Local events: 10 things to do this week

David Koechner

You might know him better as Champ Kinds of “Anchorman” or Todd Packer of “The Office,” but David Koechner is also a Second City alumnus and regular stand-up comedy performer. See him at the Funny Bone at Liberty Center, 7518 Bales St., A-120, Liberty Twp., on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20-$50. For more information, call 513-779-5233 or visit www.liberty.funnybone.com.

Credit: Kyser Lough

Credit: Kyser Lough

Liz Phair

Liz Phair became an indie rock darling in 1993 with her subversive debut, “Exile in Guyville.” She has released five more albums since, the latest being 2010’s “Funstyle.” See her at the 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road, Cincinnati, on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. For more information, call (513) 731-8000 or visit www.the20thcenturytheatre.com.

Chris Stapleton, with Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb

After several years of writing hit songs for other artists, Chris Stapleton is now a best-selling and award-winning country solo artist. His last release was the companion albums, “From A Room: Volume 1” and “Volume 2” last year. Opening is Marty Stuart, 1990s hitmaker and TV host, and Brent Cobb, a Grammy-nominated up-and-comer. See them at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. The show is sold out but tickets are still available at secondary outlets. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.

‘Rumpelstiltskin’

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati will perform this classic fairy tale about a miller’s daughter, her boastful father, a handsome prince, and the miracle of spinning straw into gold. See it at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton, on Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5-$7. For more information, call 513-863-8873 or visit www.fittoncenter.org.

Jedi Academy

This “Star Wars”-themed one-man show combines comedy with valuable life lessons for youngsters. Learn about empathy and social courage through the antics of Jedi younglings, princesses and Darth Vader. Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite “Star Wars” character. Check it out at the Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7-$10. For more information, call 513-867-5348 or visit www.fairfield-city.org/tickets.

Wellness Your Way Festival

At this three-day wellness event, patrons can work with celebrity fitness experts, receive cooking tips from world-class chefs, meet with health professionals, and listen to inspirational speakers. Every night features a different celebrity performance, including Jewel, Gavin McGraw, and Nick Lachey, who will also be variously doing book signings and meet-and-greets. Check it out at the Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, on Oct. 5-7. Hours are 1-6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15-$125. For more information, visit www.wellnessyourwayfestival.com.

The Isley Brothers

The classic doo-wop group who began in the 1950s with hits such as “Shout!” and “Twist and Shout” is returning home to their native Cincinnati. The Brothers now consist of original founding member, Ronald Isley, and younger brother, Ernie Isley. Last year, they recorded an album with Santana called “Power of Peace,” their first release since their high-charting “Baby Makin’ Music” in 2006. See them at the Jack Cincinnati Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Cincinnati on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45. For more information, call (513) 252-0777 or visit www.jackentertainment.com/cincinnati.

Rivertown Craftoberfest

Sample over 20 autumn-flavored beers from local craft breweries, including Rivertown’s own Rivertown Dunkel. As you sip, enjoy live traditional music, food, and games. Check it out at Rivertown Brewery & Barrel House, 6550 Hamilton Lebanon Road, Monroe, on Oct. 6 from noon-10:30 p.m. For more information, including ticket prices, call 513-402-7135 or visit www.rivertownbrewery.com.

Credit: Jonathan Phillips

Credit: Jonathan Phillips

Horses, Hayrides & ‘Hocus Pocus’

Grab a seat on the hay wagon, mount a horse (or both) and take rides through the park. At dusk, there’ll be a screening of the popular Halloween-themed 1993 film, “Hocus Pocus.” Check it out at Sebald Park, 5580 Elk Creek Road, Middletown, on Oct. 6 from 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, call 513-867-5835 or visit www.yourmetroparks.net.

Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire

This annual Jungle Jim’s festival celebrating all things HOT is adding a twist this year. Incorporating flavors from one of the spiciest cultures in the world, Mexico, the 2018 Weekend of Fire is going fiesta-style. As usual, the fest will feature favorites like the Arena of Fire while introducing new contests. So all you fans of mustards, salsas, rubs, marinades and hot sauces cruise out to Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 E. Dixie Highway, Fairfield on Oct. 6-7 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $10 (single day), $14 (both days), and $2 (children aged 5-12). Children 4 and younger are admitted free. For more information, call (513) 674-6055 or visit www.junglejims.com.

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