Get into the fall spirit with this week's spooky fun festivities. Here's a look at the biggest, best and most interesting things happening in Cincinnati over the next seven days.
Have an event you'd like
us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we'll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
Monday, Oct. 12
Bring your kiddos to Toddler Rave World Tour
Let the kiddos dance it out at the Toddler Rave World Tour by pioneer in "Toddler Techo" Lenny Pearce.
Details: 6 p.m., Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St., Downtown. bradymusiccenter.com.
Celebrate Cincinnati Taco Week
Enjoy a week-long fiesta featuring $3 tacos from over 30 restaurants, including deals on street food and gourmet tacos.
Details: Over 30 participating Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky restaurants and taco joints. Runs Oct. 12-18. Find all participating locations here: cincytacoweek.com.
Explore gourd-geous exhibits at Newport Aquarium
Come to Newport Aquarium's Underwater Pumpkin Glow to find glowing pumpkins in your favorite exhibits. Your animal friends will get tasty pumpkin treats and seasonal enrichment as jack-o'-lanterns become reefs for the underwater creatures.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Included with admission. Runs through Nov. 1. newportaquarium.com.
Grab a bite to eat at Fountain Square
At FSQ Eats, grab a coworker get a bite to eat at Fountain Square.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs through Oct. 30. myfountainsquare.com.
Sway to the rhythm at Jazz at the Park
Get ready to groove as a different local and regional jazz act performs every Monday.
Details: 6-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Downtown. Runs Mondays through October 26. washingtonpark.org.
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Walk through a fall wonderland at the Zoo's Jack O'Lantern Glow
Lined with more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins and fall decorations, walk through a half-mile trail illuminated by jack-o'-lanterns. The Reptile House and Night Hunters exhibits will also stay open until 9 p.m.
Details: 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 5:30-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Downtown. Runs through Oct. 31. cincinnatizoo.org.
See awesome Lego builds at Cincinnati Museum Center
At "Jurassic World by Brickman," venture into a baby Brachiosaurus enclosure, and see Triceratops, Velociraptors, T. rex and more. Create your own hybrid dino in the DNA lab.
Details: Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Runs through Jan. 4, 2027. cincymuseum.org.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Cheer on FC Cincinnati at one of their home games
FC Cincinnati plays the New England Revolution on Wednesday and Columbus Crew on Sunday.
Details: 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. Sunday, TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway, West End. tqlstadium.com.
See 'Ghostbusters in Concert'
Experience the music from the beloved '80s film performed on stage by an orchestra.
Details: 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. tafttheatre.org.
See 'Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience'
This 360-degree, digital art exhibition features interactive installations, digital displays, sound effects and projection mapping. Check out the infinite Sunflower Room and write a letter to Van Gogh.
Details: Event times vary Wednesday-Monday, 18 W. Fourth St., Downtown. Closed Tuesdays. Runs through Nov. 22. feverup.com.
Hop on a hayride at Windmill Farm Market
Ready for an adventure? Take a trip on Windmill's famous hayride, taking you over the hills and through the mud. Kids can also enjoy pumpkin bounce pads, travel through a cornstalk tunnel and meet cute farm animals.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Windmill Farm Market, 1454 E State Route 73, Springboro. Runs Sept. 26-Oct. 31. windmillfarmmarket.com.
Thursday, Oct. 15
Check out the pumpkins at Cincinnati Art Museum (final week)
Yayoi Kusama's art exhibit, All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins, features an array of yellow gourds of various sizes in a seemingly endless field of glowing pumpkins.
Details: 5-8 p.m., Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills. Free for members and nonmembers every Thursday through Oct. 18. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Friday, Oct. 16
See 'The Sixties Show'
Transport back in time and hear iconic hits from the 1960s, sang live and enhanced with authentic archival audio and newsreel footage.
Details: 7:30 p.m., Aronoff Center, 50 Walnut St., Downtown. cincinnatiarts.org.
Jam out with Brantley Gilbert
Country singer Brantley Gilbert is bringing his "Real American Tour" to Cincinnati this week. Joining him are special guests John Morgan and Atlus.
Details: 7 p.m., PNC Pavilion, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
Grab a sweet treat at Charm at the Farm's October Market
Pumpkin spice season is here. Enjoy all your favorite fall treats such as coffee, cider, donuts and more. Shop for gifts and fall décor. Adopt a puppy from Pets of Ohio Rescue Team. Snap a selfie with a miniature Highland baby cow.
Details: 3:30-7 p.m. Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Charm at the Farm, 4953 Bunnell Hill Road, Lebanon. Ticket prices vary per day. Kids 12-under free. Free parking. charmatthefarm.com.
Try something new at Panda Fest
At Panda Fest, engage in experiential activities, tastings and market fairs that showcase the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Smale Riverfront Park, 166 W Mehring Way, Downtown. $10 early bird, $14 general admission, $35 VIP. pandafests.com.
