Things To Do in Black Cincinnati: October 21–27
This Week's Features:
Black Cincinnatians can routinely and affordably enjoy the performing arts, fine arts, musicians, entertainers, comedians, program initiatives, and more. Arts and entertainment can help improve physical and mental health.
Monday, October 21
Getting Spooky with Gary the Lion
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
TQL Stadium (West End)
Free Admission
Join FC Cincinnati’s mascot for a night of family-friendly Halloween trick-or-treating fun.
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Woodward Theater (OTR)
Starting at $12
See the story of a female gang leader forced to live a violent life that contrasts with her real desires. The film allows audiences to get to know the work of some of the best Puerto Rican and Dominican filmmakers working today.
7:30 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Starting at $39
Journey through Motown’s best, including The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and more.
PLANNING AHEAD
November 1
8 p.m.
Andrew J. Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Starting at $52
Following the release of her highly anticipated third studio album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, the Grammy-nominated rapper will be joined on stage by special guests Mariah The Scientist and Karrahbooo.
Tuesday, October 22
Times vary
Mariemont Theatre (Mariemont)
$5
Tarrell Rodin, an American painter, lives with his wife, Aisha, and their son, Jermaine. His art channels the pain of his past, but his path to success falters when his estranged father, La’Ron, a recovering addict, returns seeking reconciliation. Starring Andre Holland, John Earl Jelks, and Andra Day.
8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Rosedale (OTR)
Free Admission
See a showing of Beetlejuice while enjoying complimentary gourmet popcorn, Halloween cocktails, and more. Ends Oct. 29.
7 p.m.
Caffe Vivace (East Walnut Hills)
Starting at $5
In an intimate jazz lounge, hear live contemporary jazz from the Ryan Hamilton Combo and Modern Jazz Combo bands.
7:30 p.m.
Woodward Theater (OTR)
Staring at $12
Chronicles the extraordinary efforts of an unlikely group of warehouse workers as they launch a grassroots union campaign at an Amazon fulfillment center in Staten Island, New York.
PLANNING AHEAD
November 2
6 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $150
Join the African American Chamber of Commerce for an enchanting night of grandeur, elegance, and excellence. Begin with a delightful cocktail hour, followed by a sumptuous dinner. Witness the induction of illustrious businesses into the Black Business Hall of Fame and the presentation of the Leaving a Legacy and Chairman’s Awards.
Wednesday, October 23
10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Honey Uninhibited (Covington)
Pricing varies
The kitchen serves Southern brunch classics crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Unwind with specialty crafted drinks and mimosa kits while basking in the ambiance of music and art decor.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Community Action Agency (Bond Hill)
Free Admission
300 Families will receive one free batch of 50 diapers per month for each child living in the household. Hamilton County residents only. No registration is required. There are no income restrictions.
7:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (Mt. Adams)
Pay What You Can
A compelling drama based on Rutka’s Notebook — a publication of the diary left behind by 14-year-old Rutka Laskier and a shining example of how even one small voice can make a difference in the world. Ends November 10.
8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
REDefined Studios (Colerain)
Starting at $10
Learn various routines and burn calories with a choreographer while dancing to upbeat music. Heels are optional.
PLANNING AHEAD
November 8
7 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Starting at $195
Enjoy an unforgettable evening with tasty bites, creative cocktails, and entertainment! Dancing, photo booths, and dazzling decor with balloon and LED installations, glitter body art, and floral displays while gaining exclusive access to world-class exhibits.
Thursday, October 24
5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cuts Plus Barbershop (OTR)
Free Admission
Discuss ways to navigate forgiveness while enjoying light refreshments and getting free shape-ups, tapers, or beard trims.
6 p.m.
Freedom Center (Downtown)
Free Admission
An expert panel of community leaders, legal scholars, and activists will discuss the impact of race on capital punishment sentencing, highlighting how these practices contribute to a larger pattern of racial injustice.
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Taft Museum (Downtown)
$15
Deborah Willis, Ph. D., examines each image of the exhibition and the importance of implementing a radical approach to depicting the complexity and depth of Black beauty in art and culture globally.
6:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
Freedom Center (The Banks)
$34
Hear the StringSource Quartet play Halloween-inspired songs like Thriller, The Addams Family, Beetlejuice, and more.
