Happy Halloween! The haunting hour is upon us, so it’s time to dress in costume and wreak havoc, you little devils. Here are a few Halloween happenings in town to attend. (And here is a list of local haunted houses.)
THURSDAY 25
The Man-Beast at Know Theatre — Inspired by a gory remnant of French folklore, The Man-Beast is a chilling rendering of the werewolf, drawn straight from the legend’s origins. The Man-Beast begins in 18th-century France where helpless mountain villages are menaced by a bloodthirsty creature that kills freely. Reported to be massive and unstoppable, the animal has earned a nickname: the Beast of Gévaudan. Some in the mountains say that the Beast is more than a hungry wolf — they say it is a loup garou, a werewolf infected with a sickness that can be passed on to the humans it bites. Continues through Nov. 10. Tickets and more info: knowtheatre.com.
Candy + Beer at Higher Gravity — Jackie Os and Streetside will be at Higher Gravity serving two different beers, each paired with a piece of candy. Come in costume (or not) and 10 percent of all draft beer sales go to benefit the Karen Wellington Foundation for LIVING with Breast Cancer. 6 p.m. Oct. 25. Higher Gravity, 4106 Hamilton Ave., Northside. More info here.
Halloween Howl — Take a nighttime walking tour of Red Wolf Sanctuary. The tour is approximately 2.5 miles and will last two to three hours total. Halloween costumes are encouraged but not necessary. 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25. $5 children; $10 ages 13-17; $20 adults. Red Wolf Sanctuary, 3027 IN-262, Rising Sun, Ind. More info here.
St. Nicholas at Ensemble Theatre — For two weeks, Bruce Comer will take the stage as a jaded theatre critic spinning a tale of obsession as he descends into a macabre world of vampires. Is this one-man show a drunken lie? A tantalizing fairy tale? Or is it his version of higher truth? Watch comer take the stage by himself in a tale that’s spooky storytelling at its best. Through Oct. 27. Tickets Start at $35. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine.
Cincinnati Metal Weekend — Cincinnati Metal event promoters Transplant Productions are turning Northside Metal this pre-Halloween weekend with a three-day, three-venue music festival featuring over a dozen local and touring bands. The event begins Thursday, Oct. 25 at Northside Yacht Club, then picks up Friday, Oct. 26 at Urban Artifact. Cover for both of those shows is just $5 each night. The festivities conclude Saturday, Oct. 27 at Northside Tavern with a free concert headlined by Milwaukee old-school Death Metal faves Viogression. Check the full lineup and some music samples below (click on the band’s names for more info); click here for further info.
FRIDAY 26
Rhinegeist Halloween Party — Let your competitive spirit shine like a haunted full moon as the Halloween weekend festivities begin. Show up in your best costumes and get ready to dance to monster mash-ups by DJs “Macabre” Matty Joy and “Wicked” Will Ross at the Rhinegeist Halloween party. Of course, there will be costume contests for best couple costume, group costume, scariest costume and character costume. Costumes had to be submitted online by Oct. 19 to qualify for the contest, but you can still watch the wardrobe wonders show off for prizes. 8 p.m. Oct. 26. Free. Rhinegeist. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/rhinegeist.
Underground Halloween: Royals and Paupers at Felsenbrau — Dress like a royal or a pauper and dance the night away featuring musical performances and a Deathly Dance performance by the Beyond Ballet. There’s an open bar for the Royal ticket ($40); a cash bar for the Pauper ticket ($20). Prizes will be awarded for the best costume in each category. Here’s what the event says about the interpretation of the theme: “We require some form of costume, but interpretation of the theme is very liberal. Beyonce and Simba are as much royals as Queen Elizabeth and King George. Tarzan and King Kong are king of the jungle, and drag is its own version of Queendom. Meanwhile, it’s often difficult to tell the difference between a modern pauper and urban hipster. So come one, come all and delight in the evening’s glories!” 9:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. Oct. 26. Felsenbrau Building, 242 W. McMicken, West End. More info here.
