Oct. 1-Nov. 19: Check out scarecrows
(kid-friendly)
Oil Ranch will host its Scarecrow Festival and Pumpkin Patch, featuring 56 acres of pumpkins and 85 life-size scarecrows. Kids age 12 and younger will receive a free pumpkin with their ticket purchase, and each ticket purchase includes access to Oil Ranch’s activities, such as pony rides and mini golf. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), noon-5 p.m. (Sun.). $22.95 (age 3 and older). 23501 Macedonia Road, Hockley. 281-859-1616. www.oilranch.com
Oct. 1: Stroll through the Renaissance
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
This year’s Stroll Thru The Renaissance will include two costume contests for kids and adults, and someone chosen by the citizens of Magnolia will be knighted by the festival king. There will be appearances by other Texas Renaissance Festival guests to preview the annual festival as well as craft and food vendors. 3-7 p.m. Free (parking and admission). FM 1488 at FM 1774, Magnolia. 281-356-2266. www.cityofmagnolia.com
Oct. 8-30: Enjoy hayrides
(kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
Every weekend in October, Weinberg’s Rosehill Farms will have hayrides, face hole cutouts for photo opportunities and a pumpkin patch. Pumpkins will be for sale at an additional cost. Should the weather permit, there will be produce, jams and jellies, and honey available for purchase. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), noon-5 p.m. (Sun.). $3 (ages 4 and older), free (ages 3 and younger), $6 (adults). 17207 FM 2920, Tomball. 713-562-6426. www.facebook.com/weinbergsrosehillfarm
Oct. 8-Nov. 27: Visit Ren Fest
(kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
The Texas Renaissance Festival is returning for its 48th season with themed weekends of entertainers, more than 400 shops and theatrical performances. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ticket prices begin at $18; children age 5 and under get in free; children age 12 and younger receive free admission on Sundays. 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. www.texrenfest.com
Oct. 15: Attend an Oktoberfest celebration
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
Dine on pretzels and bratwurst and try stein hoisting at Paradigm Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest event. There will also be live music from The Homebrewed Brass Ensemble, face painting and dancing. Food and retail vendors will also be at the event. 2-6 p.m. Free (admission). 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball. 346-336-6585. www.facebook.com/paradigmbrew
Oct. 22: Participate in a fun run
(kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
Both kids and adults can participate in Mosaics of Mercy’s Fun Run and Festival. The 1-mile kids run is open to ages 1-13, while a 5K run is open to ages 12 and older. Speakers will follow. There will also be food trunks, vendors, a bounce house, face painting and music. Race preregistration is required, and prices increase after Oct. 1. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $15-$20 (1 mile), $40-$50 (5K). 11512 FM 1488, Magnolia. www.runsignup.com/race/tx/magnolia/mosaicsofmercyfamily5K
Oct. 22: Enjoy a free fall festival
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
At the Way Family Dojo, attendees will be able to trunk-or-treat, browse vendors, play games and win door prizes. There will also be music, martial arts lessons and goodie bags for the first 100 children. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 32818 Tamina Road, Magnolia. 346-345-7100. www.thewayfamilydojo.com
Oct. 22: Attend a fall market
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
At Wildwood Methodist Church’s artisan market, there will be food and retail vendors, a pumpkin patch, costume contests and games. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 8911 FM 1488, Magnolia. 832-934-0100. www.wildwood-umc.org
Oct. 22: Listen to Bluegrass music
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
At the Tomball Bluegrass and Fall Festival, attendees will be able to listen to live music, play carnival games, and enjoy a pumpkin patch and other fall-themed activities. Food and craft vendors will be at the event, and there will be a kids zone. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-290-1035. www.tomballtx.gov
Oct. 29: Attend a car show
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
Living Stones Church will be hosting a fall festival and car show, which will include food and drinks, a bounce house, games, a costume contest, pumpkin painting, a silent auction, a bake sale and door prizes. Guests can also enjoy trunk-or-treating. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (admission), $30 (car show entry). 26605 Peden Road, Magnolia. 832-521-3444. www.livingstones-church.com
Oct. 29: Try ax throwing
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
At Magnolia’s First Baptist Church’s fall festival, the community is invited to enjoy activities such as ax throwing, a children’s play area, bounce houses, food and live music. Noon-3 p.m. Free. 18525 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-356-8543. www.m1bc.org
Oct. 30: Browse a Halloween market
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
Dozens of vendors will be at Paradigm Brewing Co. for a Halloween market with face painting, balloons and music. Costumes are encouraged, and children will be able to trick-or-treat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball. www.facebook.com/paradigmbrew
Nov. 11-12: Attend a cook-off
(free admission, kid-friendly, food and drink for sale)
This year’s Cooking 4 Courage event will be held over two days at Unity Park. There will be a cook-off for both adults and kids alongside a cornhole tournament and live and silent auctions. Food and craft vendors will also be at the event as well as a ceremony and a speaker to honor Veterans Day. 5 p.m. (Nov. 11), 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Nov. 12). Free (admission), $25 (kids’ cook-off), $250 (adult cook-off). 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. www.tufffoundation.or