Take a glimpse into the past at Big Bone Lick's annual Salt Festival
See demonstrations of early settler ways of life, salt making, archery, spear and tomahawk throwing. Stick around for entertainment such as storytelling, live music, crafts, food and more. Learn more about Kentucky's early history at the park museum, and see active salt springs and the bison herd.
Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Big Bone Lick State Park, 3380 Beaver Road, Union. $10 ages 13-up, $5 ages 6-12, free ages 5-under. friendsofbigbone.org.
Laugh out loud at 'Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors'
This performance reimagines Bram Stoker's gothic classic with unexpected twists, gags and playful innuendo.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday,Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs through Oct. 31. cincyshakes.com.
Scream your heart out at Haunted Scream Park
'Tis the season for frights and delights! At Land of Illusion's Haunted Scream Park, enter horrifying attractions such as Temple of Terror, Killer Klowns, Dr. Psycho's Haunted Estate, Middletown Haunted Trail and Phobia.
Details: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown. Runs weekends Sept. 11-Oct. 31. Tickets: landofillusion.com.
For more screams, head to Scream Ridge
Don't miss out on the haunted houses on the Kentucky side of the river. At Scream Ridge, escape horrifying attractions such as Carnival of Screams, The Killing Field and The Torture Barn.
Details: 7 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, 12273 Green Road, Walton. $35. Runs through Oct. 31. screamridge.com.
Run for your life at Dent Schoolhouse
What started from a legend of a murderous janitor turned this school into a Halloween icon, repeatedly crowned one of the best haunts in America. Traverse through the narrow passageways of this haunted schoolhouse to try to escape from its killer faculty. Good luck!
Details: 7:30-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5963 Harrison Ave., Green Township. Runs Sept. 11-Oct. 31. Tickets: dentschoolhouse.com.
If you're looking for more scares, go to Brimstone Haunt
Brimstone Haunt opens this weekend. Attractions include Haunted Hayride, The Bog and The Boogeyman. You're sure to have a scary good time.
Details: 7:30-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 525 Brimstone Road, Wilmington. Runs weekends Sept. 11-Oct. 31. Tickets: brimstonehaunt.com.
Grab a second pair of pants for Cincinnati Fear Fest
At Cincinnati Fear Fest, get three haunts and a festival for one ticket price. Explore three haunted houses, grab a drink from one of the secret bars, and browse a ghost-town Halloween festival and shop filled with oddities.
Details: 7 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, 1449 Greenbush Cobb Road, Williamsburg. Free parking. Runs weekends Sept. 12-Nov. 1. cincinnatifearfest.
Hop aboard the USS Nightmare (and try not to jump ship)
Sick of haunted houses? Try a haunted boat on the Ohio River for a change. Two decks of nightmarish fun await on this steam-powered dredge boat on the Ohio River.
Details: 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport. Runs Sept. 18-Nov. 1. ussnightmare.com.
Prepare for a fright at Halloween Haunt
Brave the night to see the park transformed for a Halloween celebration. Experience spine-chilling thrills in Scare Zones. Ride your favorite coasters like The Beast once (or thrice), made even scarier at night.
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday, 6-11 p.m. Sunday, Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Runs Sept. 25-Nov. 1. visitkingsisland.com.
Browse produce at the East Walnut Hills Farmers Market
Shop for fresh produce from local farmers while listening to live entertainment.
Details: 4-7 p.m., Madison Parking Lot, 1523 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills. Runs Fridays through Oct. 23. ewhfarmersmarket.com.
Saturday, Oct. 17
See 'Mary Poppins Jr.'
In this adaptation of the Broadway and West End hit musical, see your favorite nanny brought to life on stage and hear songs such as "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "A Spoonful of Sugar."
Details: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Emery Theater, 110 E Central Parkway, Downtown. thechildrenstheatre.com.
Get together with the community at Miami Township's Harvest Festival
At Miami Township's Annual Harvest Festival and Community Bonfire, enjoy an evening of fall fun, family activities, live music, food and community entertainment.
Details: 5-9 p.m., Miami Township West Community Park, 4063 E Miami River Road, Cleves. miamitwpoh.gov.
Have more spooky fun at Jack-O-Lantern Festival
Enjoy free activities such as a costume contest, face painting, train rides, bounce houses, magicians, free food and drinks, and games for the entire family.
Details: 5-8 p.m., David Housley Pavilion, Randolph Park, 226 E 8th St., Covington. hunthalloween.com.
See the Holy Name Eucharistic Procession
Following the 8 a.m. mass, watch a procession of over a thousand men travel through downtown Cincinnati. Attend the Final Benediction at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, followed by light refreshments in the courtyard.
Details: 9 a.m., procession begins at Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, ends at Old St. Mary's Church, 325 W 8th St., West End. cmeps.org.
