Flower & Farm Fest

Plant exhibits: From the producers of the Cincinnati Flower Show, comes the fall-themed Cincinnati Flower & Farm Fest, in its second of two weekends at Coney Island. Like its spring counterpart, the event includes horticulture displays of annuals, autumn-blooming perennials and fall trees and shrubs. There is also a "Gourds That Roar" exhibit with unusual apple, gourd and pumpkin varieties.

Family activities: There are many activities for young ones and families at this festival including hayrides, a trick-or-treat trail, "Frightmares: Music of the Night" stage show, hands-on farm activities with COSI (Center of Science and Industry) "Adventures in Agriculture," and roving entertainers.

Markets: A lush fall garden market includes close to 100 vendors selling items such as outdoor fountains, fall wreaths, terra cotta pots, exotic bulbs, gardening tools and gourmet goodies. Also look for fresh produce from specialty farmers.

When and Where: Hours are noon-7 p.m. today-Sunday. Coney Island is at I-275 and Kellogg Avenue, Anderson Township. $8, $5 ages 3-12 includes almost all activities ($5 parking). 872-5194.

Scarecrows: There are more than 2,000 scarecrows scattered throughout the grounds - some placed individually, others in themed groups including a scarecrow wedding, scarecrow kitchen, scarecrow party. Artists, non-profit groups, companies and more have teamed up to produce a fun fall display.

Pyramid Art Fair

In Hamilton: The Pyramid Hill Art Fair celebrates the permanent work at the outdoor sculpture park along with a number of special exhibits, live art demonstrations, family activities and more, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road (Ohio 128), near Hamilton. Enquirer political cartoonist Jim Borgman is there 3 p.m. today for a workshop on "how to draw" for all ages. $7, $3 ages 8-18 (free under age 8). 868-8336.

New Bookstore

Discount chain expands: A new Half Price Bookstore across from Northgate Mall's grand opening festivities include 20 percent off prices all weekend, $20 gift cards given away every half hour and an in-store appearance by children's book author-illustrator Will Hillenbrand, 3:30-4:30 p.m. today. The new 8,000 square foot store is stocked with old and new hardbacks, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs and comics.Grand opening weekend hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. today-Monday, 9720 Colerain Ave., Bevis. 385-4100.

Back to Nature

Full moon walk: Now that autumn has arrived, enjoy the outdoors before the winter winds drive you inside. Take a night walk under October's full moon, 7 p.m. today at Avon Woods in Paddock Hills (near intersection of Paddock and Reading roads). This guided tour and discussion of astronomy meets at the front parking lot. Free. 861-3435.

E-mail: jnebel@enquirer.com; fax: 768-8016