What Is the Riverbend Music Center Bag Policy?
Planning to catch a concert at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio? Before you head out for an evening of live music along the Ohio River, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the venue’s bag policy. Music & Event Management, Inc. (MEMI), which operates Riverbend Music Center and PNC Pavilion, implemented a clear bag policy starting with the 2026 season, aligning with standards enforced at many larger venues across the country. Understanding these requirements before you arrive will help you breeze through security checkpoints and get to your seat faster, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the show.
What Bags Are Allowed at Riverbend Music Center?
Riverbend Music Center and PNC Pavilion enforces a clear bag policy to ensure the safety of guests and to make entry as efficient as possible. Here’s what you can bring into the venue:
- Clear Bags: Clear bags no larger than 12″ by 12″ by 6″ are permitted. Bags with patterns that obstruct visibility of contents are not allowed, such as mesh, printed patterns or tint.
- Small Clutch Bags: Small clutch bags no larger than 6″ by 9″ do not need to be clear.
- Soft-Sided Coolers: Soft-sided, collapsible coolers no larger than 12″ by 12″ by 6″ are allowed and may only contain food, beverages and loose ice. Coolers must have no rigid frame and can be folded flat.
- Medically Necessary Bags and Diaper Bags: Medically necessary bags and diaper bags accompanied by the guest using them are permitted, and all bags will be searched.
- VIP Merchandise Bags: Bags provided as part of an official VIP merchandise package distributed by the tour on the day of the show will be allowed inside the venue, even if they do not meet the clear bag specifications.
Event staff at Riverbend Music Center and PNC Pavilion reserve the right to deny entry to any guest who does not comply with the bag policy.
What Can You Bring Into Riverbend Music Center?
Once your bag meets the size requirements, here’s what you’re allowed to pack inside:
- Beverages: Commercially-sealed non-alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles (up to four 33.8 fl oz bottles per patron) are permitted, but they cannot be frozen. Canned beverages are prohibited. Squeezable, soft plastic water bottles that are empty can be filled at the ICON Water Refill Station.
- Food: Food must fit in a 12″ by 12″ by 6″ clear bag or soft-sided, collapsible cooler.
It’s important to check the event page of your show to verify if beverages need to be poured on the day of show, as some artists have specific requirements.
What Items Are Prohibited at Riverbend Music Center?
To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, Riverbend Music Center prohibits the following items:
- Any bag larger than 12″ by 12″ by 6″
- Professional cameras and cameras with detachable lenses
- Hard-sided coolers and ice packs (loose ice is permitted)
- Glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces, or any other glow item of any kind
- Camping chairs, chairs with shade canopies, any chair where the seat is more than 12″ off the ground, lounge chairs, and chairs that extend out for laying down
- Audio & video recording devices
- Pets & other animals (except service animals)
- Alcohol, weapons, fireworks, laser pointers, and aerosol spray cans
How Do You Get Through Security at Riverbend Music Center?
Make your concert experience stress-free with these helpful tips:
- Arrive Early: You may line up outside the Riverbend Music Center & PNC Pavilion Main Gate entrance up to one hour before door time. Arriving early gives you time to navigate security without rushing.
- Prepare for Security Screening: All guests entering the venue are subject to a metal-detector screening, visual inspection, and bag inspection conducted by Riverbend Music Center/PNC Pavilion security personnel. Have your bag open and ready for inspection.
- Purchase a Clear Bag in Advance: Don’t wait until the day of the show. Clear bags are widely available at retailers and online. Look for stadium-approved clear totes or bags that meet the 12″ x 12″ x 6″ requirement.
- Check Your Event Page: Be sure to check the event pages or call 513-232-6220 before attending, as some shows may have artist-specific requirements.
- Plan Your Parking: Riverbend Music Center and PNC Pavilion utilize Coney Island’s parking lots for all events, so follow the parking attendants’ instructions when arriving at the venue. Parking lots will open 2 hours before Door Time unless otherwise specified.
- Remember: No Re-Entry: There is a no re-entry policy for all Riverbend Music Center and PNC Pavilion events, so make sure you have everything you need before entering.
- Stay Hydrated: Take advantage of the free ICON Water Refill Stations throughout the venue by bringing an empty squeezable water bottle.
By following Riverbend Music Center’s bag policy and planning ahead, you’ll spend less time in line and more time enjoying world-class entertainment at this beautiful riverfront venue. Whether you’re heading to the pavilion or claiming your spot on the lawn, being prepared ensures a memorable concert experience from start to finish.
Can You Bring Food and Drinks to Riverbend Music Center?
Yes, you can bring food and beverages to Riverbend Music Center in an approved bag or soft-sided cooler. You can bring up to four 33.8 fl oz bottles of commercially-sealed non-alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles (not frozen), and empty refillable water bottles are allowed at water refill stations. Glass containers and canned beverages are prohibited.
Umbrellas, Electronics, and Other Items at Riverbend Music Center
No umbrellas are allowed at Riverbend Music Center. Professional cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited, but small cameras are permitted. Glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces and other glow items are prohibited. Contact the venue directly for their smoking and vaping policy.
Other Venue Policy FAQs
Can you bring outside food into Riverbend Music Center?
Yes. Food is allowed if it fits in a 12" x 12" x 6" clear bag or approved soft-sided cooler.
Can you bring water bottles into Riverbend Music Center?
Yes. You can bring up to four 33.8 fl oz bottles of commercially-sealed non-alcoholic beverages, or empty refillable water bottles to fill at ICON Water Refill Stations.
Are umbrellas allowed at Riverbend Music Center?
No. Umbrellas are prohibited at the venue.
Can you bring a camera into Riverbend Music Center?
Professional cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed. Small personal cameras are permitted, but check your specific event's details as policies may vary.
Are soft-sided coolers allowed at Riverbend Music Center?
Yes. Soft-sided, collapsible coolers no larger than 12" x 12" x 6" are allowed and may contain food, beverages, and loose ice.
