19 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (Oct. 16-18)

FRIDAY OCT. 16

Cincinnati Taco Week
The third-annual Cincinnati Taco Week will feature $2 specialty tacos from participating restaurants — some will even have three different unique Taco Week options — plus a special passport to guide you to taco nirvana. Get your passport stamped for each order of tacos. Earn a stamp from 5 or more participating locations and be entered to win the grand prize of $250 in gift cards and local Karrikin Spirits swag. Nothing goes better with tacos than a margarita. And since CityBeat's Margarita Madness party has been postponed until 2021, the event will be joining this year's Taco Week as restaurants compete to see who has the best margarita in Cincinnati. All competition participants will be using Taco Week sponsor Karrikin Blaze Agave Spirit as their tequila base, so all cocktails will start with a level playing field. Oct. 12-18. $2 tacos. Visit cincytacoweek.com to check out Cincinnati Taco Week menus and details.
Photo: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

FRIDAY 16

Virtual Save Our Stages Fest
Big-name acts like Brittany Howard, the Roots, Demi Lovato and Foo Fighters are taking part in a three-day-long virtual Save Our Stages Fest this weekend. This event, put on by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), hopes to raise awareness about the plight of independent music venues as economic relief legislation languishes on the U.S. Senate floor. The whole affair will be livestreamed continuously on NIVA's YouTube channel, hosted by comedian Reggie Watts, and many of the performers will be coming to you live from legendary — and currently shuttered — spots like the Apollo, Ryman Auditorium and the Troubadour. Viewers are encouraged to donate to NIVA's Emergency Relief Fund, or call and email their congressional representatives to urge action on the bipartisan Save Our Stages Act or the Heroes Act. Sadly, the current Republican majority in the Senate has all but plainly stated that there will be no COVID relief passed before the election, preferring instead to concentrate on ramming through the nomination of a Supreme Court justice for Trump. So … enjoy the show as best you can, donate to NIVA and buy merchandise from your favorite venues. The Save Our Stages Fest airs virtually from Friday-Sunday, Oct. 16-18, saveourstages.com.
Photo: Woodward Theater // Hailey Bollinger

FRIDAY OCT. 16

Thrills on Wheels
The Cindependent Film Festival is bringing its mobile Reels on Wheels movie-screening trailer to different Cincinnati neighborhoods this October to offer some safe, family-friendly and slightly spooky films. The Thrills on Wheels tour will take the pop-up trailer to Camp Washington, Findlay Park, Northside, Mt. Adams, Hamilton and Price Hill to screen five, free, freaky films from local, national and international filmmakers, including local Shay Nartker's Avery and Amy’s Oddities documentary. 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the CampSITE Sculpture Park in Camp Washington. 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Price Hill Will in Price Hill, cindependentfilmfest.org.
Photo: Provided by Cindependent Film Fest

FRIDAY OCT. 16

Heritage Village Haunted Village
Described as a “slight fright,” this haunted attraction is completely kid-friendly and a lower-key haunted experience that won’t leave the youngsters with recurring nightmares until Christmas. A “ghost host” will lead private groups on tours through the recreated 19th-century village, “meeting ghosts, witches, pirates, a mortician, a fortune teller and a cursed archaeologist along the way.” Tickets must be purchased in advance for timed entry. Face masks required for those ages 6 and older; social distancing will be enforced. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 9-10; Oct. 16-17; Oct. 23-24. $8; free for members and kids 2 and under. 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, heritagevillagecincinnati.org.
Photo: Provided by Heritage Village

FRIDAY OCT. 16

Sandyland Acres Haunted Hayride
Hold on tight: During this hellish hayride through a cornfield, riders are stalked and taunted by creatures hidden among the crops. Familiar faces like Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s Leatherface and a bloodied take on Santa Claus appear alongside zombies, backwoodsmen, clowns and chainsaw-wielders. Sandyland Acres is asking their guests to follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks at all times. Once you’re in the wagon, you can’t move from your seat until the ride is over. Cash only. Through Oct. 31. $15. 4172 Belleview Road, Petersburg, sandylandacres.com.
Photo: facebook.com/shhfr

FRIDAY OCT. 16

Dent Schoolhouse
According to legend, the bodies of several missing Dent Schoolhouse students were discovered in barrels in the building’s basement — and the janitor did it. Housed in an actual public school, Dent offers real ghost tours and lights-out experiences for those looking for a true fright, plus lights-on tours for kids and wimps. Tickets must be purchased online. Capacity has been cut in half this year so nights can sell out. Masks and social distancing are required. Through Nov. 13. $20-$25 general admission; +$20 fast pass; +$30 front of the line. 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent, frightsite.com.
Photo: Provided by Dent Schoolhouse

