Fall officially starts on Sept. 23, but pumpkin spice is already back on the menu, which means it’s time for sweater weather, apple cider and other autumnal activities. This year’s Fall Guide is basically a big-ass list of things to do this season, ranging from U-pick farms and cozy food festivals to haunted houses and slightly spooky events. Think of this as a starting point for all your cozy, creepy and cute fall fun.
Farms
Places to pick your own pumpkins and pet a barnyard animal or two
Blooms & Berries Farm Market and Garden Center
Fall on the farm kicks off Sept. 21. Events include a themed five-acre corn maze (and a straw maze), cow train rides, fresh apple cider, pumpkin patch hayrides, caramel apples, duck races and a farm animal petting zoo. Hayrides to pick your own pumpkins start at 10 a.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. during the week. There’s also a craft beer garden for grown-ups. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 21-Oct. 31. $9 Monday-Friday; $12 Saturday-Sunday. 9669 S. State Route 48, Loveland, bloomsandberries.com.
Bonnybrook Farms
This farm is a haven of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, wagon rides, animals and more. Fall Farm Days include adventure wagon rides, a “crazed” corn maze, giant slingshots, clodhopper golf, archery, an underground slide and farmyard play area. There’s an extra fee for the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Noon-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Sept. 28-Oct. 27. $16; $14 seniors and active military; free ages 4 and under. 3779 State Route 132, Clarkesville, bonnybrookfarms.com.
Brown’s family farm market
This family market features hayrides to the pumpkin patch on Saturdays and Sundays where you can pick your gourds. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sept. 21-Oct. 31. Free admission. 11620 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, facebook.com/brownsfarmmarket.
Burger Farm & Garden Center
Head to the farm’s annual Fall Pumpkin Festival, held every weekend in October, featuring more than 30 family-friendly activities including a puppet show, live music, mini zip lines, a carnival, pony rides and paintball. Buy mums, gourds, apple cider, corn stalks and pumpkins. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick your own or chuck a mini pumpkin (or pet a bunny) for an additional fee. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Sept. 28-Oct. 28. $10; free children 2 and under. 7849 Main St., Newtown, burgerfarms.com.
Country Pumpkins
A fall fest on a 250-acre dairy farm with hayrides, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hay maze and more. Some activities are free and some are ticketed. Country Fireside Nights are held Sept. 28 and Oct. 4, during which you can experience the magic of the farm at night with a lantern-lit hayride, a pumpkin launcher and bonfire. 4-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 2-7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Through Oct. 31. 1835 Sherman Mount Zion Road, Dry Ridge, countrypumpkinsky.com.
Evans Orchard Cider mill
This fifth-generation family farm and cider mill grows apples, peaches, pumpkins and more — many of which you can pick yourself. U-pick pumpkin and apple season starts in September; pick up a bags and an orchard map in the store and then purchase your picks by weight. Other fall fun includes a petting zoo, hayride, corn maze, pony rides and corn bins to play in instead of sandboxes. Visit the market and cafe for tasty treats. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Through Nov. 27. Prices vary depending on activity. 198 Stone Road, Georgetown, Kentucky, evansorchard.com.
Hidden Valley Orchards
This 60-year-old fruit farm (formerly Hidden Valley Fruit Farm) got a makeover as Hidden Valley Orchards, with a coffee bar, bakery and cider bar. Fill up on all things apple — cider, dumplings, cobbler, fritters, donuts and custard — pick a pumpkin, take a hayride and find more family fun every weekend in September and October. Check the website to see which apples and pumpkins are available as U-pick throughout the season. There’s a Caramel Apple Fest Sept. 21-22, Apple Cider Fest Weekend Oct. 5-6 and a Pumpkin Festival Oct. 12-13. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. 5474 State Route 48, Lebanon, hiddenvalleyorchards.com.
Irons Fruit Farm
Take a tractor-driven hayride to pick your own pumpkins at this fourth-generation family farm — then feast on apple fritters, cinnamon-cider donuts, cookies and more from the on-site bakery. There is also a themed corn maze, apples available for purchase and friendly farm animals. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. hayrides weekends; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 27-Oct. 31. $5 corn maze Sunday. 1640 Stubbs Mill Road, Lebanon, ironsfruitfarm.com.
