As late October arrives, the Queen City gets fully into the spirit of autumn and the upcoming spooky season with high-stakes college football, grand orchestral performances, and eerie historic explorations.
1. Cincinnati Bearcats Football vs. Texas Tech
When: Saturday, October 24 @ 12:00 PM
Where: Nippert Stadium
Big-time Big 12 college football returns home to campus! Catch an energetic, packed-house matchup under the crisp autumn sky as the Bearcats host the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a pivotal conference showdown.
2. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: Masterworks Series
When: Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24 @ 7:30 PM
Where: Cincinnati Music Hall (Springer Auditorium)
Immerse yourself in world-class music inside the acoustically world-renowned Music Hall. The CSO presents a special autumn weekend program featuring sweeping symphonic masterpieces and guest soloists.
3. Taft Theatre National Stand-Up Comedy Showcase
When: Friday, October 23 @ 8:00 PM
Where: Taft Theatre
Kick off your weekend downtown inside the historic Taft Theatre. Featuring a headlining national touring comedian, it offers a prime indoor entertainment option in an intimate, historic setting.
4. Over-the-Rhine Historic Underground & Haunted Vaults Tour
When: Saturday, October 24 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Over-the-Rhine Historic District
Get into the late-October Halloween spirit by stepping beneath the city streets. Local historians lead visitors through subterranean 19th-century lagering tunnels and hidden vaults, sharing haunting lore alongside the neighborhood's brewing legacy before finishing with a modern craft beer tasting.
5. Fall Sunset Kayak & City Lights Tour on the Ohio River
When: Saturday, October 24 @ 7:00 PM
Where: Public Landing (Downtown Riverfront)
Experience panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline as twilight sets in over the water. This guided evening paddle takes participants onto the Ohio River with front-row views of the illuminated bridges and glowing autumn shoreline.
6. Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) Curator-Led Gallery Walkthrough
When: Saturday, October 24 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Contemporary Arts Center (Downtown)
Explore cutting-edge modern creativity during a specialized weekend walkthrough of the museum's latest fall contemporary exhibitions, led by guest curators and resident artists.
7. Memorial Hall Chamber Music Series
When: Saturday, October 24 @ 7:30 PM
Where: Memorial Hall (Over-the-Rhine)
Enjoy an intimate evening of world-class classical chamber music inside one of the city's most acoustically pristine and architecturally stunning theaters.
8. Sunday Fall Foliage Jazz Brunch Cruise on the Ohio River
When: Sunday, October 25 @ 11:30 AM (Boarding)
Where: Newport Landing (BB Riverboats)
Wind down your weekend with a scenic cruise down the river. This specialized Sunday event features a full hot buffet, front-row views of the peak autumn colors along the riverbanks, and live instrumental jazz performed by a regional trio.
9. Washington Park Fall Night Market & Artisan Showcase
When: Saturday, October 24 @ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Washington Park (Over-the-Rhine)
Spend a crisp autumn evening browsing hand-selected goods from regional creators. This curated night market features pop-up boutiques, independent jewelry makers, interactive art displays, and a rotating lineup of gourmet food trucks.
10. Historic Music Hall Halloween Architecture & Lore Tour
When: Sunday, October 25 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Cincinnati Music Hall
Wrap up your weekend with a specialized tour focusing on the legendary lore, hidden spaces, and architectural marvels of one of America's most famous—and reputedly haunted—historic music halls.
Planning Tip: With game-day crowds heading to Nippert Stadium on Saturday afternoon and events taking place across OTR, utilize the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar to easily move between downtown, The Banks, and Over-the-Rhine without parking hassle!
