Cincinnati Reds Opening Day parade: Places to hang out and watch

Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer
·3 min read

It's almost Opening Day, which means the return of a Cincinnati tradition: the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. The annual parade kicks off at noon Thursday ahead of the Cincinnati Reds' home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park.

The 1.4-mile parade route will start at Findlay Market on Race Street, travel south, and turn left on Fifth Street before ending at Taft Theatre.

Former Reds pitchers Danny Graves and Bronson Arroyo will serve as co-grand marshals for the parade. Over 160 individuals, businesses and organizations will be featured, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Kroger, Chick-fil-A, Newport Aquarium, FC Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Whether you want to hang out at a park or grab a drink, here are some spots to watch the Opening Day parade.

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The 2023 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade kicks off at noon Thursday ahead of the Cincinnati Reds' home opener.
The 2023 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade kicks off at noon Thursday ahead of the Cincinnati Reds' home opener.

What time does the Opening Day parade start?

The Opening Day parade starts at noon Thursday. It begins on Race Street next to Findlay Market, heading south. It turns left on Fifth Street and ends at Taft Theatre.

Opening Day parade watch parties

These restaurants along the parade route are hosting watch parties.

  • Butcher and Barrel. Doors open at 11 a.m. Lunch service with a special menu and full bar will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The full menu will be served afterward. Indoor seating by reservation, patio seating is first come, first served. 700 Race St., Downtown.

  • The Phoenix. Opens at 11 a.m. Buffet and special drink prices. Buy tickets on Eventbrite.com. 812 Race St., Downtown.

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Bars along the Opening Day parade route

These bars are located along the Opening Day parade route and will be open before, during or after the parade.

  • Uncle Leo's. Doors open Thursday at 7 a.m. 1709 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

  • Cobblestone OTR. Doors open at 10 a.m. TVs will be tuned into Opening Day festivities and $3 Bud Light and red beer will be served. 1132 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

  • The Birdcage. Opens at 11 a.m. All day grill-out, plus specials on domestic beer. 927 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

  • Maplewood Kitchen and Bar. Open Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 927 Race St., Downtown.

  • Fountain Bar. Open from 3-7 p.m. Located at Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown.

  • Holiday Spirits. Opens at 4 p.m. 1538 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

  • Taft's Ale House. Opens at 4 p.m. 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin served as the grand marshal of the 2022 Opening Day parade.
Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin served as the grand marshal of the 2022 Opening Day parade.

Parks and public spaces near the Opening Day parade route

The parade can be watched from these parks and public areas.

  • Washington Park. 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

  • Fountain Square. 520 Vine St., Downtown.

  • Piatt Park. 100 Garfield Place, Downtown.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds Opening Day parade: Bars, parks and places to watch