If you’re a fan of Cincinnati’s local music scene and crave a Halloween experience that breaks away from the usual party circuit, Cincinnati’s Mock Ball is calling your name.
At the Mock Ball, taking place on Nov. 1, local bands take on the music of iconic acts — all paired with the energy of Halloween and the spirit of the city’s indie scene. The Mock Ball isn’t just a night out — it’s a festival and concert experience rolled into one, where Halloween atmosphere and music come together for an unforgettable night. Whether you’re there to support your favorite local band, discover new talent, or just be a part of an event that’s redefining Halloween in Cincy, the Mock Ball will keep you coming back year after year.
The Mock Ball’s origin story feels like something out of a local legend. Back in late 2022, Charlotte Graham, bassist for Saving Escape, had the idea of hosting a cover-show-style event to let local musicians showcase their skills by taking on songs from legendary bands. While Graham brainstormed with Chandler Hoffert and Nathan Hoeweler of the band Mosant, the dream started to take shape. What began as a simple idea quickly turned into something more serious, and soon, the trio was planning a Halloween event. They brought in Britton de la Chapelle, a friend and event organizer with connections in Cincinnati’s music scene, to help make the dream a reality.
The first Mock Ball exceeded all expectations: on Halloween night in 2022, over 500 tickets were sold with a line stretched out the door — on a Monday night, no less. With such a wild turnout, the organizers knew they’d created something unique. Now, the Mock Ball is back, and its creators are pushing the boundaries to bring an ever bigger and better event to Cincinnati.
This year’s Mock Ball is all about growth. The team opened up the lineup through an online band application process to spotlight fresh talent. “There’s never a shortage of amazing music in Cincinnati,” Hoffert said.
The 2024 Mock Ball is bringing in new names and faces from the local scene, showing the team’s commitment to diversity and creativity. Opening up the event to more performers invites everyone in the music scene to participate, creating a more dynamic and inclusive experience.
The Mock Ball’s popularity has also led to a change in the age policy– this year, all attendees over the age of 16 can go (and attendees under 16 with an adult). “We wanted to make the event accessible to younger bands and fans alike,” Chandler explains. The expanded age range reflects the event’s mission to connect Cincinnati’s music lovers across generations, allowing even younger fans to experience local music and engage with the scene.
One of the most exciting elements of Mock Ball is its varied lineup, which brings local artists together to cover popular acts from across the musical spectrum. This year’s list of performers is packed with bands ready to dive into their roles as iconic artists, creating a night of music that spans genres, eras and styles.
Fans can expect a full range of sounds, from Dravin and The Ravens covering the Talking Heads to Season Ten covering Tame Impala. And it doesn’t stop there. Clifton’s own LimeLight will bring an Avril Lavigne set to the stage while Touchdown Jesus pays homage to Bruce Springsteen. The performances are designed to keep you on your toes, and with so many styles packed into one evening, there’s something for every music lover. The team is especially excited to see Dead Humor take on Rage Against the Machine, a performance Chandler describes as a “must-see” for its sheer energy and intensity.
To bring the Mock Ball experience to life, the organizers needed a venue that captured the atmosphere and energy of the event. After outgrowing the original location, the team turned to the Woodward Theater in Over-the-Rhine, a Cincinnati music staple known for its close-knit vibe and intimate setting. “Woodward has been a huge part of this event,” Chandler says. “They’re not just a venue– they’re a part of the local music culture.”
Ready to make this Halloween unforgettable? The Mock Ball is an invitation to step out of the usual routine and into a night that celebrates live music, local talent and the spirit of Cincinnati. It’s a place to connect with the city’s best musicians, discover hidden gems, and be part of something that’s as much a concert as it is a Halloween celebration. Expect plenty of creative costumes and Halloween treats.
The show starts at 6 p.m. and the doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are available on their Instagram page (@themockball), at cincyticket.com, or at woodwardtheater.com.
This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 12, 2024.