Kinman Farms
The farm Fall Fest features a hayride to the back of the farm where you’ll find bonfires, games, Great Pumpkin Express rides, a five-acre corn maze, a carnival tent, live bands and a game area. Take a pony ride or hop aboard the Great Pumpkin Express ride through the cornfield and enjoy the story of the Great Pumpkin. A hayride will return you to the front of the farm when you’re ready. Noon-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 20-Oct. 28. $10. 4175 Burlington Pike, Burlington, kinmanfarm.com.
McGlasson Farms
This six-generation family-owned vegetable and fruit stand features produce to purchase on-site, or you can even pick your own. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, potatoes, tomatoes, mums and more are available for purchase; contact the farm for more info on U-pick opportunities. The farms’ famous fall festival generally starts the first weekend in October with live Bluegrass and Americana bands on weekends. 5832 River Road, Hebron, mcglassonfarms.com.
Neltner’s Farm
This family-friendly fest features horse-drawn wagon rides, a model train display, a corn maze, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, pony rides, wine tastings, a farm stand, craft vendors and home-cooked food. Special weekend activities kick off Sept. 28 and include live music from local Folk, Americana and Bluegrass faves. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays. Sept. 28-Oct. 27. $5 weekends; free weekdays (not all activities are available); some events and activities cost an additional fee. 6922 Four Mile Road, Melbourne, neltnersfarm.com.
Niederman Family Farm
General admission to this fest includes access to the four-acre corn maze, hayrides, a tractor play area, duck races, pipe swings, ball zones and more. Walk to the pumpkin paradise to select your own pumpkin (priced by size), or indulge in some cinnamon-sugar donuts, kettle corn, pumpkin butter, caramel apples, roasted nuts and apple cider. Guests can also rent bonfire pits with benches. Niederman lights the bonfire, you provide the snacks to roast over the open flame. 6-9 p.m. Thursday; 6-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 27-Oct. 27. $10. 5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Road, Hamilton, niedermanfamilyfarm.com.
Shaw Farms Produce & Pumpkins
This farm is family-friendly with things to do for all ages during Fall Festival Weekends, which start the third weekend in September and run through October. There are horse-drawn or tractor-drawn hayrides, a 15-acre corn maze, an interactive playground, live Bluegrass music and pedal cart races. Pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or head to the produce barn to enjoy apples — and fresh-pressed apple cider — straight from the orchard. Some activities require tickets. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 20-29; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Oct. 5-31. 1737 State Route 131, Milford, shawfarms.com.
Sunrock Farm
Nothing screams fall more than a pumpkin patch, and Sunrock Farm offers two-hour pumpkin patch tours throughout the month of the October; see the patch and pick your own gourds. Guests can also milk a goat, gather eggs, hold chickens and more during separate hands-on guided tours of the farm itself. Pumpkin patch tours Oct. 1-31. $12. 103 Gibson Lane, Wilder, sunrockfarm.com.
*Note: Before making the drive, double check all dates, times and costs with each farm.
Frights
Haunted houses and trails of terror to freak you out until November
All Hallows Eve Terror Town
The former grounds of the Old West Fest have been transformed into a Dodge City ghost town — literally. Well, almost literally. A prop fabrication and haunted attraction team has transformed the space into an immersive 19th-century Terror Town with shops, vendors, restaurants, bars and an outdoor movie theater screening classic horror films. There are also theater performances, games and a 30-minute haunted trail based on Wild West folklore. Through Nov. 3. $25. 1449 Greenbush Cobb Road, Williamsburg, allhallowsevellc.com.
Brimstone Haunt
Home to three separate attractions, guests can opt to venture through Brimstone Farm haunted hayride, the Forgotten Forest or Psychosis. The farm was a prosperous place until it was laid bare by the curse in the corn. Now it’s home to monsters, madmen and all other iterations of macabre characters whose main goal is to cause chaos on your twisted ride. The Forgotten Forest, a higher-intensity scare experience, is a quarter-mile walk through a supernatural wood. Psychosis offers “disturbing scenes of horror that will pull you further from reality” in an indoor experience. Opens Sept. 27. $15 Haunted Hayride; $12 Forgotten Forest; $8 Psychosis; $27 combo; +$20 fast pass. 472 Brimstone Road, Wilmington, springborohauntedhayride.com.
