The end of spooky season is nigh. That means this weekend is the time to break out those Halloween costumes and hit the town for a drink. If you’re looking for a place to party like the undead, here are 13 suggestions:
Halloween Party and Pop-Up Drag Show Spooktacular at Rhinegeist
Come out to Rhinegeist for a night of dancing, drinking and drag! The Queens of Halloween – Kora Sline, Kiara Chimera, Nicole Jackson Valentino and Lola Vuitton – will be performing at this free event. Midwestern Lesbian will master the ceremony and will be accompanied by music from DJ Bard. Friday, Oct. 28, begins at 8 p.m. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. facebook.com/rhinegeist.
Hair Shop of Horrors Halloween Party at Japp's
It’ll be a hair-raising good time as Japp’s goes back to its roots as a hair “boo-tique” for Halloween. There will be music, dancing and themed cocktails, like the “Suddenly Seymour.” Costumes are encouraged. Friday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. 1134 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. facebook.com/jappsotr.
Halloween Drag Show and Costume Contest at Esoteric Brewing Company
A drag performance will be hosted in the taproom, and during intermission you’ll get the chance to show off your costume for the big contest. The best three will win a prize. Friday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m.-midnight. 918 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. Free. RSVP here.
Howl-O-Ween Eve Dog Costume Contest at Jerry’s Jug House
Come hang out on the patio and share the Puppy Pounder “shot” with your pup (blended pumpkin, oats and Greek yogurt). They’ll also have hot cider, arepas and homemade dog treats along with plenty of water bowls. The costume contest winner gets a bone and for their human: a beer! Friday, Oct. 28; opens at 4 p.m.; costume contest winners chosen at 9 p.m. 414 E. 7th St., Newport. Free. facebook.com/jerrysjughouse.
‘90s Halloween Weekend at Somerset
Somerset is throwin’ back to the ‘90s for Halloween this weekend with an R&B-themed party and musical guest Siobhan and her five-piece band. They’ll be performing ‘90s hits all night, and Siobhan has a special request for revelers: “For this night, I want everyone to dress up as their favorite ‘90s celebrity. Be in the ‘90s for the night. We're going have some good drinks, some great music, wonderful things coming." The bar will also be serving up classic cocktails from the era, like Cosmos and Long Islands. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. facebook.com/Somerset.otr.
Eat Your Heart Out! Halloween Party at Northside Tavern
A two-night Halloween party is happening in Northside, and you’re invited! The annual tradition has Cincinnati musicians forming cover acts of famous bands, each night featuring five bands. It’s also a zombie-themed party with photo ops, so make sure you come in your best costume! $10 cover. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, 8 p.m. to midnight. 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside. facebook.com/northsidetavern.
Haunted Mansion Halloween at Rosedale OTR
Dear foolish mortals, you are cordially invited to attend a party at the Rosedale OTR (Haunted) Mansion. The butlers on hand are dying to serve you drink specials, like $3 domestic beers, $4 Nutrl seltzers and $5 Onda tequila seltzers. Costume attire is requested. Saturday, Oct. 29, 3 p.m.-2:30 a.m. 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. facebook.com/RosedaleOTR.
Stranger Things ‘80s Halloween Party at Braxton Brewing Co. Cincinnati
Fans of both the Netflix hit Stranger Things and the ‘80s can boogie over to Braxton for a fun night of big hair, high tops and retro dance moves. The brewery is busting out an LED dance floor, and offering $50 gift cards in three categories of its costume contest: best individual costume, best couples’ costume and best group costume. Saturday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. 331 E. 13th St., Pendleton. Free. facebook.com/braxtoncincinnati.
Halloween Bar Crawl (OTR/Downtown)
You’ll check in at Bloom OTR between 4 and 6 p.m. for a night of food, drinks and a costume contest! You’ll also receive two free drinks or shots with your ticket. Other stops include Liberty’s Bar & Bottle, The Hub, MOTR Pub, Queen City Exchange and Pins. $25 tickets. Saturday, Oct. 29, 4-10 p.m. Bloom OTR, 1120 Walnut. St., Over-the-Rhine. facebook.com/bloom-otr.
Halloween Bar Crawl (The Banks)
Check in and register at Fishbowl at The Banks for a night of costumed drinking. There will be a DJ, food and drink specials and a costume contest. You can also upgrade and get an LED Halloween mask. This route will take you to Tin Roof, Galla Park, AC Upper Deck, Jefferson Social and Kitty’s Sports Grill. $25 tickets. Saturday, Oct. 29, 3 -10 p.m. 41 E. Freedom Way, Downtown. barcrawllive.com.
Halloween Bash at Symposium
Take it back to the ‘80s at Symposium’s Halloween Bash. They’ll have drink specials, beer, wine, plenty of snacks and even some raffles. You can also enter their all-day costume contest. First-place winner gets a $100 gift card. Saturday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m. 2835 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills. Free. facebook.com/SymposiumCincinnati.
Smoke & Queers Burlesque Haunted Halloween Show at Mixwells Northside
S&Q is here to trick-or-tease you with their spooky, weird and wild “boolesque” Halloween drag show. There’s no cover charge, but you are asked to bring tips and wear a costume. Sunday, Oct. 30, doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. 3935 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. Free. facebook.com/MixwellsBar.
I Slept With Missy Spears and All I Got Was Another Halloween Party at Larry’s
Join Missy Spears and friends for a Halloween night party like no other. You can win a prize for best costume, meet the celebrity judges, enjoy pop-up performances and have one of their drink specials. Monday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.-midnight. 536 W. 9th St., Covington. Free. facebook.com/Larry's.Stay connected with CityBeat. Subscribe to our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google News, Apple News and Reddit.
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