Where to pregame for Reds Opening Day 2023 (Cincinnati's annual 'sick day') ⚾

Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati Enquirer
·4 min read
1
The National Anthem is sung as the American Flag is draped on the field during the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day pregame ceremony at Great American Ball Park Monday April 3, 2017.
The National Anthem is sung as the American Flag is draped on the field during the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day pregame ceremony at Great American Ball Park Monday April 3, 2017.

Opening Day is an unofficial holiday here in Cincinnati. Historically, our Cincinnati Reds begin each season at home, sparking a citywide celebration with kids of all ages skipping work and school to watch the parade, then heading over to the ballpark for the game.

Maybe you were lucky enough to get a game day ticket, but don't worry if you didn't because there are plenty of places around the city celebrating with game day specials and all TVs tuned to the game.

Visiting GABP this year? What to know before you go

Opening Day 2023: Here are all the road closures for the Findlay Market parade

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day timeline – the early parties

The Fox/Bob & Tom Opening Day Show, 6-10 a.m., Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway, Downtown. The Bob & Tom Show does a live broadcast in Cincinnati for Opening Day. Doors open at 5:30 a.m. and seating is first come, first served. Ages 21-up. Free. facebook.com.

Opening Day Extravaganza, 9 a.m., Arnold's Bar & Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown. Breakfast from 9-11 a.m., live music, performances, at least 10 rare or one-off beers made exclusively for this event, and chance to score autographed baseball cards and game-used memorabilia from current and former Reds players.

Opening Day at Rhinegeist, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Baseball-themed decor, drink specials, breakfast burritos for purchase from Local Cantina, live viewing of game on the big screen. Free admission. facebook.com.

Opening Day at Taft's Ale House, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. First 50 to purchase a pint of beer get a free Opening Day cup. Special breakfast and lunch items, family-friendly activities include kids pitching games, coloring stations and photo booth. New sports bar on ground floor has 16 TVs and live betting. facebook.com.

Opening Day Pierogi Breakfast, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Market Wines, Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. Hosted by Babushka Pierogies. facebook.com.

Opening Day Party, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Face painting, balloon animals, live music from Zack Attack and DJ Silverfox, food trucks, vendors and more. facebook.com.

Opening Day at the Stretch, 10 a.m.-2 a.m., 191 E. Freedom Way, Downtown. Pregame party with DJ J.U. from noon-4 p.m. and DJ Slick Nick from 8 p.m.-close. facebook.com.

Opening Day, 10 a.m., Tin Roof, 160 Freedom Way, Downtown. Live music with Party Down, Tyler Moore Band and DJ Kombat. tinroofcincinnati.com.

Opening Day Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Norwood. Special Reds Opening Day storytime. Free. facebook.com.

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day timeline – the excitement is building

Reds Block Party, 11 a.m.-1 a.m., The Banks, Freedom Way, Downtown. Reds block party in the Dora at The Banks.

The Naked Karate Girls perform at the Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party for Cincinnati Reds Opening Day on Freedom Way in downtown Cincinnati Thursday, March 28, 2019.
The Naked Karate Girls perform at the Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party for Cincinnati Reds Opening Day on Freedom Way in downtown Cincinnati Thursday, March 28, 2019.

Opening Day Watch Party, 11 a.m., The Phoenix, Race St., Downtown. Watch parade and enjoy buffet and special drink prices. $35-$100. Eventbrite.com.

Opening Day at Low Spark, 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m., 15 W. Fourteenth St., Over-the-Rhine. Drink specials, complimentary Cracker Jacks and pretzel mix. Watch game on new TV. facebook.com.

Parade Watch Party and Lunch, 11 a.m., Butcher & Barrel, 700 Race St., Downtown. Get a front-row seat for the parade. Lunch service with full bar. Seating by reservation, walk-ins welcome. Patio seating is first come, first served. facebook.com.

Opening Day Party, 11 a.m., Braxton Brewing Co., 331 E. 13th St., Pendleton. Cracker Jacks, $1 wings and game on all the TVs. facebook.com.

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day timeline – it's almost game time!

Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, noon, Findlay Market, Race St., Fifth St., ending at Taft Theatre. Bronson Arroyo and Danny Graves are the 2023 Parade Grand Marshals. Parade entries include Reds alumni George Foster, Doug Flynn, Ron Oester and Scott Williamson, as well as Cincinnati Bengals Kickers & Punters, Cincinnati College Basketball alumni, and Cold Iron: MMA/Wrestlers. Free.

Opening Day Roof Top Carnival, noon-4 p.m., BrewDog, 316 Reading Road, Pendleton. Enjoy classic games, food specials and chance to win tickets to future Reds game and merchandise. Free. facebook.com.

Opening Day Celebration, noon, Rosedale, 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. DJ Josh Gall spinning from noon-4 p.m., drink specials on domestic beer buckets and seltzer buckets, Opening Day T-shirts for sale while supplies last. Free admission. facebook.com.

Opening Day at the Lackman, noon, 1237 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Complimentary Cracker Jacks and chocolate baseballs, drink specials and more. facebook.com.

Opening Day, noon, In Between Tavern, 307 Sycamore St., Downtown. Live music and more.

Batter Up!, noon, Igby's, 112 E. Sixth St., Downtown. Happy hour runs noon-7 p.m. with half-price well drinks, drafts and $5 house wines. facebook.com.

Opening Day at the Levee, 3-7 p.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. newportonthelevee.com.

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 4:10 p.m., Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Series is March 30 and April 1-2. reds.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds Opening Day 2023 parties and events (Cincy's annual 'sick day')