SATURDAY OCT. 17

HallZOOween
The annual HallZOOween festival is going ahead this year, with some COVID precautions in place. “We’ve had to reimagine most of our events this year for the safety of visitors and staff,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. “For HallZOOween, we’ll be offering pre-stuffed treat bags instead of inviting kids to trick or treat at multiple stations around the Zoo. We’re also limiting attendance to ensure that Voldemort and Harry Potter and can stay a zebra length apart on Zoo grounds.” Kids ages 2-12 will get a voucher for a free, pre-filled treat bag; animals will get special pumpkins; the Hogwart's Express train and Scare-ousel will be running; and festive fall food will be available. Costumes are encouraged and masks/facial coverings that adhere to CDC guidelines are still required. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25. Free with zoo admission. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
Photo: Lisa Hubbard

SATURDAY OCT. 17

The City Flea
The City Flea is hosting a spaced-out makers pop-up in Washington Park on Saturday. With a reduced capacity, the market — which features good from local artisans ranging from jewelry and apothecary to T-shirts, vintage and pet goods — is asking both vendors and shoppers to wear masks and be respectful. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 17. Free admission. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecityflea.com.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

SATURDAY OCT. 17

Energy Lounge
On Saturday, Energy Nightclub will be recreated as Energy Lounge featuring audio-visual projection mapping on giant screens surrounding the space, for an immersive 3D experience. Reservations are required to get a seat and guests will follow COVID protocols during the night, watching the show in socially distant seating, with cocktails. They will feel and hear the synchronized audio. 18+. 8-10:30 p.m. Oct. 17. $10 general admission; $20 VIP couch. Longworth Hall, 700 W Pete Rose Way, Downtown, www.energycincy.com
Photo: Provided by Energy Lounge

SATURDAY OCT. 17

Big Ash Blues Bash at Big Ash Brewing
Anderson Township's Big Ash Brewing is hosting a special, socially distanced gathering this weekend that celebrates live music, great beer and giving back. The Big Ash Blues Bash will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17 and will raise funds for The Gardner Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders; funds will also support the performers. The ticketed bash will take place in two segments — an afternoon session and an evening session. The afternoon session kicks off at noon and runs through 5 p.m. (afternoon session ticket holders are asked to exit by 5:15 p.m. to make way for evening session ticket holders), and evening session opens at 5:45 p.m. and is introduced by Alberto J. Espay, MD, MSc, FAAN, FANA of The UC Gardner Center, and continues through 11 p.m. There are indoor and outdoor stages/ Table reservations are required, and tickets are available online. Guests must be masked when not seated, both inside and outside of the brewery, and organizers ask that ticket-holders refrain from dancing to keep safe and socially distanced. Session 1: noon-5 p.m. Session 2: 5:45-11 p.m. $30 for a rail table for 2-3 to $200 for a VIP table for 8. Big Ash Brewing, 5230 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Township, facebook.com/BigAshBrewing.
Photo: facebook.com/BigAshBrewing

SATURDAY OCT. 17

Hidden Valley Orchard
HVO boasts two large pick-your-own pumpkin patches and an apple tent for your fall produce needs. With live music on the weekends, hard ciders in the Crate Room, ice cream in The Coop, apple cider donut sundaes and kid-friendly I-Spy walkabouts, there is something to do for the whole family. Noon.-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Through Oct. 31. Free admission. 5474 State Route 48, Lebanon, hiddenvalleyorchards.com.
Photo: facebook.com/HiddenValleyOrchards

SATURDAY OCT. 17

Explore: A Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate the anniversaries of Cincinnati’s public radio stations — WVXU's 50th, WGUC's 60th, and WMUB's 70th — with a scavenger hunt. Explore: A Scavenger Hunt will be a socially-distanced, untimed scavenger hunt 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 and Oct. 18. Hunters can hunt anytime between those hours. According to WVXU, “Get a team of friends together or hunt alone in your car or on bike, following clues in a free app you'll download. Using your cell phone, you'll be directed around downtown, Over the Rhine, Covington, Newport, and Mt. Auburn with audio and augmented reality clues. Since it's untimed, you can stop all you want for refreshments or to visit the sites.” Part of the goal is to help new WVXU reporter Cory Sharber discover Cincinnati. Anyone who finishes the hunt successfully will be entered in a random prize drawing. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 17 and Oct. 18. $5 per person for teams of 1, 2, or 3 people; $20 for a team of 4 or more. More info: wvxu.org.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

