Halloween is fast approaching, and Cincinnati is crawling with some fang-tastic events this weekend.
On the sports front, the Cincinnati Cyclones make a thrilling return to the ice for their season opener. If you prefer soccer balls over pucks, FC Cincinnati plays its final regular season match against CF Montreal. And don’t forget to lace up your sneakers and join in the movement to end breast cancer at Making Strides Cincinnati.
If you’re in the mood for pumpkin patches and apple cider slushies, we’ve got you covered. Head to Harrison Pumpkin Festival to pick out the most gourd-geous pumpkin, or sip on a pumpkin spice latte and stroll through Charm at the Farm’s October Market to find the perfect fall decor for the home.
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.
1. Cincinnati Cyclones’ first face-off
Hockey season is here. The Cincinnati Cyclones take on the Wheeling Nailers this week. Arrive early for the Cyclones calendar giveaway (first 5,000 fans) and $2 hot dogs, soda and beer.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Heritage Bank Center, 647 Monmouth St., Newport. cycloneshockey.com.
2. Making Strides Cincinnati
Join in the movement uniting the community to end breast cancer. Donations go to Making Strides Cincinnati, which funds lifesaving breast cancer research. You can opt for either a run or walk, whichever suits you best. Show up for the survivor recognition ceremony and warm up before the run. In addition to the run/walk, you can also enjoy family-friendly activites such as a kids zone and live entertainment throughout the course.
Details: 8:30 a.m. Saturday 5K Run, 9 a.m. Saturday Walk, Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E Pete Rose Way, Downtown. Free. secure.acsevents.org.
3. Pumpkin Festival
Enjoy over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, live music, live demonstrations, activities for children and more. Grab a bite to eat from 24 food vendors. Participate in a pumpkin pie or donut eating contest, the pumpkin roll, the egg toss and sack races. Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, sunflower maze, scavenger hunt, face painting and pony rides. Pick your own pumpkin at the patch to take home.
Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 6040 Kilby Road, Harrison. $8, kids 12-under free. webersfarmmarket.com.
4. FC Cincinnati final regular season match
FC Cincinnati is back at TQL Stadium for another home game. This one’s special because it’s the final regular season match of the year. Root for them against CF Montreal. This game’s theme is Fan Appreciation Night.
Pre-Match at the Park: 2:30-5 p.m. Saturday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. washingtonpark.org.
Game: 6 p.m. Saturday, TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway, West End. fccincinnati.
5. Charm at the Farm’s October Market
Pumpkin spice season is here. Enjoy all your favorite fall treats such as coffee, cider, donuts and more. Shop for gifts and fall decor. Adopt a puppy from Pets of Ohio Rescue Team. Snap a selfie with a miniature Highland baby cow.
Details: 3:30-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Charm at the Farm, 4953 Bunnell Hill Road, Lebanon. Ticket prices vary per day. Kids 12-under free. Free parking. charmatthefarm.com.
6. Big Bone Lick’s annual Salt Festival
See demonstrations of early settler ways of life, salt making, archery, spear and tomahawk throwing. Stick around for entertainment such as storytelling, live music, crafts, food and more. Learn more about Kentucky’s early history at the park museum, and see active salt springs and the bison herd.
Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Big Bone Lick State Park, 3380 Beaver Road, Union. $10 ages 13-up, $5 ages 6-12, free ages 5-under. friendsofbigbone.org.
7. ‘For the Love of Kids’ Festival
Get ready for a day packed with fun activities, games and giveaways. Munch on free pizza and free cookies (while supplies last). Enjoy zoo animals, arts and crafts, circus performers, balloon animals and inflatables. Listen to musical performances from drummers, dancers and jazz artists, plus DJs.
Details: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. beechacres.org.
8. Pierce the Veil concert
Get ready to rock out with emo band Pierce the Veil, bringing its “I Can’t Hear You World Tour” to Riverbend. Joining them are special guests Health, Ecca Vandal and Like Roses.
Details: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. riverbend.org.
9. Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest
See the largest and most realistic dino exhibit on tour, dig for fossils and shine in the glow zone. Experiment at science stations, solve floor puzzles, create at Dino Crafts and Lego build stations, race on a 35′ derby track and pose with one of a kind Lego models.
Details: noon-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington. jurassicquest.com.
10. The Field of Nightmares
At this haunted attraction, walk down a winding path through an indoor cornfield. Beware of the frightening scenes inside and the spooky shadows following you at every turn.
Details: 8-10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 8 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, The KY Fieldhouse, 3785 Lake Park Drive, Covington. $15. thefieldofnightmares.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Never be bored. Here are the top 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend
Reporting by Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
