The veil between the living and the dead lifts this weekend as All Hallow's Eve approaches. To celebrate, Cincinnati bars and venues are throwing a plethora of themed Halloween parties and costume contests.
If you need somewhere to wear your sexy Squid Game outfit, here are 23 suggestions.
Note: Some events will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, and some events will sell out or reach capacity. Please check with each venue before you go.
Absconded at Ghost Baby
This literal underground nightclub is transforming into an artfully creepy destination on Halloween weekend. As described on the bar's Instagram, "Strut your glitziest stuff and you might (grimly) reap rewards. Jewel tone risqué with a slash of flamboyance? Vibrantly bizarre with a hint of spine-chilling? Dress for the occasion and scare away the ordinary." Oct. 29 and 30; doors open at 5 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday. 1314 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine. RSVP at ghost-baby.com.
Rhinegeist Halloween Drag Show
The brewery is putting on a special Halloween-themed drag show, complete with tarot card readings, local queens and DJ Will Ross & Co. Costumes are encouraged. 6 p.m.-midnight Oct. 29. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/rhinegeist.
Voyeur: Relaunch of The Mockbee - A Masked Halloween Party
Described as a "sexy, sophisticated Halloween costume party experience," Voyeur promises a reveal of the new Mockbee lounge, dancers, "performance vignettes," music, cocktails and installations. The venue is asking people to come dressed in black with an eye mask. 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 29. $15. 2260 Central Parkway, Brighton/West End, eventbrite.com.
The Cincinnati Witches Ball
The Ohio Valley Pagan Society hosts this ball, described as "one of the best Samhain/ Halloween events in the city." There will be live performances, belly dancing, a costume contest (judged by a panel of three people), vendors and psychic readers. First prize in the costume contest gets $200, with cash prizes for second and third place as well. The event is 18 and up. 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Leapin' Lizard, 724 Main St., Covington, ohvpagansociety.com/witches-ball.
Night Circus: Possession at Woodward Theater
This sexy cabaret from Passion Productions is already sold out, so hope you got tickets. If you did, expect a self-described "bewitching array of stage entertainment," including aerial, pole and hoop work along with traditional teases. 7 p.m. doors Oct. 29. $30-$35 general admission (if you can score seats). 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, woodwardtheater.com.
Woodstock '99 Live at Northside Yacht Club
In classic Northside Yacht Club fashion, the bar is dressing up this Halloween and taking guests back to Woodstock '99. Bands will be performing as Green Day (featuring locals Maura Weaver, Megan Schroer & John Clooney), The Ramones (featuring Vacation and Dopamines) and Limp Bizkit (which the Yacht Club says features "Limp Bizkit," so let's see if Fred Durst shows up). Costumes are encouraged and proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test are required. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Oct. 30. 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, facebook.com/NorthsideYachtClub.
The New Haunt: Halloween at Somerset
Somerset presents two themed Halloween parties — one for day (4-7 p.m.) and one for night (8 p.m.-2 a.m.). During the day event, there will be kid-friendly trick-or-treating in the garden, plus a drag show, cocktails and music. Kids are allowed until 7 p.m. The adult-oriented night party will include appearances from "mysterious creatures" as well as a "fusion of Detroit and Chicago House (music) balanced with global, eclectic beats." 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 30. $15 admission, includes a cocktail; free for kids until 7 p.m. 139 E. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine, eventbrite.com.
Boos & Brews at Newport on the Levee
The second annual Boos & Brews includes live music and a costume contest, plus "spooky fun surprises." The costume contest takes place 7-8:30 p.m. with winners announced at 9 p.m. 7-10 p.m. Oct. 30. Bridgeview Box Park, Newport on the Levee, Newport, newportonthelevee.com/boos-and-brews-on-the-levee.
Heaven and Hell Halloween Party at the Beeline
"Sinners and Saints" can party at this themed soirée at 4EG's new Newport bar. Sip on $5 White Claws and $5 Tito's while a DJ spins tunes. The best-dressed angel and devil will win prizes. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 30. Newport on the Levee, Newport, facebook.com/beelineonthelevee.
Halloween Bar Crawl and Costume Contest
This costume contest and bar crawl comes with a big reward: $1,000 for the grand prize (this event is produced by a national company, so the contest includes all of their Halloween-themed crawl participants, not just those in Cincinnati). The crawl kicks off at Below Zero Lounge, with check-in from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 30. Tickets include drink and food specials at participating locations including BrewDog, the Drinkery, MOTR Pub, Liberty's Bar & Bottle, Queen City Exchange and Pins. Check-in starts at 4 p.m. Oct. 30. $25 general admission. Below Zero Lounge, 1120 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com.
