Grab your lawn chairs and secure your viewing spot now, because it's almost time for Riverfest.
The 45th annual Western & Southern/WEBN fireworks show is back to its home over the Ohio River, after last year's display was moved to Kentucky Speedway due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ready for the big show? Here's everything you need to know.
When is Riverfest?
The annual Labor Day celebration is Sunday and takes place at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove in Cincinnati, Festival Park in Newport and Devou Park and the downtown Riverfest Impact Area in Covington.
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The festival will begin at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove at noon and will be broadcast live from WEBN.
Tarp set-up can begin at 7 a.m. Saturday. Tarps and blankets can only be placed with painter's tape, gaffer tape or masking tape. They cannot be secured with duct tape, rocks, bricks or sand.
WEBN asks that you be considerate of others and only reserve a "reasonable amount of space."
When will the fireworks start?
Western & Southern/WEBN fireworks will launch over the Ohio River beginning at 9 p.m.
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In preparation, the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley will establish a no wake zone and a river closure on the Ohio River from noon Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday.
The closure will extend from mile 477 (beyond Riverside Park Boat Ramp) to mile 463 and on the Licking River from mile 0.0 to mile 3.0.
For river closure and opening announcements, listen to Marine Channel 16 and 22A VHF-FM.
How to listen, how to watch on TV
Tune your radio to WEBN at 102.7 FM to listen to the music for the choreographed fireworks. They'll also be broadcast live on TV at WKRC Local 12.
Where to watch the fireworks in Ohio
In Ohio, the main place to watch is Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove.
All people entering the event area will pass through a visual and bag inspection.
Oversized bags, luggage and backpacks will not be permitted inside. Purses, diaper bags and other small personal bags are allowed after inspection.
There will be two ATMs on-site at Yeatman's Cove.
The following items are prohibited:
- Weapons, including, but not limited to: knives, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, pepper spray, tear gas, etc.
- Alcohol.
- Illegal drugs.
- Cans, glass or metal containers.
- Animals and pets (except service animals).
- Aerosol cans.
- Balloons, beach balls or other inflatable items.
- Fireworks or incendiary devices of any kind.
- Musical instruments.
- Noise-making devices, such as whistles and air horns.
- Skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, etc.
- Tools.
- Pamphlets, flyers and handbills, unless approved by management.
Other areas on the Ohio side we've heard good things about for fireworks viewing: Mount Echo Park, 381 Elberon Ave., East Price Hill. Bellevue Park, 2191 Ohio Ave., Clifton Heights. Olden View Park, 2610 Eighth St., East Price Hill. Fairview Park, 501 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights.
Where to watch the fireworks in Kentucky
Newport
If you plan to cross the river, go early. The Taylor Southgate Bridge will close to vehicles at 6 p.m. and to pedestrians at 7:30 p.m.
In Newport, there will be live entertainment and food on Riverboat Row from noon to 10 p.m.
Newport on the Levee is offering live music and pop-up shops from noon to 9 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Covington
Covington is establishing rules at Devou Park and the downtown Riverfest Impact Area: the area north of East Fourth Street between the Licking River and Madison Avenue, with a contiguous section from Madison to Johnson Street along West Rivercenter Boulevard.
For people with disabilities who need to access the Impact Area, police will have a cart and driver on site. To use the service, call the command center at 859-409-8509 when you arrive Sunday.
For the full list of road closures and parking in Covington, visit covingtonky.gov/news.
What will the weather for Riverfest be like?
The National Weather Service is predicting Sunday to be mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
In the chance of rain, WEBN plans to still continue the festival and will "do everything in our power to make the show go on."
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