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15 Best Things To Do In Newport, Kentucky

Discover Cultural Attractions

Soak up live entertainment, experience the beverage scene, dive into the local cuisine.

Visit Cincy

Though it used to be known for its casinos, mafia connections, and Vegas-like atmosphere, Newport, Kentucky, has since morphed into a small yet vibrant city with much to offer travelers, like a scenic riverfront location , historic local landmarks, and plenty of entertainment and dining options. From bourbon distilleries and hip music venues to family-friendly parks, here are the best things to do in Newport.

Picnic in Festival Park

Set along the banks of the Ohio River, Festival Park is a prime spot for picnicking, when the weather is warm. If you’re visiting in the summertime, plan to attend the Newport Italian Fest (one of the region’s best-known festivals, with local Italian cuisine, rides, and games), the Fourth of July motorcycle rally, or the Labor Day River Fest with fireworks.  

newportky.gov , 100 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071

Take the Newport Gangster Tour

Get a feel for the city’s history with the Newport Gangster Tour. Put on by the American Legacy Tours group, this tour explores the streets and sites where mobs, gamblers, and other organized crime once flourished. Reserve your tickets ahead of time if possible. 

americanlegacytours.com , 56 E 5th St, Newport, KY 41071

Catch a Ride with BB Riverboats

See Newport by boat when you book a cruise with BB Riverboats. There are several types of cruises to pick from, including sightseeing cruises, romantic dinner cruises, and family-oriented excursions. The Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise is a favorite—take in the sights while dining on homemade waffles and buttermilk biscuits , accompanied by the lively sounds of the Dixieland Jazz Band.

bbriverboats.com , 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071

Walk Along the Purple People Bridge

Named for its bright purple color, the Purple People Bridge connects Newport and Cincinnati, spanning a half-mile across the Ohio River . Since it’s a pedestrian-only bridge with excellent skyline views, this is a great photo-op spot. Plus, there are riverfront parks, attractions, and restaurants in either direction you walk.  

purplepeoplebridge.com , 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071

Explore the Newport Aquarium

One of Newport’s most-visited attractions, the Newport Aquarium is home to a vast array of marine life, including sharks, alligators, sea turtles, and more. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the aquarium’s rare shark rays, walk through the coral reef tunnel, watch penguins play, and pet stingrays. It’s easy to spend at least a few hours here, so plan accordingly. 

newportaquarium.com , 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071

Spend the Day at Newport on the Levee

Newport on the Levee (or “the Levee'') is a bustling, multi-level retail/dining/entertainment complex on the riverbank. Here, you’ll find locally owned shops, name-brand apparel stores, a 20-screen AMC theater, a video arcade, a bowling alley, and several waterfront dining options. You won’t have trouble finding things to do at the Levee, but it’s also worth checking the events calendar before you go, for weekly workout classes, themed karaoke and bingo nights, and live music. End your day with drinks at Bridgeview Box Park, an open-air park with excellent views of the Cincinnati skyline. (FYI, this is also where the Newport Aquarium is located.)

newportonthelevee.com , 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071

See a Live Show at Southgate Revival House

There’s nowhere in town quite like the Southgate Revival House. Housed in a former church built just after the Civil War, this eclectic music venue has three rooms that host live music nearly every night . The main room, The Sanctuary, is lined with stained glass windows and still has the original pipe organ built by Koehnken & Grimm for the church. 

southgatehouse.com , 111 E 6th St, Newport, KY 41071

Catch a Concert at MegaCorp Pavilion

See some of the biggest names in music at the MegaCorp Pavilion, an indoor/outdoor concert venue that hosts over 100 shows and events per year. Genres span folk, rock, metal, jazz, country, and everything in between. There are also sporting and special events regularly held here, from championship boxing to charity walks. 

promowestlive.com , 101 W 4th St, Newport, KY 41071

Get Tickets for the Falcon Theater

For an intimate live performance experience, see a show at the Falcon Theater. Founded in 1989, the Falcon is regarded as an integral part of the Greater Cincinnati theater community. Performances here include regional premieres, autobiographical plays, children’s musicals, and other unique shows.

falcontheater.net , 636 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071

Attend a Classical Music Performance via the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra

Get your classical music fix with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. This professional orchestra was established in 1992 to make symphonic music accessible and affordable for Northern Kentucky residents. Check the calendar for regular events in and around Newport, which run the gamut from summer concerts in the park to well-known operas. 