Halloween at Braxton Brewing Co.
The Braxton taproom will become an LED-lit dance floor, with music from "retro DJ" Travis Bell. Winners of the costume contest will get Braxton gift cards. Categories include best individual costume, best couples costume and best group costume. 7 p.m. Oct. 30. 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, facebook.com.
This is Halloween Drag Show at Good Judy's
Host Kiara Chimera welcomes Lola Vuitton and Landon Cherry for a "frightening" drag show. They will be judging the costume contest, so come dressed to impress. 9 p.m. Oct. 30. 4169 Hamilton Ave., Northside, facebook.com/GoodJudys.
'80s Halloween Party at Rosedale
This themed party features 1980s tunes and $4 Jell-O shots. The bar suggests you "tease your hair, stretch out those legwarmers, and break out the windbreakers." 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 30. 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/RosedaleOTR.
Beetlejuice Halloween Party at The Righteous Room
The Righteous Room transforms into the waiting room for the recently deceased from Beetlejuice. Dress in costume and enjoy a Beetlejuice cocktail and bloody margaritas. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 30. 641 Walnut St., Downtown, facebook.com/therighteousroom
Hallo-Weekend at Roebling Point
The area around Roebling Point gets in the spooky spirit this weekend with a special Flying Pig watch party, DJs, drink specials, an outdoor dance, dancing, a costume contest (the winner will be announced at 9 p.m. Saturday) and a Bengals vs. Jets outdoor screening on Sunday — all on Roebling Square. Keystone Bar & Grill, Smoke Justis, Frosthaus, Eishaus, Covington Yard and Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant will be offering specials and giveaways all weekend. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 30 and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 31. Roebling Point, Covington, keystonebar.com.
Halloween at Covington Yard
Covington Yard will be hosting its first Halloween bash with DJ Will Av and a costume contest at 8 p.m. for men, women, couples and groups. Kid-friendly trick-or-treating in the yard takes place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 6-11 p.m. Oct. 30. 401 Greenup St., Covington, facebook.com/covingtonyard.
Cirque Noir at Low Spark
Low Spark becomes a funhouse full of evil clowns this Halloween. Expect circus acts to perform and themed cocktails, including the Ringmaster's Poison and Trapeze Terror. Enjoy discounted draft beers plus gourmet cotton candy and popcorn. There will also be a special scare-o-meter and costume contest. The best circus-themed outfit wins a $50 tab. 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30. 15 W. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/LowSparkOTR.
Haunted White House Party at The Roosevelt Room
In what is likely the weirdest-themed Halloween party, Liberty Center's Roosevelt Room becomes a Haunted White House. There will be $5 Lincoln's Ghost shots and people walking around in dead president costumes, plus a "paranormal" photobooth. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 30. 7500 Bales St., Liberty Township, facebook.com/therooseveltroomOH.
Octoberween Extravaganza at Second Place
The costume contest starts at midnight, but enjoy drink specials before then. DJ Bev Rage and EVA perform. First place costume wins a cash prize and second place gets a trophy. 8 p.m. Oct. 30. 3936 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, facebook.com/secondplacebar.
Semi-Spooky Halloween at Fifty West
This kid-friendly party at Fifty West includes a pumpkin carving contest, s'mores and boozy cider around fire pits. Enjoy S'mores Infused Midnight Rider Porte while watching a Halloween movie on the jumbotron. Bring your own blankets. Event starts at 11 a.m. Oct. 30; movie screening starts at 5:30 p.m. 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township, facebook.com/FiftyWestBrewingCompany.
Halloween Drag Spooktacular at Queen City Radio
Favorite local queens Stixen Stones, Aurora Starr, Lola Vuitton, Aura Tannen, Aria Armani and Sasha Fish take the stage for a Halloween-themed drag show. DJ Castle will play tunes for the show; DJ COCO will be spinning vinyl earlier in the day. Costumes are encouraged. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31. 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/queencityradiobar.
Harlem Nights Halloween Day Party at Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge
Dress in Harlem Nights-themed attire to win a costume contest. The party includes drink specials and live music. 4-9 p.m. Oct. 31. 1432 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, eventbrite.com.
Trick-or-Treat at Findlay Market
Kids will enjoy this sweet treat at the market. There will be trick-or-treating at select vendors, mask decorating, a free costume station, Halloween music and Halloween storytime. 2-4 p.m. Oct. 31. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/FindlayMarket.
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