ArtsWave and Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) launched Streets Alive on April 6, 2026, a new busking program bringing paid live performances to several high-foot-traffic locations across downtown Cincinnati. The initiative builds on the 2020 Street Stage project, which brought live music to the city’s public spaces during the pandemic.

Unlike traditional street performance, musicians participating in Streets Alive receive a base payment for their time in addition to tips from passersby. Performances are scheduled at Court Street Plaza, Imagination Alley, and Ziegler Park, with the program running through October 2026. The initiative is intended to animate daily commutes, support local working musicians, and draw connections between downtown Cincinnati’s commercial and residential corridors.

“The arts have the power to transform a simple walk or an everyday commute into a memorable experience,” said Alecia Kintner, President and CEO of ArtsWave. “We’re proud to support local musicians through Streets Alive, as part of our broader work of building a more connected community through the arts.”

Source: Cincy Groove