School may be back in session, but Cincinnati continues to pack in the family fun!
Are you looking for our roundup of pumpkin, festivals, and fall family fun? Find it HERE!
September 1-6
FREE Summer Cinema, Washington Park
9-11p
September 2: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Formerly called Date Night Movies, Summer Cinema features a free movie screening every Wednesday at the Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and join us for a fun, relaxing evening over on our civic lawn.
AVP Pro Beach Volleyball, Lindner Family Tennis Center
September 3-6
The AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour again makes a stop at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Cincinnati’s nearby town of Mason Ohio. Cincinnati has been a mainstay on the domestic tour over the past decade and there has been a pro beach volleyball event in Cincinnati (or Mason) each year since 2005. This year the marquee matches will be played in the larger 5,500 seat Grandstand Stadium court. In addition to the world’s best beach volleyball talent, this ultimate beach festival will feature interactive activations, music, food, and more. General admission is free with tickets available to special covered premium seating areas and a hosted lounge.
FREE Shakespeare in the Park
September 3 & 4, 7p
Performances of Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in parks across the tri-state area! See website for locations!
Friday Night Grillouts, Lake Isabella
September 4, 5-8p
Leave Friday night dinner to us! Enjoy an evening at the lake with delicious grilled meals from $8.50-$10 and live music on the pier from 6-8 p.m. The park playground and boathouse will also be open for fun activities for all ages. Lake Isabella/Boathouse
Liberty Home Oktoberfest, Liberty Home German Society
September 4-6
$3, free ages 13 and under
Mettwurst or bratwurst sandwiches, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels, cabbage rolls, potato pancakes, cream puffs, German desserts and more. With German beer, games, rides dancing and entertainment. See website for schedules!
FREE Incline District Street Fair, Price Hill
September 5, 9a-3p
Enjoy the treasures of Price Hill along with local food, craft beer and artisan vendors.
FREE Cruise-A-Palooza, Coney Island
September 5, 12-4p
This classic car show features hundreds of makes and models from all through the years! Professional judges will award trophies to the top 50 cars. Prizes and music by DJ Hughes make this event fun for the entire family!
Admission to the event is FREE. Normal rates apply for Sunlite Pool and Coney’s Classic Rides
FREE Family First Saturday: Museum Music, Cincinnati Art Museum
September 5, 12-4p
We’re celebrating the wonderful world of music with live performances, visiting artists, storytelling, scavenger hunts, tours, hands-on art making and more! Don’t miss the fun at this all-ages family day.
FREE 10th Annual Chamberpalooza with the Chamber Music Network of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Art Museum
September 5, 12-4p
Get a taste for chamber music at the 10th annual Chamberpalooza. Enjoy great music and special activities for children. Drawings will be held throughout the event for tickets to chamber music concerts, CDs, T-shirts. It’s fun, it’s free, and there’s something for everyone.
Great Amazing Race, Voice of America MetroPark
September 5, 4p
The Great Amazing Race is a national skills competition that features two-person teams racing through an obstacle course in competition with their peers. Since 2012 – this exciting adventure race series, modeled after the popular TV show, has invited contestants to complete a one-mile course sprinkled with up to eight fun-filled outdoor challenges. Clue cards provided at each station instructs teams to complete a task (obstacle, game, relay, etc.), before advancing to the next challenge station. How well teammates work together (communicate & collaborate) is the most essential ingredient to winning the race. Team Entry Fee: $48.00 Early / $60.00 Race Day (Walk-ups are accepted). The race is open to everyone – runners, joggers and walkers – pee wees to grandparents.
FREE Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Summer Series, Devou Park
September 5, 7:30p
Broadway vets Pamela Myers and Jessica Hendy dish about Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber and deliver stand out songs from their hit musicals accompanied by the KSO. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. The restroom pavilion is open. Food trucks will be on hand to serve up some tasty treats too! Admission is free, though a $5.00 per person donation is suggested. No registration or tickets required. Funds collected at this concert will be matched- dollar for dollar! Free parking.
