Reds skipping RedsFest (again) makes a disastrous season look even worse

The Cincinnati Reds have canceled RedsFest for the third time in four years, according to 700WLW. While no official reason was provided for the decision, the impending Major League Baseball lockout following the expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement on December 1 is reported as the probable cause. Drew Koch of Blog Red Machine argues that the cancellation reflects poorly on the franchise following a difficult season.

The cancellation comes after the Reds finished last in the NL Central with a 75-87 record. RedsFest had previously returned in January 2026 at the renovated Cincinnati Convention Center after being skipped following the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Koch contends that the team enters the offseason with front office dysfunction and no clear direction.