Get your Halloween creativity flowing with this family-friendly painting event. Kids and adults team up to create spooky s'mores artwork—because nothing says Halloween quite like adorable ghost marshmallows. Adults can BYOB (the real reason parents love these events), and non-participating parents can hang out if there's space. At $37, it's a budget-friendly way to make memories and maybe discover your kid is the next Picasso, or at least better at painting than you are.

Start your Halloween weekend early with some groovy vibes. Yelba brings the '70s back to life on the scenic shores of Lake Woodlands as part of the fall Thursday night concert series. Pack a blanket, grab some snacks from nearby spots, and settle in for an evening of disco, classic rock, and all those songs your parents definitely played too loud in the car. Free live music on the water? That's a Thursday night well spent.

For those seeking a more refined Halloween eve, this five-course Italian wine dinner showcases Franciacorta wines from Lombardia. The menu reads like a love letter to Italian cuisine: creamy burrata with prosciutto, veal carpaccio, hand-rolled pappardelle with braised quail. It's an intimate culinary journey that beats a bag of fun-size candy bars any day.

This weekly concert series runs every Thursday evening, perfect for grabbing your blanket, packing a picnic basket, and settling in for some live music as the sun sets. Coolers and lawn chairs are welcome, but leave the tents, tables, and glass at home. It's the kind of low-key evening that makes fall in Texas actually enjoyable.

The Children's Museum is hosting a non-spooky Halloween celebration perfect for younger kids. The morning is packed with live magic shows at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 12:30 PM, plus art projects and games throughout. The Monster Mash Boogie Bash at 10 AM and 11 AM features Miss Jan leading child-friendly "spooky" stories and Halloween musical activities. At 10 AM, she'll read "Go Away, Big Green Monster!" by Ed Emberley, a classic story that helps children conquer their fears through fun interaction and imagination. At 11 AM, it's "Spooky Spooky Spooky!" by Cathy MacLennan, a non-scary tale that introduces creepy creatures like "horrible howling cats" and "slithery slugs." Note that the museum is only open for SpookTacular during these hours with no re-entry.

LEGO enthusiasts, this one's for you. The 2nd Annual Holiday Unveiling features rare, retired, new, and pre-owned holiday-themed LEGO sets that the store has been collecting for over 10 months. If you've got a LEGO fanatic in the family (or let's be honest, if you're the LEGO fanatic), this is basically Christmas morning in November.

If you need to detox from Halloween candy overload, this family-friendly nature festival is your answer. Celebrating Texas Arbor Day and the 20th anniversary of the Heartwood Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist, this event packs serious value into four hours. We're talking guided forest hikes, ambassador animals (always a kid favorite), pollinator garden tours, a native plant giveaway, and even a "Walk with a Doctor" program. Plus yard games and exhibitor bingo because learning about nature doesn't mean it can't be fun. Did we mention it's free?

Country superstar Lainey Wilson finally brings her Whirlwind Tour to The Pavilion after the September reschedule. She's riding high with multiple awards and hits, and she's bringing the heat with special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Drake Milligan. If you've been holding onto those tickets since September, your patience is about to pay off big time.

Arrr you ready for some swashbuckling fun? The festival transitions from Halloween to Pirate Adventure Weekend, featuring sea-related games, costume contests (time to dig out that eye patch), and entertainment that would make Jack Sparrow proud. It's all the regular Renaissance Festival goodness with a nautical twist. Perfect for families who can't get enough of the festival experience.

This is not a drill. Two of the most iconic, outrageous, and unforgettable bands from the '80s new wave era are sharing one stage. The B-52s will have you dancing to "Love Shack," "Rock Lobster," and "Roam," while DEVO delivers their synth-punk genius with "Whip It," "Girl U Want," and "Freedom of Choice." These are bands that defined an era and still bring unmatched energy decades later. If you've ever worn a skinny tie or teased your hair to impossible heights, this show is basically mandatory. Even if you haven't, it's still going to be legendary.

Catch the final day of this three-day pop-up exhibition featuring semi-abstract paintings by local artist Annette Palmer. The collection bridges Scottish and Texas landscapes, proving that art can make 5,000 miles feel a lot closer.

Get those fall family photos without booking a photographer. Market Street has an autumn-themed photo backdrop set up all week. Grab your pumpkin spice latte, wrangle the kids, and snap some Instagram-worthy shots.

This weekend is absolutely loaded. Thursday alone has three solid options, from free concerts to Italian wine dinners. The crown jewel is Sunday's B-52s & DEVO double bill. For families on a budget, the Deep in the Heartwood Festival on Saturday delivers incredible value with zero cost and maximum nature education. And with Lainey Wilson bringing modern country star power on Saturday, you've got something for everyone. Plan wisely!

See you out there!