Taft Theatre Cincinnati
A beautifully restored 1928 theatre hosting diverse live music, comedy, and theatrical performances in an intimate setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for concerts & shows
Taft Theatre Cincinnati
Best Time
Best for concerts & shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored 1928 theatre hosting diverse live music, comedy, and theatrical performances in an intimate setting.
"This theater is unique, and I love the history. It's small and intimate. Definitely a great venue to see various shows."
🎯 Book Pit Seats for Intimacy
For a close-up experience, pit seats are recommended, though they can be pricier.
🪑 Orchestra Seats Offer Great Views
Orchestra seating provides excellent sightlines and comfort for enjoying the show.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Concerts
Main Auditorium
Experience a wide range of musical artists, from rock legends to emerging talents, in an intimate setting.

Comedy Shows
Main Auditorium
Laugh out loud with renowned comedians performing their latest sets.

Theatrical Productions
Main Auditorium
Enjoy Broadway tours, musicals, and local theatre productions in this historic venue.

Intimate Offshoot Performances
Smaller venue within Taft Theatre
Discover unique and eclectic music acts in a more intimate atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Arrive Early for the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Pit Seats for Intimacy
For a close-up experience, pit seats are recommended, though they can be pricier.
🪑 Orchestra Seats Offer Great Views
Orchestra seating provides excellent sightlines and comfort for enjoying the show.
⏰ Arrive 45 Mins Early
Allow ample time for parking, drinks, and finding your seat to avoid rushing.
🍽️ Plan Dinner Ahead
Schedule dinner 2.5-3 hours before the show for a relaxed pre-event dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Pit Seats for Intimacy
For a close-up experience, pit seats are recommended, though they can be pricier.
🪑 Orchestra Seats Offer Great Views
Orchestra seating provides excellent sightlines and comfort for enjoying the show.
⏰ Arrive 45 Mins Early
Allow ample time for parking, drinks, and finding your seat to avoid rushing.
🍽️ Plan Dinner Ahead
Schedule dinner 2.5-3 hours before the show for a relaxed pre-event dining experience.
🚻 Restrooms are Clean
Visitors note that the restrooms are well-maintained and clean.
🎶 Sound Quality is Phenomenal
Enjoy excellent acoustics that enhance the live music experience.
✨ Historic & Intimate Venue
Appreciate the unique charm and intimate feel of this historic theater.
🤝 Helpful Staff
The theater staff are attentive and ready to assist with any issues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Taft Theatre is widely praised for its historic charm, intimate atmosphere, and excellent sound quality, making it a top choice for concerts and shows. Visitors appreciate the comfortable seating and helpful staff, though some suggest improved signage for amenities and merchandise lines. Planning ahead for arrival and dining is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
"Great place to see a concert. Seats were comfortable with spacious room. I do recommend that they put up some better signage for where things are located like the food and restrooms. Also having some directions with ropes for the merchandise line would be helpful. There is definitely a good amount of restrooms and all were clean. I seen Eric Gales and Buddy Guy here and it was fantastic. The sound was phenomenal and seating was great."
Beth Imhoffoneill
"Wow what can I say about my experience here I went with friends to see Herb Alpert. I purchased front row seats and was literally 15-20 feet from him while he played! The whole experience was fantastic and the security guys were great and were courteous. A+ for the experience!"
Charley Riley
"Show was good, venue, not so much. If I were to go again probably schedule dinner at least 2.5-3 hours in advance for a more relaxed time. I would plan on showing up at least 45 minutes early, more of wanting to get drinks and not walk straight to seat. Earliest I've been downtown for an evening and first time I wasn't able to get seated a good 15+ minutes before show started. But Alton Brown was very entertaining, one of the best performances I've been to."
Jeff Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Taft Theatre is located in downtown Cincinnati. Public transportation options, including bus routes, serve the area. Parking garages are available nearby for those driving.
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots in the vicinity of the Taft Theatre, though rates can vary. It's advisable to check parking availability and prices in advance.
Absolutely! Cincinnati's public bus system has numerous routes that stop near the Taft Theatre, making it an accessible option for many attendees.
For a relaxed experience, consider arriving at least 45 minutes early. This gives you time to navigate parking and find your way to the entrance without feeling rushed.
The Taft Theatre generally offers accessible seating and facilities. It's recommended to contact the box office directly to discuss specific needs and arrangements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased through the official Taft Theatre website, authorized ticket vendors like Ticketmaster, or at the Taft Theatre box office.
Yes, the Taft Theatre offers various seating options including the orchestra pit, orchestra level, and balcony. Pit seats offer intimacy, while orchestra seats provide good views.
For an up-close and personal experience with the artist, pit tickets are often considered worth the higher cost by many concert-goers.
