Unpack your flannels and beanies, Cincinnati, fall is near and the weather has been perfect, which makes for ideal outdoor events and activities like Washington Park’s music series. There’s a wellness fair on The Banks hosted by Kroger that’s beneficial and even fun for all. Grammy-nominated Tank and the Bangas will be in town, along with local band Siren Suit’s album release party. Didn’t get your fill of Oktoberfest this past weekend? No worries, there are a few follow-up celebrations. Check out a few of our picks for what to do around town this weekend.

Cincinnati Ballet’s MORE ROOM TO PLAY When: Sept. 22 & 23 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. & Sept. 24 from 1-3 p.m. Where: Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater What: An annual series featuring up-and-coming choreographers that features contemporary ballet performance. Who: Cincinnati Ballet Company and world premieres from NYC Ballet star Tiler Peck and choreographers Houston Thomas and David Morse. Why: This performance series debuts never-before-seen choreography and is highly anticipated every year. Photo: facebook.com/cincinnatiballet
The Art of C.F. Payne When: Sept. 22 from 5-8 p.m. Where: Cincinnati Art Galleries, Downtown What: Exhibition opening of more than 150 C.F Payne illustrations on view and for sale. Who: C.F. Payne Why: Payne is known for his work featured in Time Magazine, MAD Magazine, Sports Illustrated and National Geographic. The exhibition also includes a number of illustrations from the recent book Cincinnati Characters: The Unknown, Unappreciated and Unhinged written by Brent Coleman and Illustrated by Payne. Photo: provided by Cincinnati Art Galleries
In Her Voice with Tank and the Bangas When: Sept. 22 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Where: The Woodward Theater, Over-the-Rhine What: Live music Who: In Her Voice presents Tank and the Bangas & other amazing musical acts in honor of Queens Village’s five-year anniversary. Why: Local performers and poets will pepper this event with a headliner that can’t be missed. If you’ve never heard of Tank and the Bangas, now’s the time to get hip. In Her Voice produced the event in the name of celebrating Black women’s voices. Photo: Tank and the Bangas via Wikimedia Commons
Final Friday at the Contemporary Arts Center 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 25 During regular operating hours you can take in the Contemporary Arts Center’s full gallery, but starting at 4 p.m., resident artist Cierra Fogle will participate in collaborative art-making, followed by dinner from the center’s own Fausto restaurant (reservations required). A half-hour docent tour of the CAC and 21C will then lead to an open-mic night hosted in the Creativity Center, where musicians, poets, comedians and other performers are invited to share their craft. The evening includes “an upscale cash bar and ambient art-making activities,” according to the event’s page. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 25. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. 6th St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.
A Night of Culinary Arts with Celebrity Chef Aunt Flora and Jazz Player Ed “Sax” Thomas When: Sept. 22 from 6-9 p.m. Where: Epic Event Gallery, Downtown What: A farm-to-table, three-course meal prepared by a celebrity chef featuring live jazz music. Who: Celebrity chef Aunt Flora and jazz musician Ed “Sax” Thomas Why: Chef Aunt Flora has been featured on Oprah and will be preparing her famous BBQ ribs and sweet potatoes, among other delectable options. Photo: Epic Event Gallery https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=236178862514966&set=pb.100083685605201.-2207520000&type=3
The United Pet Fund’s Paws in the Park When: Sept. 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Summit Park, Blue Ash What: An outdoor event for you and your pet. Who: The United Pet Fund Why: The event benefits the United Pet Fund, which provides resources to underserved and independent animal care groups and advocates. Read more about the event here. Photo: facebook.com/unitedpetfund
Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom 1727 Logan St., Over-the-Rhine There’s no need to truck over to Boston for fresh Sam Adams. This taproom — across from the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Brewery — features indoor and outdoor space, spans nearly 9,000 square feet and offers an array of unique beers brewed both onsite and across the street. These include fan favorites like the Cincy-inspired 513, Boston Lager and Summer Ale. “We’ve been dreaming of opening a taproom in the neighborhood since we purchased the brewery 21 years ago, so we could share our beers with local drinkers,” says Samuel Adams founder Jim Koch. “Cincinnati is my hometown with such a rich brewing history and I’ve seen our city blossom as a craft beer mecca that is home to some of the finest breweries and taprooms in the country.” What to try: Coffee Pale Ale, a taproom exclusive that’ll perk you right up. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Day/Night Astronomy Event When: Sept. 23 from 4-11 p.m. Where: The Cincinnati Astronomical Society, Cleves What: A “Great Outdoor Weekend Event” with viewings of the sky during the day, as it transforms to evening and the night sky. Who: The Cincinnati Astronomical Society Why: It’s not often that astronomical viewings emphasize solar activity. The sun is hot, but it’s cool to look at. After dark the Astronomical Society will open its observatories. Look out for the moon Saturn, Jupiter and other objects like nebulae or a star cluster. Photo: Matthew Ansley via Unsplash
