From festivals to pumpkin patches, there are a number of ways to celebrate Halloween and the start of fall in The Woodlands.
The Haunted Trail at Bear Branch Oct. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 The Woodlands Parks and Recreation Department hosts this annual fall event for three weekends in October. This year’s theme is “Sinister Circus” and is recommended for visitors age 9 and older. Ticket sales end at 9:30 p.m. each night. 8-10 p.m. $8 per person. Bear Branch Park, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands  281-210-3800 www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Harmony Candy Crawl Model Home Tour Oct. 14-15 Participants can tour 16 model homes in the master-planned community of Harmony while collecting candy at each stop. Attendees can also enjoy face painting, a DJ, balloon art, monster inflatables, kettle corn and a pumpkin patch. Participants can register for the chance to win four Texas Renaissance Festival tickets or a $250 gift card. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  Free. The Thicket in Harmony, 3811 Everly Bend Drive, Spring 936-447-2805. www.harmony-houston.com
Jack-o-lantern challenge Oct. 15 Participants can take part in a jack-o’-lantern challenge while enjoying a concert in the park with music by the ‘80s variety band The Spicolis. Pumpkins and carving supplies are provided while supplies last. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-380. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Autumn Fest Market Oct. 28 The annual event hosted by The Woodlands Christian Church features live music from School of Rock and shopping opportunities to raise money for the Salvation Army, the Montgomery County Women’s Shelter and Pregnancy Assistance Center North. An all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch is available for $12 per plate or $6 for a single pass. Proceeds from the barbecue lunch go to provide meals for families displaced by Hurricane Harvey. Vendor spaces are still available. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (admission). The Woodlands Christian Church, 1202 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands. 281-367-713. www.twcc.org
The Woodlands Village Associations’ Fall Flea Market Oct. 28 The fall flea market provides a venue for local vendors and residents to sell new and used household goods, sports equipment, lawn equipment, arts and crafts at this communitywide garage sale. All proceeds from the sale of spaces are shared by the village associations to fund scholarships and programs. 7-10 a.m. Free. Town Center Parking Garage, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3976. www.woodlandsfleamarket.org
Truck or Treat Oct. 28 The second annual Halloween-themed food truck festival features more than 20 food vendors, market and boutique vendors, live music, a wide selection of cold beers, handcrafted margaritas and tequila flights. Children can trick or treat and enjoy inflatables and live entertainers. Teachers, police officers, service members, first responders and children younger than age 12  get free admission. Noon-11 p.m. $10. Heritage Place Amphitheater, 500 Simonton St., Conroe. 713-594-3165. www.inspireprod.com
Thrill The World Oct. 28 Residents of all ages join thousands of others around to globe to celebrate Michael Jackson’s talent by dancing simultaneously to “Thriller” at Market Street. 2-4 p.m. Free. Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands. 281-419-4774. www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com
Trick or Treat Trail Oct. 29 Trick-or-treaters get the chance to dress up in their Halloween costumes and collect goodies from booths of local vendors. The event also features strolling entertainment, inflatables, carnival games, balloon artists, costume contests and a pumpkin patch photo area. 3-6 p.m. Free. Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Halloween Safe Streets Oct. 31 The Shenandoah Police Department hosts this annual Halloween night event, providing a safe, fun environment for young trick-or-treaters. 6-8 p.m. Free. Shenandoah. 281-298-5522. www.shenandoahtx.us
SpookTacular 2017 Oct. 31 The Woodlands Children’s Museum celebrates Halloween with this annual event featuring spooky games, experiments and entertainment throughout the day. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $6. The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955. www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org  
The Woodlands Wildflower Festival Nov. 4 This 30th annual event features giant inflatable rides, a plant and craft sale from The Woodlands Garden Club, and native plant exhibits and music. The Woodlands mascot Puffy Pine Cone and Bridgeland’s mascot Bridgeland Bill will also make special appearances. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Hughes Landing, 1900 Hughes Landing Blvd., The Woodlands 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Cultural Arts Heritage Festival Market Street Nov. 5 The Woodlands Arts Council partners with Market Street to celebrate the cultural diversity of the community through art at this inaugural event. Attendees will write phrases describing their heritage on a paper leaf, which will be collected and placed on a tree to become a permanent art installation on Market Street. A number of cultural groups in The Woodlands area will participate at the event, including Chabad of The Woodlands, Congregation Beth Shalom, International Friends of The Woodlands, The Woodlands Chinese Cultural Center, The Refuge Project, US Mexican Entrepreneurs Association, Maddie Hane Irish Dancers and the Human Rights Walk. Noon-4 p.m. Free. Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands. www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org
22nd Annual Children’s Festival Nov. 11-12 This 22nd annual event features the theme “Let’s Get Wild” and includes live entertainment, character meet-and-greets and interactive educational activities in a safari setting. Live performances include Jack Hanna’s "Into The Wild" on Saturday and The Berenstain Bears on Sunday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Nov. 11), noon-5 p.m. (Nov. 12). $8-$10. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-364-3010. www.woodlandscenter.org
Fall Fest Nov. 12 This inaugural event hosted by The Woodlands Township features live music, inflatables, crafts, face painting and a petting zoo. The event is free for children 6 months old and younger. 2-6 p.m. $5. The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
The Texas Renaissance Festival Oct. 14-Nov. 26 The 43rd annual Texas Renaissance Festival runs for two months featuring a different theme each weekend. The festival features live entertainment, traditional medieval foods, performances and local vendors. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. $15-$30. October 14-15 Pirate Adventure 21-22 Roman Bacchanal 28-29 All Hallows Eve November 04-05 Barbarian Invasion 11-12 Heroes and Villains 18-19 Highland Fling 24-26 Celtic Christmas 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. www.texrenfest.com