Have some autumnal fun at Pumpkin Festival
Enjoy over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, live music, live demonstrations, activities for children and more. Grab a bite to eat from 24 food vendors. Participate in a pumpkin pie or donut eating contest, the pumpkin roll, the egg toss and sack races. Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, sunflower maze, scavenger hunt, face painting and pony rides. Pick your own pumpkin at the patch to take home.
Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 6040 Kilby Road, Harrison. $8, kids 12-under free. webersfarmmarket.com.
Create apple butter the pioneer way at Apple Butter Festival
Experience 19th century farm life and cook up some apple butter the way the pioneers did it. Shop the variety of crafters and vendors, and purchase fall faves like apple butter (of course), apples, cider, pumpkins and gourds. Tour the Doty homestead and barn, both from the 1800s, and browse the broad display of museum artifacts.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Hueston Woods Pioneer Farm, 6924 Brown Road, Oxford. $5 per adult or $10 per car, children 12-under free. oxfordmuseumassociation.com.
Hop aboard the Pumpkin Express Train
Enjoy a ride on a train, conducted by Jack the pirate. Be transported to the Lebanon Sports Complex and enjoy fall family fun such as balloon twisting, face painting, small pumpkins, inflatables and fall treats.
Details: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m., 12:30 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, 16 E South St., Lebanon. $24 open window coach, $29 deluxe coach, $10 infant. Runs weekends through Oct. 31. lebanonrr.com.
Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Making Strides Cincinnati
Join in the movement uniting the community to end breast cancer. Donations go to Making Strides Cincinnati, which funds lifesaving breast cancer research. Run or walk, whichever suits you best. Show up for the survivor recognition ceremony and warm up before the run. Kids zone and live entertainment.
Details: 8:30 a.m. 5K Run, 9 a.m. Walk, Yeatman's Cove, 705 E Pete Rose Way, Downtown. Free. secure.acsevents.org.
Watch the Oddball Parade
Artists, musicians, performers and makers can attend and participate in the half-mile parade in Valley Park.
Details: 4 p.m., Valley Park, 3250 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington. allevents.in.
Celebrate National Fossil Day at Cincinnati Museum Center
Meet paleontologists, handle real fossils, learn about Cincinnati Museum's active dinosaur digs and watch experts in action as they carefully remove fossils from their surrounding rock.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. cincymuseum.org.
Visit the animals at HallZOOeen
Stop at the various trick or treat stations throughout the zoo. Watch your favorite animals play with seasonal enrichment (think pumpkins galore!), and catch magic shows at Phil Dalton's Theater of Illusion at 1 and 3 p.m. Take a ride on the Pumpkin Express Train or the carousel. Kids are encouraged to dress up in costume for this event.
Details: noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 3400 Vine St., Downtown. Free with zoo admission or membership. Runs Oct. 10-Nov. 1. cincinnatizoo.org.
Pick a pumpkin at Great Parks Pumpkin Patch
Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch. Enjoy fun fall activities like pumpkin decorating, face painting, fall-themed crafts and games.
Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Winton Woods Farm & Equestrian Center, 10073 Daly Road, Springfield Township. $4 pie pumpkin, $7 large pumpkin. Runs Saturdays through Oct. 31. greatparks.org.
Enjoy family-friendly fun at Waynesville Fall Fest
Go deep into the Ohio woods to discover the town of Skeleville, find some gemstones at the abandoned mining company Wildwater Mining Co., grab your putter for mini golf, traverse through a corn maze and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, 7392 E. State Route 73, Waynesville. $15, $13 ages 10-under, free ages 2-under. Runs weekends Sept. 19-Nov. 1. waynesvillefallfest.com.
Dress in your best medieval getup at Ohio Renaissance Festival
Transport yourself back in time to the days where kings and queens ruled at Ohio Renaissance Festival. See over 100 daily shows, including a circus show and a sword fight on opening weekend. Try savory cuisine such as turkey legs, burgers and pulled pork. Wash it all down with a cold beer. Browse through the village "shoppes" offering homemade crafts.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville. Runs every weekend Sept. 5-Nov. 1. renfestival.com.
Shop for produce at Montgomery Farmers' Market
Buy goods from local farmers, crafters, wellness and soap producers and food producers.
Details: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Montgomery Elementary School, 9609 Montgomery Road, Montgomery. Runs Saturdays through Oct. 31. montgomeryfarmersmarket.org.
Bring the kids to Tricks and Treats
If your kids are too young for Halloween Haunt (or you're too scared – we won't judge) but still want to experience fall fun, bring them to Kings Island's fall festival. Enjoy family-friendly activities, complete with a Trick-or-Treat Trail and family rides.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Runs weekends Sept. 27-Nov. 1. visitkingsisland.com.
Sunday, Oct. 18
Sign up for the Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just want to walk, sign up for the Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries. This run/walk supports the ongoing work of the University of Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center in finding a better treatment for brain tumors.
Details: 8 a.m.-noon, Yeatman's Cove, 705 E Pete Rose Way, Downtown. secure.qgiv.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Things to do in Cincinnati this week, Oct. 12-18
