November

13 through 16


Watch a modern play

Lone Star College-Montgomery’s Theatre Department will hold four days of performances of Frank Winter’s drama “Student Body.” 5:30 p.m. (Nov. 13), 7 p.m (Nov. 14-16), 3 p.m. (Nov. 16). $5-$10. Lone Star College-Montgomery Mainstage Theatre, 3200 College Park Drive, Bldg. D, Conroe. 832-813-6500. www.lonestar.edu/drama-dept-montgomery

14 Participate in diabetes education


The Houston Methodist hospital system commemorates World Diabetes Day with a series of informational sessions at its Houston-area facilities, including its hospital in The Woodlands. Attendees can learn about disease management and prevention, testing and healthy eating. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, 17201 I-45 N., Conroe. 936-270-2000. www.houstonmethodist.org

14 through Dec. 1 Travel back in time

The Texas Renaissance Festival’s 45th season runs weekends through Dec. 1 in Tomball. Themes include Barbarian Invasion (Nov. 16-17), Highland Fling (Nov. 23-24) and Celtic Christmas (Nov. 29-Dec. 1). 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Starting at $23.95. 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. www.texrenfest.com

15 See a jazz band over dinner


Glade Arts Foundation holds a dinner and concert with the David Caceres band, featuring jazz music, an a la carte menu and curated wine list. 6 p.m. $25-$45. Glade Cultural Center, 2000 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands. 832-557-8781. www.gladeartsfoundation.org

15 Check out educational children’s gifts

The Woodlands Children’s Museum invites gift buyers to its one-night “All Wrapped Up Holiday Shopportunity” featuring a lineup of local vendors selling a variety of educational toys and games alongside children’s books and clothing. 5-9 p.m. Free. The Woodlands Children’s •Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org

16 Hear from Texas heroes


The Mighty Oaks Foundation’s ninth annual Warrior Gala brings a slate of speakers to The Woodlands supporting the foundation’s veterans services. 6:30-9 p.m. $100 and up. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. www.mightyoaksprograms.org/txgala

16 Learn to survive in the wilderness

Outdoor adventurers can pick up new survival skills through The Woodlands Township’s wilderness survival course. Participants can learn more about fire starting, water collection, signaling and basic protection from instructor Jan Hackett. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $55 (resident), $65 (nonresident). The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

16 Begin ice skating season


The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center opens for its winter season. Hours vary. $5-$6 (child), $10.50-$12.50 (adult). The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-419-5630. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

22 Live like a princess

Attendees don royal clothing to see a dance performance. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $7. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org

23 Run to support care for orphans


The fifth annual Defend the Orphan Run, an event featuring timed 10k, 5k and 1k runs, benefits care for orphans around the world through Coreluv International. Live music, food trucks and children’s activities are also available. 8 a.m. $25-$50. Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

23 Take a birding class

The Texas A&M Forest Service holds a beginners birding course including an introduction to bird identification, research and habitats followed by a walk through W.G. Jones State Forest. 9 a.m.-noon Free. Texas A&M Forest Service Jones State Forest Education Classroom, 1328 FM•1488, Conroe. 936-546-3169. www.tfsweb.tamu.edu

28 Run through the woods

The YMCA of Greater Houston Run Thru the Woods includes 1- to 3-mile running and walking races. 7:30 a.m. $25-$50. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-681-6730. www.runthruthewoods.org

December

5 Commemorate Emily Dickinson’s birthday


The Montgomery County Literary Arts Council’s annual celebration of poet Emily Dickinson’s birthday includes a conversation with a Dickinson scholar. University of Missouri professor Aliki Barnstone will present about Dickinson’s life and her book, “Changing Rapture: Emily Dickinson’s Poetic Development,” before a barbecue and auction accompanied by poetry readings at a separate location at Martin’s Hall, 219 Simonton St., Conroe. 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Lone Star College-Montgomery, 3200 College Park Drive, Ste. G102, Conroe. www.literaryartscouncil.org

6 Meet a bestselling author

The John Cooper School’s Signatures Author Series brings Maria Semple to The Woodlands. Semple, writer of the bestselling “Where’d You Go, Bernadette,” will be joined by local authors at the luncheon at 6 p.m. $150. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-367-0900, ext. 2441. www.johncooper.org/signatures

6 Go for a climb

A two-hour afternoon climbing session is followed by a sunset campfire and marshmallow roast. 3 p.m. $40. Texas TreeVentures, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-2048. www.texastreeventures.com

6-7 Swing for the fences

Slugfest supports College Park High School’s baseball program. The event is held from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening. $20 per player. Baseball fields at 1080 Pruitt Road, Spring, and Oak Ridge Woodlands Area Little League fields, 1130 Pruitt Road, Spring. www.collegeparkbaseball.com

7 Get an introduction to composting

The Woodlands Township presents a backyard composting class for residents interested in turning waste into compost. Prizes such as a free composting bin are also offered. 10-11 a.m. Free. The Woodlands Township Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

11 Learn results of incorporation study

The Novak Consulting Group will meet with The Woodlands Township board of directors to discuss the law enforcement options it has reviewed in its incorporation study for the township. 6 p.m. The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Thanksgiving closures:

Woodlands Township offices closed Nov. 28-29

No trash/recycling pickup in The Woodlands: Nov. 28

Shenandoah offices closed: Nov. 28-29

Conroe ISD Thanksgiving holiday: Nov. 25-29

Magnolia ISD Thanksgiving holiday: Nov. 25-29

Tomball ISD Thanksgiving holiday: Nov. 25-29