Riverbend Music Center
Cincinnati, OH · Amphitheater
Riverbend Music Center runs a clear bag policy, so the quickest way through the gate is a clear bag inside the size limit or a small clutch. It is an open-air amphitheater on the banks of the Ohio River, which means lawn seating, summer nights, and a security check on the way in. Because it is a lawn venue, Riverbend also lets you bring a small soft cooler with food and drinks, which sets it apart from most stadiums. Pack a clear bag, keep the clutch small, and you walk straight through to the pavilion or the lawn. Here is exactly what gets in at Riverbend and what has to stay in the car.
Venue details
Need a concert bag for Riverbend Music Center?
Stadium-approved clear bags that meet the policy.
What you can bring
Or a small clutch, up to
6" x 9"
Does not need to be clear
- A clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag up to 12 by 12 by 6 inches, see-through with no mesh, print, or tint
- A small clutch up to 6 by 9 inches, which does not need to be clear
- A soft-sided, collapsible cooler up to 12 by 12 by 6 inches with permitted food, drinks, or loose ice
- Medically necessary bags and diaper bags, when carried by the guest using them
Not allowed inside
- Any bag larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches
- Bags you cannot see through, including mesh, printed, or tinted bags
- Backpacks that are not clear or are over the size limit
- Hard-sided coolers and any cooler over the size limit
- Clutches larger than 6 by 9 inches
Medically necessary bags and diaper bags are allowed when carried by the guest who needs them. Official VIP merchandise bags handed out by the tour on show day are allowed inside even if they do not meet the clear bag rule.
Upcoming events
Heading to a show at Riverbend Music Center? Here are the next events, with tickets on StubHub and SeatGeek so you can compare before you buy. The bag policy above applies to every one of them.
Browse all upcoming concerts →
No bag that fits? Plan ahead
Anything that does not meet the policy has to go back to your vehicle, and the parking lots are a walk from the gate, so handle it at the car before you head in rather than at the entrance.
Common questions
What size clear bag can I bring to Riverbend Music Center?
A clear bag up to 12 by 12 by 6 inches, plus a small clutch up to 6 by 9 inches that does not need to be clear. The clear bag has to be see-through, so no mesh, printed, or tinted bags.
Can I bring a cooler to Riverbend?
Yes, within limits. A soft-sided, collapsible cooler up to 12 by 12 by 6 inches is allowed, and it can hold permitted food, drinks, or loose ice. Hard coolers and oversized coolers are not allowed.
Are backpacks allowed at Riverbend?
Only if the backpack is clear and within the 12 by 12 by 6 inch limit. A regular, non-clear backpack will not get in.
Does the bag policy apply on the lawn too?
Yes. The same clear bag policy applies on the lawn and in the pavilion. Bring a clear bag or a small clutch, plus a compliant soft cooler if you want food for the lawn.
What if my bag does not meet the policy?
You will need to take it back to your car, so check the size before you leave home. The lots are a walk from the gate, so it is worth getting right the first time.
Getting there
Gates open
Doors usually open 60 to 90 minutes before showtime, and the parking lots open about 2 hours before doors. Check your event for exact times.
Parking
Parking is in the lots around the venue, entered through the Coney Island gates (1, 2, and 4) and the Belterra Park gates (6, 7, and 8). Lots open about 2 hours before doors, and it is a short walk to the entrance.
Public transit
Riverbend sits east of downtown Cincinnati off Kellogg Avenue along the Ohio River. There is no rail line to the venue, so most people drive or take a rideshare.
Rideshare
Rideshare drop-off and pickup is set up near the entrance. Expect a wait and a slow crawl out of the lots right after the show, which is normal for a riverfront amphitheater.
Seating chart
Verified June 2026 against the Riverbend Music Center official policy. Rules can change for one-off events, so check your event page too.