Planning your Cincinnati Open Getaway: Must-Dos in the Queen City

As the countdown to the Cincinnati Open is officially underway, the same is true for your perfect end-of-summer vacation. There’s nothing quite like a trip that offers personalized experiences and unforgettable fun for you and your entire group. For that, the Heart of Tennis has it covered.

This year’s tournament has grown larger than ever before, showcasing off-court action that is just as exciting as the matches themselves. The 2026 Cincinnati Open will be preceded by Community Weekend on August 8-9 that features various kids’ activities, our inaugural 5K race around the site, and the U.S. debut of Red Bull BassLine. The fun continues throughout tournament play with new and improved on-site experiences for tennis fans to enjoy. We’ve got must-see entertainment, an extensive array of food and drinks, and of course, the best tennis in the world. It’s all happening at the Lindner Family Tennis Center August 8-23.

Part of what makes this tournament so special is its rich history right here in Cincinnati, Ohio. Though the Cincinnati Open has everything you could possibly need for the perfect vacation (food, music, and tennis), taking the time to explore beyond our campus will truly make your time here one to remember. Extend your tournament trip with some of our favorite activities and sites in and around Cincinnati.

Pre-Tournament Entertainment

What better way to kick off your summer getaway than with live performances from some of the biggest names in country music? Voices of America Country Music Fest returns August 6-9, just a fifteen-minute drive from the tournament site. The community is large and the energy is high, making it the perfect Midwestern welcome and trip addition. The best news is that Cincinnati Open fans get discounted festival tickets! With the code cincyopen26 you can get 15% off your purchase and experience a vibrant celebration of both traditional and modern country sound.

Fun for the Foodies

The Cincinnati Open is the perfect place for our food fanatics to gather and try various cuisines all in one place. With a line-up featuring signature cocktails and boldly flavored bites from the Cincinnati region and beyond, the star-quality of the dishes is almost as bright as the talent on the courts. Want to find more vibrant eats close by? Over-the-Rhine, located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, is a neighborhood that showcases a wide range of dining experiences for anyone to enjoy. For the perfect summer evening in the city, we suggest taking your group to the Rhinegeist Brewery rooftop and sipping a (Cincy made) brew with a view! Plus, check out the limited-edition Cincinnati Open cans of Cincy Light available both at the taproom and on-site at the tournament. With both casual social scenes and upscale eateries lining every street, you can’t go wrong just taking a stroll to see what hidden gem you may find.

Action Packed

As exciting as it is to cheer for your favorite tennis stars and get an up-close look at all the on-court action, your fun doesn’t have to stop there! Have you been eager to get on the courts yourself? The Cincinnati Open Sporting Club offers court rentals for tennis, pickleball, and padel. Come back after the tournament and starting September 1, you have your chance to hit game-winners on the same courts as the pros.

For our sports buffs and aficionados, the city of Cincinnati is not lacking in competitive match ups or athletic entertainment. Keep up the energy you bring to the tournament and root for our home teams! The Cincinnati Bengals, the Cincinnati Reds, and FC Cincinnati have several contests the month of August, making it easy to catch a game or two.

Fun for All Ages

With the kids, and the kids-at-heart, in mind, Cincinnati Open Community Weekend is our top recommendation for family-friendly activities. All around the grounds will be live music, games, player interactions, and quality fan experiences. If you’re looking for more, the city of Mason has ample fun to offer within a short drive from the tournament site to keep everyone entertained. Pins Mechanical Company features old-school arcade games, duckpin bowling, bocce ball, and a host of other opportunities for some family competition. And, of-course, right next to the site of world-famous tennis is Mason’s own world-famous amusement park, Kings Island. After an afternoon of thrill rides and blue ice cream, the theme park will end up being a favorite amongst your crew.

The memories made during a trip to the Cincinnati Open are ones that last a lifetime. Tickets are selling fast and hotels are being booked! Finalize your trip now and don’t miss out on an award-winning tournament experience and the joy of the Queen City.