7:30 p.m.
Aronoff Center (Downtown)
Starting at $20
Inspired by daily life in Guinea, this illuminating production shares African culture's beauty, youth, and artistry. Filled with color and impressive scenery, costumes, and staging, the performance vibrates with energy and represents young Africans’ strength, agility, and joy. Click the link for the discount code.
7:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Ibiza Restaurante & Lounge (Woodlawn)
$25
An unforgettable night with a high-energy live performance to keep you on your feet all night long.
8 p.m.
Madison Live! (Covington)
Starting at $12
Dance the night away to live R&B in an acoustically and aesthetically pleasing venue.
7 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Starting at $30
A brand new multi-generational gathering of women from every age and stage of life. With deep biblical content from Lisa Harper, Sadie Robertson Huff, Oneka McClellan, and worship by TAYA.
PLANNING AHEAD
November 8
7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $45
Known for her soulful voice and hits like “Closer,” the songstress blends R&B, soul, and jazz influences to create a unique and captivating sound. Coming off the success of her sixth album, experience her unforgettable vibe.
Friday, October 25
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum (Eden Park)
Free Admission
Enjoy hip-hop and R&B music from DJ Diamond, tarot card readings, cash bars, food for purchase, self-guided ghost tours, and pictures at a photo booth. Wear your costume or black and white attire. No full facial coverings.
6 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Free Admission
Celebrate the legacy of Dayton poet and author. A pioneer who paved the way for the Harlem Renaissance. The evening includes a vocal performance accompanied by a pianist and a Q&A after the film.
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6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Heritage Village Museum (Sharonville)
Starting at $15 | Members and Children under 2 FREE
Explore the village and meet ghosts, witches, spiders, a mad scientist, and more. Enjoy balloon art, games, a creepy critter zoo, face painting, storytelling, and purchase snacks from the concession stand. Purchase snacks from the concession stand. Wear your costume.
6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt. Lookout)
Starting at $10
Experience the vibrant energy of a live performance by the 13-piece band as they fill the stage with dynamic renditions of R&B and soul hits.
7 p.m.
Funny Bone (Liberty Township)
Starting at $32
Hear one of the sharpest, fastest-rising voices featured on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” with Trevor Noah. Ends Oct. 26.
7 p.m.
Heritage Bank Center (Downtown)
Starting at $59
Dru Hill, SILK, and Next deliver captivating performances of smooth R&B, blending lush harmonies and nostalgic hits, taking you on a journey back to the essence of '90s soul.
7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Taft Museum (Downtown)
Free Admission
Mix, mingle, and experience the new exhibition Posing Beauty in African American Culture while delighting in complimentary light bites, cocktails at the cash bar, and a sneak preview of the Black Opera Project exhibit.
7:30 p.m.
Aronoff Center (Downtown)
Starting at $24
The three-part contemporary dance performance draws inspiration from the infamous Doomsday Clock. Through a triptych of movements, "100 Seconds to Midnight" confronts misogyny, unpacks the generational effects of colonization, and scrutinizes the expectations placed upon women regarding duty, tradition, and assimilation. Ends Oct. 26.
8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Oasis at Grace (College Hill)
Starting at $15
Dress in your most imaginative Halloween costume and take the stage to showcase your talent in poetry, comedy, and performance art. Prizes for the best costume.
9 p.m. - 2:30 a.m.
The Williams Frances Theatre (Carthage)
Starting at $35
Party with RL from R&B group Next after the R&B Vibe Tour. Enjoy live music from Master Fresh DJ and drinks.
PLANNING AHEAD
November 9 – January 6
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Pricing Varies
Track-level views reveal intricate details of the display, where over 300 rail cars and 60 locomotives steam past visitors. The Northern Lights display is the perfect backdrop for family photos as wispy green lights dance behind you and snow-rimmed trees surround you.
Saturday, October 26
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $17.50
Join world-class roasters, professional baristas, coffee vendors, bakers, and chocolatiers for a day of live music, latte art demos, and free tastings of exceptional coffees, teas, pastries, chocolates, and other artisanal treats. Ends Oct. 27.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Delta Hotels (Sharonville)
$100
Dr. Barbara Bryant speaks to attendees about ways to tap into opportunities available through sisterhood and spiritual fellowship. Ends Oct. 27.
