Press Release

Your pre-game spot for music, family fun, and drinks, with fireworks after the final out 

NEWPORT, Ky. (May 7, 2026) – A new family-friendly Friday night tradition is coming to the Northern Kentucky riverfront. Rally at Ovation, an event series held during Cincinnati Reds Friday-night home games, will transform Ovation Plaza into a lively pre- and post-game destination beginning May 8. 

Taking place every Friday home game throughout the season, Rally at Ovation invites families, fans, and community members to gather from 4 to 8 p.m. for live music, pop-up food and drinks, yard games, giveaways, and convenient parking, all just steps from Great American Ball Park. 

Guests can kick off opening night with live music from Sugar Daddy while enjoying special drink pricing at Market Bar and High Note Rooftop Bar, two of Ovation’s signature destinations, and various food offerings. After the final out, attendees are encouraged to return to Ovation to continue the evening with drinks and fireworks viewing from The Boardwalk, High Note Rooftop Bar, and other riverfront vantage points. 

“Rally at Ovation is about creating a welcoming, family-friendly space where fans of all ages can come together and enjoy the full game-day experience,” said Suzanne Deatherage, Vice President of Marketing at Corporex. “From pre-game entertainment to post-game fireworks, and great gathering spots like Market Bar and High Note, we’re excited to offer something for everyone right here on the riverfront. Plus, we have the best view of the fireworks, without as much of the post-game traffic.” 

The event series is designed to provide a convenient and vibrant gathering place for baseball fans and the surrounding community. By activating Ovation Plaza with live entertainment, local food, and low-cost parking, Rally at Ovation enhances the overall game-day experience while supporting local businesses and creating a destination for residents and visitors alike. 

Event dates include: 

• May 8, 22, 29 

• June 12 

• July 3, 10, 31 

• Aug. 14 

• Sept. 4, 18 

Throughout the series, guests can enjoy: 

• Different live music and entertainment for each rally event 

• Food and drinks from local vendors 

• Yard games and giveaways for all ages 

• Special drink pricing and happy hour offerings at Market Bar and High Note Rooftop Bar 

• Easy, low-cost parking in the Ovation Garage (reserve and pre-pay available) 

• A short walk to the stadium 

• Post-game fireworks viewing 

Rally at Ovation takes place at Ovation Plaza, located at 123 W. 4th Street in Newport, Kentucky. 

For more information, visit ovationontheriver.com. Individual event details and the full live entertainment lineup can be found at ovationontheriver.com/events. 

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About Ovation 

Ovation is a 25-acre, urban, mixed-use development that sits along the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers in Northern Kentucky. The development offers accessibility, convenience, and connectivity to a world-class music venue, state-of-the-art office buildings, residential options, hotels, open green spaces, and unique restaurants, bars, and experiences. Once complete, Ovation will bridge cities in the region, connect residents and the community directly to the rivers, and offer incredible river views combined with a boardwalk that transcends time and activates all your senses. To learn more, visit ovationontheriver.com.