SATURDAY OCT. 17

Neltner's Farm
Pick your own pumpkin, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride and meet farm animals in the new outdoor petting zoo. The farm also features a model train display and train and pony rides for children. Finish your day with home-cooked goods and local wines. No advance tickets or reservations needed to have fun on this farm. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. Through Oct. 31. $5 weekends; free weekdays (not all activities are available); some events and activities cost an additional fee. 6922 Four Mile Road, Melbourne, neltnersfarm.com.
Photo: Grace Lawler

SATURDAY OCT. 17

Kings Island’s Tricks and Treats Fall Fest
Tricks and Treats Fall Fest at Kings Island is promising to be your one-stop-shop for all the fall fun (instead of their annual Halloween Haunt event). It offers plenty of treats to fill your bellies and spirits, like spooky-themed snacks and activities for kids including tractor rides and corn mazes. So get dressed up, decorate your own pumpkin and go trick-or-treating. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1. $30 for admission and six tastings. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com.
Photo: Facebook.com/VisitKingsIsland

SUNDAY OCT. 18

Art On Vine
Art On Vine is a monthly Cincy arts market that hosts local makers to showcase their arts and goods. The event began eight years ago as a college project, and has since hosted 85 markets featuring more than 2,500 local artists. This month's market will host up to 80 makers at Washington Park. Shoppers will find everything from photography and pottery to fine art, jewelry and more. In addition to goods, there will also be food available from local restaurants and food trucks. As for COVID precautions, organizers ask that all guests wear a mask, wash and/or sanitize their hands as often as possible, maintain social distance and stay home if they are feeling unwell. The Art On Vine team is also requiring that vendors have hand sanitizer and disinfectant available and that they wipe down equipment required to make payments and be mindful of how many people are in a booth. Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 18. Free admission. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, artonvinecincy.com.
Photo: Provided by Art On Vine

SUNDAY OCT. 18

Neiderman Family Farm
Pick your own pumpkin for 50 cents per pound and make your way through the sunflower-shaped maze at Niederman’s Fall Fun on the Farm event. Come with an appetite to enjoy fall treats like cinnamon donuts, kettle corn, caramel apples and hot roasted nuts. This year’s admission fee includes access to a jumping pillow, corn maze, hayride, play cabins, Barnyard Butt Buster, tube swings, Ball Zones and more. Also currently booking private bonfires ($100). 6-9 p.m. Thursday; 6-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Through Oct. 31. Purchase tickets online in advance. $12. 5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Road, Hamilton, niedermanfamilyfarm.com.
Photo: facebook.com/niedermanfamilyfarm

SUNDAY OCT. 18

Blooms & Berries Farm Market
Blooms & Berries is celebrating their 80th year of farming in 2020. The Loveland staple offers activities like a 5-acre corn maze, pumpkin bounce pad, hayrides and mini train rides; sweet treats like caramel apples, apple cider and fresh pies; and a brand-new beer garden for the adults, offering craft beer and wine from noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. Reserve your ticket online prior to your visit. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Through Nov. 1. $10 Monday-Friday; $12 Saturday-Sunday; free children 2 and under. 9669 S. State Route 48, Loveland, bloomsandberries.com.
Photo: facebook.com/bloomsandberries

SUNDAY OCT. 18

Shaw Farms Market
Shaw’s encourages visitors to “start a new family tradition with pumpkins, a 15-acre corn maze, hayrides and 2 interactive playgrounds.” Swing by the market for their famous Shaw Sweet Corn and a variety of seasonal produce. Don’t forget to check out their collection of Amish-made goods such as cheese, bacon and cottage ham. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Through Oct. 31. Admission varies per event. 1737 State Route 131, Milford, shawfarmmarket.com.
Photo: facebook.com/shawfarmsmarket

SUNDAY OCT. 18

Plum Gorgeous Fall Floral Show at Krohn Conservatory
Krohn Conservatory's fall floral show is a violet delight. Plum Gorgeous introduces visitors to an alternative autumnal hue, featuring a dazzling display of traditional fall plants and trees decked out in rich shades of purple. Flowers and plants range from fuchsia mums and deep purple ipomoea to lavender, cabbage and kale, plus alyssum, scabiosa and a smattering of plum trees. The floral show runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Oct. 25. The conservatory is closed on Mondays. General admission is $7 for adults; $5 for youth 5-17; and free for children under 4. Krohn Conservatory, 950 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiparks.com.
Photo: Brittany Thornton