Christian Moerlein Haunted Brewery Tour — Step into Christian Moerlein’s brewery and peek through the lens of time to meet historical characters in Cincinnati brewing history; each has a doomed fate laid out before them. Of the five ghoulish tales told on the tour, one is fiction — the rest are true. Make like Scooby-Doo: clues and hands-on puzzles will be scattered along the way to help you solve this case of falsity. Before delving into chilling antics, guests can cozy up in Moerlein Tap Room and enjoy a sudzy draft. 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October. $25. Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom, 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, hauntedbrewerytour.com.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly at 3 Points Urban Brewery — A three-party Halloween party for the good, the bad and the ugly. According to 3 Points, “Friday is The Good: DJ Chanell SoFetch Karr will have her melodic playlist to set the mood under our sky lights. Best ‘good’ costume wins prizes. Saturday is The Bad: DJ LPete will have his devious playlist to set the mood under our red lights. Best ‘bad’ costume wins prizes. Sunday is The Ugly: Pajama party for brunch with loaded bloody marys and mimosas to scare away all the ugly.” 10 p.m. Oct. 26; 10 p.m. Oct. 27; 11 a.m. Oct. 28. 3 Points Urban Brewery, 331 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine. More info here.
Hocus Pocus in Tower Park — There will be more than 1,000 luminaries, over 200 Jack-o-Lanterns along the park’s wooded walking trails. Take a stroll and then enjoy Disney’s Hocus Pocus. The trail is open from 6-9 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. 8:30-11:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Tower Park, 950 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, Ky. More info here.
Chris from Space Album Release Party with Dead Man String Band — Chris From Space releases Vector, a new LP, with a special performance from Dead Man String Band, ZZ Bottom (All Seeing Eyes) and Crates (spinning party music). Costumes recommended. 18 and older. There will be a photobooth and beer bar. 8 p.m. Oct. 26. The Lodge, 231 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Ky. More info here.
Cincy Brass Halloween at Woodward Theater — Cincy Brass brings New Orleans Soul and Cincinnati Funk to the Woodward Theater for a Halloween “spooktacular.” Come in costume and get ready to dance. The Cincy Brass takes the stage at 9 p.m. 7 p.m.-midnight Oct. 26. $10 advance; $15 door. The Woodward Theater, 1404 Main ST., Over-the-Rhine. More info here.
Queen City Murderinos — Fans of the podcast My Favorite Murder are hosting a murderino meet-up and Halloween party that is part masquerade and part hometown murder live show in one of Cincinnati’s first (possibly haunted) vaudeville theaters. Costumes will be given for best dressed and for the best hometown story. According to the group: “Rules for hometowns (you know them, fans. Say it with me): You cannot be so drunk that you don’t remember your story. You must have an ending. Make it local. Everyone who doesn’t get picked will hate you.” There will also be a cash bar, pre-show live music and dancing afterward. 8 p.m. Oct. 26. Liberty Exhibition Hall, 3938 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. More info here.
SATURDAY 27
21c Museum Hotel Secret Garden Redux: Creatures of the Night — This dance party — “inspired by other-worldly animalia” — will feature a mystical garden theme with music from DJs Planet Venus and CJ Wood and pop-up dance performances by Pones and DANCEFIX, as well as performances from Elevated Aerials aerial artists. There will be a photobooth (from Floyd Johnson of Ohio Against the World) and free costumey makeup touch-ups from local makeup professionals. Costumes are highly encouraged and the winner(s) of the costume contest will receive a prize. Party is 21 and up. 9 p.m. Oct. 27. Free; $10 donation suggestion. 21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, facebook.com/21cCincinnati.
