Our picks for the best things to do in Cincinnati this week, Oct. 13-19

Get into the fall spirit with this week's spooky fun festivities. Here's a look at the biggest, best and most interesting things happening in Cincinnati over the next seven days.

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.

Monday, Oct. 13

Take a tour of Fortified Hill on Indigenous People's Day

Explore Fortified Hill, a 2,000-year-old Indigenous ceremonial earthworks site adjacent to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Pyramid Hill has prepared this site for visitors through respectful restoration and are offering tours of this historical site.

Details: 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m., Pyramid Hill, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. Members: $20 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Non-members: $30 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Runs the first weekend of each month through November (with exception of speical holidays). pyramidhill.com.

Explore gourd-geous exhibits at Newport Aquarium

Underwater Pumpkin Glow opens Sept. 19.

Come to Newport Aquarium's Underwater Pumpkin Glow to find glowing pumpkins in your favorite exhibits. Your animal friends will get tasty pumpkin treats and seasonal enrichment as jack-o'-lanterns become reefs for the underwater creatures. Kids can create their own pumpkin masterpieces using non-toxic acrylic paint markers during special hours and for an additional cost.

Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Included with admission. Runs through Nov. 2. newportaquarium.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Alex Warren will perform in Cincinnati Oct. 14.

Jam out with Alex Warren

If you haven't heard his song "Ordinary," where have you been? If you want to hear his hit performed live (instead of the radio a hundred times over), Alex Warren is bringing his "Cheaper Than Therapy" tour to Cincinnati. Joining him is special guest Maude Latour. This concert is officially sold out, but if you can grab tickets, that'd be a huge score!

See 'The Notebook: The Musical' at the Aronoff (opening weekend)

You know the love story: Allie and Noah, each from very different backgrounds, must overcome the forces that threaten to pull them apart. Get a glimpse of this iconic film adapted into a musical.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, The Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Runs Oct. 14-26. cincinnatiarts.org.

Listen to jazz at Fountain Square

If you love jazz, gather at Fountain Square to listen to this week's performer: Organized Gentlemen.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Wear pink for the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

Support the American Cancer Society by wearing your pink and walking around the Kings Automall loop. This walk raises fund for a good cause, and what better month than October?

Round up your coven for Witches Night Out

Sip on potions all evening, from Midnight Margaritas to Dirty, Vanilla Espresso, Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop, Gin Pickle, Appletini and Vesper martinis. Watch "Practical Magic" and add a little sparkle at the Link x Lou Permanent Jewelry pop-up. Have your fortune read with tarot card readings by Witch Named Lizzy.

Thursday, Oct. 16

The Bengals are back for another home game Oct. 16.

Cheer on the Bengals

Prepare for some Thursday Night Football. The Cincinnati Bengals play rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Dress code? White-out. Show up early (and secure a parking spot before gametime) to the pre-game block party. Get ready to roar with live music from DV8, food and drinks, including ice cold beer from the Bud Light Tailgate Zone.

"Even More Before the Roar" Tailgate: 5-8 p.m., Smale Riverfront Park, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. facebook.com.

Vibe out with Brandy and Monica

Late '90s R&B artists Brandy and Monica are co-headlining for the first time, bringing their tour "The Boy is Mine" to Cincinnati. Joining them are other well-known artists Kelly Rowland, Muni Long and Jamal Roberts.

Walk through 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.

Friday, Oct. 17

See demonstrations of early settler ways of life at Salt Festival.

Take a glimpse into the past at 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.

Grab a sweet treat at Charm at the Farm's October Market

Charm at the Farm runs Oct. 17-19.

Pumpkin spice season is here. Enjoy all your favorite fall treats such as coffee, cider, donuts and more. Shop for gifts and fall décor. 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.

See 'Symphonic Brilliance: The Music of Jennifer Higdon'

A Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer, Jennifer Higdon is coming to UC College-Conservatory of Music. Her visit features a variety of free and ticketed performances of her work.

Walk through a fall wonderland at the Zoo's Jack O'Lantern Glow

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's fall attraction, Jack O'Lantern Glow, features more than 6,000 illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins.

Lined with more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins and fall decorations, walk through a half-mile trail illuminated by jack-o'-lanterns. The Reptile House and Night Hunters exhibits will also stay open until 9 p.m.

Have an epic adventure at 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.

See 'The Wizard of Oz' at the fully restored Children's Theatre

Be the very first to experience the rebirth of Emery Theater by catching this one-hour "youth edition" of a beloved classic. Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion as they follow the yellow brick road on Dorothy's journey to find her way home.

Details: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Emery Theater, 1112 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine. $12. Runs weekends through Oct. 26. thechildrenstheatre.com.

Scream your heart out at Haunted Scream Park

'Tis the season for frights and delights! At Land of Illusion's Haunted Scream Park, enter horrifying attractions such as Temple of Terror, Killer Klowns, Dr. Psycho's Haunted Estate, Middletown Haunted Trail, Phobia and Toxic Hillbillies.

If you're looking for more scares, go to Brimstone Haunt

Brimstone Haunt attractions include Haunted Hayride, The Bog, Psychosis, Zombie Assault, Cranium Crusher, Axe Throwing, Operation Doom and Hallow-Ring Toss. You're sure to have a scary good time. New this week is the only Family Night of the season, 4-6 p.m. Sunday.

