This venue is perfect! I went for a large event and the vibes were just what I was hoping for. It was pretty, bright, the dance floor was big, and the drinks were yummy. There were a ton of staff and photographers helping out which made the night great and super fun to celebrate. When I got in there were at least three people helping out at the front doors to make sure the line wasn't too long to get in. There was also a nice coat check which made it super easy. I loved the upstairs balcony that you could look over onto the dance floor. I really loved this place and would definitely come again or plan a cool event here. read more

A small venue that punches above its weight. I honestly prefer the Woodward to Bogart's and some of the larger standing-room-only venues. There's less room to move around, and the acts are on an arguably different scale, but it's easier to access resources like the bar and the bathrooms, and the smaller space means it's easier to find a good vantage point. read more

Awesome little theater in the heart of OTR. If your favorite band comes here, consider yourself lucky!! I had the pleasure of seeing Bendigo Fletcher last week at the Woodward, and it absolutely rocked. The sound here is great, and it's intimate so you really can see the whole show from wherever you're standing. read more

The Woodward Theater - a band performing on stage - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love the small theater feels here and the types Of shows they have. Just recently got to see Passion Productions show "Like, Whatever". What a fun and amazing show! So much talent and the crowd and performers were all so friendly and welcoming. This show was about aerial performances. It focused on 90s music and we had a lovely host Jessica Darker since its PRIDE month. I've seen Jessica in drag shows at Below Zero before and she's always a great MC. Taft's always plays some great shows that are different than your typical broadway or large production shows. The theater looks great after the renovation and is all hardwood inside. They also have a bar inside and sometimes they bring in vendors that sell things before the shows. I definitely think it's work checking out the calendar at Woodward to find something you may enjoy. read more

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This place was located OTR, parking is challenging specially if you're not familiar with the area like me. Once we found parking, it was a very easy walk to the theater. The theater seemed well maintained as far as I can observe, there's plenty of space to accommodate guests and vendors, and also a bar for drinks. The bathroom upstairs was clean. The show was interesting- my first time to watch aerial dancing and pole dancing, and other acts such as burlesque show. read more

The Woodward Theater - The entrance - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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What the Woodward Theater lacks in modern day tech, it easily makes up for in character and ambiance. While smaller than most, even a full event had plenty of room to walk around and move. The bar was spectacular, serving local favorites and even some rarer beers. The entire staff was very personable, and from I could tell, they tried to treat everyone as a VIP customer regardless of what was paid. read more

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Last night was my first time at Woodward Theater and we had a great time. It's a small, intimate venue in an old, historic theater. The bar prices are reasonable and the bathrooms are clean. I was there for the 'Like, Whatever' 90's show, put on by Passion Production Cincy. It was an entertaining show, for sure! Great show, nice crowd, awesome music. It was a really fun evening! I look forward to catching more performances in this theater. read more

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The Woodward is much like a smaller Bogart's but with cheaper, local beer (normal bar pricing) and a larger beer selection. It definitely needs a second bar area, though; wait times get long when the place is full. It's an ideal general admission music venue with excellent acoustics, a spacious dance floor, and easily accessible bathrooms. The upstairs viewing area is ideal for those wanting to stay out of the fray. I recommend seeing a show here! read more

The Woodward Theater - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This isn't a grand hall or an elegant venue, but it's filled with charm and TONS of character. The exposed wood on the ceiling instantly told me that I was in a facility that was embracing the character of Main Street and Over-the-Rhine as a whole. I came for a performance by Passion Productions (think aerial arts/silks/artistic pole dancing... SUCH a cool performance), but the venue holds tons of different acts and private events. I had the chance to interact with the bar a decent amount while at The Woodward Theater (What can I say? I was wearing my party-pants.). The staff was quick and efficient and remembered my name and drink order! I was really impressed with how relaxed the staff was even as the venue filled up and the line at the bar lengthened. Overall, I was super impressed with the venue and its staff. I can't wait for the next excuse I have to come to The Woodward Theater. read more

Had an amazing time at Woodward theater last night. I love these smaller style theaters... You get to be close to the performance and you feel like you're part of the show. Bar service is great and everyone working there was super nice. I was here last night for the Passion Production Cincy show called "Like, Whatever". The show was great and it was a perfect fit for this theater. Loved it! read more

