Festival Events
Event Overview
BFR Kickoff & First Pitch
Great American Ball Park
BFR Sponsors’ RECEPTION
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dinner by the bites
First financial innovation hub
1 east fourth street
Cincinnati ohio 45202
BFR Job Fair
Duke Energy Convention Center
Connect with over 100+ employers from across the Tri-State (OH, KY, IN) area at the 2026 Black Family Reunion Career Fair presented by Superior Career Fairs.
HISTORIC BUS TOUR
You Must Register To Attend
Buses will leave immediately after the heritage breakfast.
African American Historic Bus Tour is powered by Metro
Community Blood Drive
Time: TBD
Join the Community Blood Drive and help save lives. Your donation supports patients in need, including those with sickle cell disease, and helps strengthen the health of our community. Every drop makes a difference.
BFR Kickoff Game
Where the Celebration Begins
Join us at the ballpark as we officially launch the Black Family Reunion season. Bring your family and friends for an evening of baseball, fellowship, and community pride, celebrating a weekend dedicated to culture, unity, and resilience.
Date
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time
Launching a Weekend of Unity
The BFR Kickoff Game brings families together for an evening of baseball, fellowship, and community pride as we officially launch into the Black Family Reunion season. Gathering at one of Cincinnati’s iconic venues creates an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends while celebrating the beginning of a weekend dedicated to culture, unity, and resilience. It is more than a game—it is the first shared memory of an unforgettable weekend. The event will feature the BFR’s Family of the Year and a First Pitch Ceremony.
Game Day Events
What to expect
Fan Planning
Know before you go
Tickets & Information
Secure Your Seats Today
Whether you are celebrating with immediate family, reconnecting with old friends, or bringing a large community group, lock in your participation for this unforgettable kickoff.
BFR Sponsors’ Reception
Partners in Purpose.
Join us for an exclusive evening honoring the organizations that make the Black Family Reunion possible, featuring local, regional, and national partners investing in the strength and vitality of Tri-State families.
Date
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time
Event Story
The Black Family Reunion is made possible through the generous support of organizations that believe in strengthening families and creating healthier, more vibrant communities. Our sponsors are more than supporters—they are valued partners whose investments help expand access to health resources, educational opportunities, workforce development, cultural experiences, and year-round programming. Together, we create a lasting impact that extends well beyond the festival weekend.
Reception Programming
About the event
Partnership Info
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Registration & Inquiries
Empower Our Community Together
Whether you are looking to launch a corporate partnership or seeking to deepen your organization’s local community impact, lock in your participation today.
Job Fair
Connect with Opportunity. Discover Top Talent.
Join the biggest and best career fair for openings across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, featuring local, regional, and national companies recruiting for Tri-State and remote positions.
Date
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Time
Duke Energy Convention Center
Event Story
Economic opportunity is one of the strongest foundations of resilient families. The BFR Job Fair connects job seekers with employers, career resources, educational opportunities, and workforce development organizations committed to helping individuals achieve long-term success. Every conversation has the potential to open a new door and create a brighter future.
Festival Programming
About the event
Planning info
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Registration & Inquiries
Take Your Next Professional Step
Whether you are looking to land your next great role or seeking to recruit the industry’s top professional talent, lock in your participation today.
Historic Bus Tour
Honoring Our Legacy. Inspiring Our Future.
This event template is structured for pages like BFR Speaks, Heritage Breakfast, BFR Lounge, Parade, Concert Series, Job Fair, Kickoff Game, Historic Bus Tour, and Blood Drive.
Date
Friday, August 14, 2026
Time
Event Story
The Historic Bus Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the people, places, and stories that have shaped Black history throughout Cincinnati. By exploring the landmarks that reflect generations of achievement, perseverance, and leadership, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the legacy that continues to inspire our future. Understanding where we’ve been helps guide where we’re going.
Festival Programming
About the event
Planning info
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Secure Your Seat
Ready to Explore Our History?
Space on the Metro buses is strictly limited and seats fill up quickly every year. Register now to lock in your spot for this curated journey through Cincinnati’s most vital African American landmarks.
Community Blood Drive
Give Blood. Give Hope.
Giving blood is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to care for our community. Join the Black Family Reunion Blood Drive to help save lives, raise health awareness, and strengthen our collective well-being.
Date
TBD
Time
Event Story
Giving blood is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to care for our community. The Black Family Reunion Blood Drive helps address critical shortages while encouraging greater awareness of the importance of blood donation within the Black community, where diverse blood types are especially needed to support patients with conditions such as sickle cell disease. Every donation has the power to save lives and strengthen our community’s health.
Health Programming
About the event
Donor info
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Registration & Inquiries
Make a Life-Saving Impact
Whether you are looking to roll up your sleeves as a donor or seeking to support our local health advocates, lock in your participation today.