FREE Riverfest, Downtown Cincinnati
September 6, 12-10p
The event will be September 6th from 12-10 p.m. at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove. The thrilling Western & Southern / WEBN Fireworks presented by Cincinnati Bell will start at 9:05 p.m., featuring Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks choreographed to a WEBN American Themed soundtrack. The event includes family friendly activities such as live music, family fun zones, vendor booths, and a Live Broadcast from the Serpentine Wall with WEBN and the KiddChris Show starting at noon.
Rubber Duck Regatta, Purple People Bridge
September 6, 3-4p
That afternoon, as many as 200,000 ducks will swim in the Ohio River near the Serpentine Wall. The first prize winner will receive a 2016 Honda HR-V and possibly $1 million, if their duck is the KEMBA Million Dollar Duck. The second prize winner will receive $100 from Kroger every week for a year ($5,200 total), and five additional winners will receive $500 cash from KEMBA Credit Union. Ducks, which are $5 each or six for $25, will be available online the first week of July. Individuals can also buy ducks at the check-out of their neighborhood Kroger store from July 17 – September 5. Event benefits the Freestore Foodbank.
September 7-13
Labor Day Picnic, Stricker’s Grove
September 7, 12-8p
$12 per person (Includes: All rides, roller coasters, free parking)
Kids 2 and under are free
$1 Cotton Candy
$1 Sno Kones
$1 Popcorn
$1 Soft Drinks
Ride Hours: 1pm – 4pm and 5pm – 8pm (Rides close 1 hour for dinner)
* CASH ONLY at entrance gate. ATM is available on-site.
* Height Requirements Apply.
FREE Bluegrass Concert and Fireworks, Clermont County/Sporty’s Airport
The free concert featuring the Comet Bluegrass All Stars will begin at 6:30pm with a second set scheduled to begin at 8pm. Fireworks by Rozzi’s will begin at dark. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic basket and coolers with the entire family for a free evening of delightful music and fun.
Family Night, Hofbrauhaus
September 8, 6-9p
The 2nd Tuesday each month at Hofbräuhaus Newport it’s “Family Night!” Kids eat free, face painting, balloon animals, origami art and more! Bring the family out for a great time. Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.
Clinton County Corn Festival, Clinton County Fairgrounds
September 11-13
Celebrate agricultural heritage and honor one of area’s biggest industries. Featuring antique farm machinery, parade, games, food made from corn, quilt show and music. $4-$7
FREE MainStrasse Village Oktoberfest, MainStrasse Village
September 11-13
German and American food and entertainment.
Preparing for Night, Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods
September 11 & 12, 5-10p
Discover secret sights and sounds of nature at night. Bring flashlight and visit interactive stations along trails featuring animals and insects that make use of cover of darkness. Picnic, live music and free ice cream. Food trucks visit. Purchase tickets at the event. Member adult $7, child $3, Family max $20, Nonmember adult $10, child $5, Family max $30
Through the Decades Variety Show, Sharonville Cultural Arts Center
September 11 & 12
“Through the Decades” Variety Show is presented by the talented teeenagers of Performing Arts, Inc. Shows will be Friday, September 11, 2015 at 7:00pm and Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 4:00 & 7:00pm. Cost of tickets is $10.00 – please call (513) 554-1014 for tickets.
FREE Anderson Township’s Fall Festival, Anderson Center Station
September 12, 9a-1p
Petting zoo, food trucks, entertainment and apple roll for children!
Cincinnati Comicon, Northern Kentucky Convention Center
September 12-13
Celebrating comic creations of all kinds. Special appearance from Cameron Stewart and admission to Comicon gets admission to Bricks on the Banks Lego Expo.
FREE Art in the Park, Bellevue Beach Park
September 12, 11a-5p
Bellevue’s Art in the Park exemplifies every element of a great community festival — 90+ local artists, craftspeople, musicians and delicious eats in a charming urban greenspace — and it’s back for the 14th year, sponsored by WNKU.
