Cincinnati's Historic Cotton Club Nightclub Celebrated

The iconic West End venue was once the heartbeat of the city's entertainment scene.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

The Cotton Club, a legendary nightclub in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood, was once the epicenter of the city's entertainment and music scene. The venue, which was located inside the Sterling Hotel, hosted many of the most influential musicians and performers of its era and has since become an iconic part of Cincinnati's cultural history.

Why it matters

The Cotton Club's legacy represents a significant chapter in Cincinnati's past, showcasing the vibrant entertainment and nightlife that once thrived in the city's West End. As one of the largest murals in Ohio, a new public artwork depicting 10 of Cincinnati's most influential musicians highlights the enduring impact of the Cotton Club and the city's rich musical heritage.

The details

The Cotton Club was a popular amusement resort and entertainment venue that operated within the Sterling Hotel in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood. It hosted many of the era's most renowned musicians and performers, cementing its status as the heartbeat of the city's entertainment scene.

  • The Cotton Club operated within the Sterling Hotel in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood.
  • One of the largest murals in Ohio, depicting 10 of Cincinnati's most influential musicians, was recently unveiled.

The players

The Cotton Club

A legendary nightclub in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood that was once the epicenter of the city's entertainment and music scene.

Sterling Hotel

The hotel that housed the iconic Cotton Club nightclub in Cincinnati's West End.

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The takeaway

The Cotton Club's legacy represents a significant chapter in Cincinnati's cultural history, showcasing the vibrant entertainment and nightlife that once thrived in the city's West End. As a new mural celebrates the influential musicians connected to the venue, the Cotton Club's enduring impact on Cincinnati's musical heritage is clear.