Dent Schoolhouse
According to legend, the bodies of several missing Dent Schoolhouse students were discovered in barrels in the building’s basement — and the janitor did it. Housed in an actual public school, Dent offers real ghost tours and lights-out experiences for those looking for a true fright, plus lights-on tours for kids and wimps. Touch passes are available if you want to let the actors touch you. A Christmas Nightmare returns this year (Dec. 6-7 and 13-14) for a little yuletide terror. Sept. 13-Nov. 2. $20-$25 general admission; +$20 fast pass; +$30 front of the line. 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent, frightsite.com.
Halloween Haunt
Fear awaits at Kings Island’s annual Halloween Haunt, named the “Best Theme Park Halloween Event” in the country by readers of USA Today. There are seven outdoor scare zones (Pumpkin Eater, Coney Maul, Dance of the Macabre, International Street Fear, Rivertown Reaping, Zombie Mall and Shipwrecked), spine-tingling live shows and freaky haunted mazes. Plus, experience the park’s everyday thrill rides like the Beast, Vortex and Mystic Timbers. Before the sun sets (noon-6 p.m.) on Saturdays, visit the family-friendly Great Pumpkin Fest or HalloTween, a slightly less scary Haunt. Sept. 20-Oct. 26. Tickets start at $33.99. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com.
Heritage Village Haunted Village
Described as a “slight fright,” this haunted attraction is completely kid-friendly, offering trick-or-treating, balloon art, wagon rides and a lower-key haunted house experience that won’t leave the youngsters with recurring nightmares until Christmas. Although there is a headless horseman… 6-10 p.m. Oct. 11-12; 18-19; 25-26. $10; free members and kids 2 and under. Heritage Village Museum, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, heritagevillagecincinnati.org.
Highway 50 Fright Field
This cornfield and haunted woods attraction is back with a vengeance on a real 1830s farm near an actual Indian archaeological site — both of which are rumored to be haunted. Keep an eye out for zombies on winding trails throughout the woods, and when the sun sets, try your luck at maneuvering a nighttime corn maze. Operation Termination Zombie Paintball arms you with 100 paintballs against a horde of zombies. Oct. 4-26. $15 adults; $12 kids. 11294 State Route 50, North Bend, highway50frightfield.com.
Land of Illusion
Why only have one haunted house when you could have six? Land of Illusion has six frights to choose from: Killer Klowns, Temple of Terror, Phobia, Zombie Sniper Patrol, Middletown Haunted Trail and Dr. Psycho’s Haunted Estate, plus live music and/or DJs every Friday and Saturday. They also have a full bar: the Vodoo Lounge and Creepy CafО. Through Nov. 2. $39.99; $59.99 with fast pass. 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, landofillusion.com.
The Mayhem Mansion
As legend has it, when bootlegger Robert Haverford’s 8-year-old daughter Elizabeth died, he poisoned Elizabeth’s mourners and himself in an elaborate alcohol-fueled murder-suicide plot in the family home. Allegedly actually haunted, this collection of gung-ho actors will attempt to scare you to death in the former mansion. Outside, Haverford’s Hollow Terror in the Woods zombie paintball challenge is an interactive zombie trail. Sept. 20-Nov. 2. $18; $12 ages 10 and under; $10 zombie challenge; $3 paintball shooting range; +$5 fast pass. 13966 DeCoursey Pike, Morning View, themayhemmansion.com.
Mount Healthy Haunted Hall
Experience 20 different scenes at this favorite local haunt, featuring a host of classic creatures like the Wolfman, Frankenstein and zombies. In addition to its central house, the hall is comprised of tents, backyard areas and a swirling, brain-bending vortex. Popular scenes returning this year include the Hellavator, Satan and Bate’s Motel. Sept. 27-Oct. 26. $10; $2 discount with a canned good donation; $15 fast pass. 7700 Seward Ave., Mount Healthy, mthealthyhauntedhall.com.
Queen City is Haunted
On this guided walking tour of downtown and OTR, hear stories of grisly murders, ghastly deaths and other disturbing tales buried deep within Cincinnati’s storied past. Now offering a two-hour Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour, which ends in the most haunted room of OTR’s boutique Symphony Hotel. Through Nov. 2. $25-$35. Tour begins at 1332 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, americanlegacytours.com.
