Spooky Season Awaits

Looking to make the most of spooky season in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky? Here’s a few ideas, which will take you through dark craft cocktails, subterranean historic walks, and hilarious horror theater.

Black Lagoon Pop-Up at Braxton Brewing

The Vibe: Dark subculture meets handcrafted mixology.
The Highlights: The Black Lagoon pop-up takes over Braxton Barrel House in Covington, converting the taproom into an immersive gothic wonderland filled with eerie décor and signature dark cocktails.
Don’t Miss: Get ready for the Murder Mystery Masquerade Party on Tuesday, Oct. 27, where guests can don masks and solve a thrilling whodunit over specialty brews.
Get there: Braxton Barrel House Black Lagoon, 5 Orphanage Road, Fort Mitchell; braxtonbrewing.com

Darkside of Brewing Tour

The Vibe: True crime tales, but with a beer.

The Highlights: Explore 19th-century lagering tunnels deep beneath the streets while learning about Cincinnati's brewmasters and dark ghost legends. Grave robbing, a serial killing saloonist, and other murderous and deadly mayhem is explored, which also includes a visit to an abandoned city street, overtaken by nature,

Don’t Miss: The flashlight tour of the Imperial Theater and the 19th century Jackson Brewhouse, which have not been open to the public in many years and are only available through this tour.

Get There: Check in at at Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, 111 West McMicken Ave. on Friday and Saturday nights, 6 and 7 p.m.; Get tickets at brewingheritagetrail.org.

“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”

The Vibe: It’s pretty much all right there in the title.

The Highlights: Following a sold-out run last Halloween, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” returns to The Otto M. Budig Theater through Oct. 31. Directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips, this lightning-fast farce reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic classic with campy humor, sharp gags, and seductive chaos.

Don’t Miss: Get into the spirit of thing on Costume Nights!

Friday, Oct. 16 – Villains After Dark
Dress as your favorite Halloween villain, from classic monsters and movie baddies.

Friday, Oct. 23 – Bard Bash
Come dressed in your best Renaissance, Shakespeare-inspired or fantasy look.

Friday, Oct. 30 – Double, Double, Toil & Trouble Night
Calling all witches, wizards and magical mischief-makers!

Saturday, Oct.31 – Ultimate Halloween Costume Double Header
Come in costume for the ultimate Halloween celebration at CSC, with themed prizes, candy in the lobby and plenty of spooky fun.

Get There: The Otto M. Budig Theater, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St.; Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with weekend matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets and info at cincyshakes.com .

The Haunting on Madison

The Vibe: High-energy spooky spectacle.
The Highlights: Covington’s Galaxie turns up the night with The Haunting on Madison, featuring elaborate haunts, seasonal libations, and themed party nights that bring the party crowd together in full costume.
Don’t Miss: Witch Please: Drag Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 18 with killer performances, big personalities, spooky season cocktails, brunch, and enough witchy chaos to wake the dead.
Get there: 815 Madison Ave., Covington; www.galaxiebar.com/covington

Overlook Lodge: The Haunting & Horror Movie Survival Camp

The Vibe: The Shining-inspired psychological thriller bar.
The Highlights: Pleasant Ridge’s Overlook Lodge transforms into The Haunting, delivering cozy yet unnerving horror film ambiance.
Don’t Miss: Test your slasher knowledge at their Horror Movie Survival Camp, an interactive event designed to see if you have what it takes to survive to the final credits.
Get there: www.thatshiningbar.com/events

“PSYCHO” in Concert

The Vibe: Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary thriller is somehow even scarier when the Bernard Herrmann score played by the Pops.

The Highlights: The spine-tingling score will performed live-to-film by the Cincinnati Pops. From the first ominous notes to the shocking final moments, the music drives the suspense. Every terrifying moment will be heightened with the live orchestra, especially in the probably haunted Music Hall.

Don’Miss: The second murder is STILL the biggest jump scare in cinema. See for yourself in Music Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 07:30 p.m.

Get There: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1241 Music Hall; www.cincinnatisymphony.org/pops.

– Lauren Artino