250 celebrations 

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary of independence, The Cincy Region’s celebrations will include Ohio Goes to the Movies. This series of free screenings, running in historic cinemas until October, will pay homage to local film locations and homegrown screen heroes including Steven Spielberg and Doris Day.

Landmark opera

Cincinnati Opera Company marks a powerful cultural milestone this June as it debuts Lalovavi, the first grand opera centred on an Afrofuturist theme. Set in an imagined Atlanta of 2119, with a further theme of genetics, this is the first of three new operas created by the $5m Black Opera Project to celebrate Black artistry, history and resilience. Learn more about the highlights of the Cincy Region in this video:

Paddlefest anniversary

Ohio River Paddlefest has its 25th birthday on 1 August. The nation’s largest such festival features thousands of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards travelling in a flotilla against the downtown Cincinnati skyline, while picnics and music create a family-friendly atmosphere on the riverbanks.

Sausage celebrations 

A festival to celebrate Cincinnati’s well-loved, German-inspired sausage Glier’s Goetta is also marking its quarter century. Foodie clients can join the riverside fun at Glier’s Goettafest over two long weekends this July/August when the sausages will be served in many creative (savoury and sweet!) combinations to a backdrop of live music from two stages.

Golden Oktoberfest 

America’s largest Oktoberfest marks its Golden Jubilee this 17-20 September. With plenty of fun beyond beer and pretzels, the free admission Oktoberfest Zinzinnati would make an entertaining focus for couples or friends – think stein carrying contests, dachshund races and the world’s biggest chicken dance.

Light fantastic

Cincy also claims ‘America’s largest’ for its light and art festival BLINK which returns to the region for the fifth time in early October. 

More than 30 city blocks across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will be transformed into a dazzling immersive open-air gallery. Monumental projection mapping, large scale light sculptures, murals and live shows will illuminate the skyline and riverfront, adding an extra dimension to city breaks.

Photo finish 

Art lovers can coincide BLINK with another October event, the FotoFocus Biennial. 

Spanning Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and surrounding cities, the month-long photography and film programme features international exhibitions, thought provoking talks and other events across more than 100 venues including museums, galleries and universities. This year’s theme, The Long View, will cover time and perspective.