Box office hours can vary, especially on event days. It's best to check the official Taft Theatre website or call ahead to confirm their operating hours.
While tickets may be available on the day of the show, it's highly recommended to purchase them in advance, especially for popular events, to avoid disappointment.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Taft Theatre is known for its historic charm and intimate atmosphere, making it a unique venue for various performances.
The sound quality at the Taft Theatre is consistently praised as phenomenal, providing an excellent auditory experience for concerts and shows.
Many visitors find the seats comfortable, with ample legroom, even in temporary seating arrangements.
The theatre offers restrooms, concessions, and merchandise areas. Some visitors suggest better signage for these locations would be helpful.
Absolutely! The Taft Theatre is highly regarded for hosting live music events, offering great sound and an intimate setting for artists and fans alike.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Concessions are available at the Taft Theatre, offering typical venue fare. For a more substantial meal, dining options are plentiful in the surrounding downtown Cincinnati area.
Yes, many attendees choose to dine in downtown Cincinnati before attending a show. It's recommended to allow 2.5-3 hours for a relaxed dinner experience.
Downtown Cincinnati offers a wide array of restaurants. For a unique local experience, consider trying Skyline Chili, as featured in one visitor's experience.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Taft Theatre. It's best to consume any food or drinks before entering the venue.
The Taft Theatre offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at its concession stands.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography policies can vary by event. Typically, personal cameras and recording devices are prohibited, but check with the venue or event promoter for specific rules.
The historic architecture of the Taft Theatre itself offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially in the lobby and auditorium.
For professional-quality concert photos, it's best to leave it to the professionals. For personal memories, a quick snapshot of the stage or venue ambiance is usually acceptable, if permitted.
Professional camera equipment, including DSLRs with detachable lenses, is usually not allowed. Small, personal cameras or phone cameras may be permitted, but policies can change per event.
Official photos are often shared by the Taft Theatre on their social media channels and website, or by the performing artists and their photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When attending with children, consider booking seats in the orchestra section for a clear view of the stage. Arriving a bit earlier than recommended for general audiences can also help children settle in without feeling rushed. The clean restrooms are a definite plus for families.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Whether you're aiming for the energetic proximity of the pit or the comfortable vantage point of the orchestra seats, booking in advance is highly recommended for popular acts. Keep an eye on the Taft Theatre's schedule for a diverse range of musical genres, from established legends to up-and-coming talents.
😂 Comedy Aficionados
For comedy shows, consider seating options that offer a clear line of sight to the stage. Arriving a little early can help you get settled and ready to laugh the night away.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Taft Theatre
Its architecture features intricate detailing, plush seating, and a majestic stage, contributing to a truly immersive experience. The theatre's intimate size, compared to larger arenas, fosters a closer connection between the audience and the performers, enhancing the overall enjoyment of any show.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Taft Theatre has a rich legacy of hosting a diverse array of events, from Broadway shows and concerts to comedy acts and community performances. This long-standing tradition solidifies its place as a cultural cornerstone in Cincinnati.
Navigating Seating and Experience
However, the orchestra seating also offers excellent sightlines and comfort, ensuring a great view of the stage from a slightly more elevated perspective. Many visitors find the seats to be comfortable with ample legroom, even in temporary setups. For those who prefer a broader view of the entire stage and performance, the balcony seats are also a viable option.
Regardless of your seating choice, arriving early is a recurring tip from attendees. Aiming for at least 45 minutes before the show starts allows for a relaxed entry, time to grab a drink, and to settle into your seat without the stress of rushing. This foresight contributes significantly to enjoying the full ambiance of the historic Taft Theatre.
A Hub for Diverse Entertainment
Beyond music, the theatre is a popular destination for comedy shows, drawing well-known comedians who deliver memorable performances. It also serves as a stage for theatrical productions, including touring Broadway shows and local musicals, offering a taste of live drama and spectacle.
Furthermore, the Taft Theatre features an intimate offshoot venue that hosts more eclectic and niche musical acts, providing a platform for emerging artists and unique genres. This diversity ensures that there's always something exciting happening at the Taft Theatre, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests within the Cincinnati community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit