Halloween Events

FearFest: Paramount's Kings Island's Halloween event has expanded to an all-day occasion this year with activities for kids 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today and adult scares 3 p.m.-midnight (until 10 p.m. Sundays). Also new is Route 666, an antiques car haunted ride. All major coasters and many rides remain open late. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 2. $42.99, $25.99 ages 3-6. 754-5800.

Nightmare Estates: The indoor/outdoor haunted house and trail offers more than 30 minutes of scares including a psychedelic fun house, school bus from hell and a woods inhabited by characters from horror movies, 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays-Sundays through Nov. 2, Waterpark Drive and Kings Mill Road, Mason (across from the Beach). $7-$10. 754-1899.

Loveland Castle: The medieval-style castle tour offers viewings of long-dead knights and dungeon prisoners (many of them now skeletons) who scare you out the door, 7-11 p.m. today and Friday, 12025 Shore Drive, Loveland. $5-$6 ($1 parking). 683-4686.

U.S.S. Nightmare: The super-sized haunted barge on the Ohio features a rat lady (spooky), electric chair deaths, crazy butchers, undead souls and optical illusions, 7 p.m.-1 a.m. today, Riverboat Row Newport (open until next Saturday). $12. (859) 261-8586.

Haunted Covington: There is a self-guided haunted walking tour through Covington's Licking-Riverside neighborhood starting at Jack Quinn's Irish Restaurant & Pub, 7-10 p.m. today, 112 E. Fourth St., Covington. Brave visitors can take a shuttle ride to Linden Grove Cemetery. $5 benefits cemetery. (859) 292-2171.

Costume Sale

Playhouse costumes: Have the best costume in your neighborhood by purchasing one at the Playhouse in the Park Shop Sale featuring wearables from previous productions, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today, Playhouse Scenery Shop, 2827 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills. 421-3888.

Black Book Fair

One day only: "The Buzz" Black Book Fair features many hard-to-find special-interest books, cultural demonstrations, author meet-'n'-greets, merchandise, family entertainment and more, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today, Legacy Banquet & Conference Center, 7617 Reading Road, Roselawn. 679-6000.

Microbrewery Festival

Ale lovers unite: BarrelHouse Brewing Co. has rounded up breweries from around the country to offer more than 60 specialty brews, 1 p.m.-midnight today, 22 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. Tastings run in three-hour sets, 1-4 p.m., 5-8 p.m. and 9 p.m.-midnight. $25 includes beer samples, gourmet appetizers and live music. Reservations encouraged. 421-2337.

Outdoor Events

In Mount Airy: Enjoy some old-fashioned fun at the Mount Airy Forest Festival, noon-5 p.m. today, Colerain Avenue just south of North Bend Road. Learn about Cincinnati's early history with historical re-enactments, lumber demonstrations, crafts, tree games, food, music and more. Free. 352-4080.

Northern Kentucky: The Kenton County Parks and Recreation Department presents its annual Great Pumpkin Races, 1-4 p.m. today at Mills Road Park. Yes, pumpkin racing on a wooden racetrack. Pumpkins may be painted or appliqued with designs. No altered pumpkins allowed. All weight classes, time trials elimination. Free. (859) 525-7529.

Jason Nebel

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