Japp’s Becomes the Star Wars Cantina — Japp’s transforms into Star Wars Cantina complete with Mark Hamill impersonator Fluke Skywalker, who will be hosting a costume contest with prizes. Dress as your favorite Star Wars character and enjoy craft cocktails in a galaxy far, far away. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27. Japp’s Since 1879, 1134 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. More info here.
Halloween at Rosedale Manor — OTR bar Rosedale transforms into Kenton County infirmary Rosedale Manor from the early 1900s. A roaming photographer will capture the evening. There will be $5 Lobotomy Punch and $3 Trick or Treat shots all night, plus fire performers from the Cincinnati Circus. The 10 best costumes will receive a gift card. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 27. The Rosedale, 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. More info here.
Official Halloween Bar Crawl — Get extra spooky this season. Put on your coolest, cutest, scariest or sexiest costume and hop from bar to bar in Over-the-Rhine and The Banks. Attendees will get some treats to take home and discounts on drink and food specials. Do the “Monster Mash” all night long. 2-9 p.m. Oct. 27. $20-$40, check-in starts at Nicholson’s, 625 Walnut, Downtown, elite-barcrawls.com.
Spooky Brunch at The National Exemplar — This family-friendly brunch features adult and kid costume contests, trick-or-treating and a Halloween-themed brunch buffet. RSVP to 513-271-2103. 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. Oct. 27-28. $15 child; $20 adult. The National Exemplar, 6880 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, nationalexemplar.com.
Cincinnati Halloween Drag Cruise — Hosted by The Artistry of Drag, this Ohio River cruise features a drag performance and Halloween theme. 10:30 p.m. Oct. 27. $50. BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky. More info here.
Buried Secrets Ghost Tour — Who you gonna call? Er, yourself actually. On this ethereal tour of downtown Cincinnati’s most haunted sites, you’re the ghost hunter. Don’t fret: You’ll be armed with all the paranormal tools you’ll need to catch Casper and his comrades. Scour sites like Memorial Hall, Music Hall and more for fiendish ghouls. But beware: It’s an outdoor tour, so dress warm and cozy or you might just catch a cold (uber spooky). 6:30-8:30 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. Friday. Tour dates through Nov. 10. $22.95. Tour starts at the gazebo in Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/hauntedcincytours.
HallZOOween — Get spooky with some wild animals at the Cincinnati Zoo’s HallZOOween event. Promised to be “so much fun, it’s scary,” the event will offer family-friendly events all day long like trick-or-treat stations (kids should bring their own trick-or-treat bags) and special animal encounters (see schedule below). Families will also have a chance to attend the Beauty Shop of Horrors or Phil Dalton’s Theater of Illusion Shows and hunt for a hidden Golden Big Boy statute — follow the clues in the park to find the hidden little guy and win a prize package. Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28. Event is included with zoo admission ($19 adult; $12 children/seniors). Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
Zombie Ball Glow Dance Party at Mixwells — Glow your “Zombie asses off” under the black lights at Mixwells. All costumes are welcome. Music will be provided by DJs Dro Corona and Kyle Cannon. 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Oct. 27. Mixwells Northside, 4169 Hamilton Ave., Northside. More info here.
Autumn Donuts Workshop — Tablespoon Cooking Co. leads this class on making fall-flavored donuts from scratch, including pumpkin spice and apple cider flavors. Sip on craft beer and wine while you get hands-on experience and recipes to make more donuts at home. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 27. $75. Findlay Kitchen, 1719 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, findlaykitchen.org.
Queen City Exchange Two-Year Anniversary Halloween Party — QCE turns 2 with a themed Halloween party. Wear a costume, enjoy themed drinks and anticipate a market crash from 8-9 p.m. 8 p.m. Oct. 27. Queen City Exchange, 32 W. Court St., Downtown. More info here.
Sacred Beast Halloween Costume Extravaganza — Head to the Sacred Beast diner for a Halloween costume party with raffle prizes and specialty beers all day. 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 27. Free admission. Sacred Beast, 1437 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. More info here.
