Fountain Square gets five stars on the sole fact that I can't possibly imagine downtown Cincinnati without it. It is such a hub for events and activities that it couldn't possibly be replaced. The events, ranging from smaller and contained in the square, to those larger events which spill into 5th Street, span pretty much anything you could imagine and spans all seasons. They have a farmer's market, free concerts, ice skating in the winter, and a ton of other events. Even when they don't have events, it's very nice in the warmer months to sit at the tables in the Square and watch a Reds game or just do some reading. The location is very centrally located, with restaurants (Graeter's, Via Vite, Rock Botton, etc) right on the square. It is walkable from pretty much every hotel in the downtown area. I can't even imagine how much economic benefit Fountain Square has brought in since its construction. And all of that is without even mentioning the fountain itself. This thing is beautiful and is definitely one of the city's unique treasures. Fountain Square or the city would not be the same without it (even beyond the name). read more

Completely blown away at how gorgeous Fountain Square is. I was in town to see the first pre-season Bengals game against the Packers and had so much fun. The restaurant on the square was amazing too. Bartender was awesome!!! It made me miss Cincy. Very great place to chill for happy hour. Hope the Bengals start getting better :( read more

While downtown yesterday for the Yelp beer week at Rock Bottom, I had arrived early and I noticed broomball was being played on the ice skating rink. How neat and how much fun they were probably having. I really like the addition of the big screen and the spring/summer concerts and then movies for the family on Sundays. When I used to work on the Sr. Roys taco truck and we parked right on fountain square the crowds on Friday and Saturday were huge. It was the perfect place for us to park our truck and serve the masses either leaving from a bar, concert or a reds game. I really like the selections of restaurants on the square that include Via Vite, Rock Bottom, Skyline, Graeters, Tom Chee had one, plus there are many choices inside the hotels and the street vendors. There is nothing better than on a nice warm day having lunch at fountain square. read more

It's Cincinnati's Living Room! Just don't forget to a) take your parking ticket with you and b) pay before you get back to your car. With that, enjoy all of the great events-music, markets, movies, and all that is Downtown Cincinnati! read more

Fountain Square has seen an incredible transition in the last decade. The Square used to be almost hidden from the street. Steps and hand rails separated you from the Square except a few random entryways. They moved the fountain away from the street about 50 feet, rebuilt the parking garage underneath, and provided a brand new layout for the event space. A stage sits on the SW corner at Fifth and Vine for most of the year. During the winter, most of the square in turned into an ice skating rink (which is only a couple of bucks). My favorite event is the MidPoint Indie Summer Series that is held every Friday over the Summer. They showcase local, national, and international acts each week. The Square is always packed for these events. There is salsa dancing every Thursday. Reds games are always shown on the huge TV on top of the Macy's building across the street. Simply put, the programming is amazing! There are plenty of good restaurants on the Square. A Chipotle and Graeter's sit on the edges as well as Rockbottom, Via Vite, and several more. A PNC and a 5/3 ATM are conveniently located as well. The place is often referred to as Cincinnati's living room. I think that is an appropriate nickname. read more

I love Fountain Square. I can take my lunch there, sit at the fountain and bask in the glory of Cincinnati. They have all sorts of cool events going on there too. Last time I ended up there they were having a contest for singing the National Anthem at a tennis competition. It was hot as ever, but I stood near the fountain (in the shade), ate my Graeter's ice cream and enjoyed the singing. It was really nice. When I finally man-up and learn how to ice skate, I'll definitely go to the rink they have open in winter. read more

Fountain Square has some of the most exciting and unique events you'll find in the whole city. Ice Skating, festivals, Reds Rallies and many, many other things. Check out myfountainsquare.com for information on upcoming events. It's a Cincinnati landmark! Of course it gets 5 stars. I see it and remember being a child walking around downtown with my dad on our way to Riverfront Stadium. Just seeing the fountain always brings a smile to my face. read more

