adam doty
Fans flock to see the 16th-century Renaissance Festival looking for adventure, merriment, and giant “turkey legs.”
Thursday, October 6
Hocus Pocus at Covington Plaza
In case you’re wondering why this creepy 30-year-old children’s movie is firmly entrenched in the public spirit once again, it’s because Hocus Pocus will finally have a sequel. For the uninitiated, Hocus Pocus is the story of witch sisters (played by the hilarious Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker) in search of immortality. Three kids join forces with a magical cat and a rotting zombie to foil the evil coven’s plot in this Halloween classic. This screening is for ages 21+, presented by Nightlife513. Refreshments will be available courtesy of local breweries and food trucks. 6:30 pm. October 6. Covington Plaza, 1 Madison Ave., Covington, nightlight513.com.
Friday, October 7
Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park
Why only have one haunted house when you can have six? The Land of Illusion has multiple themed scares to choose from, including: Killer Klowns, Temple of Terror, Phobia, Dr. Psycho’s Haunted Estate, Dysphoria, and the Middletown Haunted Trail, a “horror hike of unspeakable dread.” They also have a full bar, the Voodoo Lounge, plus the Creepy Cafe, and live music/DJ or comedy acts on the weekends.8762 Thomas Rd., Middletown. select Fridays and Saturdays and Thursdays and Sundays through October 30, landofillusion.com.
Cincinnati Pickleball Club Third Annual Monster Smash Tournament
Do you want to play some pickleball? Cincinnati has its own club for that. If you’ve never played it, it’s basically a combination of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. The Cincinnati Pickleball Club is hosting its third annual Monster Smash, a three-day Halloween-themed tournament. The event will take place at Sawyer Point’s Pickleplex Courts, renovated earlier this year to accommodate Cincinnati’s emerging pickleball scene. According to the CPC website, the tournament will include men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, senior singles and doubles, and the first college division. Those who participate will receive a boxed lunch or food truck voucher, as well as a drink ticket. Games on Friday and Saturday nights will also feature live music, on-site food trucks and open games after the tournament ends.October 7-9. Sawyer Point Pickleplex, 815 East Pete Rose Way, Los Bancos, cincinnatipickleballclub.com.
Kentucky Wool Festival
Wool is back in style now that there’s some fresh air, so head to Falmouth, KY for the Kentucky Wool Fest October 7-9. There, you can celebrate all things wool, including your new favorite knit sweater, the cute sheep that got its hair cut to make it, and over 100 craft stalls selling all kinds of wares, wool and more. A festival isn’t a festival without a feast, and there are plenty of options from over 30 different food and drink vendors. Expect live music all weekend long with plenty of country, bluegrass, and even clogging. Learn how to shear and herd sheep from a resident expert, and explore the wool shop, filled with fleeces from sheep, alpacas, goats, llamas, and even rabbits. Bring cash, as ticket sales are at the door and many vendors do not accept cards. October 7-9.48 Concord Caddo Rd., Falmouth, KY, kywoolfest.org.
Essex Studios Art Walk
Essex Studios artists will open their workspace to the public, transforming it into a gallery. The event takes guests through spaces filled with oil paintings, photography, sculpture, blown glass, wood carvings, ceramics and more, all spread over 150,000 square feet. The walk will feature live music, poetry readings, local food and debuts by local artists. Oct. 7-8, 6-10 p.m. 2511 Essex Pl., Walnut Hills, essexstudioscincinnati.com.
Saturday, October 8
Viking Weekend at the Ohio Renaissance Festival
Vikings will descend on the grounds of Renaissance Park in Waynesville on October 8-9 for the Ohio Renaissance Festival’s special Viking-themed weekend. Open through October 30, the festival brings beloved favorites, including jousting displays in full armor and giant turkey legs, to the 35-acre recreated Elizabethan village. And this year it offers 18 different performance areas and stages. October 8 and 9, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Renaissance Park, 10542 OH-73, Waynesville, renfestival.com.
The City Flea in Washington Park
The emerging market curated by City Flea returns to Washington Park. Vendors will be dotted around the grounds offering everything from vintage finds and handmade jewelry to artisanal foods, plenty of plants and apothecary items. Look for food trucks parked along the perimeter of the park as well. October 8, 10am-4pm. Free pass. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecityflea.com.
Pub Crawl Assistant at OTR
Looking for a magical night? Consider this your Hogwarts acceptance letter, because Over-the-Rhine is about to be transformed into a total magical insane asylum. Are you a Slytherin, or more of a Gryffindor? It doesn’t matter as long as you’re buying the next round. If you sign up for this pub crawl, you’ll get a new magic wand, drink specials at participating bars, the chance to play wizard-themed trivia, enter a costume contest (prize for the winner), and most importantly, the opportunity to connect with other magicians. . Just don’t go overboard with the butterbeer. October 8, 2-8 pm Over-the-Rhine, eventbrite.com.
Sunday, October 9
Classic Northern Kentucky Kickoff Cocktail
If you missed National Bourbon Heritage Month in September, there’s no need to worry: the Inaugural Northern Kentucky Cocktail Classic will give bourbon enthusiasts a chance to sip and savor one of Kentucky’s most prized exports. The Northern Kentucky Cocktail Classic is the finale of a month-long competition between bartenders on the B-Line, Northern Kentucky’s bourbon route. according to a press release. Northern Kentucky Cocktail Classic attendees will choose their four favorite bartenders, who will then move on to the finals for a chance to be crowned “Best Bartender on the B Line.” The event will also feature food from local restaurants and live entertainment. October 9, 2-9 pm Three Spirits Tavern, 209 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue. meetnky.com.
final performance of Sweat at the Cincinnati Ensemble Theater
Sweat, a 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage, is a socially conscious drama set in a working-class bar where factory layoffs and picketing are tearing apart friends and colleagues who have worked together for years. The show was commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2017, had a successful run at the New York Public Theater, and later transferred to Broadway. This production concludes the regional premiere of the play, continuing ETC’s long tradition of premiering major theatrical works. 2 p.m. Oct. 9. Ensemble Theater Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, ensemblecincinnati.org.
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