CINCINNATI MAY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FREE COMMUNITY EVENT TO CELEBRATE OPENING NIGHT OF 2026 FESTIVAL
CINCINNATI, OH (March 17, 2026)—The Cincinnati May Festival has announced a free community event in celebration of this year’s May Festival curated by Festival Director Julia Bullock with Director of Choruses Matthew Swanson. To kick off the Festival’s opening night on May 15, 2026, The May Festival will host Dîner en Fleur in Washington Park, a public picnic for community members to come together and share a meal before attending the concert at Music Hall.
Inspired by the traditions of the Festival’s more than 150-year history, guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets and food, as well as come dressed in spring attire to enjoy a night of choral music while dining with neighbors. Dîner en Fleur will feature live entertainment, picnic tables for seating and free activities for guests. In addition to live entertainment, there will also be the opportunity for attendees to create their own free flower crown in partnership with the Cincinnati Art Museum.
After the event, guests are encouraged to walk across the street to Music Hall to attend opening night of the 2026 May Festival, “An Eclectic Opening Night,” at 7:30 p.m. featuring Festival Director and Grammy-winning classical singer Julia Bullock along with the May Festival Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and talented soloists. The opening night concert is a powerful celebration of music from across centuries and genres, reflecting the Festival’s storied past while boldly stepping into its future. (Tickets and Information)
“The May Festival is the oldest and longest running choral festival in the Western Hemisphere because it brings the community together and keeps music at the center of it all," said May Festival Executive Director Julianne Akins Smith. "Offering Dîner en Fleur as a free, public event is a new way to embrace Cincinnati’s cultural history that invites everyone to join in!".
Dîner en Fleur will start at 5 p.m. in Washington Park on May 15, 2026. For those who do not bring their own picnic baskets, a food truck will be on site to purchase food. Attendees can pre-order baskets through Findlay Market to be picked up onsite at Dîner en Fleur. There will also be the option to purchase alcohol at select vendors in Washington Park. Pre-registration is required online. Registration is available to Festival Pass members now and will open to the general public on April 1.
FESTIVAL TICKETS
Single tickets, Flex Passes and Festival Passes to the 2026 May Festival are now on sale. Festival Passes include access to every concert and first access with discounts to extra events. Passes and single tickets may be purchased online by visiting the May Festival website, calling the Box Office at 513.381.3300 or by visiting the Music Hall Box Office at 1241 Elm Street, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BIOGRAPHIES
Julia Bullock, Matthew Swanson, May Festival
Programs, artists, dates and times are subject to change.
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