The first weekend of faux fall is in full swing, with lots to see and do. The weather might not be full-on fall yet, but your favorite seasonal festivities are beginning anyway. Starting off the weekend is the Vinoklet Art & Wine Festival. Nothing screams fall like sipping wine at a vineyard. Except for quite literally a haunted scream park, that is.
Yes, Land of Illusion’s Haunted Scream Park opens this weekend, featuring chilling attractions such as Temple of Terror, Killer Klowns, Dr. Psycho’s Haunted Estate and more. Now, if you’d rather scream with excitement instead of terror, cheer on Cincy’s college football team, the Bearcats, at their first home game of the season.
Other notable events include a huge outdoor concert at Smale Park. The Red Clay Strays, known for hit song “Wondering Why,” will be performing. And if you’re craving a bratwurst, head to Springboro Oktoberfest for some German food. Or if you’re hankering for some Cincinnati classics such as LaRosa’s pizza and Graeter’s ice cream, stop by the family-friendly block party in OTR, celebrating the opening of the Cincinnati Children’s Theatre.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best places to be this weekend.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
And so college football season begins! The Cincinnati Bearcats take on the Bowling Green Falcons this weekend.
Details: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nippert Stadium, 2700 Bearcat Way, University of Cincinnati. gobearcats.com.
2. Vinoklet Art & Wine Festival
Hear a new lineup of performers each day with Steve Summers on Friday and Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle on Saturday. Shop from art vendors, grab tasty bites to eat and, of course, sip on a glass (or two) of wine.
Details: 5:30-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday, Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant, 11069 Colerain Road, Colerain Township. vinokletwines.com.
3. The Red Clay Strays at Icon
Country rock band The Red Clay Strays are making a stop at Cincinnati for their “Get Right Tour.” Hear them perform their breakout single “Wondering Why.” Special guest The Dip will be joining them as support. Grab your tickets now!
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Icon Festival Stage, Smale Park, 25 Race St., Downtown. bradymusiccenter.com.
4. Oktoberfest Springboro
When it comes to festivals, Oktoberfest remains supreme – at least to Cincinnatians. Those in Springboro or those wanting to experience its charm can come to yet another Oktoberfest. Get ready for authentic German food from bratwurst to schnitzel. Throw back a cold “bier” or sip on a glass of wine. There will also be fun for the kids in their very own Kids Fun Zone. Expect plenty of games, polka music, dancing and fun for the whole family.
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, Springboro United Church of Christ, 5 West Mill St., Springboro. $5 admission, free active military with I.D. and kids under 12. oktoberfestspringboro.org.
5. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati block party
Who’s ready to party? The Children’s Theatre is throwing a family-friendly block party in OTR. Grab a bite from LaRosa’s and Graeter’s, and jam out to music from Q102. Have your face painted, get a new balloon animal friend, meet your favorite characters and more. Plus, of course, take a tour of the Emery Theater, the new home of The Children’s Theatre.
Details: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Emery Theater, 1112 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine. thechildrenstheatre.com.
6. Haunted Scream Park opening weekend
‘Tis the season for frights and delights! Land of Illusion’s Haunted Screampark opens this weekend. Enter horrifying attractions such as Temple of Terror, Killer Klowns, Dr. Psycho’s Haunted Estate, Middletown Haunted Trail, Phobia and Toxic Hillbillies.
Details: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown. landofillusion.com.
7. 117th Sycamore Church Lawn Fete
Peruse thousands of goodies, grab a bite to eat from the snack bar, and learn more about fellowship and local missions at the 117th Lawn Fete. Proceeds support Sycamore Presbyterian Preschool, Lesotho Nutrition Initiative and Hope’s Closet. The fun continues into Saturday, with Family Fun Day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, touch a truck, obstacle course, ice cream and crafts.
Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11800 Mason Road, Symmes Township. sycamorechurch.org.
8. Deon Cole at Hard Rock Casino
Actor, comedian and screenwriter Deon Cole, best known for his role in the television show “Black-ish,” is coming to Hard Rock Casino.
Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton. casino.hardrock.com.
9. Loveland Art Festival
See the work of nearly 70 artists at the eighth annual Loveland Art Festival. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice award. Hear live music and grab a bite to eat. There will be a booth highlighting the work of Loveland High School art students and booths dedicated to two non-profits.
Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Whistle Stop Clay Works, 119 Harrison Ave., Loveland. lovelandartfestival.com.
10. Ohio Renaissance Festival
Another weekend of the Ohio Ren Fest is here. Transport yourself back in time to the days where kings and queens ruled, and see over 100 daily shows. Try savory cuisine such as turkey legs, burgers and pulled pork. Wash it all down with a cold beer. Browse through the village “shoppes” offering homemade crafts.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 10542 E State Route 73, Waynesville. Runs every weekend Aug. 30-Oct. 26. renfestival.com.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cincinnati.com ’
