Every month Tour de Cincinnati creates a shortlist of notable events around Greater Cincinnati—large festivals, food weeks, entertainment, and ongoing series—to make sure you mark down these dates to keep in mind as you make plans in the coming weeks.
Fall is fully underway and with that comes respite from the heat and a lot of fun fall things to do.
Click here for a complete roundup of all things Holidays in Cincinnati
Here are several important dates for local events in November to get in your calendars now:
November–January
A Hoxworth Blood Center initiative featuring blood drives at 20 area breweries and bars throughout the holiday season. Donors can save lives while earning a t-shirt, brewery discounts, and gift cards for their next visit. The first blood drive will be on November 2 with more dates running through November, December, and January.
Click here for the complete schedule and for more about the gift from each.
November 2
UC Health Ice Rink Opening Day
Fountain Square
The 2024–25 season is ice skating only. The rink experience includes a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, on-site parking, and restrooms. Through February 17.
Ice Skating is $10 and includes admission and skate rental; no reservations required
November 3
Daylight Saving
Daylight saving ends on November 3, so remember to turn your clocks back one hour at 2a.
November 4
NCAA Men’s Basketball Season Opener
UC Men’s Basketball vs. Arkansas – Pine Bluff at Fifth Third Arena, 7p
Xavier Men’s Basketball vs. Texas Southern at Cintas Center, 7:30p
November 5
NCAA Women’s Basketball Season Opener
Xavier Women’s Basketball vs. San Jose State at Cintas Center, 5p
UC Women’s Basketball @ UIC, 8p
November 5
Election Day
Click here for information about voting in Hamilton County specifically.
November 6–8
Fall Savor Cincinnati
Metropolitan Club
Cincinnati Magazine presents Savor Chef’s Table. Each ticket includes a five-course dining experience, all-inclusive cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, live chef demos, and signature swag bag.
November 8–10
2024 Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market
Sharonville Convention Center
Hundreds of vendors, live carolers, photos with Santa, savory bites and sweet sips, free package check, giveaways, and so much more.
November 11–17
Cincinnati Pizza Week
$10 pizzas from area restaurants.
November 11
Warm 98.5 Ice Rink Opening Day
Summit Park
Open daily through January 7 (with the exception of holidays).
November 14–16
Cincinnati Storytelling Festival
WestSide Brewing and Westwood Town Hall
three-day immersive storytelling experience for all ages—from funny tales to spooky stories.
November 16
Books by the Banks
CHPL – Main Library, 10a–4p
Regional book festival featuring 100+ national, regional, and local authors; author panel discussions on reading, writing, and publishing; Kids’ Corner with arts & crafts, story times, and more; Teen Scene; and 2024 Writing Contest in Prose and Poetry in adult and teen categories.
November 16
Tuxedos & Tiaras Masquerade
The Palomar Cincinnati, 7–11p
A night of elegance supporting the LGBTQ+ community; honoring Reggie Harris, 2024 Monarch Award Recipient. Hosted by the board of Queen City Charities. All tickets include plated dinner, open bar, live music, valet parking, and more.
Black tie and masks encouraged
November 17
Grand Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting
ArtWorks Creative Campus
Purpose-built arts center bringing all of ArtWorks together under one roof, including ArtPark, mural painting studios, gallery and event space, ArtWorks Think Tank, and five art studios.
November 19–December 1
Funny Girl
Aronoff Center
November 21
PNC Festival of Lights Opening Day
Cincinnati Zoo
Open Sunday–Thursday until 9p; Friday and Saturday until 10p
Come early for the animals; stay for the lights as the zoo is transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 42nd annual Festival of Lights, featuring 4 million LED lights, North Polar Express Train (staring at 2p), statues in Fiona’s Fairyland, nightly Madcap puppet shows, Santa and costumed character visits (starting at 4p), Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and snacks at S’mores-n-More stands. Through January 5.
Included with zoo admission
Have any questions or want specific recommendations about things to do? Just ask!