Newport is Haunted
Surprise! Newport is haunted, too. Take a lantern-led walking tour and listen to tales of murder, suicide, decapitation and the horrifying origin of Bobby Mackey’s famous portal to hell. Through Oct. 26. $25. Tour begins 18 E. Fifth St., Newport, americanlegacytours.com.
Sandyland Acres Haunted Hayride
Hold on tight: During this hellish hayride through a cornfield, riders are stalked and taunted by creatures hidden amongst the crops. Familiar faces like Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s Leatherface and a bloodied take on Santa Claus appear alongside zombies, backwoodsmen, clowns and chainsaw-wielders. Cash only. Sept. 13-Oct. 26. $14 hayride; $10 Farmer’s Revenge; $23 combo. 4172 Belleview Road, Petersburg, sandylandacres.com.
USS Nightmare
The death dredge is celebrating more than 25 years of horror. On a dark, foggy night, the William S. Mitchell steamboat careened into a bridge, killing many on board, including the captain and his daughter. Ever since, anyone who has worked on the now-defunct ship has been doomed to die onboard, cursed to forever haunt the vessel along with the other deceased. Fifteen percent of people who attempt to make it through the USS Nightmare “jump ship.” Nov. 2 offers an all-night-long Captain’s Extreme Tour. Sept. 13-Nov. 2. $20-$50 general admission; RIP Experience starts at $30. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, ussnightmare.com.
Wilmington Haunted Hollow Ride
Hop on a bus straight out of hell and be trailed by fire-belching semis. Riders will venture through fog-filled tunnels, an abandoned mine, an eerie hallow and more, with peculiar creatures hitching rides along the way. Other on-site attractions include two indoor haunted houses and Death Trap, a group adventure where one of you is “locked” inside of a coffin and the remaining participants must work together to complete a task to get you out — like a very, very twisted escape room. Sept. 21-Nov. 2. $28; $48 VIP speed pass; $22 Haunted Hallow only; $5 Death Trap. 1261 W. Dalton Road, Wilmington, wilmingtonhauntedhollowride.com.
Fests and Other Fall Fun
Thematic food festivals, haunted events and various other stuff to do
Ohio Renaissance Festival
For weekends steeped in magic, chivalry, Arthurian flair and fantasy vibes, don your favorite corset or suit of armor and pick your favorite themed weekend to join in. Cheer on your favorite jouster with a giant turkey leg in hand, then wash it down with ale. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27. $23 adult; $21 seniors/military/fire/EMS; $9.50 child. 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, renfestival.com.
Murder on the Menu
Spring, 1879: A gunshot rings out near Washington Platform; the body of a young businessman is soon found dead in the alley across from City Hall. It’s Cincinnati’s oldest unsolved murder case, and the night begins with a walking tour of the crime, followed by a four-course dinner, during which the rest of the story unfolds. Dishes are what was common in Cincinnati circa the late 1800s and are paired with local craft beer. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 19; Oct. 17. $50. Washington Platform, 1000 Elm St., Downtown, queencityhistory.com.
Cincinnati Comic Expo
Cincinnati’s largest comic con and pop culture expo is back for its 10th-annual show and features artists, publishers, authors, cosplayers and fans from around the globe including slated guests Morena Baccarin (Deadpool, Gotham), Kathy Najimy (Hocus Pocus), Emmy Raver-Lampman (The Umbrella Academy), Jewel Staite (Firefly), Alan Tudyk (A Knight’s Tale) and Will Wheaton. 3-8 p.m. Sept. 20; 10-7 p.m. Sept. 21; 10-5 p.m. Sept. 22. $20-$55 adult; $5 kids 8-12; meet and greets and photo ops cost extra. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown, cincinnaticomicexpo.com.
Fire Up the Night
International teams head to Coney Island to compete in a fireworks face-off. All three competitors — Belgium, Vietnam and Russia— go head to head in a pyrotechnic showdown for international bragging rights. The winner will be determined by a panel of judges. Gates open 4 p.m.; fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 21. $25 per carload. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, coneyislandpark.com.
ISH Festival
Launched in 2017, this arts and cultural festival explores Jewish and Israeli traditions through art, food and music for all ages. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 22. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, ishfestival.com.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! King’s Island will be a place transformed come October. But, during this fest it’s all treats and no tricks. Check out mazes, trick-or-treating and the park’s Halloween-themed events and decor, suitable for all ages. Noon-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 22-Oct. 27. Tickets start at $34.99. 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com.
Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week
Become a culinary tourist in your own city during CityBeat’s Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week. Local eateries like Alfio’s Buon Cibo, Sartre OTR, Pompilio’s, Coppin’s, the Brown Dog Cafe and many others will offer $26 and $36 three-course prix fixe menus (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Sept. 23-29. $26-$36. Visit greatercincinnatirestaurantweek.com for a full list of participating restaurants.
Rhythm Brew Art and Music Fest
With autumn comes cozier music fests. Enter: the three-day Rhythm Brew Art and Music Fest. Peruse local art and listen to music from more than 35 bands on three stages including Rumpke Mountain Boys, Young Heirlooms, Sylmar, Frontier Folk Nebraska, Common Center, Hickory Robot and more. 9 p.m. Sept. 27; 2 p.m. Sept. 28; noon Sept. 29. $25 per day; $40 weekend pass; $100 VIP. Riverfront Live, 4343 Kellogg Ave., East End, rhythmbrewfest.com.
Country Applefest
Whether you pronounce it caramel or caramel, get ready to get some of the delightful sugary stuff stuck in your teeth. This fall festival is a celebration of all things apple: candy apples, cider, fritters, pies and more. Relish in the apple extravaganza and shop arts and crafts like pottery, jewelry and handmade, possibly apple-scented soaps. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sept. 28; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sept. 29. Free admission. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon, countryapplefest.com.
Great Outdoor Weekend
Feel that brisk breeze with Green Umbrella’s annual outdoor events sampler. Great Outdoor Weekend presents opportunities for children and adults to try different outdoor recreation and nature awareness programs available in Greater Cincinnati. Each fall there are more than 100 events available. Sept. 28-29. Free. Various locations. greenumbrella.org/gow.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Cincinnati is a city steeped in German heritage; celebrate that with North America’s largest Oktoberfest, second only to the OG in Munich. Feast on sauerkraut balls, goetta, cream puffs, bratwurst, pretzels, limburger cheese, etc. There will also be bratwurst-eating contests, the “World’s Largest Chicken Dance,” German music and more. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 20 and 21; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 22. Free admission. Second and Third streets between Walnut and Elm streets, Downtown, oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.
Haunted Brewery Tour
Take this haunted tour along the Cincinnati Brewing Heritage Trail and stop at the Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom to solve a creepy puzzle. In this interactive mystery, you’ll hear five haunted tales and use clues to figure out which story isn’t based on history. The production is a collaboration between Christian Moerlein Brewing, the Brewing Heritage Trail, Cincinnati Escape Room and Cincinnati Landmark Productions. It’s a trip back in time, through a darkened brewery and into an abandoned cellar. They’ve added lights-on tours this year. 7 p.m. Fridays and 6 p.m. Saturdays in October. $25. Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom, 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, hauntedbrewerytour.com.
Kentucky Wool Festival
Drive through winding country roads before landing at the Kentucky Wool Fest; be greeted by the wafting scent of fried food, twangy banjos, a petting zoo and vendor booths with handcrafted items — everything from threads to keep you warm to goat-milk soap and lots and lots of wool. Watch sheep herding and sheep shearing demos as well as artisans turn wool into yarn and fiber works. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 6. $5. 48 Concord Caddo Road, Falmouth, kywoolfest.org.
Donauschwaben Oktoberfest
The 27th-annual Donauschwaben Oktoberfest features more than 25 beers on tap, homemade food, live German-style entertainment, a car show and more. Oct. 4-6. $3 adults; free for children 12 and younger. Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, 4290 Dry Ridge Road, Colerain, cincydonau.com.
AC2 Live
Emmy Award-winning host Andy Cohen and award-winning anchor and correspondent Anderson Cooper will host an “intimate evening” interviewing each other and accepting questions from fans. 8 p.m. Oct. 4. $60-$100. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
HallZOOween
Tricks and treats aren’t just for humans — zoo residents get in on the fun with special pumpkin enrichment activities every weekend in October. Kids can trick-or-treat at stations scattered throughout the grounds, catch a show from Phil Dalton’s Theater of Illusion and even hop on the Hogwarts Express. Costumes are encouraged, as is bringing along your own treat bag to help the zoo go green. Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 5-27. Free with zoo admission: $15 adults; $9 kids. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
CliftonFest
This annual arts fest takes over Ludlow Avenue for a weekend of art, music and shopping. Enjoy the spirit of the neighborhood with live art drawings on the sidewalk, performances from local bands on two different stages and artisan shopping. Register your four-legged friends for the pet parade (costumes encouraged). 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 5. Free admission. Ludlow Avenue, Clifton, cliftonfest.com.
