MASQUERADE BALLS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
A Wicked Affair—Drinks, dancing and a costume contest in support of organ donation, benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of Greater Cincinnati. $40 for single tickets and $75 for couples. 7-11 p.m. Oct 26. Receptions Banquet and Conference Center, 4450 Eastgate South Drive, Cincinnati. 513-265-8530, facebook.com/awickedaffair.
Augusta Ghost Tour—A ghostly hay ride through the streets of Augusta. $8 for adults; $5 children. Oct 27. Downtown Augusta, Ky. Call 606-756 2183 for reservations.
Boogie Nights Costume Contest— Hollywood Casino’s ultimate ’70s and ’80s dance club hosts its annual costume party. Free. Oct. 27. 777 Hollywood Blvd., Lawrenceburg, Ind. 888-274-6797, boogienightsindiana.com.
“Dragula” Drag Show and Dance— Get down in support of St. John’s Unitarian Universalist Church with an LGBT-friendly Halloween party and Drag Show. Costumes optional; no alcohol served. $10 for adults; $5 children. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26. St. John’s Unitarian Universalist Church, 320 Resor Ave., Clifton. 961-1938 ext. 2.
Fountain Square Costume Contest— Think you’ve got the best Halloween Costume? Test your luck in the sixth annual Fountain Square Costume Contest for the chance to score a prize. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown. myfountainsquare.com.
Haunted Covington Walking Tour— Hear and see the happenings that unfolded in Covington that still haunt the area till this day. $20. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays through October. 620 Greenup St., Covington, Ky. 859-951-8560, americanlegacytours.com.
Haunted Duck Tour—Ride the ducks along the Ohio River as your tour guide share local ghost stories. $17. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27. Third Street in Newport on the Levee/Aquarium parking garage. 859-815-1423, newport.ridetheducks.com.
Haunted Newport Walking Tour— Newport’s most vicious ghost stories will be revealed in this 90-minute haunted tour. $20. Tours at both 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Saturdays through October. 18 E. Fifth St., Newport, Ky. 859-951-8560, americanlegacytours.com.
Haunted Queen City Walking Tour— Uncover disturbing tales deeply buried in the Queen City’s past through the Cincinnati Haunted Walking Tour. $20. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. with a special ghost tour experience at 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through October. 1218 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. 859-951-8560, americanlegacytours.com.
Masquerade Ball— Wear a mask, get in free. Sounds like a good deal. Free until 11 p.m. Oct. 26. 777 Hollywood Blvd., Lawrenceburg, Ind. 888-274-6797, boogienightsindiana.com.
Miamitown Ghost Tours— Undertake the frightening haunted tour through Miamitown. $15 for adults, $10 children. See website for tour times. Through October. 8021 Mill St., Cleves. 513-846-0018, miamitownghosttours.com.
Morgan’s Spook-tacular Haunted River— Paddle or die during Morgan’s spooky haunted river tour. $15 for adults; $10 kids. 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October. Morgan’s Riverside Campground, 6262 Gilmour Road, Morrow. 800-932-2663, morganscanoe.com.
Run Like Hell—Run a 5k in your favorite costume to the best Halloween party of the year! Proceeds will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Week of Oct. 22 $40; day of the race $45; party tickets only $20. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Xavier University Campus, 3614 Woodburn Ave., Norwood. cincyrunlikehell.com.
BAR EVENTS
All Black Masquerade Party— Bask in upscale elegance this Halloween. Black attire and mask required. Enjoy drink specials, a light menu and dancing along to tunes from DJ Stank. $10 advance, $15 at the door. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 27. Mahogany’s on the Banks, 108 E. Freedom Way, Downtown.
Beer and Sausage Festival—Nothing says fall in Cincinnati (and basically any other time of year) like a good beer and sausage pairing. Craft beers including Dogfish Punkin, Sixpoint Autumnation, Fathead’s Hopstalker and more available, plus spicy bierwursts, homemade applesauce, live music and a pumpkin carving contest. Free entry. 5 p.m.; kid-friendly until 9 p.m. Oct. 27. Mayday Northside, 4227 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. maydaynorthside.com.