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The Woodward Theater is a great place to catch a show! I think out of all the small music venues I've been to in town, this one is definitely my favorite. I came here last night for a STRFKR show (they were fantastic live, btw, you should really go see them). As soon as you walked in, the ticket scanning process was fairly fast (faster than other venues I've been to) and they had an area to put your coat for free if you were fine with leaving your coat unattended (this is a nice option if you wouldn't mind losing your jacket, but I would love a coat check). The bar on the left was large and there were 3 bartenders working, so there weren't that many lines. There was also another bar upstairs in the mezzanine. The view from the first floor is good, even though I'm only 5'4", and I think that's because this venue is pretty small...Much smaller than Bogart's for example. Even from the back I could still see the stage. Upstairs I could see great too, but I wanted to be down on the floor where the action/dancing was. The sound throughout the whole theater was top notch, really great sound and stage lighting people here. The show was all ages, which I didn't necessarily love...I would prefer 21+ because there were some rowdy teenagers in the crowd (I'm also 28 going on 45 so maybe take that with a grain of salt). There was a lot of crowd surfing going on, and at least 3 people were able to make it on to the stage to dance with the band. The band took it in stride, but the reason I'm knocking a star from The Woodward is their security really should have stepped in. If I were at any other respectable venue there would have been huge bouncers ready to pounce if anyone got that close to the band. There was one lonely rent-a-cop sitting on a stool in the back, and he didn't budge throughout the whole show, so I just got the feeling the staff couldn't be bothered to contain the crowd. Overall, a beautiful historic music venue with great sound. I would definitely come back. read more

The Woodward Theater - STRFKR - great lighting and sound - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love the Woodward theater, and I am now in love with their new facade! I remember attending the celebration when they first received the grant to re-construct the facade out front, and now that it's done, I am ecstatic. It really is a gem of OTR, on par with the Memorial Hall and Music Hall down near Washington Park. I have attended a variety of events at this theater, from live music, to artistic performances to political events. I have found the staff to always be friendly and professional and they keep the lines at the entry and at the bar moving. I have even brought a date or two to the Woodward; their second floor is perfect for some intimacy, especially the tables in the back. I look forward to the next time I catch a show at the Woodward. Thanks! read more

Small theater with balcony seating in historic building on Main before Orchard near Central Parkway. Bar has pretty decent selection of beer, bourbon, vodka and trends like White Claw. Long lines during intermission mean you should get a beer or liquor and one mixer (juice or soda) and perhaps make it a double! Seats are folding chairs and VIP are a few small tables and chairs below stage. We came to see Passion Production's Night Circus. This was a burlesque-themed aerial and pole dancing troupe. The theatrics and dedication to each character sets these ladies apart from other women's aerial and burlesque groups. It was AMAZING theatre! Black Magic Woman was a crowd fave and included 3 women with one as the clear head of the coven. Another had an Egyptian theme. There was a dream sequence and a woman being controlled by her man's Voodoo doll. So many cool performances and human body tricks galore! 5 stars for PP. 3 stars for WT. The space is great but I would like to see them do something a bit more formal with the space. Also the bar situation is similar to a concert. At the Witchy Circus, they also sold jewelry, soaps, candles, incense, t-shirts, beer coozies and had 2 tarot readers. Perfect size space for this type of show. I really hope they do 2 shows next year, this was one you do not want to miss!! read more

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Dan McCabe has an amazing place on his hands here, and I think everyone knows it. Downstairs has like 425 capacity, upstairs, like 150-ish. Great size for bands that are upcoming/on their way! Another way OTR is ready to kick some ass! Thanks, Dan! read more

The Woodward Theater - Opening night Open House - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

What a great new event space in the heart of Over the Rhine on Main Street. Dan McCabe's recent OTR dream is now a reality, OTR finally has a mid-sized venue for up & coming, cutting edge and remember those cool bands from his days at Sudsy Malone's and The Southgate House, they now have just the right venue. I attended the Over The Rhine Chamber holiday kick off event, featuring a variety of Main street businesses, the Chamber reviewing upcoming holiday events and Dan welcoming us to his new venue. Doors will open for shows after 6 and shows will be wrapped up by 11pm, so you can come down to Main Street, shop at local businesses, grab dinner & drink and be home in no time. The upcoming show lineup looks great with The Swans, Swervedriver, plus local favorites Wussy, Fairmount Girls, DAAP Girls and some local craft beer collaborations, too. Come down to Main street and check out this mighty fine new venue. You can also rent out for corporate, company events, too. read more