FREE Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest, Hofbrauhaus
September 12-13
Contests, Circus Acts, Face Painting, & Bier!
FREE HealthPoint Hopebox Derby, Wright’s Summit
September 12, 12-5p
Soapbox car racing to benefit Healthpoint’s Pike Street Clinic for the Homeless. Area businesses race soapbox cars to compete for trophy. Children’s games, car show, activities and food and drink for purchase.
Cincinnati Hispanic Fest, Hamilton County Fairgrounds
September 12-13
Food, entertainment, Hispanic culture and more! $8 per car; $1 walk-in
FREE Middletown Arts Festival, Donham Plaza
September 12, 12-8p
The Middletown Arts Festival will come to life on September 12th, full of spectacular art from around the region. The one-day event will feature both visual and performing arts across several sites in downtown Middletown running from Middletown Arts Center to Governor’s Square. Event organizers are now opening up the show to local artists through an open call for art submissions. The Middletown Arts Festival aims to bring some of the best visual and performing artists from Southwest Ohio and beyond to Middletown, Ohio to celebrate talented individuals and groups.
ScopeOut Science & Education Fair, Cincinnati Observatory Center
September 12, 12-10p
Our all day (and all night) celebration of Astronomy, Science and Education. This year we celebrate the International Year of Light, Jules Verne, the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, 25 years of the Hubble Space telescope and more! Talks, science demonstrations and hands-on activities, safe sun viewing, STEM. (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), Environmental Education and History exhibitors. And more than a few surprises too.
Admission:
$7 Adults, $5 Kids
Optional Dinner and Keynote Presentation $25 per person. Reservations Required.
FREE Taylor Mill Park Fest, Pride Park
September 12, 2-11p
Live music by The Derek Alan Band and The Rusty Griswolds. Rides, games, food, and fireworks.
FREE Weekend in the 1800s, Shawnee Lookout Park
September 12-13
Glimpse into Cincinnati’s past, when settlers were first moving into Ohio River Valley. Families learn history first-hand from reenactors in period clothing, discover herbal garden’s nature cures or try hand at day-to-day chores of settlers like making candle or broom.
FREE Cincinnati Jazz and BBQ Festival, Madisonville
September 12, 3-8p
Join us for delicious BBQ and the best jazz in town!
Mike Wade & the Mighty Groovers
Triage featuring Eugene Goss
Ron D’s BBQ | Just Q’in | and more!
• MadTree Craft Beer • Art Mart • Games and Activities for Kids
September 14-20
Cincinnati Comic Expo, Duke Energy Convention Center
September 18-20
The Cincinnati Comic Expo has been entertaining thousands of fans since 2010 with an annual show celebrating all periods and genres of pop culture with an emphasis on comics. The 2015 event will be held from Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 20, at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Our show plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, artwork, games, toys, movies and television. Our panels, autograph sessions, and photo ops give you a chance to interact with your favorite creators and celebrities. Admission to the Cincinnati Comic Expo also includes Kid Con, the Tabletop Gaming Room, the costume contest, and many other exciting events!
FREE Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati, Downtown Cincinnati
September 18-20
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, presented by Sam Adams, is where more than half-a-million herren und frauen will converge on a six-block area of Fifth Street to eat, sing, mingle, sport lederhosen, listen to polka music, try to speak German and perform the Chicken Dance! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati features seven stages showcasing continuous live German music and more than 30 food vendors serving close to 200 dishes. And don’t forget the weiner dog races on Fountain Square!
Pops at the Movies, Music Hall
September 18-20
JMR and the Pops take you on a journey through the American Film Institute’s Top 25 film scores in full orchestral splendor. Experience the iconic music from classics such as Gone With the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia, to blockbusters such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and The Godfather.
KIDS’ TICKETS JUST $10
FREE FallFair Arts Festival, Cottell Park
September 19, 11a-5p
*Over 80 local and regional artists! Ceramics, Photography, Jewelry, Woodworking, Mixed Media, Fiber, Painting, Drawing and Sculpture.