Cincinnati Pizza Week
Grab your official Cincinnati Pizza Week passport and embark to area pizza joints during this CityBeat event that brings $8 pies to pizza lovers. Go online for updates and participating eateries. Nov. 4-10. $8 pizzas. Various locations. More info cincinnatipizzaweek.com.
Art on Vine
Grab snacks from local food trucks as you browse wares from more than 60 vendors — you’ll find everything from artworks and crafting materials to home goods and jewelry. October’s event is the final outdoor installment of the season; afterward, Art on Vine heads back indoors at Rhinegeist. Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 20. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, artonvinecincy.com.
Young’s Dairy Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival
Slip on your fave sweater and take a road trip to Yellow Springs, Ohio for all things pumpkin at Young’s Jersey Dairy farm’s 43rd-annual Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival. Bowl with ’em, paint ’em, eat ’em donut-style (and cinnamon-encrusted), take a tour of the town’s cheese-making facility and learn how to milk a cow. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6. 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs, youngsdairy.com.
BLINK
The BLINK 2019 art and light festival will span 30 blocks and cross the Ohio River with large-scale projection mapping, murals, interactive light sculptures, live entertainment and more. This is Cincinnati’s second time putting on BLINK, and after a substantially successful inaugural event in 2017, they are expanding their perimeter from Findlay Market to Covington — making illuminating the Roebling an important focal point of the festival. In addition to parades, food and fun, there will also be live musicals performances, including one from AltPop act Grouplove. Oct. 10-13. Free. Over-the-Rhine’s Findlay Market to Covington, blinkcincinnati.com.
Here Come the Mummies
This eight-piece Funk band of bandaged, ancient mummies heads to Bogart’s. 7 p.m. Oct. 12. $25. Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, bogarts.com.
Ohio Sauerkraut Festival
Since 1970, this festival has offered sauerkraut in and on everything from fudge to pizza. It also includes a ton of arts and crafts vendors — more than 460 from over 25 states. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 12; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 13. Free admission. 10 N. Main Street, Waynesville, sauerkrautfestival.waynesvilleohio.com.
Cincinnati Coffee Festival
This caffeine-filled festival kicks off the weekend with a trade day on Oct. 11 for those interested in the coffee business. The rest of the weekend is open to the public and fellow coffee-lovers. Featuring local and regional roasters, bakers and latte art competitions. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 12; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 13. $12-$15; $20-$25 VIP. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown, cincinnaticoffeefestival.com. *These times have been updated from the print version
Second Sunday on Main
Check out what’s poppin’ in OTR at this eclectic monthly street festival. Over 40 shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and other vendors will be open, with a bonus biergarten lounge, food trucks and other themed fun. 6-11 p.m. Oct. 13. Free. Main Street between 12th and Liberty streets, Over-the-Rhine, secondsundayonmain.org.
Hocus Pocus Halloween
Ever since Hocus Pocus hit theaters in 1993, we’ve all been yearning for a sequel to this Halloween cult classic. In the meantime, we’ll have to celebrate the original. Commiserate with other diehards at Hocus Pocus Halloween, a festival in downtown Middletown, Ohio. On Oct. 13, come out with the kiddos in tow for trunk-or-treat, arts and crafts vendors, live music, spooky “sorg” tours and, most importantly, a film screening of Hocus Pocus at dusk. Oct. 26 is for the grown-ups, with a 21+ Halloween dance, tarot card readings, spooky drinks and snacks, live music, a costume contest and more. 1 p.m.-dusk Oct. 13; 8 p.m.- midnight Oct. 26. Windamere Event Center, 2 S. Main St., Middletown, Ohio, downtownmiddletown.org.
Zombie Ball: Dance of the UnDead
Don your best zombie, vampire or otherwise-undead getup for this annual event. Imbibe beer and wine — including spooky cocktails — and fill up on a horror-themed buffet before embarking on a haunted hayride or heading inside a zombie photo booth. For a few extra bucks, get the VIP treatment: You’ll arrive at the party in an actual hearse and strut down a blood-red carpet. 7-11 p.m. Oct. 19. $30 individual; $50 couple; packages available. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.
