Looking for things to do around the Bellaire, Meyerland and West University neighborhoods in Houston this fall? From Zoo Boo to Monster Jam, here are 12 events to attend in the area in October. This list is not comprehensive. Events are subject to change.

Zoo Boo 2024

Enjoy multiple fall activities at the Houston Zoo at this month-long event that concludes Oct. 31. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes while walking through a pumpkin lantern tunnel between the lions and tiger exhibits, riding the scary-go-round and traveling through a ghost town near the giraffe barn. After hours events take place on select dates.
  • Sept. 27-Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • $21.20-$32.70, members free
  • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston
  • www.houstonzoo.org
'Runaway Radio' screening

The 101 KLOL Houston rock documentary, directed by Bellaire resident Mike McGuff, celebrates the heyday of the pioneering local rock radio station KLOL-FM, which was on the air in Houston from 1970 to 2004. The film features interviews with Dusty Hill from ZZ Top, Lyle Lovett, Sammy Hagar and Melissa Etheridge, among others.Friends of the Bellaire Library book sale

The nonprofit Friends of the Bellaire Library hosts a fall book sale. Attendees can purchase books in good, clean condition, including hardback books for $2 and paperback books for $1.
  • Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • 5101 Jessamine St., Bellaire
  • www.fotbl.org
Oktober Vespers




Hosted by Bach Society of Houston, the event features a performance of the church cantata Was frag ich nach der Welt, BWV 94, to celebrate the work's 300th anniversary. After the event, guests can enjoy music, bratwurst and beer in the venue's courtyard.
The Nature Discovery Center hosts a pumpkin patch fall festival in October. (Courtesy Nature Discovery Center)
The Nature Discovery Center hosts a pumpkin patch fall festival in October. (Courtesy Nature Discovery Center)
Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival

Tens of thousands of pounds of pumpkins will be available for picking at the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire this fall. The two-day event also features a costume contest, festival games, crafts, activities, bites and beer.'I Just Want to Celebrate': Songs from the '70s

The Houston Chamber Choir presents a free concert featuring popular songs from the 1970s. Songs in the show include those written by Roberta Flack, the Bee Gees, Carly Simon, ABBA and the Jackson 5, among others.'Butterfly Effect'

Asia Society Texas, Houston Contemporary Dance Company and Open Dance Project partner on the event, which includes an original work by ODP’s Executive Artistic Director Annie Arnoult.
  • Oct. 18-19, 7:30 p.m.
  • $35
  • Asia Society Texas Center, The Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater, 1370 Southmore Blvd., Houston
  • www.asiasociety.org/texas
'The Year of Magical Thinking'




Main Street Theater in Rice Village kicks off its 2024-25 season with a performance of the Joan Didion play adapted from her memoir. The one-woman play tells the story of the sudden and unexpected loss of Didion's husband and the prolonged illness of her only daughter.
  • Oct. 19-Nov. 17 (dates and times vary)
  • $15-$59
  • Main Street Theater-Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston
  • www.mainstreettheater.com
See 12,000-pound monster trucks do backflips and head-to-head battles at NRG Park at this event. (Courtesy Feld Entertainment)
See 12,000-pound monster trucks do backflips and head-to-head battles at NRG Park at this event. (Courtesy Feld Entertainment)
Monster Jam

See 12,000-pound monster trucks do backflips and head-to-head battles at NRG Park at this event. There will be family-friendly activities and opportunities to take photos and get autographs from drivers.October Odyssey: Family Day

The Texas Medical Center event transforms Helix Park into a vibrant playground featuring activities from Toddler Towns, The Infinite Experience VR, Houston Balloon and Facepainting, crafts with the Museum of Natural Science, rocket launches with the University of Houston and an LED Moon exhibition. Attendees can also view and vote on the Adirondack Chair Art Competition.Tenth Annual Park to Port Bike Ride

This 20-mile round trip ride will take cyclists from Hermann Park’s Bayou Parkland along Bayou Greenway trail to Mason Park, near the Port of Houston. Celebrate at the post-ride party under Bill Coats Bridge. This event is open to riders of all skill levels and is not a race.
This annual Halloween party takes place at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. (Courtesy Houston Museum of Natural Science)
This annual Halloween party takes place at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. (Courtesy Houston Museum of Natural Science)
Spirits & Skeletons




The Houston Museum of Natural Science welcomes goblins and ghouls to this annual Halloween party. The event features three DJs, food trucks and cocktails.
  • Oct. 26, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
  • $50-60 (general admission), $120 (VIP)
  • 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston
  • www.hmns.org