Oct. 7-9: Katy Rice Festival
The Katy Rice Festival is hosted by the city of Katy and the Rotary Club of Katy. At the event, patrons can enjoy live music, a rice cooking contest, a carnival, food trucks, a Katy ISD art contest and craft beer. Net proceeds will benefit the rotary’s fund for scholarships and donations to the Katy community. 6-10 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sat.), noon-6 p.m. (Sun.). Free (children 12 and under), $5 (seniors, military), $10 (adults). Historic Downtown Katy, 5718 Second St., Katy. 281-391-4800. www.katyricefestival.com
Oct. 7: Night of the Nerds
Night of the Nerds features lightsaber fighting, comics, games and a costume contest with a $50 Amazon gift card prize. The Houston Astronomical Society will also have a high-power telescope. The night will finish with a Jedi lightsaber battle performance and a showing of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” 5-9:30 p.m. Free. Central Green Park, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 832-265-0506. www.centralgreenpark.com
Oct. 7: Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter Tea Party
Children can join the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter for a child-friendly tea party, cookie decorating and photo opportunities. 10 a.m. $12. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
Oct. 7-29: The Haunting of Bear Branch Park
The Haunting of Bear Branch Park returns on Fridays and Saturdays through October for families to enjoy. This year’s event features mazes, twists and tunnels along with a panic room. Fast passes became available Sept. 12. 8 p.m. $9-$20. Bear Branch Park, 5200 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Oct. 7: 17th annual Katy Wine Fest
Taste wines from around the world at the 17th annual Katy Wine Fest hosted by the Cinco Ranch Rotary. The event will feature local restaurants serving light bites, live music, a wine pull and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit The Brookwood Community’s outreach program and other select Katy-area charities. 7-10 p.m. $30+. Palacio Maria Banquet Hall, 21728 Highland Knolls, Katy. 713-344-3451. www.katywinefest.com
Oct. 7: Texas TreeVentures event
Participants can take part in a two-hour climbing event that will conclude with a campfire, making s’mores and seeing the sunset. Children ages 6-12 will be required to have an adult climbing with them. 6 p.m. $50. Texas TreeVentures, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-2048. www.texastreeventures.com
Oct. 8-Nov. 27: Texas Renaissance Festival
The Texas Renaissance Festival is returning for its 48th season with themed weekends of entertainers, more than 400 shops and theatrical performances. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ticket prices begin at $18; free (age 5 and younger). Children age 12 and younger receive free admission on Sundays. 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. www.texrenfest.com
Oct. 8: Sip and Shop Vendor Market
Grand Central Park is hosting a Sip and Shop vendor market. The event will include over 100 vendors that offer items such as jewelry, food and furniture. Food trucks will be available. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free (admission). 1039 Lake House Drive, Conroe. https://bigtop.show/conroegrandcentral
Oct. 8: The Livable Forest’s Kid’s Jubilee
Bring the family to The Livable Forest’s Kid’s Jubilee event featuring seasonal shopping from local vendors, a trackless train, food trucks and a bounce house. Noon-5 p.m. Free. Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood. 214-734-1917. www.thelivableforest.com
Oct. 8-9: Bayou City Art Festival
More than 220 national and international artists will gather in downtown Houston for two days of art, live music, food and entertainment at the Bayou City Art Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5-$18. Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St., Houston. 713-521-0133. www.artcolonyassociation.org
Oct. 8: 10 For Texas race
The Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas is a USA Track and Field-sanctioned event with a certified 10-mile course. The day of the race will also feature the 3.1 Armadillo Run and One 4 Texas Fun Run. The race concludes with a postrace party featuring live music, food, beverages and activities. 7 a.m. $35-$70. Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Oct. 8: Montgomery Fall Festival
The city of Montgomery will host its fall festival with live performances by the Josh Abbott Band, Andy Griggs and other musicians. Attendees can also browse vendors, food trucks and a kids zone with a petting zoo. 1 p.m. $10 (ages 4-12), $25 (advance general admission). FM 149 at College Street, Montgomery. www.outhousetickets.com
Oct. 8: Margaritaville Marketplace Event
Margaritaville Marketplace at Margaritaville Lake Resort will host a shopping event with local artisans and vendors. Wine will be available for tastings and for purchase. 2-6 p.m. Free (admission). 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery. www.margaritavilleresorts.com
Oct. 9: Kingwood Fall Car Show
Peruse automobiles, listen to live music and shop from an array of local vendors at the Kingwood Fall Car Show. Event organizers noted the streets surrounding the event will be closed, providing patrons a safe area to stroll among booths and vendors. Noon-5 p.m. Free. Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood. 346-600-2366. www.towncenterevents.com
Oct. 9: 8th Annual Oak Ridge North Fall Festival
The city of Oak Ridge North will host its eighth annual family-friendly fall festival at Marilyn Edgar Park. The festival will feature vendor booths and food, and entertainment options include face painting, balloons, a photo booth, old-fashioned carnival games and prize giveaways. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Marilyn Edgar Park, 26531 S. Hillside Drive, Oak Ridge North. 281-292-4648. www.oakridgenorth.com
