There are plenty of things happening in and around the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University Place areas in October—from attending an All Hallows Read Festival to buying a pumpkin at a fall festival.

Run a 5K or 10K in Hermann Park on Oct. 9

Hermann Park Conservancy is hosting its 18th annual Run in the Park, designed to support the park. The in-person event consists of a 5K, 10K, and 1K kids’ run and walk. The event includes a post-run party with food, drinks and music. Registration ends Oct. 8. A virtual option is also available for participants from home. 8 a.m. $15 (1K), $25 (virtual challenge), $30 (5K or 10K). Hermann Park, 6001 Fannin St., Houston. 713-524-5876. www.hermannpark.org

Check out some art at the Bayou City Art Festival Oct. 9-10

The Art Colony Association Inc., the producer of Bayou City Art Festival, welcomes artists, patrons and supporters back for Houston’s signature art event at Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston. The Bayou City Art Festival will not only spotlight featured artist McKenzie Fisk, but it will also provide patrons with the opportunity to meet artists; view original works; and purchase artwork from 19 art disciplines including world-class paintings, prints, jewelry and sculptures. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free (6 and under), $5 (ages 6-12), $18 (adults), $60 VIP Hospitality Lounge. Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St., Houston. 713-521-0133. www.artcolonyassociation.org


Bring your furry friend to explore area trails on Oct. 10

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is partnering with BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions to present the annual Pup Crawl & Pet Expo, though this year it is turning spooky with a Halloween-themed outdoor experience. Visitors are encouraged to dress their dogs in costumes for a chance to win prizes while exploring the Arboretum trails. Visitors will get the chance to interact with local pet vendors at the expo. Proceeds benefit the Arboretum and BARC, and pet adoptions will be available on-site. 4-6:30 p.m. Free (under 21), $40 (21 and older). Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston. 713-681-8433. www.houstonarboretum.org

Have your pet blessed by a Bellaire pastor Oct. 16

The Bellaire United Methodist Church hosts its 10th annual Blessing of the Animals, allowing attendees to bring in their pets to receive individual blessings from the church’s pastors. Each pet receives a free digital photo, and guests can also talk to pet experts and visit adoptable pets. 1-3 p.m. Free. Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire. 713-666-2167. www.bellaireumc.org


Have a spooky time at the All Hallows Read Festival on Oct. 16

The Houston Public Library will open up its Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza for a Halloween-themed reading festival with a pumpkin patch and free book giveaways for youth ages 0-18. Costumes are encouraged, and the library will show an interactive viewing of “Hocus Pocus” at 3 p.m. on the big screen with bags of props for the first 50 people. Registration required. 2-5 p.m. Free. Barbara Bush Literary Plaza, 500 McKinney St., Houston. 832-393-1313. www.houstonlibrary.org

Buy a pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival Oct. 16-17

The Nature Discovery Center is selling pumpkins at its pumpkin patch fall festival, which will also feature festival games, crafts, foods, family photo ops, a chance to meet animals and more. Families are strongly encouraged to mask up and to social distance. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free (admission). Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle Drive, Bellaire. 713-667-6550. www.naturediscoverycenter.org


Buy an interesting trinket at a community garage sale on Oct. 23

The Westbury Civic Club is bringing back its biannual white elephant community garage sale. The fall sale will be held at the Westbury United Methodist Church parking lot. A rain date has been scheduled for Nov. 6. These garage sales allow residents the opportunity to sell items at a visible location with security provided. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. Westbury United Methodist Church, 5200 Willowbend Blvd., Houston. 713-723-5437. www.westburycrier.com

Trick-or-treat during The Great Pumpkin Hunt on Oct. 28

The city of Bellaire will host a Halloween-themed event for the whole family when it presents The Great Pumpkin Hunt, an opportunity to dress in a Halloween costume and hunt for toys, candy and prize-filled pumpkins. Located in the Bellaire Town Square Great Lawn and Pavilion, the city will offer music, prizes and games. 4 p.m. (hunt starts at 4:30 p.m.). Free. Bellaire Town Square, 7001 Fifth St., Bellaire. 713-662-8280. www.bellairetx.gov


Listen to a Halloween-themed story on Oct. 30

Brazos Bookstore hosts a virtual specially themed story time for families when new author Rebecca Evans reads from her new book, “If You Ever Meet a Skeleton,” a children’s story about when a group of trick-or-treaters runs into a skeleton on Halloween night, and what it is that the skeleton actually wants. 11 a.m. Free. Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet St., Houston. 713-523-0701. www.brazosbookstore.com

Attend a Day of the Dead performance on Oct. 30

Performed by Grupo de Teatro Indigo and hosted by Miller Outdoor Theatre, “Calavera con Calavera” tells the story of the Burgos family on the Day of the Dead as it gets ready to celebrate this important date for the family. In Hacienda Calvario where the family celebrates, the family members share how the celebration has been of great value to their lives and the meaning of every element presented. Meanwhile, death roams, a reminder that life is beautiful. 7:30 p.m. Free. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 832-487-7102. www.milleroutdoortheatre.com


Costume up at the museum Halloween party on Oct. 30

The Houston Natural Science Museum is offering a 21 and up party called Spirits and Skeletons. The event opens the museum and brings costume-wearing, live music from Electric Circus, DJs, and food trucks parked outside. Additional security measures will be implemented for entering the event, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. 8 p.m. $50 (members), $60 (general public). Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-639-4629. www.hmns.org

Listen to live music during MusicFest on Oct. 30

The green space will feature a one-day festival filled with live music, Halloween-themed activities and food. The festival will offer a lineup of musicians playing a range of styles, including R&B, blues, Texas country, jazz, classic rock and Latin salsa. The festival will also host a Haunted House Maze, costume contests, and Trunk or Treat cars. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Willow Waterhole, 5201 S. Willow Drive, Houston. www.willowwaterhole.org