Zoo Boo

Thru Oct. 27 | Houston Zoo

Costumes are encouraged at this event, where the human's animal face paint sometimes makes it difficult to discern between tiger and toddler. You'll get all the regular perks of regular admission, plus access to photo opps, stamp stations, and the appropriately-colored Whataburger Pumpkin Patch. Complimentary candy awaits you on the way out.

Tickets $20. Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr. 713-533-6500. More info and tickets at houstonzoo.org.

Martha Graham Dance Company 

Oct. 18 | Society for the Performing Arts 

Described by the Washington Post as “one of the seven wonders of the artistic universe,” the oldest American dance company returns to Houston for the first time in 15 years to prove it still has new tricks up its sleeve. The program will include “Chronicle” from the company’s EVE Project, which celebrates female empowerment through movement. 

Tickets from $39. Jones Hall, 65 Louisiana St. 713-227-4772. More info and tickets at spahouston.org.

ArBOOretum

Oct. 19 | Houston Arboretum

The trick-or-treat nature trail is back in full force, featuring a pumpkin patch, live reptiles, train rides, and more. Get there early before the crowds gum up our favorite nature spot. 

Tickets from $15. Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Dr. 713-681-8433. More info and tickets at houstonarboretum.org.

Wings Over Houston Airshow

Oct. 19–20 | Ellington Field

Ah yes, a testament to the marvel of human flight and the glory of escaping the clutches of earth's gravity! Or more simply, the perfect event to take a Plane Dad. Don't miss "one of the largest displays of civilian & military aircraft in North America." 

Tickets from $35. Ellington Field, 11210 Blume Ave. 713-266-4492. More info and tickets at wingsoverhouston.com. 

Symphonic Spooktacular

Oct. 20 | Miller Outdoor Theatre

Houston Symphony isn't advertising the program for this "spooktacular scarefest," but our best guess is that it will include some Addams Family, "Night on Bald Mountain," "In the Hall of the Mountain King," and perhaps Music for Prague 1968. Whatever they play, it's sure to be the perfect endcap to a spooky weekend.

Free. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Dr. 281-373-3386. More info at milleroutdoortheatre.com.