Riverfest, WEBN fireworks 2023: Everything you need to know

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Cincinnati's Riverfest and fireworks celebration is back again this weekend.

Nationally recognized as one of the top single-day festivals in the country, Riverfest is slated for Sept. 3, starting at noon, with fireworks launching from the Ohio River starting at 9 p.m.

This will be the 47th fireworks show presented by Western and Southern/WEBN.

Below is everything you need to know about this year's end-of-summer celebration.

WHAT TIME DO THINGS START?

The official celebration begins at noon Sunday at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove in Cincinnati.

The fireworks will launch from the Ohio River at 9 p.m.

Tarps can be set up starting at noon Sunday. When placing your tarp or blanket, use painter tape, gaffer tape or masking tape. Do not secure with duct tape, rocks, bricks or sand.

Anything placed before noon on Sunday will be removed and destroyed.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LOOK LIKE?

Heat tries to make a comeback this weekend. It gets warm again on Friday, humidity joins in on Saturday and we're back to the 90s for Riverfest on Sunday and Labor Day Monday.

WHAT EVENTS ARE GOING ON?

Beginning at noon Sunday, there is live music and a festival-like celebration along Cincinnati's riverfront. Head down to Yeatman's Cove and Sawyer Point.

Across the river in Covington and Newport, there are also several events planned throughout the day leading up to the main show at 9 p.m. — the massive firework display.

Newport is hosting Riverfest on the Levee where there will be live music, family-friendly activities and pop-up shops.

RUBBER DUCK REGATTA GOES VIRTUAL

The 29th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta will take place on Sunday, September 4. Each duck purchased will help provide 15 meals to the community.

Ducks are available through Sunday online or by phone at 513-929-3825.

First place prize this year is a 2024 Honda HR-V courtesy of the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers. Second place prize is $5,200 in gift cards from Kroger ($100 a week for a year) the remaining 5 prizes are $500 cash from Kemba Credit Union.

WHERE TO WATCH

The views are equally spectacular on both sides of the river. But plan accordingly if you plan to take a bridge, as several closures are planned.

On the Ohio side, the main place to watch is Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove. But there are several rules: Alcohol is not permitted, nor are oversized bags, luggage or backpacks.

Click here to see what's permitted and what's prohibited.

On the Kentucky side, both the Covington and Newport riverfronts will give you a view of the show.

ROAD CLOSURES & PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Boating restrictions

The no wake zone will be on the Ohio River from mile 477.0 (beyond Riverside Park Boat Ramp) to mile 463.0 (Four Seasons Marina and Aqua ramp Marinas) and on the Licking River from mile 0.0 to mile 0.3 and will be enforced from 12 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 3, 2023 to 3 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.

Additionally, the river will be closed to all commercial and recreational vessel traffic in the downtown Cincinnati area from Ohio River mile 469.2 to mile 470.5 and Licking River mile 0.0 to 0.3 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Covington road closures for Sunday, Sept. 3

Parking

The following areas within the Impact Area will be posted as “No Parking, Tow Away Zones.” Vehicles parked in these areas will be towed starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, including next to parking meters:

All vehicles parked in garages and parking lots located in the Impact Area will not be permitted to leave until pedestrian traffic has cleared and Covington Police have determined that it is safe for vehicle traffic.

Alcohol & other restrictions