On Sunday, September 7, Union Terminal will turn back the clock to the 1940s for Liberation Ball 2025, an unforgettable evening marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The celebration begins the moment guests step out of their cars and into history, greeted by gleaming vintage automobiles parked outside the iconic Art Deco landmark. Inside, the Rotunda comes alive with live big band swing, and vintage décor, creating a 1940s ballroom atmosphere.
At 6:00 p.m., the night officially begins in Reakirt Auditorium with a moving welcome from HHC leadership and the debut of the new Dimensions in Testimony interactive experience featuring the legacy of Holocaust survivor and U.S. Army veteran Dr. Al Miller z”l, setting the tone for an evening of remembrance, celebration, and connection.
Dance, Dine, and Discover All Night Long
From that moment, the evening opens up into a whirlwind of music, storytelling, food, and exploration. Guests can enjoy:
- Live Big Band Music and Swing Dancing | 6:30–9:00 p.m. in the Rotunda, with energetic performances and dance demos to keep the floor moving
- Heavy Appetizers and Themed Cocktails, Mocktails, and Drinks | 6:30–10:00 p.m. served all evening, including vintage-inspired recipes by award-winning Cincinnati mixologist Molly Wellmann, who will host the 1940s-style Canteen Club Lounge featuring classic games like cards, dominoes, and checkers. Historian and author Dan Hurley will also host a casual talk and Q&A in the lounge, bringing World War II history to life in an intimate setting
- Liberation Ball Culinary Experience | 7:00–8:00 p.m. featuring tastings of historic recipes in the CrEATe Culinary Studio featuring the Kroger Food Lab
- Guided Museum Tours | Every 45 minutes starting at 6:45 p.m., departing from the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, highlighting Al Miller’s story and the new interactive exhibit
- Free OMNIMAX Screenings of D-Day: Normandy 1944 | 7:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., an awe-inspiring visual journey through the largest military operation in history
Capture Memories and Create Your Own Keepsakes
Throughout the Rotunda, guests will find immersive activities that make the evening even more memorable:
- A 1940s-style photo booth with printed portraits to take home
- A Victory Garden flower cart
- A Make-Your-Own Liberation Pin station with ribbons and buttons to reflect on the meaning of freedom
- Live screen printing with the Cincinnati Print Museum to create a commemorative design as a personal keepsake
What to Wear
Guests are encouraged to embrace 1940s cocktail attire to complement the vintage setting and lively swing music. Think:
- Men in suits or dress slacks with suspenders, vests, bow ties, or fedoras for a nod to the era
- Women in cocktail dresses, swing or A-line skirts, gloves, pearls, or bold red lipstick for that classic 1940s glamour
- Vintage-inspired accessories like hats, fascinators, or pocket squares to add a playful period touch
Need tips on how to dress? Check out the event dressing guide here.
Liberation Ball 2025 is designed to transport guests into the world of 1945 Cincinnati, blending the joy of celebration with the power of history. From the historic cars outside to the music, food, hands-on activities, and stories inside, the evening promises to honor the past while creating unforgettable new memories.
Early bird tickets are available for $75 through August 15, so reserve your spot now for this unforgettable evening.
Questions? Contact Kara Driscoll, Director of Strategic External Engagement, at [email protected].
