The National Brings ‘The Homecoming’ Back To Cincy

After a five-year hiatus, The National’s Homecoming Festival is t return to Cincinnati Sept. 15-16, featuring Patti Smith & Her Band, Pavement, The Walkmen, Weyes Blood, Arooj Aftab, Bartees Strange and more. The National perform unique sets as it headlines both dates.

Homecoming 2023 is the long-awaited return of a two-day event, and will take place at the ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park. 

Members of The National’s Cherry Tree fan club will have first crack at tickets through a May 18 presale beginning at 9 a.m. ET, and will receive early entry to the venue. 

Single-day, weekend and VIP passes go onsale Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. ET. A preferred viewing and concessions area, as well as special Homecoming fanzine produced by longtime National collaborator Graham MacIndoe, are included with the VIP option. 

“When we launched Homecoming in 2018, we were overwhelmed by the response from the community and by our renewed sense of connection to our hometown,” The National says in its announcement. “It was such an exciting, memorable weekend and we’ve long hoped to bring it back. We’re honored to return to Cincinnati five years later and be joined by so many of our favorite musicians and friends.”

The National’s new album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, was released on April 28 and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Alternative and Top Rock charts. Their appearance at Homecoming is part of an extensive 2023 tour, which begins May 18 in Chicago. 

The itinerary includes the band’s debut performance at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Aug. 18, which will also feature special guest Patti Smith & Her Band.

Homecoming 2023 Lineup:

Friday

The National

Patti Smith & Her Band

The Walkmen

Arooj Aftab

Bartees Strange

Carriers

Ballard

Saturday

The National

Pavement

Weyes Blood

Snail Mail

Julia Jacklin

The Drin

Leo Pastel