The Texas Renaissance Festival and other fall events kickoff this weekend in Tomball and Magnolia.

Saturday, Oct. 8: Zomball in Tomball

The annual Halloween bash at the Tomball Historic Depot Plaza features a giant trick or treat celebration for children courtesy of local vendors and organizations. Other activities include a maze and swamp attraction with music, crafts, and games and entertainment for kids. Guests are invited to come in Halloween costumes. 6 p.m. Free (admission and parking).Tomball Historic Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-351-5484. www.tomballtx.gov

Saturday, Oct. 8: PetFest

Held in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, the fourth annual festival features vendors, food, games, music, a raffle, a K9 demonstration and a low-cost vaccination clinic for pets. A blessing of the animals begins at noon at the outdoor chapel, and a pet costume contest follows at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit Abandoned Animal Rescue and Tiny Paws. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (admission). The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepard, 801 E. Main St., Tomball. 281-351-1609. www.goodshepherdtomball.org/petfest

Saturday, Oct. 8: Art show

The Tomball Art League presents its Fall 2016 Fine Art Show featuring artwork from community members. Artists range from elementary students to professional artists, and artwork is judged by artists Doug Hiser. 1:30-4 p.m. Free (admission). Lone Star College-Tomball Beckendorf Conference Center, 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball. www.thetomballartleague.com

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9: Corn maze and pumpkin patch

Salem Lutheran Church hosts a 5-acre corn maze in the shape of an old steam locomotive to honor the early days of Tomball as a railroad hub and center of commerce in north Harris County. Other activities include hayrides, a pumpkin patch and yard games. The corn maze will be open through Nov. 13. 9 a.m.-noon (Tues.), 3-7 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sat.), 1-7 p.m. (Sun.) $10 (ages 6 and older), $5 (ages 2-5), free (under 2). Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball. 281-351-8223. www.tomballcornmaze.com

Saturday and Sunday, Oct.8-9: Texas Renaissance Festival

The annual festival begins its eight-weekend run Saturday in Todd Mission with an Oktoberfest theme. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the festival each year. Each weekend in October and November, festival attendees dress up and explore the Renaissance-themed park. The festival features food and drink vendors, live entertainment and more than 400 shops. Entertainment options include parades, jousting and theatrical performances. Shops sell a variety of medieval goods, including glasswork, leatherwork, potions and musical instruments. Each Saturday night, the festival hosts the adults-only TRF After Dark, a costume gala with dancing and food. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. $26 (adult), $14 (child). Texas Renaissance Festival, 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. www.texrenfest.com

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9: Americas' Lusitano Cup

The first ever horse competition for Lusitano breeds features judged competitions according to age group and type. The event, sponsored by Haras Dos Cavaleiros, will determine the best Lusitanos in the Americas. Breeders from all over the Americas will bring horses with which to compete. 10 a.m. (Saturday), 9 a.m. (Sunday). Free (admission). Haras Hacienda, 26427 Peden Road, Magnolia. 281-259-4861. www.harasdoscavaleiros.com

Saturday, Oct. 8: Turner Thomas Cemetery cleanup

The West Montgomery County 4-H Shooting Sports Club will clean and beautify the Turner Thomas Cemetery, located near Old Hockley Road and FM 1488 in Magnolia, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The group plans to mow and clear heavy brush from the cemetery, which blocks the view of the cemetery from the road.