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Not so sure what to do this weekend? Never fear, the roster of events in Greater Cincinnati this weekend has got you covered to keep that FOMO to a minimum. From zombie proms and Halloween music festivals to close out the spooky season to craft markets and harvest festivals to celebrate the peak fall foliage, we’ve rounded up the best events for the spookiest weekend of the year.
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.
The Monster Bash
When: Oct. 31 through Nov. 2
Where: Northside Tavern, Northside
What: Grab your best costume and celebrate the spooky season with three days of local musicians performing covers of classic songs.
Who: Northside Tavern
Why: Organizers also boast some “UnBeLiEvAbLe” installation art for this “three-day banger” as well. Photo: Kenny Eliason, PexelsGood Spirits: The Art of the Elixir Exhibit Opening
When: Friday Nov. 1 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Cincinnati Art Galleries, Downtown
What: Check out the grand opening of Brian Burt’s Good Spirits exhibition, featuring 30 hyper-realistic paintings of cocktails.
Who: Brian Burt and CIncinnati Art Galleries
Why: You just might get some inspiration for your next cocktail order. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Art GalleriesLatto at the Andrew J Brady Music Center
When: Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.
Where: Andrew J Brady Music Center, The Banks
What: Rapper and songwriter Latto is making her debut in Cincinnati on her Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour.
Who: Latto, Andrew J. Brady Music Center
Why: Tickets are still available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Photo: facebook.com/BradyMusicCenterGiselle at Music Hall
When: Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.
Where: Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
What: Don’t miss your last chance to see the haunting story of a peasant girl who dies of a broken heart, told through the beautiful work of the Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Who: Cincinnati Ballet
Why: Tickets are still available for the final weekend at cballet.org. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati BalletZomb Prom
When: Nov. 1 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: The Mockbee, Brighton
What: Go out in style this spooky season with the Mockbee’s Zomb Prom, featuring Zomb Prom on the first floor and Disco of the Dead on the second floor, and don’t miss out on the photo booth and blood splatter station.
Who: Hype Machine and Casual Socialite
Why: Having fun is required, but being an actual zombie is optional. Photo: Jesse FoxUnderwater Pumpkin GLOW at Newport Aquarium
When: Nov. 1 through Nov. 3
Where: Newport Aquarium, Newport
What: Don’t miss the last chance to see the Underwater Pumpkin GLOW — a giant underwater pumpkin patch — at the Newport Aquarium.
Who: Newport Aquarium and Kroger
Why: Watch animals get pumpkin treats, see giant glowing animals made from pumpkins and more with this event perfect for the whole family. Photo: Provided by Newport AquariumUC Health Ice Rink at Fountain Square Opens for the Season
When: Nov. 2 from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Fountain Square, Downtown
What: The UC Health Ice Rink at Fountain Square is officially open for the 2024-25 season with no reservations required, and just $10 for open skating.
Who: UC Health and Fifth Third
Why: Nothing says holiday fun quite like gliding on the ice (and probably falling in a fit of giggles). Photo: Provided by 3CDC18th Annual Pumpkin Chuck Festival
When: Nov. 2 from noon-5 p.m.
Where: Stanbery Park, Mt. Washington
What: Enjoy live music, food and drinks from local favorites, and, of course, flying pumpkins at Stanbery Park’s annual Pumpkin Chuck Festival.
Who: Mt. Washington Community Council
Why: Celebrate the local community and take out some aggression by launching a giant pumpkin — what more could you ask for? Photo: ProvidedHallowiener 2024
When: Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Southgate House Revival, Newport
What: The 4th annual Hallowiener is here, featuring over 10 musical acts, DJ performances, a costume contest and free hot dogs.
Who: The Southgate House Revival
Why: Is there anything better than enjoying some local tunes in your best costume with a free hot dog in hand? We didn’t think so. Photo: facebook.com/theSouthgateHouseRevivalGreat Parks 1800s Harvest Jamboree
When: Nov. 2 from noon-6 p.m.
Where: Shawnee Lookout, Miami Township
What: Take a trip back in time and enjoy a pioneer picnic featuring delicious treats, classic games like ring toss and Tomahawk throwing, candle making and more.
Who: Vistra Miami Fort Power Plant and Great Parks
Why: This free event is a perfect chance for the whole family to enjoy some quality time and the long-awaited fall weather. Photo: Provided by Great ParksCincinnati Reuse Collective Workshop
When: Nov. 2
Where: The Swing House, Camp Washington
What: Participate in a community workshop and learn about creative and collaborative approaches to reusing vacant buildings.
Who: Cincinnati Reuse Collective
Why: Take home some new knowledge and try hands-on game the Holding Pattern. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Reuse CollectiveThe Great Ohio Brew ‘N Que
When: Nov. 2 from 4 p.m. to midnight
Where: Fifty West Brewing Company, Columbia Township
What: Enjoy the 11th annual Brew ‘N Que with speciality beers from Great Lakes and Fifty West and an all-you-can-eat BBQ feat.
Who: Fifty West Brewing Company and Great Lakes Brewing Company
Why: Attending means an automatic entry into a raffle for two tickets to the Bengals vs. Browns game on Dec. 19. Photo: Provided by Fifty WestAvant-Garde Art & Craft Show
When: Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: R.S.V.P Event Center, Loveland
What: Explore the work of nearly 50 local artisans and crafters, and maybe even bring something home.
Who: Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows
Why: Get a headstart on holiday shopping with these one-of-a-kind gifts. Photo: Meg Wagener, Unsplash