HBO’s fantasy phenomenon Game of Thrones will return one last time for its final season, which begins airing on April 14. Few other series incite such a rabid following: the ultimate fans can dive into the books and the show, delving into the etymology in agonizing detail and comparing clever observations and wild assumptions. Prepare for Season 8 with these themed parties, offering past season trivia, multi-course meals, cosplay and more.
Game of Thrones Trivia at Rhinegeist — Rhinegeist’s Game of Thrones trivia will help you brush up on your Westorosi knowledge in time for Season 8. If, much like Tyrion, your skills include drinking and knowing things, this is exactly the event you are looking for. 7:30- 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. Free admission. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, rhinegeist.com.
Tin Roof Game of Thrones Trivia — Tin Roof Game of Thrones trivia will decide who has the most knowledge on everyone’s favorite dragon-filled show. Teams can be no more than six players and the top three teams will win prizes. 7- 9 p.m. Thursday, April 11. Free admission. Cinci Tin Roof, 160 E Freedom Way, The Banks, tinroofcincinnati.com.
Marty’s Hops and Vines Dragon Night — One day before the final season premiere, Marty’s Hops & Vines is pouring specialty Game of Thrones drinks. Drink list includes the ‘For the Throne’ Belgian Strong Golden Ale and a ‘King in the North’ Russian Imperial Stout from Ommegang, ‘Dragons Milk White’ White Stout from New Holland Brewing Co., ‘Dragons are Real’ honey wine from B. Nektar, and ‘Dragon Heart’ from Crafted Artisan Meadery. Two Blue will play live music starting at 9 p.m. Game of Thrones costumes are optional. 7-11:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13. Free admission. Marty’s Hops & Vines, 6110 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, martys-hopsandvines.com.
Game of Thrones Battle of the Houses at Setters Cincy — Gather a house and prepare to battle it out on the volleyball court. This competitive tournament promises twists and turns for teams of 8, with additional food, fun and themed prizes. Feel free to dress in costume. 3:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13. $25 per player. Setters Cincy Beach Volleyball, 4005 Hooper Hill Road, Mount Washington, facebook.com/SettersCincyVolleyball.
LouVino Game of Thrones-Inspired Wine Dinner — The team at LouVino hosts a dinner that allows patrons to sample eats from Winterfell to King’s Landing in four courses, each paried with an ale or wine picked by the house sommelier. Dishes include The King in the North venison pie, What is Dead May Never Die oysters on the half shell and seafood stew, The Golden Rose lemon cakes with fig custard and more. Seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. $70. LouVino, 1142 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/LouVinoOTR.
Game of Thrones Discussion and Wine Flight at Mercer OTR — Discuss the first episode of Season 8 at the Mercer, with a wine flight and light bites. Tickets include a flight of three white wines plus a linguine with clam sauce to pay homage to Arya’s time selling oysters, clams and cockles. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17. $20. The Mercer OTR, 1324 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/TheMercerOTR.
Game of Thrones Feast at Taft’s Ale House — Daenerys of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, The Unburnt, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Queen of Meereen, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons is hosting a dinner at Taft’s Ale House with a full family-style meal. Ales, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase and everyone goes home with a Citrus IPA six-pack. 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 22. $38. Taft’s Ale House, 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/taftsbeerco.
A Crawl of Ice and Fire in Pleasant Ridge — Mark you calendars for this May bar crawl through Pleasant Ridge. After the end of the series (finale airs May 19), cry into your ale or gorge on food from neighborhood establishments including Revolution Rotisserie, Nine Giant, Casa Figueroa, Overlook Lodge, Share: Cheesebar and Gaslight Cafe. Tickets include a Westeros map of the area, a game card for an Iron Throne-themed scavenger hunt, a raffle ticket and assorted site-specific deals and events like a costume contest, Red Wedding punch, a Mother of Dragons beer, deviled dragon eggs and more. 3 p.m. May 18. $5 early bird; $10 standard; $20 VIP. Pleasant Ridge, more info here.
This article appears in Mar 27 – Apr 3, 2019.