Between mermaids, carnival rides and candidate forums, Hays County residents have a few events to choose from this weekend in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle.

Sept. 14

San Marcos Governmental Affairs Subcommittee host Annual San Marcos City Council Candidate Debate

Eat dinner while meeting the four candidates for the San Marcos City Council race. Figaro’s Pizza and Pub is catering the event. $10. 6-8 p.m. San Marcos Activity Center Gym, 501 E. Hopkins St, San Marcos. 830-625-6954. www.asoft30108.accrisoft.com/

Sept. 15

Hemphill Elementary hosts Movie Under the Moon event

Hemphill Elementary Parent Teacher Association is putting on a family movie night. Bring blankets or lawn chairs to watch The Lego Batman Movie on the school’s lawn. Free. 7-10 p.m. Hemphill Elementary School, 3995 E. FM 150, Kyle. 512-268-4688.

Mermaids make an appearance in San Marcos

Celebrating the San Marcos River guardians, Mermaid SPLASH hosts various mermaid-themed events that aim to support local artists and businesses, engage the community and promote environmental awareness education.

Local mermaids are pairing up with Sirenalia, a mermaid production company based in Austin, to raise money for the San Marcos River Foundation. Ten fully costumed Sirenalia mermaids will be in and out of the water from 4 to 7 p.m. San Marcos City Park, for attendees to take pictures with in the events photo booth. Donations are accepted. 4-7 p.m. City Park, City Park St., San Marcos. 512-650-7442.

Sept. 16

Music, floats and dancing at mermaid parade

The Downtown Mermaid Parade features dance groups Austin Samba and Las Monas de San Antonio as well as music, floats and dancing. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Starts at corner of CM Allen Parkway and Cheatham Street in downtown San Marcos. 512-825-2819. www.mermaidsocietysmtx.com/downtown-mermaid-parade-3

After the parade, over 60 artisans showcase their work at the Mermaid Aqua Faire, and individual booths sell food and drinks. The event also includes family-friendly art and craft activities. Singer-songwriter Terri Hendrix headlines the event, and environmental experts give presentations and host interactive seminars to teach about eco-conservation. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.  San Marcos Plaza Park, 206 N. CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos. 512-393-8400. www.mermaidsocietysmtx.com/aqua-faire

Sept. 16-17

Santa Cruz Holy Cross Festival brings live music and food to Buda

For two days, the Santa Cruz Catholic Church holds a Santa Cruz Holy Cross Festival. The free event features food, carnival rides and live music from artists such as David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, the Pearl Snaps, Conjunto Cats, Ricardo Negrete y Los Diamantes, Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution, John Baumann and Abraham Weaver. Noon-10 p.m. (Sat.), noon-7 p.m. (Sun.). Free ($5 for parking). Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1100 Main St., Buda. 512-312-2137. www.santacruzcc.org/parish-festival