Now that the weather is changing, it’s time to usher in all the goodness of fall, including scarecrows and pre-Halloween horror flicks. We’ve also got several art openings, a Día de los Muertos class and even a pop culture expo. Keep reading for ten of our favorite events that won’t cost you more than $10 — and nine of them are free! Check out the Houston Press calendar for even more things to do.
Matt Duffin Opening Reception
koelsch gallery
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Free
Houston native Matt Duffin will be present for the opening reception of his “new works” collection. Duffin holds a bachelor of science degree in architecture from the University of Houston, and his architectural talent and training are evidenced in his unique art. Join in for music, drinks, great art and fun.
VHSlaughter Fest Presents: Dead Alive on VHS
Misfit Toys
8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Free
If gore is your thing, you’ll enjoy Dead Alive, perhaps one of the goriest movies of all time. The bizarre Peter Jackson film is not just a gorefest, but actually quite hilarious. Start your Halloween celebrating with VHSlaughter Fest; it’s sure to get your blood flowing. Along with the movie, the organizers promise a contest, drinks, snacks, plenty of prizes and fun.
Terry Boyd: I Can’t Say That I Don’t know That I’m Alive, Opening Reception
Cindy Lisica Gallery
6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Free
Terry Boyd will be present for the opening reception of his solo exhibition. His multi-platform work has been shown in cities across America, including a showing at the Smithsonian. Don’t miss an opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy his unconventional techniques.
ARToberFEST
Historic Downtown Galveston
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, $5
The Grand 1894 Opera House presents the 19th annual juried fine art festival. The event will feature more than 100 artists in Galveston’s beautiful downtown historical district. Only five dollars for a day of art, food and fun, not to mention a great place to purchase unique art.
Día de los Muertos Traditions & Personal Altars class
Casa Ramirez FOLKART Gallery
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Free
Join this 90-minute class and learn how to make your own ofrenda (altar) to honor your ancestors and departed loved ones. Macario Ramirez will explain the traditions of Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, and offer demonstrations, handouts and diagrams.
Fulshear Scarecrow Festival
Cross Creek Ranch
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Free
Do scarecrows have brains? These next-generation themed scarecrows just might. The Fulshear Scarecrow Festival features a scarecrow-decorating contest along with a carnival, live music, food trucks and free activities.
This Is Kingwood Festival
Kingwood Town Center Park
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Free
The third annual This Is Kingwood Festival has something for everyone. Food trucks, live music, carnival rides, a pumpkin-carving contest and even an occasional flash mob performance. Live music performances begin at 10 a.m. and will include numerous local Kingwood-area musicians.
Yuppie Heights Night Market
2203 Durham Drive
6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Free
Come out for the one-year anniversary of the Yuppie Heights Night Market. This fun-filled event features a number of local artisans and entrepreneurs. Wine, dog adoption and shopping. Sounds good to us.
HouPop Halloween Party & Expo
Crowne Plaza Reliant Park
1 p.m. Saturday, Free
The Houston Pop Culture Expo opens its doors this Saturday for a super-awesome HouPop Halloween Party & Expo that’s free to the public. Celebrity guests include Kathy Najimy, Vinessa Shaw and performer Larry Bagby. The expo opens at 1 p.m., but there’s an opportunity to meet, dine and party with cast members later on by purchasing a VIP upgrade ticket.
Brazilian Food Festival
1311 Leeland Street, Houston 77002 (Houston Food Park)
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Free
Don’t miss this opportunity to sample all kinds of Brazilian food with prices starting at $1. Crafts and arts vendors will be on hand as well with colorful Brazilian arts and even gym clothes made in Brazil. The vendors accept cash and credit cards.
This article appears in Oct 6-12, 2016.