This weekend kicks off a season full of spooky and cozy activities. From one of the city’s biggest celebrations, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, to seasonal festivals and charity events with playful themes, here are some of the best things happening around Greater Cincinnati this weekend.
If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to CityBeat readers.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
When: Sept. 18-21
Where: Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove
What: As America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, the event has been honoring the region’s German heritage with food, fun and plenty of beer since 1976.
Who: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Why: From the Running of the Wieners to the stein hoisting competition and World’s Largest Chicken Dance, there are numerous reasons to dedicate your weekend to this unforgettable event.
Fall on the Farm at Blooms & Berries Farm Market
When: Sept. 19-21
Where: Blooms & Berries Farm Market, Loveland
What: Fall on the Farm includes a themed five-acre corn maze, train rides, fresh apple cider, hayrides, pumpkin bounce pad, corn maze, caramel apples, a sunflower field and a farm animal petting zoo. There’s also a craft beer garden for grown-ups.
Who: Blooms & Berries Farm Market
Why: It’s never too early to pick out a pumpkin.
Glass Pumpkin Festival
When: Sept. 19-21
Where: Jack Pine Studio, Laurelville
What: Though it’s a bit of a trek to the Hocking Hills area from Cincinnati, this unique festival is the perfect excuse for a fall road trip. Jack Pine Studio in Laurelville is hosting its sixth annual Glass Pumpkin Festival, which will feature thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins in a variety of colors and finishes in a “patch” on the grounds of the studio.
Who: Jack Pine Studio
Why: In addition to picking a pumpkin, guests can also watch the unveiling of the Pumpkin of the Year — the first opportunity for fans of the legendary glass blower to snag the highly coveted, limited-edition glass pumpkin.
FIESTA at the Plate
When: Sept. 19 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Thomas More Stadium, Florence
What: This first annual fundraiser for FIESTA NKY, a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing and community resources for the Hispanic community, includes food from different Latin countries, a batting competition, a salsa dancing competition and more.
Who: FIESTA NKY
Why: Help local Hispanic families in need by celebrating their culture at this fun event.
Midwest BSFA’s Juke Joint
When: Sept. 19 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment, Over-the-Rhine
What: The Midwest Black Speculative Fiction Alliance is hosting this Sinners-style juke joint for BIPOC Vamp Day weekend. This event will feature music by DJ Apryl Reign, a 1930s dress code and food from Alabama Fish Bar.
Who: Midwest Black Speculative Fiction Alliance
Why: Half of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Cincinnati Sickle Cell Alliance Foundation.
End Polite Silence at Tillie’s Lounge
When: Sept. 19 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: Tillie’s Lounge, Northside
What: “Polite Silence is what you give to the world when you remain silent and your heart/ mind tell you to speak up. There are woefully too many examples of Polite Silence impacting our nation’s discourse,” reads a portion of this event’s description. This end-politeness event, hosted by Simone Brine, includes performances and art from local musicians, poets, storytellers and dancers.
Who: Tillie’s Lounge
Why: Come to share how you are using your voice to speak up for what you believe in.
A Fall Affair in Lebanon
When: Sept. 20 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Mulberry and Broadway Streets, Downtown Lebanon
What: Put on your (metaphorical) cozy sweater and embrace your inner Gilmore girl at this fall festival in Lebanon that includes a pumpkin decorating contest, fashion show, live music, vendors, hay rides, delicious fall treats and more.
Who: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce
Why: Is it just us, or is that a chill in the air?
Ninth-Annual “The Crawl That Must Not Be Named” Bar Crawl
When: Sept. 20 from 3-9 p.m.
Where: On the Rhine Eatery, plus five different stops at various locations
What: Test your Harry Potter knowledge at this trivia and crawl experience. Each stop on the map will include Harry Potter-themed drink specials and 10 trivia questions that your team must answer before you move on to the next spot.
Who: Bar Crawl USA
Why: Answer Harry Potter-themed trivia questions for cash prizes (and bragging rights).
Adult Astronaut Academy
When: Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
Where: Cincinnati Observatory, Mt. Lookout
What: Never got the chance to go to science camp as a kid? Well, now’s your chance. The Cincinnati Observatory is hosting an adult astronaut academy where participants will be able to build water bottle rockets and view the night sky through a telescope.
Who: Cincinnati Observatory
Why: Rediscover your love of science.
Hispanic Heritage Festival
When: Sept. 21 from 3-7 p.m.
Where: Sharon Woods, Sharonville
What: Celebrate the local Hispanic community with cultural entertainment, food, vendors and more.
Who: Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA
Why: Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun in Sharon Woods.