It's an iconic spot that's hit or miss. Sometimes Fountain Square has unique, exciting activities. Other times it's over run with rowdy young people or drunkards. I once enjoyed coming down to check out the music on the square on the weekends until all the young partiers showed up. I suppose that's related to having nightclubs nearby. I've been a vendor on Fountain Square as well. The booths aren't well positioned to attract passers by. Most are tucked away in the back by the patio furniture, not near the event stage. I've found people setting up lawn chairs in front of my booth to watch the Reds game on the big screen. C'mon! I'm trying to sell stuff, here! Overall, Fountain Square provides fun, free entertainment but could stand some improvement in some areas. read more

Cincinnati's living room! The square is awesome, there's something different going on every evening, plenty of space, clean bathrooms, etc. The fountain is a treasure and looks great lit up. Pull up a chair and enjoy the evening! read more

When Cincinnati smartly turned over management of the square and it's redevelopment to 3CDC they unleashed a bevy of forces that has started to transform the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The square itself is a great destination to hang out, read, chill or just people watch - especially during warmer weather. The area around the square has been coming back to life over the past few years as well. Parking couldn't be easier - the "under-fountain" garage has two convenient entrances. Be sure to visit Fountain Square's website for an up to the minute calendar with what's happening. You will not be disappointed. read more

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Fountain Square is something different most days of the week/year/month. I was here last night for trivia and it was a surprisingly good time. Not that I don't like the square, in general, but I do tend to avoid it when the attraction/events rely largely on loud music and beer; t the mix of people this attracts, and the number, don't equate to a great time for me. Trivia, on the other hand, was a wonderfully low key event with just enough people to make a crowd, but nothing too crowded. Being in the heart of the city, this space ends up being pretty iconic. I applaud the folks who book events for keeping it busy. read more

If you've seen the beginning credit sequence for WKRP in Cincinnati, you've seen the Tyler Davidson fountain. I stopped by on my through Cinci to get some photos in person (because I'm kind of a nerd); it's a very impressive structure, with three levels of statue above the fountain basin. The first level is composed of four putti torturing various water-related animals; the second is four figures who are probably significant in some way (I'm kind of a Philistine when it comes to art), and the last is a single figure with its arms outstretched. It's magnificent in a way you don't really see anymore (they don't make 'em like they used to) and it definitely adds a bit of elegance to Fountain Square. read more

I love what has happened to downtown Cincinnati in the last 10 years.... Just think of how far we have come since the riots just over 10 years ago. Downtown used to be a place where no one from the suburbs ever went. Now, it is the hub of entertainment, dining and drinking in the area. And Fountain Square is at the middle of all the excitement. I love the renovations that they have done over the last couple years. I was originally unhappy when they moved the fountain, but the move really opened up the area for more special events. The new permanent stage is a great recent addition. I totally recommend welcoming in the New Year at Fountain Square. The fireworks at midnight were really amazing this year! And, its free! Check out their movie nights during the summer.... Pack your camp chairs, some food and beverages and watch a movie (for free) under the stars. And of course.... make sure to make a stop here before your wedding or prom for pictures! Check out the Fountain Square website for a calendar of all the great events that happen everyday year round! Haven't been downtown lately? What's stopping you! Its not the dangerous, deserted place you imagine. Join the crowd at the Square! read more

A historic fixture in the heart of fountain square. A landmark that makes the plaza in the heart of you city so definitively Cincinnatian. When planners talk about placemaking, they mean a marker like this. When you can say "Let's meet by the Fountain" and EVERYBODY. knows where to meet. read more