Noon – 3 p.m.
ArtsConnect Front Lawn (Finneytown)
Free Admission
Families are invited to dress up the kids for trick-or-treating with local businesses, explore the hay maze, paint mini pumpkins, join a scavenger hunt, and snap photos with the Mystery Machine. Enjoy hot chocolate and games with the Halloween DJ. Bring your pet dressed for the Halloween costume contest.
Noon – 4 p.m.
Sawyer Point (Riverfront)
Free Admission
Dress up in your favorite costume and bring your Halloween bag or Jack-o-lantern to fill up with candy, enjoy inflatables, food trucks, live music, and more.
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Free, but registration required
Location reveals upon registration
Expecting or current moms can enjoy complimentary food, games, prizes, shopping with vendors, educational resources, and fun. Registrants will receive baby essentials. Registration required.
7 p.m.
Bi-Okoto Cultural Center (Pleasant Ridge)
Free Admission
As the young son of a migrant farm worker, Tomás has a chance encounter with an Iowa librarian who introduces him to the wonderful world of books. Based on the beloved book, this inspiring true story celebrates reading, imagination, and creativity. Ends Nov. 16.
7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Caffè Vivace (East Walnut Hills)
$15
Hear a live tribute to smooth and contemporary musicians of the last twenty years, including Marcus Miller, Najee, Russell Gunn, Miles Davis, Pieces of a Dream, Grover Washington, and more.
7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $15
Violinist Benjamin Beilman joins the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to play pieces forged from influences by Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Berlioz, and Beethoven. End Oct. 27.
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Freedom Center (Downtown)
Starting at $20
Join vocalist Tammy McCann and the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra for a fresh and soulful tribute to Mahalia Jackson, the voice that defined gospel music for generations.
8 p.m.
Madison Theater (Covington)
Starting at $50
Hear classic hits and enjoy a high-energy performance from one of the most iconic voices in hip-hop, featuring Frank Talley, Pimp, and J-Gutz.
9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Cove 51 (Sharonville)
$15
Groove as DJs Vader, Guy Wes, Mic Drop, and Stank will spin the hottest 90’s R&B and hip-hop hits. Participate in a lip sync battle for the top prize. Wear your costume.
10 p.m.
The Greenwich (Walnut Hills)
$10
An adult Halloween costume party featuring food, drinks, games, and live music. Guests can enter the costume contest to win $100 in cash and prizes. Must be 21+.
PLANNING AHEAD
November 16 & 23
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
John Augustus Roebling Statue (Covington)
$12
Explore the deep significance of the Ohio River for Cincinnati’s African American history of resistance, achievement, and leadership from the 1800s through the 20th century. Connect to the history of Margaret Garner, Marian Spencer, James Bradley, Cincinnati’s Black Brigade, and more.
Sunday, October 27
T. Rex Omnimax Film
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Starting at $7.50
Through dazzling graphics, the T. Rex comes to life alongside a cast of prehistoric characters, including its archrival, the Triceratops; Quetzlacoatlus, one of the largest animals to ever take flight; and the 25-foot-long Sinraptor, a species that likely fed on young tyrannosaurs. End Nov. 25.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Get hyped before the Bengals vs. Eagles game and enjoy a live DJ, drinks for purchase at the Fountain Bar, face painting, and then catch the game on the LED board.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Main Event (West Chester)
Free Admission
Enjoy a spine-tingling afternoon with free laser tag, treats, crafts, and a spooktacular costume contest. Enter for a chance to win a year of free laser tag.
1:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Ballet (Walnut Hills)
Starting at $2
Delight in a fun-filled day of six timed entries of trick-or-treating, engaging games, memorable character photo ops, and more.
2 p.m.
Playhouse in the Park (Mt. Adams)
Starting at $35
Features some of the best sketch comedy and songs from the comedy vaults, updated for the modern era. Ends December 22.
2 p.m.
Otto M. Budig Theatre (Downtown)
Starting at $14
A new spin on the gothic tale from the mother of science fiction promises a spine-tingling encounter with one of literature’s most iconic monsters. Enjoy a post-show Q&A with the cast. Ends November 2.