Holiday markets, barbecues: 6 things to do in Conroe, Montgomery on Oct. 1-3

Oct. 1-2

Get your holiday goodies at a fall and Christmas market

First Baptist Conroe is hosting its 2021 Deck the Halls Fall and Christmas Market on Main Street. The market will feature vendors selling food and holiday-themed decorations and gifts. Proceeds will go toward college scholarships for First Baptist’s student ministry. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Sat.). 600 N. Main St., Conroe. 936-756-7701. www.fbcconroe.org/deck-the-halls/

Oct. 2

Help dedicate buildings on the Miracle City campus

The support ministry Compassion United in Conroe is holding an event to dedicate the Empowerment Center, its first building in its Miracle City campus. The event is a “come and go,” where guests can freely walk the facility and sign their names on the center’s beams and underwrap. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 350 Foster Drive, Conroe. 936-274-3799. www.compassionunited.us

Support veterans with a barbecue competition

The nonprofit organization Casualties of War is hosting a barbecue event at Southern Star Brewing Co. Guests can eat barbecue cooked from all over Texas and vote for their favorite to receive an award. Noon-7 p.m. Registration is $30, and veterans and their families can receive discounts. 3525 N. Frazier St., Conroe. 346-787-1399. www.casualtiesofwar.net

Sip coffee and get creative at Coffee and a Canvas

Painting studio Paint with a Twist is hosting its Coffee and a Canvas event Oct. 1. Guests will get a painting lesson and a complimentary cup of coffee. All ages are welcome. $38-$47, depending on canvas size. 1402 N. Loop 336 W., Conroe. 936-242-0047. www.paintwithatwist.com

Oct. 3

Bring your pets out for blessings

St. James Episcopal Church is hosting its annual Blessing of the Animals. Pets and their owners are welcomed out to receive special blessings in honor of St. Francis’s appreciation for animals. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Free (donation of dry Pedigree dog or puppy food or dry Purina cat food for the Conroe Animal Shelter encouraged). 1803 Highland Hollow Drive, Conroe. 936-756-8831. www.stjamesconroe.org/events/blessing-of-the-animals-1.

Worth the drive: Get your coffee with a side of fast cars

The Woodlands Car Club is bringing its Cars & Coffee for a Cause back to Market Street in the Woodlands Township. Guests can check out cars of all kinds, and their contributions will go toward local charities. Participants in the charity car display are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Free. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands. 281-419-4774. www.shopatmarketstreet.com/events/