Just got back from my 2nd trip to Fountain Square this weekend for the Cincinnati Beerfest and it was awesome! I really love seeing so many people in the heart of Cincinnati enjoying themselves. This summer has been a summer full of Fountain Square for me- the MPMF Indie Music Series on Fridays and now the Beerfest- next weekend Oktoberfest. I think I am addicted. Since I don't live downtown I appreciate the close and cheap parking. It is (almost) always open and on Friday the staff getting people out were so friendly- even though there were people leaving Beerfest and the Reds game. Even without events going on Fountain Square would be a place I would take friends visiting Cincinnati for the first time- especially at night with the fountain all lit up. LOVE IT The only complaint that I have is that I can't bring my dog. He would love it there, just like I do. read more

There is just always something going on here! if it is nice out, you will have plenty of people watching on fountain Square. There is almost always a festival, bands playing, reds game, something else going on all times during the day. There are a number of restaurants (of all price ranges) within one block of the square. There is a large video board to watch reds/bengals/bearcats games with your Cincinnati Friends! The best public space and most "cincinnati" places in the city! Love it! read more

The downtown business district is boring. It's been boring for years. Just north, the Main Street entertainment district continues it's slow demise. In the center of it all is a place you may haven't thought of unless you make it into the city on a regular basis. Fountain Square. Since the reconstruction of the square and with the organization efforts of 3CDC, the square has become a premier lunch spot, family destination and party central. Summer events often occur several times daily and there has been no shortage of fund raisers, music exposes and family movies nights as well as open market days, radio promotions, dancing and book signings. I've had the privilege of attending, performing and working at several different events. Each one has been superbly organized, promoted and handled. The large LED video screen on top of the building across the street is used as a tool to let people know about schedules, if beverages are being sold, shows live crows and event shots and is used to show movies Parking is available below the Square, the entrance is on the Vine Street side. I noticed when closing up the drink stand on Salsa Thursdays that there was some sort of product promotion immediately through the parking gate, I haven't had a chance to check it out but it was a car wash product and looked pretty sweet, almost like free car washes were being offered. This is the type of venue our Queen City deserves! read more

Fountain Square has long been known for its presence in the heart of downtown, especially with the Tyler Davidson Fountain as its centerpiece since 1871. I don't remember too much about the area prior to its redesign of 2005 and 2006, but I have been down there many times since its completed renovation and it's really a great place and something of which Cincinnatians should be proud. It's not just about a giant monument sitting in the middle of downtown; rather it's the hub of downtown food and entertainment. The three blocks in each direction from the Vine and Fifth location of Fountain Square is known as the Fountain Square District, but just on and adjacent to the Square are many great restaurants and shops. On the Square you have local favorite Graeter's, Potbelly, and the Rock Bottom Brewery, while in the same block there is McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Boi Na Braza (Brazilian Steakhouse), Morton's of Chicago, and Palomino, as well as Macy's, Tiffany and Company, Brooks Brothers, and the Westin hotel. The new and improved Fountain Square is really reviving the area and downtown as a whole. Fountain Square is at the center of the Taste of Cincinnati each year, but it also is the home to many seasonal events. Some of the biggest events this summer are the PNC Summer Music Series (seven weekly live music events), "Reds Hot Weekends" featuring free entertainment during some of the biggest weekend baseball series (Indians, Red Sox, Cubs, etc.), and Saturday Night at the Movies (two feature films each Saturday night on the 24'x42' video board: this weekend is the Karate Kid followed by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The fall is headlined by Light Up the Square, kicking off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving in Cincinnati's best impersonation of New York City with both a giant tree and an ice skating rink. Fountain Square truly is a great landmark in Cincinnati, but it's now also downtown's center for a lot of food and fun. Whether you want to watch the Reds or Bengals--home or away--on the high resolution video board, grab lunch and listen to music during the week, or just want to hit up one of the local restaurants or shops, Fountain Square is your source for local fun, especially in the summertime. (8/13/08 edit: I just discovered that the video for "It's Not My Time" by 3 Doors Down was filmed in Cincinnati and you can see Fountain Square twice, most notably between 3:09 and 3:19 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18pelixcmvQ) read more