New Riff Distilling

Sip Bourbon at New Riff Distilling

Explore Kentucky bourbon at its source. At New Riff Distilling, visitors can take a one-hour tour of the facilities, during which you’ll learn all about the distilling process (from grain to barrel) and, of course, sample the product: their award-winning New Riff Bourbon and Single Barrel bourbon. On-site, there’s also a gift shop and tasting room with cocktails, flights, and a curated list of beer and wine.   

newriffdistilling.com , 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY 41073

Taste Local Brews at Wooden Cask Brewing Company

Located in a spacious, airy space on York Street (the former Flamingo Club, a historic hub for gangsters and gamblers), Wooden Cask Brewing Company has board games, tasty barbecue, and over 20 beers on tap—in short, all the makings of a fun afternoon. Owners and operators Randy and Karen Schiltz have a strong affinity for Irish, Scottish, and English ales, so that’s the majority of the beer list here. The couple also own Orchard Street Winery and serve their wines at Wooden Cask.

woodencask.com , 629 York St, Newport, KY 41071

York Street

Indulge in Cincinnati-Style Chili at Dixie Chili

This locally beloved spot has been serving Cincinnati-style chili since 1929. (Yes, you read that right.) There are various combinations of “Dixie Chili” on the menu, including the traditional coneys and the exclusive “six-way”—a towering pile of chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, fresh chopped garlic, and cheddar cheese. There are three locations, but the location in Newport on historic Monmouth Street is the original one.   

dixiechili.com , 733 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071

Enjoy a Dinner to Remember at York Street

Situated five blocks from the riverfront, in a four-storied building that’s stood for over 140 years, York Street is a local eatery that packs on the charm. They’re open for dinner, Sunday brunch, and happy hour, serving seasonal entrees, hearty salads, signature steaks, and a wide variety of starters. The York Street experience is about more than just food—from tarot card readings to wine tastings, there’s always something fun happening here.    

yorkstreetrestaurant.com , 738 York Street, Newport, KY 41071

Feast on Authentic Italian Fare at Pompilios

Pompilios is a long-running Italian restaurant that tops locals’ lists for the best places to eat in Newport. For over a century, this popular establishment has been churning out homemade meatballs and ravioli for packed crowds of hungry patrons. Along with staples like lasagna, manicotti, bolognese, and more, Pomplios also has a fantastic selection of Kentucky bourbon.

pompilios.com , 600 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071

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On WeddingWire since 2017

BB Riverboats is a boat wedding venue which operates out of Newport, Kentucky. The happy couple and their guests can enjoy gliding along the Ohio River as they take in the passing sights. Taking in views of the Cincinnati cityscape as well as the riverbank, everyone can relax as the soothing tones of parting water mingles beautifully with animated chatter, sing-songs, and the sound of your future together.

Facilities and Capacity

Featuring a variety of boats, BB Riverboats’ fleet is comprised of two different options - The Belle of Cincinnati and The River Queen, while the River’s Edge is another one of the event spaces located on the pier.

The flagship boat is The Belle of Cincinnati. Offering climate-controlled spaces, it can easily accommodate between 50 and 500 people. Here, you can celebrate your ceremony and reception thanks to the many areas available. Three decks offer room for celebrating in the open air, while you could also avail of these for saying ‘I do’, exchanging vows, and swapping rings. A buffet space and bar means that you and your guests can drink and dine in peace as the magical day unfolds. What’s more, there is a dance floor available so that the happy couple can enjoy their first dance as newlyweds, while everyone else can get down to the music.

The River Queen can accommodate up to 150 guests. A smaller boat, it would certainly suit a more intimate affair. Boasting two deck spaces, the wedding party can enjoy an open-air party here - day or night - while basking in the sunshine or mingling underneath a star-dotted sky. Here, too, you can dine and enjoy some beverages in style.

The River’s Edge is ideal for couples who would like to enjoy a wedding by the water without going on a cruise. Offering large windows which offer views of the river, it also has dining spaces. Its maximum capacity is 250 people.

Services Offered

An event planner can make themselves available to assist you with the preparation and organization of your momentous celebration if you would like to customize your BB Riverboats experience. The planner can help arrange flowers and floral decor, entertainment, furniture, and more so that your venue looks as stunning as you deserve it to look. The planners can also coordinate the day, managing it expertly to avoid any headaches.

If you opt not to create your own package, you can choose from one of the all-inclusive options.

