Hocus Pocus Pops and Energy Day Festival top family fun picks

The Halloween celebration at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion features spooky and fun sounds from Houston Symphony.

Get ready for tricks, treats and symphonic suites at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Hocus Pocus Pops featuring the Houston Symphony.

Photo: Ted Washington

ArBOOretum

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Houston Arboretum's fall festival, ArBOOretum. Guests of all ages can enjoy the outdoors with plenty of fun activities, including an interactive trick-or-treat nature trail, a pumpkin patch, a Halloween market, petting zoo and train rides.

When:10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15

Where:Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway

Details:$15-$20;houstonarboretum.org

FotoFun:家庭和青年的一天

The free festival provides learning fun for youth and families through photography, film, creative writing and songwriting workshops. Special guided tours will be available for the Biennial 2022 exhibition "If I Had a Hammer."

When:11:30 a.m. Oct. 15

Where:Sawyer Yards, 1502 Sawyer

Details:Free;facebook.com/events/628038198545851

Houston Energy Day Festival

The annual festival showcases science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Energy Day offers interactive demonstrations and exhibits that teach students and their families about the various forms of energy through STEM fields, along with efficiency, conservation and other related STEM industries.

When:11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 15

Where:Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby

Details:Free;energydayfestival.org/houston

Bilingual Storytime: Marcela Pérez Barros

Children's Museum Houston continues to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Univision 45 Houston. Journalist/anchor Marcela Pérez Barros will read a short children's book.

When:11:30 a.m.-noon Oct. 15

Where:Children's Museum Houston, 1500 Binz

Details:$14-$15;cmhouston.org

Kids in the Casa with Crafts: 'Encanto'

Sing and dance along with "Encanto" characters Isabela, Mirabel and Dolores at Discovery Green while taking part in hands-on arts, crafts and activities inspired by history, culture, art, music, architecture and the city itself.

When:1:30-3 p.m. Oct. 15

Where:Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney

Details:Free;discoverygreen.com

Screen on the Green: 'Selena'

Discovery Green hosts an outdoor screening of "Selena."

When:7 p.m. Oct. 15

Where:Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney

Details:Free;discoverygreen.com

Dia de Hispanidad: Magic Juan

Miller Outdoor Theatre and the Institute of Hispanic Culture Houston present a live performance by Magic Juan. The urban tropical artist has shared stages with superstars like Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony and Pitbull.

When:7:30 p.m. Oct. 15

Where:6000 Hermann Park Drive

Details:Free;milleroutdoortheatre.com

Story Square's Lit Family Festival

The first ever Texas family literacy festival will showcase the enchantment of learning, reading and writing for families to uncover together. Activities include face painting, giveaways, balloon art, performances, free books and a meet-and-greet with authors.

When:10:30 a.m. Oct. 16

Where:Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney

Details:$35-$90;discoverygreen.com

CONROE
Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

The family-friendly festival features three days of live music with local, regional and national performers on three stages, food vendors offering festival and Cajun favorites, arts and crafts vendors, a carnival, assorted community and educational exhibits, a Catfish Pageant and a KidZone area.

When:6 p.m. Oct 14, 11 a.m. Oct. 15, noon-6 p.m. Oct. 16

Where:Downtown Conroe, 101 S. Main

Details:$15-$30;friendsofconroe.com/p/getconnected

SUGAR LAND
Puerto Rican & Cuban Festival

The cultural event includes dancing, food, crafts vendors and top salsa, timba, merengue, plena, reggaeton and bachata acts.

When:Noon-10 p.m. Oct. 15

Where:The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land, 18355 U.S. 59 S.

THE WOODLANDS
Hocus Pocus Pops

The Halloween celebration at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion features spooky but fun sounds from the Houston Symphony, prizes and a Goblin Parade. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume for a chance to walk on stage during the concert.

When:6 p.m. Oct. 14

Where:2005 Lake Robbins

Details:$25, free lawn and mezzanine seating;woodlandscenter.org

TODD MISSION
德州复兴节:1001Dreams

This weekend, fairies, elves and other fanciful creatures bring enchantment to the lanes of New Market Village at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Patrons can show their magical finery in the fantasy costume contest or test their endurance in the fiery dragon-wing eating contest.

When:Oct. 15-16

Where:21778 FM 1774

Details:$7.50-$40;texrenfest.com

  • Ana Khan
    Ana Khan

    Ana Khan is the calendar coordinator for the Houston Chronicle's features desk.