If you’ve got a baseball fan at home (or you’re raising one), Redsfest is basically two days of kid-friendly, winter-time Reds magic — players, mascots, hands-on games, and plenty of ways to make core memories before Opening Day. Redsfest runs Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the newly renovated Cincinnati Convention Center.
Quick event basics (so you can plan like a pro)
Dates + hours
- Friday, Jan. 16: 3:00–10:30 pm
- Saturday, Jan. 17: 11:00 am–6:30 pm
Location
Cincinnati Convention Center (aka Duke Energy Convention Center) — Redsfest is scheduled to be the first event in the newly renovated space.
Tickets
Tickets are sold as Friday, Saturday, or 2-Day passes through the official Redsfest page.
(Heads up: some outlets also note tickets may be available on-site, but the smoothest move is buying ahead online.)
The #1 thing families ask: “Will we actually see players?”
Yes — and there are multiple ways to do it.
Players & staff appearing
The Reds posted an official “Players & Staff Appearing” list and note it can change (more names may be added as travel is confirmed).
On the list, you’ll see prospects such as Jay Allen II, Tejay Antone, Cam Collier, Alfredo Duno, and more!
Where families can interact with players
1) Autographs (including a kids-only line!)
- Autograph schedules are announced 30 minutes before each session.
- Main floor autograph sessions are free, with up to 225 fans per session.
- There are different types of lines, including a kids-only line for ages 17 and under (parents can stand with kids, but can’t get autographs for themselves).
- Limit: 1 item per person per session.
- Pro tip: If your kid’s #1 goal is an autograph, make that your first stop and let everything else be bonus.
2) Photos with players
- Photo booths run in timed sessions; you’ll typically need to bring your own phone/camera.
3) Main Stage moments (great for kids who like “being part of the show”)
- There are several family-favorite stage blocks like:
- Kids Only Press Conference (Friday evening + Saturday midday)
- Mascot dance parties (both days)
- “Introduction of Reds Players – Past & Present” (Friday)
Best kid-focused areas (where the energy is highest)
Reds Heads Fun Zone (3rd floor)
This is the family jackpot:
- Bounce houses, trampolines, playsets
- Player Story Time sessions
- Kids stage programming + performances (music, magic show, mascots, even zoo animals listed on the schedule)
- You can also sign up for Reds Heads / Reds Rookies memberships there.
- Important: Many physical activities require a waiver + wristband. If you want to save time, look for the waiver links on the Redsfest interactives page before you go.
2nd floor interactives
- Mascot Meeting Rooms
- Miniature Golf
- Inflatable Alley
Autographs: how to not waste your whole day in lines
Here’s the official rhythm:
- Schedules drop 30 minutes before each autograph/photo session (shown on TVs).
- You can also get text alerts by texting REDSFEST to 66128.
- Once a line hits capacity, that’s it (and you can’t save spots).
Family strategy that works:
- One adult holds the “autograph mission” with the kid who cares most.
- The other adult takes siblings to the Fun Zone so nobody melts down.
Other helpful family notes
- Re-entry is allowed as long as you have a valid ticket for that day. (Nice if you need a break.)
- There will be set hours for “Open Swing” on indoor baseball fields (check the Redsfest site for the most up-to-date field schedule).
- If you’re already thinking ahead to summer: the FAQ notes you can buy certain Reds ticket plans and vouchers at Redsfest.
If you only have 2–3 hours…
Do this order:
- Get inside, orient, and check the TVs for autograph/photo schedule drops.
- Hit one must-do player line (autograph or photo).
- Spend the rest in Reds Heads Fun Zone + 2nd-floor interactives (mini golf / inflatables / mascots).
- End with a Main Stage kid moment (Kids Only Press Conference or mascot dance party).
