Fall is here, but that doesn’t mean it has to be all pumpkins and hayrides (though we adore those things!). This weekend features some of the most unique and fun events of the season, from Newport Aquarium’s acclaimed Mermaids to the feuding witches in Wicked! This weekend offers something for everyone (especially if your kids are into trains), and we’re ready to kick back and enjoy a fabulous fall weekend in Cincinnati!
We present our Weekend Top 5: Mermaids, Witches, Pumpkins and Princesses:
See the Mermaids!
Sept. 29 through Oct. 15 at Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium isn’t all fish and penguins. It’s also sharks, stingrays, seahorses, alligators… and mermaids! This October, the nationally ranked aquarium is once again welcoming magical mermaids to its waters. If you’ve ever wished you could be ‘part of their world,’ this is your chance! This special exhibit features mermaid meet-and-greets, fun animal encounters and dazzling shows. At the Mermaid Dive, your kids will be awed as the mermaids gracefully swim with beautifully colored fins and play games in the 37-foot long Amazon Tunnel. You’ll feel like you’re swimming alongside the mermaids in this one-of-a-kind exhibit! Hurry – the Newport Aquarium Mermaids will swimming away October 15th.
Something Wicked this Way Comes
Shows happen through Oct. 15 at the Aronoff Center
Just like Dorothy, you’ll be dropped into the land of Oz, and put right at the center of the infamous battle between the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South. Why all the witchy drama? Well, that’s all explained in Wicked. Winner of over 50 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, Wicked has been hailed as ‘Broadway’s biggest blockbuster’ – and it’s coming to Cincinnati this fall! Watch as two young girls meet in the land of Oz, and follow along as their fates unfurl like the bricks on the Yellow Brick Road. Wicked will be at the Aronoff Center September 13-October 15. {Read our review here!}
Experience Fall on the Farm
Daily through Oct. 31 at Blooms & Berries
There’s a reason Fall on the Farm at Blooms & Berries is one of the most beloved fall festivals in Cincinnati. From the huge piles of perfectly orange pumpkins to the bumpy and boisterous cow train, to the adorable animals and most delightful mini pumpkin patch you’ve ever seen, Fall on the Farm offers local families a wholesome experience they can look forward to all year long. This event also stands out from the fall festival crowd, boasting a gigantic, 7-acre corn maze that’s a must for adventurous families. Come out this fall, and start a tradition with your family! Fall on the Farm runs BLANK at Blooms & Berries.
Lebanon Applefest Train Rides
Sept. 30 at LM&M Railroad
Lebanon Country Applefest is a quintessential fall festival – and when this fest is combined with a ride on Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, it’s magic. On September 30th, head to Lebanon for a train ride on the LM&M Railroad – Warren County’s fall colors will be beautiful from the rails! Afterwards, partake in Applefest, a celebration of autumn’s official fruit, complete with vendors, artisans, live music, and, of course, lots of delicious food.
Princess Express
Oct. 1 at LM&M Railroad
Fall isn’t all pumpkins and hayrides, as evidenced by LM&M’s special train ride: the Princess Express! All aboard the LM&M Railroad Princess Express! Come dressed as your favorite princess for an out-of-this-world experience. Each train ride will include a special visit with real Princess, a free magic wand, and a tiara! Fairy balloon artists will be onboard each train adding a little bit of magic to every ride. After the ride passengers will walk to the nearby Warren County Museum to visit with a colorful cast of princesses and thier friends.