The City Flea
It’s flea time again. The City Flea takes over Washington Park with tons of tented vendor booths featuring everything from jewelry, artisan eats and dog treats to vintage finds, plant friends and ceramics. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 19. Free admission. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecityflea.com.
Weekend of Fire
Calling all spice lovers: Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire presents all things hot, including, salsas, dry rubs, hot sauces and bloody marys. Bring pals who can take the heat and peruse over 50 vendors. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 5; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 6. $10 adults; $2 kids. Jungle Jim’s, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, junglejims.com.
Autumn Color Walking Tour
Take in the colors of changing fall foliage on this walking tour through Spring Grove. The cemetery and arboretum’s horticulture staff will highlight the best views. 1-3 p.m. Oct. 20. Registration opens on Sept. 21. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village, springgrove.org.
Fall Food Fest at Findlay
Celebrate autumn harvest’s bounty with Findlay Market vendors. There will be pumpkin painting, live music, craft cocktails, a “spooky scavenger hunt” and seasonal beers. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 20. Free admission. Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, findlaymarket.org.
An Evening with David Sedaris
Best-selling author and “master of satire” David Sedaris tells new stories, hosts an audience Q&A and signs some books. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21. $50-$60. Procter & Gamble Hall at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
Night Circus: Witchcraft
The Woodward Theater will be taken over by a dark carnival during peak Halloween season. Night Circus features “powerful talent and mystical acts,” with a dark cirque theme. Find tarot card readers, vendors and thrilling aerial entertainment. 7-11 p.m. Oct. 25. $20; $75 VIP. Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/passionproductionscincy.
Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Get extra spooky this season. Put on your coolest, cutest, scariest or sexiest costume and hop from bar to bar in Over-the-Rhine and The Banks. Attendees will get some treats to take home and discounts on drink and food specials. Do the “Monster Mash” all night long. 2-10 p.m. Oct. 26. $20-$30. Check-in TBA. facebook.com/barcrawllive.
Books by the Banks
The weekend will include writer workshops, author signings and plenty of readings. This year features illustrator Zachariah OHora and author Laini Taylor. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26. Free. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown, booksbythebanks.org.
Hallowqueen Drag Brunch
Ring in Halloween with this pop-up drag brunch at Metropole, complete with glitter, fangs and heels galore. Sip specialty themed cocktails and dig into a family-style brunch prepared by chef David Kelsey. Costumes are encouraged — “You better werk, witch.” 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 27. $35. Metropole, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, metropoleonwalnut.com.
Northside Record Fair
Northside Record Fair sets up shop at Northside’s North Church displaying thousands of records of every genre. The event features merchandise from the likes of Shake It Records and Black Plastic Records, and you can also submit your personal collection and peddle your wares among the other vendors. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 2. $5; $10 early bird entry. North Church, 4222 Hamilton Ave., Northside, northsiderecordfair.com.
Sunflower Festival
The Gorman Heritage Sunflower Festival oozes cuteness. Take a stroll through towering golden sunflowers — and snip a bundle to take home. The fest also includes hayrides, vendors, a sunflower field maze, food trucks, pumpkin picking and a MadTree beer garden. Sunflowers are $1 per stem or $10 per dozen. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6. $8 adults; $5 kids 3-17/seniors; free kids under 3. Gorman Heritage Farm, 10052 Reading Road, Evendale, gormanfarm.org.
Rhinegeist Rare Beer Fest
Head to Rhinegeist to sample the extraordinary, generally unobtainable and the unexpected. Breweries from across the country will be descending on Cincy with their rarest brews for this craft beer celebration. Because this event is so popular, there are now two sessions. Session 1: 1-5 p.m.; Session 2: 6-10 p.m. Nov. 2. Ticket Prices TBA. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, rhinegeist.com.
Jungle Jim’s International Wine Festival
The 12th-annual Wine Festival features wine from all over the world — more than 400 wines from more than 90 wineries — with bite-sized delicacies, charcuterie and other hors d’oeuvres. Sip and savor. 7-10 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9. $60 grand tasting; $155 connoisseur; $25 non-drinker; $75 connoisseur non-drinker. Jungle Jim’s, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, junglejims.com.