Our picks for the best things to do in Cincinnati this week, Oct. 20-26

This story was updated with the correct address for Heritage Bank Center.

Halloween's creeping closer. Grab your ghouls and goblins and find something fun to do this week. 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. 20

Underwater Pumpkin Glow opens Sept. 19.

Explore gourd-geous exhibits at Newport Aquarium

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.

Make fall memories at Country Pumpkins Fall Festival

Bring the whole family for some fall festival fun. Navigate a four acre corn maze, meet fur babies at a petting zoo, and compete at paintball. Launch pumpkins into the air at Chunkin' Pumpkin, and take a barrel train ride.

Details: 4-7 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 2-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Country Pumpkins, 1835 Sherman Mt. Zion Road, Dry Ridge. Runs Sept. 6-Nov. 1. countrypumpkinsky.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Jam out with Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste is bringing "The Big Money Tour" to a stop at Taft Theatre. Joining him are special guests Andra Day and Diana Silvers.

See 'The Notebook: The Musical' at the Aronoff

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: Matt McAllister's Tough Friend.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Hop on a hayride at Windmill Farm Market

Ready for an adventure? Take a trip on Windmill's famous hayride, taking you over the hills and through the mud. Kids can also enjoy pumpkin bounce pads, travel through a cornstalk tunnel and meet cute farm animals.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Windmill Farm Market, 1454 E State Route 73, Springboro. Runs through Oct. 26. windmillfarmmarket.com.

Relive the rock and roll magic with Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Tribute band Rumours will perform the band's biggest hits at Taft Theatre, capturing the feel and glory of the iconic era.

Thursday, Oct. 23

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

Grab a second pair of pants for Cincinnati Fear Fest

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.

Attend an educational talk by author Akhil Reed Amar

Join top constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar as he talks about his book "Born Equal: Remaking America's Constitution 1840-1920." Explore how Americans reshaped the Consitution and gain deeper insight into the document that defines our country.

Unite to end blood cancer at Light the Night

Gather with your community to celebrate, honor and remember those touched by blood cancers at this fundraising walk. Funds raised support life-saving blood cancer research.

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.

Details: 8-10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 8 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, The KY Fieldhouse, 3785 Lake Park Drive, Covington. $15. Runs through Nov. 1. thefieldofnightmares.com.

Friday, Oct. 24

Meet a superhero at Cincinnati Comic Expo

The Sharonville Convention Center is hosting the Superman Legacy Meet & Greet. Cosplay as your favorite hero, get an autograph and pose for a photo-op with a celebrity. Celebrity guests scheduled to be in attendance include Tyler Hoechlin, Bitsie Tulloch, Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Erica Durance, Laura Vandervoort, John Glover, Helen Slater and more.

Details: 3-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville. cincinnaticomicexpo.com.

Root for your favorite Cincinnati hockey team

It's Peanuts night at the Cincinnati Cyclones-Fort Wayne Komets game. Watch the teams face off at Heritage Bank Center and wait for the "Great Pumpkin" as the players wear special Peanuts jerseys.

Shop 'til you drop at Vintage Market Days

Browse a vintage harvest market featuring more than 130 small business vendors with unique goods for sale such as clothing, handcrafted jewelry, home decor, furniture and more. This event benefits Violence Free Futures working to end family, relationship and sexual violence in Greene County.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Greene County Fair Events Center, 120 Fairground Road, Xenia. $5, ages 12-under free. vintagemarketdays.com.

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.

See 'The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition' at the fully restored Children's Theatre (final week)

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.

Details: 7-11:30 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Saturday, 7-9:30 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!

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.

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.

Gather your golf clubs for Tee Time

UC's homecoming is this weekend, and what better way to celebrate than an outing on the golf course? Alumni can connect with old friends, make new ones and take on the playing field. For those not into golf, no worries – enjoy a rooftop party, putt putt golf and complimentary drinks and food.

Saturday, Oct. 25

Celebrate the UC Bearcats' homecoming Oct. 25.

Celebrate the UC Bearcats' 2025 homecoming

UC's homecoming is here. Find a spot along Clifton Avenue to watch the parade and show off your school spirit. Afterward, watch the Bearcats take on the Baylor Bears.

Fill up your mugs (and stomachs) at Cincinnati Coffee Festival

Attention all coffee lovers! Celebrate the coffee and tea culture at the Midwest's premier coffee festival. Join the thousands of attendees and best coffee roasters, coffee and tea shops, bakers, pastry shops and chocolatiers from around the region. Enjoy free samples, demos, live music and see who will take home the coveted title of "Supreme Latte Artist of Greater Cincinnati" at the latte art throwdown.

Get ready to rock and run at Run Like Hell

Invite all your ghouls and goblins to this Halloween-themed race. Dress in your best costume, and storm through the "Gates of Hell." After the race, stick around for an afterparty featuring fiery beats from DJ Count Trackula.

Laugh out loud with Nate Bargatze

Grammy nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze is bringing his comedy tour "Big Dumb Eyes World Tour" to Heritage Bank Center. Tickets are running low, so make sure you grab 'em while you can!

Visit the animals at HallZOOeen (last weekend!)

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: noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 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 (final weekend!)

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.

Enjoy family-friendly fun at Waynesville Fall Fest

Go deep into the Ohio woods to discover the town of Skeleville, find some gemstones at the abandoned mining company Wildwater Mining Co., grab your putter for mini golf, traverse through a corn maze and more.

Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, 7392 E State Route 73, Waynesville. $15 adult, $13 ages 10-under, free ages 2-under. waynesvillefallfest.com.

Carve up some good time at Washington Park's Fall Fest

If you live near Washington Park, don't miss this fun event. Enjoy shopping from local vendors, live music, a free petting zoo, pumpkin patch and more.

Sunday, Oct. 26

The Cincinnati Bengals play the New York Jets Oct. 26.

Cheer on the Bengals

Prepare for another Sunday game. The Cincinnati Bengals play the New York Jets. 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: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Smale Riverfront Park, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. facebook.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Our picks for the best things to do in Cincinnati this week, Oct. 20-26