The outside looks great, inside is pretty nice, bar is really well set up, and the prices for shows is really affordable for quality national acts. However, getting a drink is a time consuming process, the drafts are expensive ($6.50 for a local), and the half-finished nature needs improvement. At least the upstairs bathroom is finished very nicely. read more

We hosted our company holiday party at The Woodward Theater and it was a rock solid hit! Our employees were really energized by the location because none of them had been here before. When they got to experience the atmosphere and enjoy the ambiance, it made for a terrific evening. We catered the food by A Taste of Julia's and it was perfect. The Woodward handled all the tables, chairs, linens and the bar/beverages. Our planning team all agreed that Dan (the owner) was easy to work with, very flexible and helpful. They are very low key, but everything happened as arranged and they had everyone in place for the evening. The bartenders were very fast and fun. Another plus: The Woodward has a fantastic sound system and Steve was super helpful for our DJ. Kevy Kev. An easy connection and you don't need to bring in a bunch of equipment. I know they do lots of live music and the investment in the sound system is totally worthwhile. Our DJ was able to tap in and Go! So that was another benefit to the location. The original wood main floor in front of the stage was great for dancing and we made the most if it! All in all I highly recommend this spot for events, parties, weddings or any kind of celebration when you want a unique, fresh and authentic location. The Ziegler Parking garage is one easy block to the east and it's well lit and brand new, so guests have a nice parking facility, too. P.S. Over the Rhine is an emerging gem in Cincinnati and as it continues to expand, it's places like The Woodward that will keep the spirit alive! Thanks for making this investment in the community. read more

I always wanted to check out this theater and I'm so glad I finally went to a show recently! This is an old, small, intimate theater and every seat in the house is great! Everyone who works here is super nice. The bartenders are fast and efficient and the drink prices are reasonable too. I'll be keeping an eye on their schedule to come back for another show! read more

Another new, rehabbed venue in OTR. Have to admit, totally decent. Very classy though a tad on the higher end $-wise, though I suspect that's partially due to it being in an area possessed of higher property taxes, being new'ish, etc. For a live performance, the layout, particularly balcony facilitating it, is tops. read more

Very intimate ambiance, as you get to see the band play from either the ground floor or the second floor. Bartenders make your drink pretty strong, which is a huge plus. The first time experience summed up to be pretty awesome! I was reluctant because the concert before this one got canceled (Oh Wonder Concert) a couple of hours after buying my tickets. Service fees and the choice for email or mobile ticket fee weren't given back. So it was a tough start already. Overall, I would return... with the reluctant decisions hanging over my head every time if the concert gets canceled. I am not sure if it happens often with this venue. But, I will definitely update again if it does. I mean how can it happen to me twice? Hopefully optimism wins this time. read more

The Woodward Theater - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This old theater has been re-vitalized into a great music venue! Cool balcony, wide open floor, well stocked bar are some of the things to look forward to when coming here! A lot of venues seem to have sound systems that lack the clarity and punch needed, but not here! Last spring my wife and I went here to see Kyle's band Modern Aquatic open for MULTIMAGIC. Dog Yawp also played that night, and when they were on my jacket was vibrating from the bottom end, and we were on the balcony!! Awesome place with a nostalgic feel! read more

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A great remodel of a classic building in OTR. The sounds for concerts is good and I love the balcony for a bird's eye view. Great selection of local beers on tap, as well as a full bar. The place is also looking much more finished than the last time I was there. Quickly becoming one of my favorite places to see live music. read more

For a long time now, I have observed a dearth of great acts being booked in the greater Cincinnati area. So many times, I would see a cool band drop a new album, and I'd cross my fingers and Google their tour schedule, and they'd be coming to Indianapolis, Louisville, or Columbus, but not to Cincinnati. While this was good for my pocketbook, it made my soul sad. The Woodward Theater has seriously stepped up and begun to fill that void. And I feel like they're just getting started. Like we ain't seen nothing, yet. As someone who deeply, terribly misses the old style of the Southgate House with balcony seating, this is the next best thing. I wish there were more seats up there (for those of us with bad backs who can't stand through an entire show- pro-tip: don't get old, people). I like to show up early with a book, so I can grab a seat and then meander downstairs to get at least a little closer to the stage towards the end. So far, my favorite act I have seen was The Julie Ruin. When I first found out they were coming to town, I squeed with excitement. I'd never seen Kathleen Hanna live before, and I knew that I had to go, or Lauren from 20 years ago would show up and kick my old ass for being a loser. That show owned in every single possible way. I think I'm still glowing with awesomeness over it, and that was over a week ago. Between this and Dinosaur Jr. a month earlier, the Woodward Theater has been helping me check "must-see before I die" bands off my list. They keep booking acts like these, this will soon become my favorite venue after MOTR, which is no coincidence considering they share ownership. If you like to see affordable music shows, and go to a place that consistently books fantastic acts, the Woodward Theater is for you. Great sound quality. Clean bathrooms. Cool ambiance. Bring your earplugs and rock out. read more

