Local entities in the Tomball and Magnolia areas host several annual events this weekend, beginning Friday, March 31. Here are four events to consider attending. Friday, March 31 Dinner and band concert Bear Branch Junior High School hosts its annual event featuring live and silent auctions, raffles, dinner and concerts from the Bear Branch Junior High and Bear Branch Intermediate bands. 5-8 p.m. Free (admission), $15 (barbecue sandwich dinner while available). Bear Branch Junior High School cafeteria, 31310 FM 2978, Magnolia. www.bbjh.magnoliaisd.org Friday, March 31-Saturday, April 1 Magnolia Showdown BBQ Cook-off The Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce presents the 23rd annual event. Cooks from across the state gather to determine who is the best at barbecue. The grand champion receives tickets to participate in The American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is open to guests. Times vary. Unity Park, 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. 281-356-1488. www.greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org  Friday, March 31-Sunday, April 2 Tomball German Heritage Festival The German roots of Tomball come alive for three days during the annual festival. Three city blocks are filled with live German music, over 175 vendors, four music stages, street performers, a carnival and a children's play area. 6-10 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sun.). Free. Tomball Historic Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-379-6844. www.tomballgermanfest.org  Saturday, April 1 Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve grand opening The 80-acre Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve will open to the public with a celebratory event, representing another milestone in the ongoing Cypress Creek Greenway project. The preserve, located on the east side of Hwy. 249 just south of Chasewood Park Drive, will offer 1.7 miles of paved trail surrounding the 40-acre Marshall Lake. Activities at the grand opening include nature presentations, canoeing and pontoon boat rides touring the lake. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, 20215 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston. www.hcp4.net