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Fountain Square has come a long way from its long overdue renovation. Now the new Fountain Square is host to a bevy of events spanning from live music from local indie bands every Friday night in the summer to watching Reds and Bengals games on the brand new giant screen. If nothing is going on when you visit Fountain Square, take a minute to enjoy the weather, sit by the fountain and read a book or maybe even just watch the people watch for a little bit. Fountain Square is also surrounded by a ton of good restaurants, from Brazillian to Seafood to Americana, there is something for everyone. A farmers market was hosted this summer on the Square, but it was honestly a little lackluster. In the Winter, Fountain Square is converted into an ice skating rink that provides a completely different, but equally fun experience. You can get a good laugh from the beginners falling over and over, or maybe be surprised by an expert or two. read more

This is truly something that sets Cincinnati apart and gives it just a wee bit of European flair. Sitting outside in spring, either during a workday or after, listening to some live music or watching events on the Macy's big screen is such a treat. I never saw the square before the renovations. I only know I love it. read more

Oh I love Fountain Square. This is the best place to enjoy a free event, get some food, and people watch. Enjoy the cool breeze created by the fountain or some cool ice cream with Graeter's next door. Every Tuesday during lunch time in the summer is Market on the Square, an open market with flowers, fresh food, and local Cinci favorites to try. There is also salsa nights - check out their website to see what's happening (there's almost always something going on). read more

Visited from Cleveland with my boyfriend this past weekend for a Valentine's Day stay-cation! We went ice skating and had a blast! read more

Fountain Square - Valentine's Day couple skate! Very cold but so much fun! - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Beautiful view and a nice area to stroll around. I love that they have ice skating in the winter and it seemed like there were more than a few restaurants to chose from. I kinda wish there was a little more shopping though. read more

There is ALWAYS something going on at Fountain Square. It's iconic for Cincy, with that cool fountain in the middle. It's a relaxing open space that's nice during a night out at the local establishments. Sometimes you just need a little space and some fresh air. Events like yoga, salsa dancing, and "drive in" movies all make this a cool spot to check out. I especially loved the sight of fireworks exploding between buildings and reflected in the glass as they bounced off. I also like to watch the ice skating rink from the top of Carew Tower in the winter. It's a central location to the annual Reds opening day event, and many others like Taste of Cincinnati, etc. They even have a public restroom which is nice. Parking is easy in the garage and it's $5 which is reasonable. read more

As a newbie to the area, I only know the renovated Fountain Square! My limited experience is at the Taste of Cincinnati and a few other downtown jaunts. I've heard locals say they're not sure how all the money was spent, but I trust that it's a huge improvement and given the events that take place in the area, it's important for a city to have a focal point! Although I didn't attend any of the winter events, ice skating rink, etc., I know this summer there is an outdoor movie festival and many live music events. read more

Those who say that there is nothing to do in Cincinnati (besides being unimaginative) have clearly never been to Fountain Square. No matter what season, there is something fun, exciting, unique and clever going on there. A quick recap of my past year at Fountain Square! Cincinnati Beerfest Celtic Festival Ice Skating and Downtown Dazzle (Santa repelling off Macy's building, how cool is that?) St. Patty's Day Party Salsa Dancing Oktoberfest Movie Night Shake Your Tailgate Party Santacon Reds Opening Day Parade Upcoming Events I'm looking forward to Cinciditarod Family and DJ Skates Fish Toss (can't wait) Oyster and Guinness Festival Easter Egg Hunt Fountain Day Coffee and Wine Tastings Strauss Market Midpoint Music Festival KY Derby Day Plus on any day you can grab a chair, enjoy lunch, people watch, and watch the big screen!! What an awesome addition to Cincinnati! Hope I can see y'all down there this year. (I'm usually the crazy one dressed up for every event!) read more

