Oct. 29-30: Grill at a cook-off
Magnolia’s First Baptist Church is hosting a barbecue cook-off at its pumpkin patch. Meat will be provided, and prizes will be awarded for brisket, meat, chicken and open categories. Chefs will meet Oct. 29 at 6 p.m., and the entries will be judged Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. The team entry fee is $200. 18525 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-356-8543. www.m1bc.org/bbq
Oct. 30: Celebrate Howl-O-Ween
The Abandoned Animal Rescue is holding its annual Howl-O-Ween event just before Halloween. The event will include games for kids, candy, tours and a DJ. Luliet Creamery will be serving ice cream. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. 32632 Wright Road, Magnolia. 281-789-4142. www.aartexas.org
Oct. 30: Celebrate fall in the heart of Tomball
The Tomball Bible Church will present its fall carnival for the family to enjoy. The festival will feature fall-themed events, including a hayride and games. Inflatables, complimentary food and face painting will also be available. 4-6 p.m. Free. Tomball Bible Church, 400 N. Walnut St., Tomball. 281-351-1876. www.tomballbible.church
Oct. 30: Dress up and dance
The nonprofit Love Fosters Hope is hosting its seventh annual Night of Hope gala to support its mission of helping children in foster care. The event will feature dancing, auctions and dinner. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s-style fashion. 6 p.m. $150. 33300 Egypt Lane, Ste. G-420, Magnolia. 832-823-1899. www.lovefostershope.org
Nov. 5-7: Watch theater in the park
Harris County Precinct 4 presents “Hamlet” at Burroughs Park, performed by local actors. 2 p.m. (Nov. 6-7), 7:30 p.m. (Nov. 5-6). Free. 9738 Hufsmith Road, Tomball. www.hcp4.net
Nov. 6: Enjoy CAREfest in Magnolia
Society of Samaritans hosts CAREfest with free community resources and activities, such as face painting, a fire truck and a bouncy house for children; complimentary hot dogs; health screenings; a free food fair; and a job fair. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 31355 Friendship Drive, Magnolia. 281-259-8452. www.societyofsamaritans.org
Nov. 6: Check out vintage toys at local comic shop
Vintage toys and comics will be displayed at Comix Cafe’s Tomball Fall Toyfest. The event will also feature vendors and appearances from comic artist Mostafa Ink and writer Josh Starnes as well as live music from Cirque la Vie. Noon-5 p.m. Free. 27620 Business 249, Tomball. 832-698-1850. www.facebook.com/comiccafetx
Nov. 11-21: See youth theater productions in Tomball
National Youth Theater will present two productions this fall with performers age 8-19. Performances are held at Concordia Lutheran High School. Showings of “The Lion King Jr.” span Nov. 11-14, and “Wizard of Oz” runs Nov. 19-21. 2 p.m., 6 p.m. (Nov. 13-14, 20-21), 7 p.m. (Nov. 11-12, 19). $12-$15. 700 E. Main St., Tomball. www.nationalyouththeater.org
Nov. 12-13: Show off cooking skills at Cooking 4 Courage
Hosted by the Texans United For Freedom Foundation, the Cooking 4 Courage event in Magnolia honors veterans and first responders. The main event is a barbecue cook-off, and there will also be a dinner for veterans, a flag retirement ceremony and a concert by The Fantastics. 5-7:30 p.m. (Nov. 12), 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (Nov. 13). Free (admission), $250 (cook-off entry). 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. 832-712-1760. www.tufffoundation.org/cooking-4-courage
Nov. 12-13: Peruse an art show
The Tomball Art League will present an art show open to the public with art for sale as a fundraiser for the Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library’s Friends of the Library nonprofit organization. Artwork will be on display by local artists in various mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography and mixed media. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Nov. 12), 1-3:30 p.m. (Nov. 13). Free. 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball. www.thetomballartleague.com
Nov. 19: Light up the holiday season in downtown
The city of Tomball rings in the holiday season with its Christmas tree lighting at the Historic Depot Plaza downtown. The event will include complimentary hot chocolate, live music performances, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. 6-8 p.m. Free. Historic Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-222-4775. www.tomballtx.gov
Nov. 20: Enjoy the annual holiday parade
The 56th annual Tomball Holiday Parade will take place on Main Street in Tomball. Patrons can line the street as floats kick off the holiday season. The parade begins at Main and Elm streets and moves to just past Buvinghausen Street. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. 281-351-7222. www.tomballchamber.org
