A new music and arts festival is scheduled to take place in Covington’s Central Business District on August 8 and 9, 2025. The Arcade Music Fest will feature nearly 80 artists performing across eight stages set up at various venues over four blocks downtown.
The festival’s main stage will be located inside Covington’s historic Arcade Tunnel, which connects Pike Street and 7th Street. The tunnel will be equipped with immersive lighting for performances by local indie-pop and EDM acts such as Coastal Club and Departure Lounge.
Stages are organized by genre: folk/Americana at Revival Bottle Shop, RNB at Madison Live, EDM at Galaxie, and rock/pop/indie at Second Story, Olde Town Tavern, as well as an outdoor stage on Pike Street. Headlining acts include Devin Burgess, Audley, Patterns of Chaos, among others.
VIP ticket holders will have access to exclusive programming at Madison Live and the Arcade Main Stage. These perks include a professional photo booth, surprise guest appearances, “BLINK-grade” art activations, and a hip-hop showcase curated by Pizza Boiz.
In addition to live music, more than 30 local vendors will offer handmade goods, vintage items, and art. Food trucks from businesses like Braxton Brewery, Fabled Brew Works, Maki Mono, S.E.A. Cuisine, Reka’s Butchery & Delicatessen, and Ghost Kitchen Pizza will also be present. A specialty cocktail bar called Pixelated Pours will serve drinks featuring local spirit sponsors.
Most stages and vendor areas are free to attend. VIP tickets cost $25 for one day or $45 for two days; these grant access to the Arcade Tunnel main stage and additional events at Madison Live.
Arcade Music Fest is supported by AltaFiber, meetNKY, The ION Center, Otto’s Printing, Smith Law, Tierra Y Libertad Tequila, Shortbarrel Whiskey, Bare Bone Vodka, and Brez Feel-Good Tonics.
