By: Emily Brennan ~Guest Writer~

With Halloween 2015 being nothing more than a riveting memory or ice-breaking anecdote to share in years to come, Xavier students are often left with a vacuum of fun that surrounds the city. However, this need not be the case. As fall rolls through Cincinnati and temperatures plummet, there are still affordable ways to enjoy the city.

Sports

The Bengals-Browns rival game is set to kickoff this Thursday at 8:25 p.m. Even if you’re not a fan of grown men throwing a ball around, what’s a better excuse to disregard your responsibilities and celebrate on a weekday? The Bud Light Tailgating Zone wants you to party with them from 4 p.m. to kickoff on Freedom Way. There will be (free) live music by Cherry On Top, beer (for those who happen to be over 21) and great food. For those of you skeptical about the band, you should know they are one of the Midwest’s premier cover bands. They combine the hits of today and favorites of yesteryear with a sexy, high energy show to keep the crowd dancing all night. So if that is not a reason in itself to check out the Banks on Thursday night, the exhilarating atmosphere should be.

Go Bananas

Go Bananas is Cincinnati’s home for stand-up comedy and has featured some of the most popular comedic talents around including Dane Cook and Dave Chappelle. The club encourages you make a reservation beforehand and normally only charges a small cover around $5-18 depending on the show you choose to attend. Their menu is stacked with only the finest bar foods and a wide variety of beverages. This weekend will feature Lisa Landry who has appeared on CBS’s “The Late Show” with Craig Ferguson and was the first woman to ever place in the top three out of 100 comedians in Comedy Central’s “Stand-up Showdown.” To top it off, she starred in her own half-hour special, Comedy Central Presents Lisa Landry. If you visit the club on Thursday for college night, show your Xavier ID for a ticket at half price (only $4 this week). You can check the club’s website for a schedule of its upcoming comedians.

Findlay Market

Findlay Market, located in Over-the-Rhine, is Ohio’s oldest public market operated in the same iron-framed building since 1855. That’s not even the best part. The market has progressed to what could be described as a culinary excursion around the world, bustling with diverse local food merchants and craft vendors. Don’t worry, this is not one of those overvalued artisan food courts where you will have to spend $9 on a vintage tomato. In fact, most of the sample portions you can buy there are only $2-7. Inside the building you can devour a fresh spring roll at Pho Lang Thang or delectable hot crepes from Taste of Belgium. To name just a few, the market also has an assortment of fresh meats and fish, pastries, alcoholic spirits and, most importantly, pizza. Findlay is open during the week from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. For a fun weekend activity, check out the market Saturday when the people- watching is at its peak.

Cheese Fair

Apparently heaven is a place on earth and its geotag can be located at 162 Moore St. Cincinnati, home of the Cincinnati Cheese Festival. General admission is $40, but for unlimited tasting of more 300 cheeses, two drink tickets and live music, it seems like you would be getting some bang for your buck. As part of the festival you also get to act as a judge in the Grilled Cheese Meltdown, where chefs create their most delicious and imaginative recipes for a grilled cheese. Not to mention a portion of the proceeds is donated to the Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation and the revitalization of the Brewery District. So get out there and be a man or woman for others by indulging in a plethora of cheeses. If you Swiss to have a good time, you cheddar come here!