Rock ‘n Revival for A Cure 3 p.m. March 11 The seventh annual Rock ‘n Revival is taking over the Sanctuary, Lounge and Revival Room at the Southgate House Revival on Saturday. More than 20 bands are playing in one night to benefit the John Forsthoefel for Glioblastoma Research Fund. Bands include The Grove, See You in the Funnies, Jim Trace and the Makers, Green Light Morning and Junior Citizens. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door. 3 p.m. March 11. The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport, southgatehouse.com. Photo: Google Maps screengrab
Queen City Skate Clash When: Sept. 23, 7-10 p.m. Where: Sawyer Point Roller Rink, Downtown What: Skating competition and performances. Who: Skate Downtown Cincy, @SmittyonSkates, @CrissyBRollin with DJ Zane Dixon Why: See who will become this year’s Queen City Skate Clash Champion, and maybe do a little skating yourself. Free skate rentals with a photo I.D. Photo: Jana Bemol, Unsplash
Siren Suit Album Release Party When: Sept. 23 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Where: MOTR Pub, Over-the-Rhine What: Weight album release party and concert. Who: Siren Suit with Louise, Dustbin, Feral Friends and Planchette Why: Weight was recorded at the legendary Inner Ear Studio with Don Zientara of Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Fugazi, Faraquet fame. Photo: Dave Cupp
Loveland Oktoberfest When: Sept. 22 & 23 Where: Downtown Loveland What: Loveland’s third-annual Oktoberfest celebration Who: Local vendors, musicians and artists. Why: German fare and swag around every corner and of course, a biergarten. Photo: Dan DeAlmeida via Unsplash
Kroger Wellness Festival When: Sept. 22 & 23 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: Freedom Way, The Banks What: A free festival surrounding health and wellness. Who: Kroger presented by PepsiCo Why: Fresh food, guided workouts and education on how to optimize all things health related. Everything from activities, informational booths, music, apps, cooking and more during this weekend of health awareness. Photo: Google Maps
Whispering Beard Folk Festival When: Sept. 22 & 23 Where: Carriage House Farm, North Bend What: Two-day folk music festival. Who: Cincinnati’s own The Tillers and a jam-packed lineup of bands Why: Carriage House Farm is the perfect venue for this family-friendly music festival. It’ll be a no worries weekend full of folk jams, dancing, art, beer and food. Camp on site or come for a day, either way Whispering Beard is a local treasure that’s been going on for more than 10 years. Photo: Whispering Beard https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficalWhisperingBeard/photos/pb.100066810452766.-2207520000/3216127071969003/?type=3
Autumn Acoustics at Washington Park When: Sept. 22 from 6-9 p.m. Where: Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine What: Live music. Who: Meaghan Richardson Why: It’s cozy vibe season and Washington Park has a live music series that aims to help you embrace it. This weekend features pianist and vocalist Meaghan Richardson. Photo: facebook.com/WashingtonParkOTR
Country Applefest When: Sept. 23 & 24 at 10 a.m. Where: The Warren County Fairgrounds, Lebanon What: Fun fall festival featuring seasonal festivities and of course, apples. Who: Country Applefest Why: More than 300 craft and food vendors will be on site for this two-day event. Think all kinds of apples, live music, handmade goods and fall fun. Photo: Apple Fest https://www.facebook.com/countryapplefest/photos
Hispanic Heritage Month Salsa Night at Findlay Market When: Sept. 23 from 5-8 p.m. Where: Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine What: A night of salsa dancing, music and food. Who: Joel Alleguezson providing music, The Arepa Place and Chacabanas selling food and Diana Hoffman will be teaching Salsa lessons. Why: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by practicing the flamboyant style of salsa dancing and partaking in delicious eats. All are welcome, whether you’re a salsa expert or want to learn the basics.
Outdoor Movie Night at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House When: Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. Where: Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Walnut Hills What: Outdoor movie screening of 42, the Jackie Robinson story. Who: Harriet Beecher Stowe House and Ohio History Connection Why: A free outdoor movie night just as the weather is turning into fall sounds like the perfect evening. Photo: Greg Hume
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Zoo Blooms Photo: Lisa Hubbard via The Cincinnati Zoo
Harambe Documentary Screening When: Sept. 24 Where: The Esquire Theatre, Clifton What: Documentary premiere Who: Erik E. Crown, produced by Sierra Williams and narrated by Peter Egan Why: It will be World Gorilla Day, the most perfect day to honor the life of Harambe. A portion of the documentary’s proceeds will be donated to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) helping gorillas out of captivity. Photo: Provided by Harambe Movie

Katie Griffith is CityBeat’s arts and culture reporter. She proudly hails from the West Side of Cincinnati and studied journalism at the University of Cincinnati. After freelancing for CityBeat for many...