*Children’s Art Making Tent
*Inside Snyder House Gallery – with The Arts Alliance Painters Exhibit “Cows, Chickens, Hens & Roosters” Celebrating rural life!
*NEW!! The FallFair Artists Auction – over 35 works of art in our Silent Auction!
10 beautifully decorated trees by the “BOMBSHELLS” of Cincinnati…wait until you see them!! Up for AUCTION.
*GOOD eats!
*Fly a kite
**please note – all auction income will be put toward The Arts Alliance’s Take pART Initiative, giving ALL kids the chance to go to our summer art camps!
FREE A Fair of the Arts, Beech Acres Park
September 19, 11a-4p
This 15th annual event features local artists who offer works of art in fine crafts, fiber art, stained glass, pottery, mixed media, photography, fine jewelry, painted furniture, etc. Patrons stroll Beech Acres Park, listen to live music, and mingle with the artists. There will be food and soft drinks for those looking to fuel their appetites while browsing.
FREE The Family MudQuest, Springdale Community Center
September 19, 1-3p
Get down and get dirty in the ‘Dale with your family and friends! Springdale will host the third annual Family MudQuest before the start of the ComeUnity Bash. Last year, over 100 participants slopped their way through an obstacle course designed to be muddy and fun. Through mud pits, over hay bales, and down the slippery slope are just a few of the challenges in this messy and fun family event.
Everyone is welcome to participate or come out and watch. Pre-register by September 10 to guarantee your team gets FREE event t-shirts.
FREE Springdale ComeUnity Bash, Springdale Community Center
September 19, 3-9p
Join your neighbors and friends in thecommunity for a full day of wholesome family fun and entertainment at the Springdale ComeUnity Bash on Saturday, September 19th. As the name would imply, the event is offered to provide an opportunity for people of all ages in the community to come together, socialize and enjoy life in Springdale.
Bluegrass for Babies, Sawyer Point
September 19, 3-9p
The 2015 Bluegrass for Babies Benefit Concert will feature performances by two of the region’s top bluegrass bands, Comet Bluegrass All-Stars and Hickory Robot, with nationally noted bluegrass band, Cabinet, headlining. The family friendly fundraising event will also feature food by Dewey’s Pizza, Eli’s Barbeque and Mazunte, healthy snacks by Green BEAN Delivery, craft beer, and a wide variety of interactive games and activities provided by community partners. $100 for family; $20, $15 advance; free for children. Family package includes two adult tickets, parking pass, two T-shirts for children, VIP perks and website recognition. $8 parking.
FREE Cincinnati Zombie Walk, Freestore Foodbank Rosenthal Community Kitchen
September 19, 7:30-8:30p
Cincinnati Comic Expo and STARS Cincinnati present the 2015 Cincinnati Zombie Walk! This is the seventh annual Zombie Walk and is also an annual Canned Food Drive for the Freestore Foodbank. Meet and gather to donate food items at 7:30pm. The Walk will begin at 8pm. The Walk is open to all ages and there is no charge to participate in the Zombie Walk. (Attendees are invited to join the Zombie Walk After-Party in Hall C of the convention center. There is a $10 charge to attend the party. However, if you purchased a CINCINNATI COMIC EXPO VIP badge admission is FREE! There will be music, dancing, performances, and a cash bar.)
Back to the Future: Live in Concert, Music Hall
September 19, 8p
2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the cult-classic sci-fi adventure Back to the Future. To celebrate, come hear the Pops as they perform Alan Silvestri’s uplifting, iconic score—live, while the high definition film plays over the stage.
KIDS’ TICKETS JUST $10
FREE MUM Family Fun Fest, Miami University Middletown
September 20, 2-6p
Free bounce house, door prizes, community partner scavenger hunt, coloring contest, raffles, music, 25 cent carnival games and food for purchase. Nonperishable food donations for local charities are welcomed (but not required) at door.