This is a really great venue for everything I've seen there so far. Whether you're attending a general party where tables are lined up with merchandise/giveaways or if you're going to see a show, Woodward has the space and bar to facilitate a fantastic evening. I've been there roughly 3 times since November for various things: Rubblebucket concert, Prohibition Party, and the grand opening of the theater; the most notable thing about this venue is how beautifully open and spacious it is. There's a bar off to the left that serves a variety of beers on tap, a large stage at the back of the building for a band to play, and an entire upstairs with a balcony that looks down onto the floor and stage below. The architecture inside and out is really nice, too. The stage is lined with ornate trim and the outside features two prominent statues on either side of it's Main street facade. The building is very old, so it's nice they've restored it enough to make it a modern venue for events. Every time I've gone, I've been very pleased with how well Woodward has done to accommodate it's visitors. That said, it's still seemingly under development. Small things from the unfinished floor to the lack of character on the walls (last time I went, there were a few posters here and there but overall it's pretty bland) stick out as an area they need to work on to make better. It has the feeling of MOTR without the aesthetic at the moment. Also, during the Prohibition Party, I actually couldn't get a drink because of how long the line was and how few bar tenders there were to serve drinks. I ended up leaving to go to another place to have a beer. That was the only time I'd ever had trouble with Woodward. They're not perfect, but they're getting better. And for being so new up to this point, I think they do a great job. If you have a chance to go see a show or attend a party here, you should definitely check it out. It's historic, it's beautiful, and it's great. read more

Love this new music location for concerts. They are getting some great bands and they did an amazing job fixing it up and yet kept some of the old style of the building. read more

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Promising, but it's got a long way to go. I'll try to remember that it's still in Beta and try not to hold the fact that they opened before it was finished against them. I will definitely keep supporting this place as long as it looks like they're making an effort to move it in the right direction. I just hope it's more toward a music venue instead of a private party rental space. It's a space, and they have good beer on tap, but that's about all I can say for it. It's been almost completely stripped of character and painted white - even the walls upstage. Hopefully it's temporary and when they raise enough money they'll invest in a 5 gallon bucket of black. They do have a black curtain upstage so the place doesn't completely look like an office space and it doesn't sound like an empty cave. Unfortunately, right now it feels about as comfortable as an unfinished art gallery. Things I hope to see in the future - a sound system that's been dialed in for the space. Some positions for stage lights. A little atmosphere. Disclaimer: I'm not from this area and I don't have anything riding on whether or not this place succeeds. read more

This venue is a work in progress so I'm hoping to update as they get better. However, my first experience here left a lot to be desired. The space itself is beautiful and they've done a great job of remodeling it. The issues I encountered were surrounding the way the event was run. There were supposed to be two lines: one to buy tickets and one for will call. However we couldn't get around the line to buy in order to get to our will call tickets. Luckily, we got there early, but many people reported waiting outside in the middle of February to get into the building :( They also had 3 bartenders at 1 bar for about 400 people. That just didn't cut it. They ran out of several types of alcohol and we waited over 30 minutes for a drink. The second time we attempted to get a drink we waited for 40 minutes before leaving to go somewhere else so we could get a drink. The space is gorgeous- but the event management needs to step up to match it. read more

Saw Leggy, Upset and Colleen Green here last week. The bar is pretty nice, but the place itself feels a little weird and cramped. Everything is kind of bare and just... white. Also, the sound system they have in place is not the best. The vocals were drowned out for the entire evening. With all that being said, I still think it's a nice space and would be perfect for mid-size acts to come through. The upper area can accommodate quite a lot of people and would be great if the place was packed. I've been in much worse venues before, so it's certainly not BAD, but I just feel there's a lot of wasted potential. I think after they work on it some, it could be a great place. read more

The Woodward is a fun new music venue in town. In the heart of OTR, they've had some good acts come through. Molly Wellmann is involved, so you know the bar is legit. Acts I've seen there include Heartless Bastards and Allana Royale and several bands during Midpoint. Each time I've been, the venue has been well run from box office to bar to the acts. Great to have another music venue in town. read more

