Art, Music, and More at Art After Dark by Anna Carlson

Cincinnati is home to an immense amount of art, talent, and delicious food. A perfect opportunity to experience galleries of art, local talent and food is at the event known as Art After Dark hosted by the Cincinnati Art Museum, located in Eden Park. This event takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the last Friday of every month, excluding November and December due to the holiday season. Admission is free to the public and all ages are welcome.

For several years, Art After Dark has brought in on average 1000 to 4000 patrons each month who flock to the Cincinnati Art Museum to appreciate the beautiful art held inside the museum and to spend time with friends and family. Art After Dark also has free admission to ticketed exhibitions which is a great way to experience a collection of art that may have otherwise been out of budget.

Parking is free but limited and it is encouraged that patrons park in Eden Park or Mount Adams once the parking lot at the museum has been filled. Rideshare services are also a good idea as many travel to this event, and finding parking may be a hassle. Art After Dark holds live entertainment from local Cincinnati artists and groups. Each month features different artists that perform a variety of entertainment from spoken word poetry, live music from bands and musicians and dance performances. Some of these artists and groups that have previously been featured include Dj Diamond, Pones, and Afrochine. Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Kaitlyn Sharo, said that the museum has a great relationship with Pone's dance company as they have performed at this event several times now whether that be through dance performances, teaching mindful meditation and yoga or leading group dances.

Each month endures a new theme that highlights the featured exhibition or other current events at that time. The themes sometimes encourage costumes which adds an extra spark of fun for visitors.

This May, Art After Dark was themed ‘All Hail the Queen City.’ As stated on Cincinnati Art Museums website , “It’s a party fit for a queen!” This celebration honored the 20th anniversary of the Cincinnati Wing which opened in May, 2003. The wing features artists' work who are from or connected to the City. Docent tours of the Cincinnati wing were led and the Terrace Cafe sold Cincinnati’s favorite dish, you guessed it, chili. In addition, Local music group Afrochine performed live music to entertain all of those around.

Cincinnati Art Museum will be recognizing pride month in June at Art After Dark with music from a DJ and Drag Shows from local Drag Queens. There is always something to celebrate, and the museum takes each month's theme into consideration which makes it that much more enjoyable for visitors.

Alongside food for purchase and one of a kind art and talent, there are several bars in the museum selling cocktails, beer and wine for those 21 and older. Featured cocktails oftentimes fit the theme of the month which makes the drinks that much more appetizing.

Sharo expressed how Art After Dark “is really a chance to have fun and experience the museum like you have never experienced before.” The museum has more than 70,000 works in their collection and with a good portion of those artworks on display there is much to observe.

Sharo adds that it is a great opportunity to “see what our city has to offer, we have some great performers who come here, some amazing food” and to “be ready to have a good time.”

Stay tuned for the future Art After Darks as the themes, dates, and performers are listed in the Cincinnati Art Museum's website under the events tab. Grab some friends, family, or even ride solo and have fun at this one of a kind event here in Cincinnati.