Fall is officially underway! The leaves are changing colors, pumpkins are back on the menu and you've probably already started thinking about this year's Halloween costume.
But the season will be over before you know it, so take advantage of autumn before it ends by attending one of these events happening in the Cincinnati area this fall!
To help you get started on your seasonal calendar, we rounded up some of our most anticipated fall happenings in the area. Here, you'll find everything from fun harvest festivals to must-attend 5K races and artisanal markets. Enjoy!
Where: Donauschwaben Park
When: October 4-6 | Friday 6 p.m-12:30 a.m.; Saturday 1 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Sunday 12-8 p.m.

The Donauschwaben Oktoberfest is hosted by the Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of German language and culture. The society's authentic Oktoberfest is held at Donauschwaben Park in Colerain Township, where you'll find over 25 beers on tap, live entertainment and delicious, homemade food.
Where: 16-Bit Bar+Arcade
When: October 5 | 3-10 p.m.
All wizards, witches and non-magical folk in Cincinnati are invited to the 3rd Annual Wizard Pub Crawl! Join hundreds of other Cincinnatians and celebrate wizardry, drink potions and party the night away. This year, a general admission ticket includes a signature wand, a completion certificate at the end of the crawl, a wizard wand box, a house colored wristband, exclusive themed drinks and so much more. There will also be a best-dressed competition, so be sure to wear your best robe and witches' hat for the occasion!
Where: Gorman Heritage Farm
When: October 5-6 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Make a trip to Gorman Heritage Farm in Evendale for the Sunflower Festival, a two-day celebration of all things related to the beautiful sunflower. Enjoy fall fun for all ages, including farm animals, food trucks, hayrides, arts and crafts, pumpkins, live music, pick-your-own sunflowers, a sunflower maze and much more. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and admission is $8 for adults, $5 for kids and seniors, free for members and kids under 3.
Where: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
When: October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27 | 12-5 p.m.
Each weekend throughout the month of October, take a walk on the wild side with the Cincinnati Zoo's special HallZOOween event. Activities include trick-or-treating, special animal encounters, a Hogwarts Express train ride, a Scare-ousel, and much more! There is no additional charge beyond zoo admission to attend this event. You can help the zoo go green by bringing your own treat bag.
Where: Downtown Hamilton
When: October 11-13 | Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Make a trip to downtown Hamilton for this exciting annual tradition! Operation Pumpkin is a three-day festival featuring live music, a zip line, crafts and lots of food and drinks. Popular events include the Lil' Miss Punkin beauty pageant on Saturday and the Pet Parade on Sunday with a costume contest for various dog size categories.
Where: Town Hall Park
When: October 12 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The College Hill community hosts an exciting pumpkin patch and fall festival each year, featuring lots of fall activities and games, live music, storytelling, food trucks and vendors, pony rides and much more. Plus, the massive pile of pumpkins in the middle of Town Hall Park will make a perfect photo opportunity for you and your family!
Where: Beech Acres Park
When: October 12 | 2-4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Anderson Parks District
The Anderson Parks District invites you to one of the community's favorite annual events: the Truck 'R Treat Fall Festival at Beech Acres. Enjoy a car show, music, games, prizes and lots of candy distributed from the trunks of classic cars decorated for Halloween. Costumes are encouraged for children participating in "trunk 'r treat" and $5 tickets can be purchased at the event.
Where: Keehner Park, West Chester
When: October 12 | 2-6 p.m.
This free family-friendly festival at Keehner Park in West Chester features endless fun and entertainment, including a puppet show and the Primrose School costume contest for ages 0–12. Plus, guests can enjoy a not-so-scary haunted trail, a petting zoo, a pony carousel, horse-drawn wagon rides and face painting—all absolutely free!
Where: Ault Park Pavillion
When: October 18 | 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Craft beer and costumes? Count us in! This Halloween bash will feature beer tastings from some of Cincinnati's best microbreweries along with delicious food from Family Treats & Grill on Wheels. Live music, including some hit 1970s Halloween songs, will be provided by Gee Your Band Smells Terrific. Tickets are $20 until October 16 when they will go up to $25. You can purchase tickets through the Ault Park website—and don't forget your costume!
Where: Pyramid Hill Grand Pavillion
When: October 19 | 7-11 p.m.
Head to the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton for the Zombie Ball! Dress as your favorite undead character, such as a zombie, vampire or mummy and enjoy an evening filled with DJ music, a haunted hayride, a zombie photo booth and much more. Tickets to the Zombie Ball start at $30 per person or $50 for a couple and includes access to the horror-themed buffet and an open bar of beer and wine from 7–9 p.m. and a cash bar from 9–11 p.m.
Where: Weber's Farm Market
When: October 19-20 | Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Since its inception as the Minges Pumpkin Festival in 1984, this annual event now held at Weber's Farm Market in Harrison has evolved into a massive celebration of autumn and all its glory. The Weber Family Pumpkin Festival features live music, more than 150 arts and crafts exhibitors, delicious food, live demonstrations and many activities for kids. The event showcases many elements of the farm and encourages visitors to develop a deep connection with both agriculture and their community. Admission is $5 and free for kids 12 and under.
Where: Findlay Market
When: October 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Savor the rich flavors of fall at the Fall Food Fest at Findlay Market in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. This annual event features pumpkin painting, cooking demos, a children's scavenger hunt, live music, craft cocktails and seasonal beers, merchant specials and more. Admission to the Fall Food Fest is free.
Where: Spring Grove Cemetary & Arboretum
When: October 20 | 1-3 p.m.

Join the Spring Grove horticulture staff as they highlight the very best of Cincinnati's autumn colors in the arboretum on this unique, seasonal walking tour! Reservations are required and space is limited, so make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.
Where: Washington Park
When: October 26-27 | 12-6 p.m.
Head to Washington Park for a weekend filled with fall family fun just before Halloween! Fall Fest Weekend offers a jam-packed entertainment lineup for all ages—including a pumpkin patch, kid's activities and a variety of local vendors selling crafts and homemade items, baked goods and so much more.
Where: Kennedy Heights Art Center Lindner Annex
When: November 8 | 6-8 p.m.
All throughout the season, the Nancy Gamon Studio will hold workshops—including hand embroidery, wearable art, a clothing swap and more. The fruits of these unique workshops will be on display at the Lindner Annex for one November evening. Come out and enjoy light bites, mingle with workshop participants and view the "creative harvest" that they worked on all season!
Where: Rhinegeist Brewery
When: November 10 | 12-7 p.m

Photo courtesy of Art on Vine
Art on Vine evolved from a college project created by James Jenkins and started as an eight-vendor market settled on Vine Street. Today, the event features more than 75 vendors and fills Rhinegeist Brewery every year with hundreds of arts and crafts lovers. For a unique, fun, one-on-one shopping experience, you won't want to miss this one!
Where: Otto Armleder Park
When: November 30 | 7:15 a.m.
Before you dig into your Thanksgiving feast, consider starting your holiday off with a festive 5K! The Cincinnati Hungry Turkey begins at Otto Armleder Park and winds through picturesque terrain. Participants will be rewarded with locally made and absolutely delicious Holtman's Donuts at the finish line. Plus, brownie points will be awarded if you show up in a turkey costume!
Where: The Carnegie Center
When: November 30 | 12 p.m.
Kick off your holiday shopping this year at the Holiday Artisan Market! This one-of-a-kind artisan market features handcrafted gifts and unique finds made by local artists you can feel good about giving to your loved ones. Tickets cost $5 per person and $15 for a family of four.
Let us know what fun things you're planning to do this season in the comments!