Nightmare on Madison Street Halloween Bash — Head to Hotel Covington for this spooky Halloween party. Wear your scariest or cutest costume to compete in a singles and couples contest with music from DJ Drewski. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 27. $15; $25 door. Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave., Covington, hotelcovington.com.
Arnold’s Voodoo Ball — Arnold’s has teamed up with The Hot Magnolias for a New Orleans-themed Voodoo Ball. There will be a special Cajun-themed special menu, $5 Hurricanes and NOLA music. People are encouraged to come in costume, especially as zombies. 8 p.m. Oct. 27. Arnold’s Bar and Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, arnoldsbarandgrill.com.
Halloween Street Party at The Banks — The street in front of the Tin Roof will be closed for a Halloween block party. Dress in your best to compete to win a $1,500 voucher to a vacation from Elite Travel. Evening includes live music from Tyler Moore Band, Flip Cup Allstars and DJ Etryan. 21 and up. 4-11 p.m. Oct. 27. Tin Roof Cincy, 160 E. Freedom Way, The Bank, Downtown. More info here.
Pleasant Ridge Halloween Pub Crawl — Head to Pleasant Ridge for a themed Halloween pub crawl to a handful of bars and restaurants. Grab a $5 wristband and punchcard at any participating location and then wind your way through an evening of drink specials (look for themed spooky sippers) and costume contests. Fill the card by making a purchase at each stop and be entered into a raffle. Crawl stops include Overlook Lodge, Nine Giant, Share: Cheesebar, Revolution Rotisserie and more. Enter the costume contest by checking in to Revolution on social media by posting a photo of yourself and/or yourself and your friends with the hashtag #PRPubCrawl2018. The winner will be announced at 10 p.m. 4-10 p.m. Oct. 27. Revolution Rotisserie, 6063 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, facebook.com/revolutionrotisseriepr.
SUNDAY 28
Hallowqueen Drag Brunch — Ring in Halloween with this pop-up drag brunch at Metropole, complete with glitter, fangs and heels galore. Sip specialty themed cocktails and dig into a family-style brunch prepared by chef Jared Bennett. Costumes are encouraged — “You better werk, witch.” 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 28. $35. Metropole, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, metropoleonwalnut.com.
MONDAY 29
Hocus Pocus Trivia at West Side Brewing — Think you know about virgins lighting black-flame candles, immortal cats and the Sanderson Sisters? Test your knowledge at West Side Brewing’s Hocus Pocus trivia. Teams max out at six players. Free to play. 7 p.m. Oct. 29. West Side Brewing, 3044 Harrison Ave., Westwood. More info here.
WEDNESDAY 31
Longfellow is Titanic — Over-the-Rhine bar Longfellow is dressing up as the movie Titanic for Halloween. There will be karaoke on the bow of the ship, a costume contest, an iceberg with booze and a possible appearance by Billy Zane (not really). 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 31. Longfellow, 1233 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine. More info here.
Wake the Dead Bash with the Spine-Tingling Mighty Wurlitzer — Spend Halloween at the haunted Music Hall as organist Trent Sims sets the stage with creepy music — “special effects abound” via the wiles of the Wurlitzer organ. Supernatural tours offered every half hour. Costumes encouraged. Come out on Hallow’s Eve (Oct. 30) for “Spooky Tunes” from Sims, too (10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.). 9 p.m. Oct. 31. $45. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiarts.org.
Halloween Movie Marathon at Hotel Covington — Hotel Covington hosts a movie marathon in the courtyard lawn featuring progressively scary features. Here’s the schedule: 6 p.m. The Great Pumpkin; 6:30 p.m. Hotel Transylvania 3; 8:30 p.m. Hocus Pocus; 10:30 p.m. The Shining. 6 p.m.-midnight Oct. 31. Free and open to the public. Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave., Covington. More info here.
This article appears in Oct 24-31, 2018.