BB Riverboats can provide cuisine for weddings and rehearsal dinners. Depending on the package you decide on, a variety of meals can be available. These can include served entrees (such as honey-glazed ham, marinated roast turkey breast), sides of grilled asparagus and buttered corn, as well as hors d’oeuvres. Their serving styles include buffet, cocktail reception, outside cake, tastings, and dessert.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue, do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue, what is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season, what is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season, which of the following are included in starting site fee, which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering, what is the starting price per person for bar service, which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service, what is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue, how many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer, describe your venue:, what kind of settings are available, which of the following wedding events does your venue service, what event services do you offer, what catering services do you offer, what bar services do you provide, what event items are available, what food and beverage items are available, what transportation and access is available, what months are included in your peak season, what months are included in your off-peak season.

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• Quality of service 4.9 out of 5 rating 4.9
• Average response time 4.8 out of 5 rating 4.8
• Professionalism 4.9 out of 5 rating 4.9
• Value 4.9 out of 5 rating 4.9
• Flexibility 4.9 out of 5 rating 4.9

Review summary

The BB Riverboats venue received highly positive reviews from multiple reviewers for their wedding experience. Reviewers praised the staff, particularly Jenna and her team, for their exceptional service, helpfulness, and attention to detail throughout the planning process. The venue itself was described as stunning, with beautiful views and delicious food. Guests were impressed with the smooth execution of their events and highly recommended the Brunch Cruise option. Overall, the BB Riverboats venue exceeded reviewers' expectations and provided a memorable wedding experience.

An amazing wedding to remember

Amazing experience!

Best Place Ever

Are you interested?

Welcome to BB Riverboats! My name is Jenna Sparks and I serve as the Wedding Sales Manager at BB Riverboats. I have been in the wedding industry for 4 years and would be delighted to assist you in planning your perfect day. BB Riverboats is not just a wedding venue, but a full EXPERIENCE for you and your guests. We offer so much more than a typical room for your wedding or rehearsal dinner guests. Where else can you experience ever changing and unobstructed views of the beautiful Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati? Your day will be truly unforgettable not only for you, but for your guests.

Professional Network & Endorsements

OTF PhotoImages was the photographer and videographer for a wedding in which the couple wanted to get married in the middle of the Ohio River in front of Riverfront Stadium. BB Riverboats did an excellent job of fulfilling the bride/groom requests and accommodated us very well. Highly recommend!

BB Riverboats is by far the most unique wedding experience I've ever had while photographing Dayton weddings and Cincinnati weddings. I rate this A+. The coordinator is awesome is well!!

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BB Riverboats frequently asked questions

• Event Planning
• Cake Cutting
• Bartender(s)
• Champagne Toast
• House Liquor
• Limited Bar
• Premium Liquor
• Covered Outdoor
• Uncovered Outdoor
• Bridal Shower
• Engagement Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Bar Services
• Catering Services
• Event Planner
• Event Rentals
• Get Ready Rooms
• Outside Vendors
• Aisle Runners
• Centerpieces
• Dance Floor

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BB Riverboats

THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to BB Riverboats, Newport

Hotels near bb riverboats, property types, distance from, traveler rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveler Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
• Distance from BB Riverboats See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.

61. Hampton Inn Cincinnati Airport-North

62. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Airport South

63. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cincinnati Airport, KY

64. la quinta inn & suites by wyndham cincinnati airpt florence, 65. hyatt place cincinnati airport/florence, 66. best western inn florence, 67. hampton inn cincinnati-airport south, 68. comfort suites cincinnati airport, 69. hilton cincinnati airport, 70. homewood suites by hilton cincinnati airport south-florence, 71. comfort inn airport turfway road, 72. ashley quarters hotel, 73. comfort suites florence - cincinnati south, 74. quality inn & suites florence - cincinnati south, 75. extended stay america - cincinnati - florence - turfway rd., 76. doubletree by hilton hotel cincinnati airport, 77. staybridge suites florence - cincinnati south, an ihg hotel, 78. extended stay america select suites - cincinnati - florence - airport, 79. courtyard cincinnati airport south/florence, 80. holiday inn express & suites florence-cincinnati airport, an ihg hotel, 81. days inn by wyndham florence cincinnati area, 82. tru by hilton cincinnati airport south florence, 83. hampton inn & suites cincinnati / kenwood, 84. towneplace suites by marriott cincinnati airport south, 85. home2 suites by hilton florence cincinnati airport south, 86. hilton garden inn florence cincinnati airport south, 87. extended stay america - cincinnati - florence - meijer drive, 88. microtel inn & suites by wyndham florence/cincinnati airport, 89. intown suites cincinnati northwest, 90. motel 6 florence.