Opening Day, the most important date on Cincinnati’s yearly calendar, is just about here.
Per tradition, festivities including a parade and block party fill the streets, culminating in the Reds’ home opener at Great American Ball Park.
Going to the parade? Here’s everything you need to know about the pregame festivities.
When is Opening Day 2026?
The Reds kick off their 2026 season March 26 against the Boston Red Sox. The home game at Great American Ball Park starts at 4:10 p.m.
When does the Reds’ Opening Day parade start?
The annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade in Over-the-Rhine kicks off at noon March 26, ahead of the Reds’ afternoon game.
Reds Opening Day parade route
The parade starts at Findlay Market on Race Street, travels straight down Race Street to Fifth Street, turns east on Fifth Street and ends at Taft Theatre.
More than 100 individuals, businesses and organizations have signed up to march in the parade this year, including FC Cincinnati, Rhinegeist Brewery, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and more.
Who are the grand marshals for the Reds’ 2026 Opening Day parade?
Former Reds relief pitcher and current broadcaster Jeff “The Cowboy” Brantley will serve as the grand marshal on March 26. As a Red, Brantley won the 1996 Rolaids Relief Man Award. He was also named the Ohio Sportscaster of the Year in 2025.
Will the Reds’ Opening Day parade be canceled if it rains?
The Opening Day parade will go on rain or shine, unless the Reds’ game against the Red Sox is canceled.
When and where is the Reds’ block party?
The annual Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party kicks off at 11 a.m. Thursday on Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way and Marian Spencer Way ahead of the Opening Day game.
Entry to the block party is free of charge. Live music and entertainment will be provided and food and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is cash only and will occur rain or shine, according to block party organizers.
When is the Reds’ Kids Opening Day?
Kids Opening Day for the Reds is March 28 ahead of the game against the Red Sox at 4:10 p.m.
The celebration kicks off with a red carpet parade at 11 a.m. outside Great American Ball Park. Children line up outside the park along Joe Nuxhall Way with Reds and other local mascots. Reds players will walk the red carpet to greet fans around noon.
Children 14 and younger receive a Kids Opening Day Reds hat at the game while supplies last.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.reds.com/KO.
The Enquirer’s Kaycee Sloan contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Findlay Market Opening Day Parade route, time and more
Reporting by Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