September 21-27
FREE Glendale Craft Beer and Wine Festival, Glendale Village Square
September 25-26
The Fest will feature craft beer & wine tastings with unique food pairings from local food trucks, live music, along with local vendors and artisans on Friday, September 25th, 5-11pm. The Fest continues on Saturday, September 26th with kids activities from Noon-5pm. Saturday evening the Craft Beer & Wine Fest continues with craft beers and wine tastings, food trucks, live music, and local vendors and artisans.
FREE O.F.F. Market, Oakley Square
September 26, 10a-4p
The O.F.F. Market is a monthly, pop-up marketplace, curated to bring fresh, high quality items to you. Small businesses, entrepreneurs, farmers, scavengers, bakers, chefs,artisans, fashionistas and everything in between. Monthly. Local. All around good stuff. Cincinnati artisans, peddlers and food vendors are taking over the heart of Oakley! There will be no shortage of food trucks, tunes, shopping, or beer!
FREE Cincinnati Street Food Festival, Walnut Hills
September 26, 11a-5p
The festival is free to attend and we’ve got your favorite local food trucks, fantastic live music, local craft beer, fun for kiddos (and adults) and few other surprises!
FREE Cincy Summer Streets, Over-the-Rhine
September 26, 11a-3p
Cincy Summer Streets opens up the city’s largest public space – our streets, and creates a car-free space for everyone to play, run, walk, bike, skate, dance, create art, connect with their neighbors, and support local businesses.
FREE Fort Wright End of Summer Picnic, Battery Hooper Park
September 26, 1-6p
Free Burgers, Brats, Metts, and Hot Dogs – Chips – Cookies – Soft Drinks
‘Fire Up the Night’ International Fireworks Competition, Coney Island
September 26, Gates open at 4p, Fireworks begin at 8:30p
See four fireworks shows in one night! You’ll be amazed as teams from around the world compete for best fireworks display, followed by a stunning finale by Rozzi’s! Plus, enjoy Coney’s Classic Rides, live entertainment, and Party IN Sunlite Pool! Join us for this spectacular display of sound, color and music along with an evening of family fun like no other!
$30 per carload – includes parking, Classic Rides and event admission
•Carload pricing applies only to average size vehicles (cars, trucks, minivans) with legally seated passengers. Additional passengers will be charged $5.00 per person.
•Season Passholders (passholder must be driving): $25 per carload
•Commercial and high-capacity vans and limousines: $50.00
•Buses and RV’s: $100.00
•Walk-ins: $5.00
•No re-entry
•No outside food or beverage permitted
•Guests may bring chairs for seating. No lounge chairs or oversized chairs please.
FREE Merchants and Music Festival, Tower Park
September 26, 2p-12a
Bret Michaels headlines. Featuring 125 local merchants and food booths. Music, wine fest, USO tent, children’s area, farmers market.
FREE Taste of the Levee, Newport on the Levee
September 26, 12-7p
Come out and taste delicious food offerings from a variety of Levee dining venues! Taste also features beer, live music, and street performer entertainment throughout the day. Each food item is $3 or less!
FREE Great Outdoor Weekend, Greater Cincinnati
September 26-27
Nation’s largest outdoor recreation and nature education sampler, offering free outdoor events for families. More than 120 activities and programs, hosted at 40 different sites across Tri-state region.
FREE Art Off Pike: Creative Urban Arts Festival, MainStrasse Village
September 27, 11a-5p
Join us for incredible arts, culture, food, and booze! In addition to the amazing artists we will have, there are exciting new additions to Art Off Pike this year. Music and performances will take place in Madlot at 7th and Washington and will feature performance, music, dance, spoken word and more!
September 28-30
Ongoing Events
Allie Art “Color Me Happy” Art Show, Westheimer Gallery
September 5-26
Allie has been invited back to the Westheimer Glallery, located in the Sharonville Cultural Arts Center, for a one-woman show the month of September! Come for food, fun and a chance to meet the artist: Friday, Sept. 11, 6-9pm & Saturday, Sept. 12, 10am-1pm.