Fear of the Dark at The Lackman— Celebrate dark beers at The Lackman starring Hoppin Frog Ohio Crusher, Fat Heads Spooky Tooth, Thirsty Dog Siberian Night, Stone Sublimely Self Righteous, Unibroue Trois Pistoles and Great Divide Chocolate Yeti. Oct. 25 through Halloween. 1237 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-0741, lackmanbar.com.
Fright Night at AliveOne— Best Costume prize ($50 gift card) at midnight on Saturday, Oct 27. DJ KSMUV in the basement. 21 and up. AliveOne, 941 Pavilion St., Mount Adams. 513-721-6977, aliveone.com.
Halloween Masquerade Ball at Pavilion— DJ Ice Cold & Fuseamania will be on the main floor and Ben & Milkshake will be in the penthouse. Costume contest and cash prizes. VIP tables available. 21 and up. Oct. 27. Mount Adams Pavilion, 949 Pavilion St., Mount Adams. mtadamspavilion.com.
Halloween Trivia Night at Keystone Bar & Grill— Question Everything Trivia with gift card prizes for best team costumes and for the top three scoring teams. 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Keystone Hyde Park, 3384 Erie Ave., Hyde Park. 513-321-2150, keystonebar.com.
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister at MOTR Pub— L.A.-based band He’s My Brother She’s My Sister play a special Halloween show. Oct. 31.10 p.m.-1 a.m. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-6687, motrpub.com.
Heaven & Hell Party at Longworth’s— It’s your call — are you good or evil? Dress to impress. 8 p.m. Oct. 27. $5 advance, $10 at the door. 21 and up. 1108 Saint Gregory St., Mount Adams. 513-651-2253.
Japp’s Monster Mashup— Dance for awesome causes with three equally awesome DJs (DJ Harvination, Jay Downs and DJ No One). Chicken Lays an Egg fashion show, drag performance and a saucy show by Cin City Burlesque. 7 p.m. Oct. 31. 21 and up. Suggested $5 donation. 1134 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-1524, facebook.com/japps1879.
Nightmare on Park Street—A (covered, heated) street festival and one big ol’ party: Tickets grant you entrance to all five Roebling Point bars (Sidebar, Down Under, Blinkers, Keystone Bar and Grill and Molly Malones) plus a Halloween parade, food trucks and cash bars dishing out craft beers on the streets. $10; tickets available at all participating bars. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Oct. 27. Roebling Point Entertainment District, Covington, Ky.
Pick Your Poison at The Righteous Room— Will it be beer, cocktails or shots? $3 Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, $4 call cocktails, $5 bombs for people in costume with DJ !dentity. Oct. 27. The Righteous Room, 641 Walnut St., Downtown. 513-381-4408, therighteousroom.com.
The Werks Halloween Party— Get down during a psychedelic dance party courtesy of The Werks. 9 p.m. Oct. 27. $10. All ages. Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky. 859-491-2444, madisontheateronline.com.
Zombie Apocalypse— Let the zombie staff treat your to “bath salt” drink specials. Costumes encouraged for extra Photobooth glam. Free. Scene Ultra Lounge, 637 Walnut St., Downtown. 513-381-4327, scenecinci.com.
ARTSY EVENTS
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents Titus Andronicus— One of the bloodiest plays in the canon, Titus Andronicus evokes startling, gruesome and tragic imagery as the mighty Roman general Titus faces off with his mortal enemy, Tamora, Queen of the Goths. Through Nov. 11. Evening performances Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and matinee performances Saturdays at 2 p.m. $22-$28. 719 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-BARD, cincyshakes.com.
DEAD CAN DANCE by Exhale Dance Tribe at The Emery Theater— Observe from the outside or become a part of the Halloween inspired dance installation while exploring this gorgeous historic theater built in 1911. At 8 p.m., enjoy a small 40-minute program of choreographed contemporary dance. $15. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 27. All ages. 112 Walnut St., Downtown. 513-505-6340, exhaledancetribe.com.
Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Esquire— Special Halloween shows on Saturday, Oct. 27 at midnight and Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. $9.50; $6.75 students. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. 513-281-8750, esquiretheatre.com.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS
Batfest— This family favorite is back yet again! Learn all about bats, taste food pollinated by bats and join the costume parade. $12.50 for adults, $8.50 children. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 27. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati. cincymuseum.org/batfest.
