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It’s the last weekend in October, so you know what that means — plenty of events around Greater Cincinnati to celebrate all the things that go bump in the night. Whether you’re looking for an event perfect for the whole family, like trick-or-treating at the park, or you’d prefer to take your chills with a shot of espresso at the Cincinnati Coffee Festival, there’s an event this weekend for every sort of spooky-season enthusiast. Keep scrolling for just a sampling of events taking place in 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.
It’s Cincy, not Cinci! Photo: Francisco HuertaEdgar Allan at Know Theatre
When: Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine
What: The award-winning off-Broadway musical Edgar Allan by the Coldharts returns to Know Theatre just in time for spooky season. The comedy musical is inspired by the childhood and short stories of author (and spooky legend) Edgar Allan Poe.
Who: Coldharts and Know Theatre
Why: General admission includes entry to Know Theatre’s Halloween party on Oct. 26. Photo: Provided by Know TheatreBark or Treat
When: Oct. 26 from noon-3 p.m.
Where: MadTree Brewing Co., Oakley
What: Celebrate Halloween with your pup at Red Dog’s annual Bark or Treat, with a costume contest, PUPkin Spice Lattes, photo opps and more.
Who: Red Dog Pet Resort
Why: Bonus points if you dress up in matching costumes with your furry friend. Photo: Susan Flores, PexelsHalloWest at Mt. Airy Forest
When: Oct. 26 from 1-6 p.m.
Where: Maple Ridge Lodge in Mt. Airy Forest
What: Revel in the magic of Halloween in the beautiful Mt. Airy Forest at this spooky season event that includes games, face painting, a costume contest, inflatable bounce houses, live music, food and more.
Who: Cincinnati Parks
Why: There will also be an ice cream on site for an added spike of sugar. Photo: Hailey BollingerHalloween Bar Crawl
When: Oct. 26 at 4 p.m.
Where: Bloom OTR, Liberty’s Bar & Bottle Shop, MECCA OTR, MOTR Pub, Pins Mechanical Co., Queen City Exchange and The Birdcage
What: The seventh-annual Halloween Bar Crawl.
Who: Crawl with US
Why: This crawl calls for the scariest, sexiest or silliest costumes you can conjure. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=839978101462241&set=pcb.839978188128899Alexandria on Main Fall Festival
When: Oct. 26 from noon-5 p.m.
Where: Washington Street, Alexandria
What: Channel your inner Lorelai Gilmore as you walk along the Washington St. in Alexandria, looking at local goods, indulging in a few sweet seasonal treats and reveling in the spirit of the fall season at the Alexandria on Main Fall Festival.
Who: Market on Main
Why: While you’re at, find other delights of the season by perusing CityBeat’s list of corn mazes and pumpkin patches in Greater Cincinnati. Photo: Tatiana Syrikova, PexelsCincinnati Anime Film Festival
When: Oct. 26 at 4 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Drive-In Theater, College Hill
What: The Cincinnati Anime Film Festival is returning on Oct. 26 to the Hollywood Drive-In Theater in College Hill, located in the parking lot of Manga Manga, but this time with a family-friendly spooky twist. Their newest family-friendly event celebrates spooky season with a showing of Mary and the Witch’s Flower, which tells the story of a young girl who discovers a magical flower that can give her the power to be a witch, but only for one night.
Who: Manga Manga
Why: In addition to the film screening, the event will also host a cosplay contest and Halloween runway event, so be sure to wear your best Halloween costume. Photo: Provided by College Hill CURCCincinnati Observatory
3489 Observatory Place, Mount Lookout
Built in 1873, the Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest public observatory in the United States, housing fully-functional 19th century telescopic technology for the public to use. Seated atop Mount Lookout, the original building and the infamous dome added in 1895 are a significant fixture in the city’s history. Known as “The Birthplace of American Astronomy,” the Cincinnati Observatory is a bedrock for astronomical discoveries and advancement.
Photo: Brittany Thornton Photo: Brittany ThorntonTaste on the Levee
When: June 9 from 4-7 p.m.
Where: Newport on the Levee, Newport
What: Experience the local flavors of Newport.
Who: Newport on the Levee
Why: Enjoy a delicious evening of food and drinks from Newport’s local restaurants and bars, along with live music and entertainment. Photo: Provided by Newport on the LeveeComedy Ghost Walk
When: Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine
What: Need some comedic relief after your horror movie marathon? Put on your walking shoes and head to Washington Park for the Comedy Ghost Walk. During this “tour,” you’ll hear scary stories from comedians that are definitely, totally, completely true (not really).
Who: Hell is Real Comedy
Why: No, you won’t learn about any local ghosts on this tour, but it will likely be one of the most unique comedy experiences you’ve had in a while. Photo: Karolina Grabowska, PexelsPhoto: Hailey BollingerCincinnati Coffee Festival
When: Oct. 21 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. & Oct. 22 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
What: All things coffee, tea and delicious treats.
Who: “World-class” roasters, coffee shops, purveyors of fine food and professional baristas.
Why: Free samples! Caffeinated fun! (And the festival benefits the Ohio River Foundation). Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Coffee Festival