Old West Festival
September 12-October 18
$12, $6 ages 6-12; free ages 5 and under
Relive days of Wild West in unique entertainment experience. Re-enactments, trick shooting and roping, demonstrations, rides, food and music. Free parking. Rain or shine. Children’s wristband $5 allows kids unlimited train rides, panning for gold, slingshot, bow and arrow and lasso.
Ohio Renaissance Festival
September 5-October 25 (weekends only)
Cheer your favorite knight to victory as he competes for the queen’s honor in the thrilling full-armored joust. The lanes are bustling with storytellers, strolling musicians, singers, dancers and villagers welcoming you to a festive day of living history. Feast like royalty on juicy roasted turkey legs, fresh-baked bread bowl stews, fish ‘n chips, steak-on-a-stake, and a variety of the finest beers and wines. The sprawling landscape is dotted with 12 stages and a unique open-air shopper’s marketplace with more than 130 merchants and demonstrating craftsmen. Visitors of all ages will be amused by the games of skill and human-powered rides. Try your hand at archery and see if you’re a modern-day Robin Hood, or climb the castle tower and rescue the lovely damsel in distress. $21.95, $9.95 ages 5-12; discounts available online
Entertrainment Junction
Everything Thomas: August 1-September 13
Magical indoor celebration of kids’ favorite Thomas the Train, with several Thomas train layouts, Thomas videos, Thomas scavenger hunt, Thomas coloring and crafts and our indoor kids’ train ride PLUS our hobby shop has the area’s largest selection of Thomas merchandise all 15% to 50% off!
Jack-O-Lantern Junction: September 26-November 1
Halloween fun for the whole family! First walk-thru our trick or treat maze and see kid friendly ghosts, skeletons and more. Stop and color, or see Halloweenville our miniature animated display. Plus come and enjoy the area’s only indoor Pumpkin Patch, where kids get a free mini pumpkin. Also open this year are our two outdoor kid’s train rides themed for the Halloween season. And as always you can experience the world’s largest indoor train display or enjoy hours of fun in our kid’s play area.
FREE Where the Wild Things Are, Washington Park
September 20, 27
“Where The Wild Things Play” returns this fall to Washington Park! Join us for an afternoon of kid-friendly activities designed to enthrall and entertain your little “wild one”.
Cincinnati Zoo
There’s always fun to be had at the zoo!
September 26: Cincinnati Walks for Kids
Weeki Wachee Mermaids, Newport Aquarium
September 25-October 12
View real-life mermaid, clad in colorful fish-tailed costume, swimming underwater in aquarium’s 60,000-gallon Coral Reef exhibit that features nearly 200 aquatic animals and more than 50 species of fish.
MERMAID & PIRATE BREAKFAST: October 4 & 11, 2015; 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Meet the Mermaids & Cruise with the Pirates: Friday, October 9, 2015
MERMAID & PIRATE FAMILY BALL: Friday, September 25, 2015; 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Current Exibits:
Through September 7 – Queen City Baseball: Diamonds and Stars
Through September 20 – Treasures of Our Military Past
Through September 7 – Science of Sports
Opening August 26 – The Rhythm of Nature: Traditional Chinese Landscapes
Free Friday: September 11, 4-8p
Includes Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum and the Museum of Natural History & Science only.
A Bevy of Blossoms and A Flock of Flowers, Krohn Conservatory
September 5-October 25
What do you call a room FULL of chrysanthemums? We call it spectacular. Open Tuesday – Sunday 10a.m. – 5p.m. Adults $7, Youth (5-12years old) $4, Children FREE (1-4years old)
September 5, 11a-3p: Labor Day Staycation; Learn about history of harvest and create seasonal crafts.
September 12, 11a-2p: Fall Harvest Celebration; Food, seasonal crafts, and more
BB Riverboats Kids Cruises
Historic Cincinnati Sightseeing Cruise
Ice Cream Social Sundays
Pirates of the Ohio Cruise
Super Hero Cruise
Princess Cruise