Details: 7-11:30 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Saturday, 7-9 p.m. Sunday, 525 Brimstone Road, Wilmington. Runs weekends Sept. 12-Nov. 1. Tickets: brimstonehaunt.com.

Run for your life at Dent Schoolhouse

Visit Dent Schoolhouse (if you dare) this weekend.

What started from a legend of a murderous janitor turned this school into a Halloween icon, repeatedly crowned one of the best haunts in America. Traverse the narrow passageways of this haunted schoolhouse to try to escape from its killer faculty. Good luck!

New this week is the Lights on Tour, 4-6 p.m. Sunday. Let a little one enjoy Dent Schoolhouse without the scares. Really see all the detail that goes into the old schoolhouse. Enjoy the schoolhouse without the actors, and explore at your own pace.

Details: 7:30-10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m.-midnight Friday, 6:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday, 5963 Harrison Ave., Green Township. Runs Sept. 12-Nov. 1. Tickets: dentschoolhouse.com.

Kentuckians have a haunted attraction, too

If you're looking for yet another spooky time, look no further than Sandyland Acres. Celebrate its 20th anniversary with a haunted hayride or explore a haunted barn. Even better, do both!

Hop aboard the USS Nightmare (and try not to jump ship)

Sick of haunted houses? Try a haunted boat on the Ohio River for a change. Two decks of nightmarish fun awaits on this steam-powered dredge boat on the Ohio River. Amp up the scares with the RIP experience where the crew of the William S. Mitchell will quickly make you regret it.

Details: 7-11 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport. Runs Sept. 12-Nov. 8. ussnightmare.com.

Rap your heart out with J.I.D.

Atlanta rapper and Platinum selling artist J.I.D is bringing his "God Does Like World Tours" to Cincinnati. Joining him is special guest Young Nudy.

Venture into a haunted bayou

Trespass the grounds of Twisted Trails and Muck Manor, haunted by a witch who cursed the estate and surrounded it by a creature-infested bayou and forest. After exploring the harrowing hallways of Muck Manor, enjoy spooky decor, take selfies and eat snacks along Bayou Boulevard, included in the admission price.

Prepare for a fright at Halloween Haunt

Brave the night to see the park transformed for a Halloween celebration. Experience spine-chilling thrills in Scare Zones and the all-new maze Order of the Dragon. Ride your favorite coasters like The Beast once (or thrice), made even scarier at night.

Details: 6-11 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 6 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Runs Sept. 19-Nov. 1. visitkingsisland.com.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Watch the 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.

Hop aboard the Pumpkin Express Train

Enjoy a ride on a train, conducted by Jack the pirate. Be transported to the Lebanon Sports Complex and enjoy fall family fun such as balloon twisting, face painting, small pumpkins, inflatables and fall treats and sweets.

Details: 10 a.m. and 12:30 and 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, 16 E South St., Lebanon. $24 open window coach, $29 deluxe coach, $10 infant. lebanonrr.com.

Celebrate the fall season at 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.

Visit the animals at HallZOOeen

Bibi the hippopotamus crushes a pumpkin between her jaws during HallZOOeen.

Stop at the various trick or treat stations throughout the zoo. Watch your favorite animals play with seasonal enrichment (think pumpkins galore!), and catch magic shows at Phil Dalton's Theater of Illusion at 1 and 3 p.m. Take a ride on the Pumpkin Express Train or the carousel. Kids are encouraged to dress up in costume for this event.

Details: Opens noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, continues weekends Oct. 11-26, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Downtown. Free with zoo admission or membership. Runs through Oct. 26. cincinnatizoo.org.

Dress in your best medieval getup for Ohio Renaissance Festival

Step back in time at the Ohio Renaissance Festival.

Transport yourself back in time to the days where kings and queens ruled at Ohio Renaissance Festival. See over 100 daily shows. Try savory cuisine such as turkey legs, burgers and pulled pork. Wash it all down with a cold beer. Browse the village "shoppes," offering homemade crafts. And don't forget to respect the Queen if she comes strolling around.

Bring the kids to Tricks and Treats

If your kids are too young for Halloween Haunt (or you're too scared – we won't judge) but still want to experience fall fun, bring them to Kings Island's fall festival. Enjoy family-friendly activities, complete with a Trick-or-Treat Trail and family rides.

Grab a second pair of pants for Cincinnati Fear Fest

Cincinnati Fear Fest (All Hallow's Eve Terror Town) opens Sept. 20 for the season.

At Cincinnati Fear Fest, get four haunts and a festival for one ticket price. Explore four award-winning haunted houses: The Burn Yard (new this year), Pockets Playhouse, The ShadowLands and Detox. Enhance your experience by finding the three secret bars: The Whispering Vines, Freaky Fun House and The Neon Rooster. Pass quickly through two outdoor scream arenas and, finally, step into a ghost-town Halloween festival and shop.

Details: 7-10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, 1449 Greenbush Cobb Road, Williamsburg. Free parking. Runs Sept. 20-Nov. 2. cincinnatifearfest.

Cheer on your fave Cincy soccer team

FC Cincinnati plays its final regular season match Oct. 18.

FC Cincinnati is back at TQL Stadium for another home game. This one's special because it's their final regular season match of the year. Root for them against CF Montreal. This game's theme is Fan Appreciation Night.

Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at 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.

Sunday, Oct. 19

Bring the family to Beech Acres' '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.

Rock out with Pierce the Veil

See Pierce the Veil perform Oct. 19.

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.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Our picks for the best things to do in Cincinnati this week, Oct. 13-19