I was going to hang my little DIY ghosts in the tree yesterday but decided to wait since there’s a decent chance of rain this week. They’re made of fabric and tulle with black marker for eyes and I was afraid they wouldn’t last long in a downpour. Then I started thinking, by the time next weekend rolls around we’ll nearly be half-way through the month of October. Suddenly I felt disappointed for my little ghosties. Two weeks hardly seems long enough to enjoy their scary cuteness. In fact, 31 days just isn’t enough time to enjoy all the pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and Halloween fun October has to offer. I’m thinking lovers of Halloween should get in touch with those folks who successfully moved the beginning of the Yuletide season to Nov. 1. Maybe we can get them to back off just a little for the sake of the season. They already took Thanksgiving. Halloween needs to be left alone. I mean, fair is fair, right?

There’s tons going on this weekend, take some time to enjoy the season. It’ll be gone before you know it.

Photo: Therese Powell

The Dallas Museum of Art wants to put a spell on you at Second Thursday with a Twist. Tour the museum’s collection and uncover spooky surprises at this extra special event that celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus.” The evening starts with a screening of the spooky-kooky film in the Horchow Auditorium. Later, you can find out which Sanderson Sister you are and what artwork matches your personality with a Hocus Pocus quiz, then take a museum tour to find out which subjects in the DMA’s collection were wrongfully accused. The tinies can paint a pumpkin, bat, or skull that glows in the dark in the C3 gallery. Feeling frightfully hungry? Pop down to the cafe for some Pumpkin Fritters or Crème Boolée, then hop on your broom and fly over to the Eagle Family Plaza where you can mix up your own witches’ brews in a cocktail-making demonstration and tasting.

Photo: LakeCities Ballet Theatre/Nancy Loch Photography

If you’re a true lover of everything spooky you won’t want to miss LakeCities Ballet Theatres’ production of ‘Le Ballet de Dracula.’ This slightly dark ballet features dancing gypsies, bats, vampire brides and of course, Dracula himself. In short, this ballet does for Halloween what ‘The Nutcracker’ did for Christmas. The dancing, costumes, and staging are all first rate and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Kids can dress in Halloween costumes and participate in a drawing to be held at intermission during each performance.  If you need another reason to go, there is a special “Bridal” workshop on the 13th at 12:30 p.m. prior to the matinee where young children will be given a bridal veil or Dracula’s cape and dance on the stage with the LakeCities Ballet dancers. There are only three performances of this out-of-the-ordinary ballet and tickets sell out quickly, so don’t wait.

Wizards in training (ages 6 – 12) can practice their mad potion-making skills at Professor Snape’s Potions Class this Saturday afternoon at the South Garland Branch of the Nicholson Memorial Library. Harry Potter enthusiasts will whip up unicorn milk, fizzing elixir, fleeing spiders, and the famous Mandrake Restorative Draught. Don’t worry about your wizard handling eye of newt or toad warts. The magic in these four science experiments will come from household items like milk, dishwashing liquid, vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring.

Photo: Trinity River Kite Festival

Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and the breezy North Texas sky this weekend at the Trinity River Kite Festival. Formally known as the Trinity River Wind Festival, this annual outdoor fest has had the bad luck of being rained out a few times in the past. Lucky for us organizers have given this sweet, unassuming, outdoor event a new home in the fall. The wide open space along the river makes the perfect backdrop for both kite flying or kite watching. You can bring one of your own kites to fly or watch one of the many spectacular shows or stunt kites. Kids can also take part in a wildflower planting, see the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center stage show, play in the kid’s fun zone, watch Japanese kite makers at work, and even make their own kites.

Join Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat and KERA this Saturday for Be My Neighbor Day. At this very special event, hosted by Dallas Heritage Village, you and the littles can take part in a variety of service projects benefiting local nonprofits, enjoy a performance by the Laughter League, participate in hands-on activities in the KERA Kids Zone, and meet new friends. Families will also be able to explore Dallas Heritage Village and meet Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat up close and in person. The event is free, however, families are encouraged to bring items like shoes, gloves, hats, and scarves for our North Texas neighbors who need it most.

If you’re looking for even more seasonal happenings check out our Halloween/Fall Festival Theme. And for a complete list of Pumpkin Patches in our neck of the woods look here.