You’d think in the middle of September, it’d feel like fall is just over the horizon. Not so, as it’ll either be hot or rainy all weekend. Still, there’s plenty to do all over the city.
If you’re looking for even more to do on every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar.
Sunday, 1 p.m. Paycor Stadium, downtown
Sing it with me: “Hear that Bengal growling, mean and angry! Here he comes a prowling, lean and hungry! An offensive brute, run, pass or boot! And defensively, he’s rough! Tough! Cincinnati Bengals, that’s the team we’re gonna cheer to victoryyyyyyyy! Touchdown, Bengals, get some points up on the board, and win a game for Cincinnati! WHO DEY, WHO DEY, WHO DEY THINK GONNA BEAT THEM BENGALS? NOOOOOOOOBODY!“
FC Cincinnati vs. Charlotte FC
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., TQL Stadium, West End
Speaking of sports, the Orange and Blue take on Charlotte FC this weekend at home. FC Cincinnati is currently in sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, which just barely guarantees them a playoff spot.
Newport and Covington Oktoberfest
Friday – Sunday, various locations in Northern Kentucky
Oktoberfest is upon us. Before the end of the month brings us the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world in downtown Cincinnati, check out these smaller events in Northern Kentucky. Goebel Park hosts Covington’s version of the event, while Newport’s take is at Riverboat Row on the Levee.
Bill Keating, Jr. Great Ohio River Swim
Sunday, 8:15 a.m., Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, downtown
Ever looked at the Ohio River and said, “I wish I could swim across that”? Well, now’s your chance. This 900-meter open water swim began in 2007 and hasn’t stopped since. It launches at the Serpentine Wall and makes a stop at a buoy on the Kentucky side before participants swim back to conclude at the Public Landing. Prior registration for the swim is required. The swim was postponed a few weeks ago because the river is too fast, but all is well now.
Friday – Sunday, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Road, Colerain Township
One of the largest wine festivals in the region returns. Head up to Vinoklet Winery to see several different performers and shop various vendors as you drink wine to your heart’s content.
Friday – Sunday, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville
For over 20 years now, this convention has been celebrating all things horror, whether that’s in literary fiction, film, music and more. Headliners for this year include Robert Englund and several other “Nightmare on Elm Street” cast members, a real Who’s Who of “American Horror Story” players like Finn Wittrock and Dylan McDermott (although, sadly, no Jessica Lange), “Resident Evil” director Paul W.S. Anderson and iconic horror director Lamberto Bava.
Friday – Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Dent Schoolhouse, 5963 Harrison Ave, Green Township
Speaking of horror, the most famous haunted house in the Midwest opens for business this weekend. The Dent Schoolhouse’s 30th anniversary is this year, and it is being celebrated in several major ways, which you can read more about from us by clicking here.
Hank Williams Jr. at Riverbend
Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, Anderson Township
One of the world’s most iconic country-rock singers will touch down in the Queen City on his latest tour. Mark Wills and Dalton Davis will open for the Grammy-winning artist.
Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville
It’s time for turkey legs and mead again. The Ohio Renaissance Festival kicked off last weekend, so head up to Waynesville to be immersed in the medieval era, where over 100 different daily performances take place alongside fun activities like archery and axe throwing. Plenty of artisans will be on hand selling all sorts of Renaissance-era goods, too.
Friday – Sunday, 7 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Ziegler Pool, 1322 Sycamore Street, Over-the-Rhine
With temperatures this weekend reaching up into the 90s, a day at the pool seems like a perfect idea. This is the last weekend Ziegler Pool will be open for the summer, and the final weekend is stuffed with fun events — like Dog Swim on the last day of the weekend, which allows your furry friend to hang out in the pool with you.