What an asset for Cincinnati! Fountain Square was conceived to be "Cincinnati's Living Room," but its much cooler than that. Essentially, it is a block of event space. Restaurants, including Rock Bottom, Via Vite and Graeters and bars line the north and east side. The south and west sides are open to the City. There is a large stage, which in the warmer months, hosts frequent free concerts. There are also weekly movies and occaisional fireworks displays. In the Winter months, an ice-skating rink is available for those of you who do not fear putting your life in danger and trust that the pathetically tiny groove that the razor blades under your feet is sufficient to give you sufficient leverage such that you do not slip on the ice. Seriously, folks. Ice is slippery and you are sliding around on razor blades. Oh. Umm... Fountain Square is awesome and welcoming and Cincinnati is a better city for having it. read more

This is the historic center of Cincinnati and it's still in constant use today. With the ice rink in the winter and regular speakers, concerts, and events during the warmer months, it's always a fun place to be. There are restaurants, a Graeters, and a Starbucks all close by. And really, downtown Cincinnati is very walk-able with its wide sidewalks and crosswalks. If you're interested in the history of the city and the square, visit the Cincinnati Museum Center. There are fascinating stories to learn there about life in this great city including this square and its transformation throughout the decades. read more

Fountain Square: the living room, the social center, and heart of the heart of the region. If you live around here, you've probably been around here. More often than not, there's something going on, whether it's just a Reds game shown on the big screen, a band playing on stage, ice skating, a market, or a full blown festival that extends along 5th Street! Fountain Square has simply helped to give Cincinnati quite possibly the most vibrant city center in Ohio, if not the Midwest (outside Chicago), with a great deal of restaurants and bars surrounding the Square. Yes, Downtown has a ways to go- it is a shadow of its former shelf as a shopping destination (though not terrible), served by a bare-bones bus system, and marred by its reputation as an unfriendly, unsafe place to visit (upheld more by local talk radio than by statistics). Nonetheless, Fountain Square has been at the center of new life downtown, which is slowly spreading toward other areas like Over-the-Rhine, hopefully accelerated by the popular yet controversial streetcar that's to be built in the next few years. read more

"No matter what you do- always look for adventure." That came from my 7 year old and its so true. I got off at 7am and was exhausted. But there was no sleep in sight. Night shifters know what I'm talking about. Straight from work to mom mode for a solid 36 hr + awake time. It wasn't her fault I had been up and was cranky. As an "I'm sorry", I suggested we go downtown and get Abby girl cupcakes. (SOOO good BTW, still my favorite in the city) We grabbed our usual, her a cookies and cream, me a red velvet and hightailed it up to the Carew Tower Observation deck. If you haven't been here, go. Its only $2 and give you the best view of every part of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Grab a snack and head on up. The best couple bucks you'll ever spend. When we were up there we noticed that fountain square had quite a few people on it, so we hopped across the street. I love fountain square, its always so alive and there's always something going on. Last time we were down there it was a fish toss. This day was national doughnut day and a fundraiser for the salvation army. These two Dunkin Donut characters came over and gave us a free doughnut. They we took some pictures with the Cincinnati Bengals mascot. There was a long line for a meet and greet for some guy. We didn't wait in it, but we did snap a picture and an autograph. It was Olympic medalist Skier Nick Goepper! So unexpected As we were headed back to the car this man was holding what looked like a baby, then I saw ears. IT WAS A FREAKING KANGAROO!! A small baby albino kangaroo. We had to touch her. The guy was so nice and since the crowd had left by then, he let us hold her. She was adorable and it made Lauren's day. The strangest things can happen- just remember to keep your eyes open and look for adventure! So cupcakes $5.50 and the tower $4 = an amazing afternoon for under $10! read more

I love how Cincinnati organizes all kinds of stuff on this square. From funny pigs to concerts to the start of several races to the icerink, there always seems to be something going on. I usually come for the bars and restaurants (Rock Bottom, Via Vite, Mynt) and unfortunately I don't work just next doors, but the little tables on the square seem great for a lunch break (or an outdoor meeting?)! It's also a good place to take the southbank shuttle, both to Newport and Covington AND you can visit the Macy*s store, as well as the indoor food court. Definitely couldn't imagine Cincinnati without Fountain square! read more