Cincinnati HallZOOween— Bring your little creatures to the Cincinnati Zoo for special animal encounters and trick-or-treat stations. Free with zoo admission. Noon-5 p.m. every weekend in October. Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. 513-281-4700, cincinnatizoo.org/events/hallzooween.
Family Fright Nights at Washington Park— Bring your blankets and kids to Washington Park every Saturday night for a night of frightful movies. Free. 7-11 p.m. Saturdays in October. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-The-Rhine. 513-352-4080, washingtonpark.org.
Family Fun Fest— Liberty Heights Church hosts a festival filled with live music, inflatables, entertainment and more. Every child will also leave with a bag of candy. Free. 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. Liberty Heights Church, 7904 Princeton Road, Liberty Township. 513-777-6812, gofamilyfunfest.com.
Halloween Hop Down Kid’s Row— Hop on down to Kids Row for some shop local trick-or-treating at blue manatee, The Spotted Goose, Aglamesis and King Arthur’s Court. A $10 or more purchase from each store enters guests to win a grand prize package from all four stores. 2-5 p.m. Oct. 28. Oakley Square, Madison Road, Oakley.
Halloween Nights at Parky’s Farm— Ghostly light shows, haunted wagon rides, creepy critters nature programs, live entertainment and more. $6. 6-10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays until Oct. 28. Winton Woods, 10073 Daly Road, Springfield. 513-521-7275, greatparks.org.
Halloween Spooktacular—For the adults, a wine tasting; for kiddies, a costume contest, candy snack bar, pumpkin coloring contest and face painting. $10 for wine tasting per person; entry free. Meier’s Wine Cellars, 6955 Plainfield Road, Silverton. 513-891-2914.
Halloween Walk in the Woods— Kids can follow the wooded trail and knock at different doors along the way for treats. Noon-3 p.m. Oct. 20. Blue Ash Nature Park, Blue Ash. 513-745-8550. blueash.com.
Haunted Village—Children can wear their costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the village, but beware of the zombies in the haunted cemetery. Adults $7, children ages 5-11 $4, children 4 and under free. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. Sharon Woods, Sharonville. 513-563-9484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org.
Howl-O-Fest— Kings Island offers a fun-filled day for your little ones. Participate in the costume contest, go through the twisted tales maze or the hay bale maze, jump in the foam pit and much more. $29.99 when purchased online. Noon-5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason.
howlofest.visitkingsisland.com.
Jack-O-Lantern Junction— Come to the area’s only indoor pumpkin patch. Kids can also go through the trick-or-treat maze where they’ll be greeted by kid-friendly ghosts, skeletons, cobwebs and, of course, treat stations. Pricing starts at $9.95. Through October 31. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester. 513-898-8000. entertrainmentjunction.com.
Magic Forest Halloween Hikes— The pumpkin-lit hike adorned with friendly costumed characters is a non-scary holiday walk for children. Cost is $5 per person ages 3 and up. 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 19-20. Caldwell Nature Center, 400 W. North Bend Road, Carthage. 513-321-6070, cincinnatiparks.com.
Pipsqueak Theater “Let’s Get Halloween 2012” with Madcap Puppets— What happens when you wish upon a fish? Come dressed in costume to Pipsqueak Theater for this fun-filled Halloween show. $5. 11 a.m. Oct. 28. 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road, Cincinnati. 513-731-8000, the20thcenturytheatre.com.
Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival— Pick your own pumpkin, get lost in the crazed corn maze and more. Noon-5:30 p.m. Oct. 27-28. Bonnybrook Farms, 3779 State Route 132, Clarksville. 937-289-2500, bonnybrookfarms.com.
Pumpkin Patch Tour— Hitch a ride on the hayride to the pumpkin field and stop to hold chicks and bunnies or even milk a goat $8-$10. Through October. Sunrock Farm, 103 Gibson Lane, Wilder, Ky. 859-781-5502, sunrockfarm.org/ppatch.html.
Truck or Treat— Adults and kids alike will enjoy the trinkets and treats to be found in trunks across the parking lot. Hotdogs, chips and drinks are provided to keep the trunk-or-treating going. Free. 5-7 p.m. Oct. 27. Florence United Methodist Church, 8585 Old Toll Road, Florence. 859-371-7961, florenceumc.com.
