There are a number of ways to enjoy fall in the Katy area, whether checking out a family-friendly festival, facing fears at a spooky haunted house or getting out into nature to enjoy the weather. The information for each event is accurate as of press time and is subject to change.

Oct. 29: Celebrate Howl-O-Ween

Join the Katy Parks & Recreation Department at the Katy Dog Park for Howl-O-Ween, with a costume contest, a raffle and vendors. Donation of pet food or cash for local shelters is required for raffle and contest entry. 9-11 a.m. Free. Katy Dog Park, 5414 Franz Road, Katy. 281-391-4840. www.cityofkaty.com

Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink are for sale

Oct. 29: Enjoy family fun


Join Houston Family Magazine, a parenting magazine, for its Houston Family Fun Fest at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. The event features face painting, a rock wall, food vendors, crafts and live music. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Heritage Square, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 281-395-5533. www.lacenterra.com

Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink are for sale

Nov. 11: Honor veterans

The Veterans Day Celebration will include live music, speeches from veterans and a Historic War Bird flyover. noon-5 p.m. Free. Central Green Park, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 832-265-0506. www.centralgreenpark.com


Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink are for sale

Nov. 11-12: Camp out in the park

Bring tents and sleeping bags for the Katy Parks & Recreation Department’s Fall Community Campout, featuring a movie, activities, s’mores and meals. Registration is required. 4 p.m.-9 a.m. Free. VFW Park, 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy. 281-391-4840. www.cityofkaty.com

Nov. 12-13: Shop for the holidays


Shop the Big Top Christmas Gift Market for boutique clothing, accessories, home decor, furniture, food, art and holiday items sold by small businesses. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Katy ISD Agricultural Sciences Center, 5801 Katy Hockley Cut Off Road, Katy. 936-900-1900. www.bigtop.show

Nov. 18: Light the season

LaCenterra’s Nov. 18 tree lighting ceremony will include food, a photo experience with live reindeer and Santa’s sleigh, inflatable snow globes and holiday characters. 6-9 p.m. Free. LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. 281-395-5533. www.lacenterra.com

Nov. 18-20: Start holiday shopping


Home for the Holidays Gift Market will have over 150 vendors on site selling their items, photos with Santa, food and drinks. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Nov. 18-19), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 20). Free (age 12 and under), $6 (over age 12). Katy Merrell Center, 6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy. 281-788-4297.www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com

Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink are for sale