Correction: This article has been updated with the correct time of the Willow Waterhole music festival.

Events going on in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University area in October include Willow Waterhole's annual music festival and a book sale to support the Bellaire City Library.

Zoo Boo 2023

Throughout October, guests visiting the Houston Zoo are encouraged to wear costumes as they enjoy fall festivities—such as animal-themed carved pumpkins, autumn-based photo ops, and a pumpkin lantern tunnel between the lions and tiger exhibits. On Fridays, the zoo stays open after hours for its spooky forest and dance parties.
  • daily through Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • From $24.70
  • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston
  • www.houstonzoo.org
Friends of the Bellaire Library book sale

The nonprofit Friends of the Bellaire Library will host its biannual Fall Book Sale Oct. 7, giving attendees the chance to browse discounted titles while raising money for the Bellaire City Library. During the sale, hardback books are priced at $2, and paperback books are priced at $1. Read more here.Nigerian Cultural Parade and Festival


Celebrate West African culture at Root Park with this 7th annual festival. Starting with a parade at 10 a.m., the event will also feature masquerade and traditional performances, an Afrobeat dance challenge, a DJ battle, festival market, and a showcase of Nigerian cuisine—including Jollof Rice.Bilingual Zumba

As part of the Museum of Fine Arts On The Move series, instructors from the nonprofiit wellness organization FitMix will host a dance fitness class in the outdoor setting of the Cullen Sculpture Garden. Instructors will be fluent in English and Spanish, and all skill levels are welcome.
  • Oct. 8, 11 a.m.-noon
  • Free
  • 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston
  • www.mfah.org
'An Oasis of biodiversity in the marshes of Iraq and the Gulf Coast'

Archaeology Now partners with the Arab American Educational Foundation and Iraqi community groups to present a panel discussion as part of the Senan Shaibani Marsh Arabs Project. The panel will discuss the importance of biodiversity in wetlands, and threats being posed to wetlands in Iraq and along the Gulf Coast.
  • Oct. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
  • Free
  • Glassock School of Continuing Studies Auditorium, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston
  • www.archaeologynow.org
Bayou City Art Festival

The annual festival returns to Sam Houston Park, giving attendees a chance to view and purchase original art in a large outdoor gallery, meet artists and enjoy live entertainment at two stages. The event will also feature a food truck park, beverage stations and a chef's table, which will offer an arts and tasting experience with local chefs.Sight and Sound Concert


The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra collaborates with Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts for an evening of art and music. Violinist Eva Burmeister and Pianist Audrey Andrist will perform at the concert, and works of art from the museum's curated collection will be on display.
  • Oct. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Free
  • 5500 Main St., Houston
  • www.mfah.org
NASA Tech Talks

The Ion will host NASA engineer Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace experts for a presentation on technology development challenges faced at the Johnson Space Center. The goal of these talks is to find ways these challenges can be leveraged by the city’s innovation community, and will be followed by drinks and networking at Second Draught.MusicFest 2023

The annual music festival put on by the Willow Waterhole Greenway Conservancy features food, live music and Halloween-themed attractions. Bands playing include a mix of professional acts and bands from area schools, including Santanabraxas featuring Mark Towns; Entouche featuring Horace Young; and Jazzie B & Funky Krew, among others.