We're thrilled to introduce a brand-new tradition coming to Norwood this fall: House of Cards Carnivale. Running October 1-5, this five-day festival will turn Factory 52 into a vintage-inspired celebration of music, food, rides, and entertainment. Designed to honor our roots as the former U.S. Playing Card Company, the Carnivale blends boardwalk magic with flavor to create a one-of-a-kind experience right here on our campus.

The Carnivale will take over the eastern parking lot and fill it with energy and excitement. Visitors can expect the full carnival experience—rides that light up the skyline, midway games ready to test your luck, and a rotating lineup of live performances that keep the party going into the evening. Big O Amusements will bring in classic favorites along with new thrills like the Starship 2000. Ride pricing is approachable and family-friendly: wristbands are $25, individual tickets are like $1.25, a bundle of 20 tickets is $20, and 40 tickets is $40. Admission to the event is free, and the festival will run rain or shine.

Food and drink will be another highlight of the Carnivale. Guests can enjoy bites from more than a dozen local vendors inside The Gatherall Food Hall, alongside on-site favorites like Fretboard Brewing, Braxton Brewing, and Aces Pickleball Bar + Grill. Whether you're looking for nostalgic carnival snacks or unique flavors from Cincinnati's best kitchens, there will be something to savor between rides and performances.

Each day of the Carnivale brings something new to discover. On opening night, October 1, guests can enjoy a live juggling show at 5:00 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet at 6:00 p.m., and live music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Thursday, October 2 features a fire performer roaming the midway from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., capped off with an outdoor screening of The Greatest Showman at 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 3 brings family magic to the midway with two interactive shows at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., followed by live music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 4 is a full day of entertainment. The Midway Circus will perform at 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 p.m. with a mix of juggling, aerial acts, and circus artistry. In the evening, Braxton Brewing partners with BonBonerie for the Opera Cream Stout release, accompanied by a live opera performance at 6:00 p.m. The celebration continues with live music from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The festival closes on Sunday, October 5 with the Big Top Bengals Viewing Party from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Fans can enjoy carnival rides while cheering on the Bengals, with special additions like a cotton candy cart, a balloon artist on stilts in Bengals attire, and face painting with Bengals-themed designs.

Whether you're here for the thrill of the rides, the taste of something delicious, or the atmosphere of live music under the lights, there's something for everyone at House of Cards Carnivale. It's more than just a week of fun—it's a celebration designed to light up Norwood with energy, color, and community spirit. With its vintage flair, carnival classics, and nods to our playing-card heritage, the Carnivale will bring people of all ages together for an experience unlike anything else in the region. From the excitement of the midway to the taste of your favorite festival foods, this October is your chance to make lasting memories right here at Factory 52.