Friday the 13ths are usually seen as an ill omen, but it would be silly to pass up the amazing opportunities that are available this weekend across the Greater Cincinnati region. Just make sure you bring a coat, as temperatures are expected to dip dramatically starting Friday night.
Fun doesn’t stop when Monday rolls around – check out the CityBeat events calendar for events every day of the week.
Friday – Sunday, School for the Creative and Performing Arts, 108 W Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine
SCPA students will be bringing the Disney classic to life on their Corbett Theatre stage for four performances this weekend. Still can’t get that song out of your head? Go and experience the twelve hypnotically catchy, stage-show-only songs that could get stuck in there instead.
Cincinnati Storytelling Festival
Friday – Saturday, Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson Street, Over-the-Rhine
Back again for its sixth year, the Cincinnati Storytelling Festival is offering six shows running the gamut of what storytelling can be. Still haven’t shaken the Halloween mood? Check out Friday night’s Spooky Stories show. Looking to feel connected? Check out Saturday evening’s True Theatre. Younger audience members are encouraged to attend the free children’s show Saturday afternoon.
Friday, 6 to 10 p.m., 7202 Main Street, Newtown
All varieties of cunning-folk are invited to this curated market of the area’s foremost witchy artisans and practitioners. Vendors include the likes of Nocturne Tarot, Ember & Key, and the Ohio Pet Sanctuary – who’ll have adorable creatures of all shapes and sizes available for adoption.
Friday, 7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m., 101B Riverboat Row, Newport
You could potentially be the last living soul to view the haunted remains of “the Mitchell Massacre,” as the USS Nightmare’s ghastly crew prepares to host their last tours of the 2026 season this Friday. Friday’s tours will be a return to usual form following last week’s high intensity Captain’s Extreme tours, which promised to deliver unrivaled scares. Those wishing to step aboard should arrive early, as line-time can occasionally reach up to two hours.
You can learn more about the USS Nightmare and other Cincinnati-area haunts here.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington
No need to check the calendar – it’s still early November, but the holiday season is right around the corner. Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington is getting in the spirit, with the opening of their Holly Jolly Day displays. This year’s exhibits include the classic holiday trains, miniature model rooms and an animation based on local children’s book “The Holiday Adventures of Wiley Wahoo and Me.”
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Main Library, 800 Vine Street, downtown
The Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library will be hosting the 19th annual Books by the Banks festival; featuring author spotlights, child-focused storytimes, and craft sessions for aspiring writers. This year’s lineup includes fan favorites like historical fiction author Kate Quinn, science fiction author Pierce Brown, and memoirist George M. Johnson.
Saturday, noon – 4 p.m., Nature Center at The Summit, 1580 Summit Road, Roselawn
Come experience the delightful flora and fauna of the Queen City with this free festival hosted by Great Parks of Hamilton County. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make a bee house, how to fry fish, or wondered what’s in an owl pellet, this event is for you. Local organizations including RAPTOR Inc. and Queen City Clay will be leading educational experiences, and the Wump Mucket Puppets’ “Bee Happy” puppet show is sure to be a show-stopper for younger festival goers.
Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Probasco Auditorium, 2839 Clifton Avenue, CUF
The University of Cincinnati’s Avocalypse and Vocaholics acapella groups will be hosting the tenth annual edition of this knock-down, drag-out, no-holds-barred vocal competition. Nine other collegiate teams from across the state will amass on UC’s campus to try and claim the aca-crown.
Cincinnati Roller Derby’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, 7 p.m., Flock Sports, 6630 Hamilton Avenue, North College Hill
Cincinnati Roller Derby will be presenting a star-studded celebration of their two decades of roller-skating action. First off, the Cincinnati Black Sheep will take on the Woodhaven, Michigan-based Downriver Roller Dolls in what is sure to be a must-see match. At halftime, CRD alum will participate in an in-skates, on-the-track game of musical chairs. Fans will even have the opportunity to peruse CRD’s archives of memorabilia from skaters and teams past.
Sunday, noon- 4 p.m., MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Road, Oakley
Wrapping up a story-heavy weekend, MadTree Brewing will be hosting a boozy adult book fair at their Oakley location. If you’ve been feeling nostalgic for the Scholastic book fairs of yore, it’s an excellent way to soothe your inner child.