Was there for All Them Witches. The band was great the venue not so much. Around the stage are these ridiculous lights that frame the stage. They didn't turn them off when the bands came on even when the band asked them to. Plenty of other places in Cincinnati to see live music. I won't be going back. read more

The Woodward Theater - Ridiculous white lights framing the stage that interfered with the light show. - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Attended a great fundraiser for UCAN - spay & neuter - adopt don't shop. Nice venue, good ambience. read more

The Woodward Theater - Scooter the neutered cat. - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The Woodward Theater and MOTR Pub have always been our favorite places to hang out downtown and especially our favorite venue in the city for live music. My husband and I were eloped this past October and chose the Woodward for our post elopement celebration this February. We already knew it was going to be amazing going into it but the venue exceeded all of our already high expectations!! Dan is such an easy and accommodating guy to work with and all of the planning was so easy! We went with one of the Woodward's preferred caterers, Eli's BBQ which made the catering planning even easier. Tables and chairs were already all set up and waiting for us when we arrived the morning of. We had so much fun taking over the historic poster boxes too! The venue was incredibly accommodating as well for our more "non traditional" reception ideas. We did board games instead of dancing, cookies instead of cake, had cornhole upstairs and they even set up the projector which we hooked up a Nintendo Switch to to play Super Smash Bros! We got so many comments all night and for days after about how beautiful the venue was and how lovely all the staff members and bartenders were!! All around the absolute perfect party! This is an incredibly special venue and we highly recommend it for any large event!! Can't wait to see it with the new marquee all lit up! read more

What a treasure this space is in the heart of OTR. We've done numerous events with the Woodward and always have had a great experience with an incredibly helpful staff who are accommodating in all sorts of ways. The space is flexible for many different uses and beautifully restored. I would recommend it to anyone who is either wanting to see an incredible show or rent the space for any number of things! read more

I attended the pints for paint event last week, and I have to say, I am extremely excited about this venue. The inside of the building is clean, well lit, and simply decorated, and the stage is fantastic. This is the kind of venue that is prime for fantastic concerts, and I can't wait to see one. read more

miss the original Southgate House's ballroom? then the Woodward is your style - down to the balcony. the folks from MOTR have done a wonderful job rehabbing the theater and transforming it into a viable mid-size venue. good sound. few places to sit, but who wants to sit? put your cellphone down and make your way to the front with the other true believers! they're booking great acts so far. i look forward to seeing them book many more. read more

Nice place to see a show. Small venue and up close with the band. Will be back if more 90s indie comes this way!

I've hosted a couple of different events here and If you're looking for a great mid size space in OTR this is it. The crew at the Woodward have done an awesome job of remodeling the space to make it really flexible and it has a great vibe for both music as well as other community events. I especially appreciate the flexibility of the space in that there are no fixed seats, which allowed us to customize the space for our needs. The staff here are very easy to work with as well. They've gone out of there way to help us with different things that have come up due to the nature of our unique events. I'm always amazed by how many people know of the space and how iconic this space is to OTR. It brings instant credibility to our organization when we mention that we have an event at the Woodward! read more

You better hope your event happens. If it gets cancelled by the venue or performer this venue will steal your ticket processing charges. You will have a hole in your schedule and wallet. read more

The Woodward Theater is a music, event and wedding venue that has been gorgeously restored to showcase this 1913 movie theater that is filled with Cincinnati history! The owner bought the venue and has painstakingly restored, rebuilt and referbished it into an amazing concert space with the original stage and framing, covered in gold. I have passed this place dozens of times with interest of going inside but it took us looking for a wedding venue for us to finally see this hidden Cincy gem. I cannot say enough about the wonderful staff, the heart and dedication they have into continuing to restore the venue and how they are giving space for local artists to showcase their talents, it just rocks. The bar features 24 beers on tap, full bar available and a really great inside space, with the original hardwood floor, that can be seen from the 2nd floor wrap around balcony too. This place has so much potential on top of the already amazing sound system, bar, staff and space... we cannot wait to get married here and come back for more concerts in the future! read more

Dan is amazing. There's no other way to put it. He is relaxed and so thorough and prepared. We recently held our wedding here and would do it all over again if we could. Dan and the staff at the Woodward are kind and helpful. I had a million questions (probably some duplicates) and they were always there to answer quickly. Looking forward to coming back for a concert soon! Thanks again for everything guys - it was a night we will never forget. THANK YOU read more