Fountain Square is a Cincinnati jewel/icon. When I first moved here last summer it was a great place to see live music every weekend, dance the night away to salsa on Thursdays and even throw a fish as far as I could this past spring. This place never slows down. The show every single Reds game, Bengals game and even all the USA World Cup games on the big screen. Don't worry about food and drink because if there aren't food trucks and beer tents around there's still Via Vite, Rock Bottom, Mynt, Graeters, Servattis, Chipotle, Panera blah blah blah. It's really nice that Cincinnati has something like this in downtown and the definitely take advantage of it. read more

Hilarious people! Great costume ideas at cini didaron

When I was new to Cincinnati I had no idea what this fountain square thing was, and then I had a lunch meeting at fountain square and I've been hooked ever since! It reminds me of a more active, popular, and happening Monument Circle in Indianapolis. Where else can you toss fish, watch a jumbo-tron of a Reds game, eat at the Rock Bottom Brewery, and grab a pint of Greaters? (Not to mention play broom ball in the winter) Anyway, I've only scratched the surface of all of the amazing things there are to do year-round at Fountain Square. It is definitely one of my top 3 favorite spots in my adopted city. read more

We loved Downtown Dazzle. This ice skating, the lights, Christmas music and Santa repelling down Macy's building was the best. We love going downtown and the holidays just make it perfect. read more

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I have been coming to Fountain Square for quite sometime now, and I've gotta say I love it here. I love to bring delicious food here so I can sit down and enjoy everything Cincinnati has to offer. A great place to dance, eat, drink, and be merry, or at this time of year, ice skate at the US Bank Ice Rink and see the beautiful Christmas Tree that adorns the square. Admission is $3 and you can rent skates for an additional $3 too, if you want. You will have a ball skating down there. You can come view the magnificent centerpiece of the square, the lovely, the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain. During the rest of the year outside of the holiday season, they will have chairs and tables set up so you can just sit down, chill out, and enjoy the city atmosphere! They have great live music acts as well, and you can shake your bootay to the music! Live music is mostly during the spring and summer months. A huge screen above the Macy*s store across the street can display everything from sporting events to tv commercials. There is great parking, either underneath Fountain Square itself in the underground garage or at one of the several parking meters within walking distance. Several restaurants surround the square, including Graeter's Ice Cream, Panera Bread, Chipotle, Rock Bottom Brewery, McCormick & Schmick's, Boi Na Braza, Ingredients, and many many more. The Westin Cincinnati Hotel is right across the street. It really is as good at it gets down at Fountain Square at the heart of downtown Cincinnati. That's all I can say to describe it. Come on down here and see it for yourself. You won't regret it, I guarantee it. (: read more

Best place in Cincinnati to take a jumping pic :) There's just something about the combo of artwork and water that makes people flock to it. When I'm at the square I always enjoy watching people interacting with the fountain. read more

The square itself is spacious and attractive, and it serves as a wonderful gathering spot for Cincy's diverse urban population. The city does a fantastic job of maximizing its use through an extensive and varied series of hosted events. I've only been to Salsa on the Square on Thursdays, which is fantastic, but I've also heard good things about the other activities here. read more

Love the fountain and all that surrounds it in downtown Cincinnati. The fountain is maintained beautifully and offers a familiar landmark that's been around since my childhood. Enjoy taking pictures in front of the fountain, watching the people passing by, or taking in the evening entertainment. read more

Just the look of Fountain Square is enough to give it 5 stars - it's very well laid-out (like all central parts of a city should be), it is surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops, and just as many have reviewed about, there is always something happening! In the summer there is live music almost every day and on Saturday nights there is a double-feature movie screening right in the square. During the winter it turns into an ice rink. It's the place to go for anyone who is new to the Queen City, but on the other hand it will not disappoint us locals. read more