Oct. 5
Old 97’s and Oktoberfest
Popular alt-country band The Old 97’s headline the annual Oktoberfest at the Lake Highlands Town Center amphitheater. The downbeat will happen “after dark” and not before a day of beer, food, contests, kids’ activities and wide-ranging entertainment. It all begins at 11 a.m. and ends whenever the band winds down. Parking is free. Proceeds from the $5 entrance fee benefit the Lake Highlands Exchange Club and its scholarship and neighborhood improvement efforts.
Lake Highlands Town Center, 7100 Wildcat Way (Skillman and Walnut Hill), $5-$10 (price increase after 5 p.m.)
Through Oct. 27
Hats off to 30
Join Dallas Children’s Theater as it celebrates 30 great years of service to the community with its rendition of Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat.”
Dallas Children’s Theater in the Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman, 214.978.0110, $13-$40
Starts Oct. 16
Day of the Dead exhibit
Creepy chic is so in this fall, as it is every year at this quaint White Rock Lake-area gallery. Each October (for some 27 years now) the Bath House Cultural Center unveils an impressive new Dia de los Muertos exhibit featuring original local, regional and international talent. Curators showcase an engrossing array of artistic tributes to departed spirits in varying shapes, mediums, sizes and tones. White Rock’s own lost soul, the Lady of the Lake, might even emerge for a peek.
Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, 214.670.8751, free
Oct. 10-26
‘Happy Days’
Wingspan Theatre Company presents “Happy Days,” which explores the tenuous relationship that binds one person to another, and each to the universe.
Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, 214.675.6573, $18-$20
Oct. 12-13
White Rock Lake Artists’ Studio Tour
This self-paced tour gives visitors a peek into the lives and artistic processes of more than 45 artists in the White Rock, East Dallas and Lake Highlands areas. Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. (More on page 14.)
Start at the Creative Arts Center to pick up a map, 2360 Laughlin, 214.320.1275, free
Through Nov. 7
Arboretum’s pumpkin town
Praise the gourd! The Dallas Arboretum uses more than 50,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash each year to construct its nationally acclaimed storybook pumpkin village, on display through Nov. 27.
Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, 214.515.6500, $10-$15,
plus $10 onsite parking
Oct. 18-27
‘Ghouls and Graveyards’
Dallas Children’s Theater presents “Ghouls and Graveyards,” a spine-tingling collection of horror masterpieces and surprises brought to life by an all-teen cast from the works of Edgar Allan Poe, W. W. Jacobs and our own Texas ghost lore. Just in time for Halloween.
Dallas Children’s Theater in the Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman, , 214.978.0110, $10-$12
Oct. 20
Erykah Badu and the Texas Veggie Fair
Famous entertainer and vegan Erykah Badu headlines this year’s Veggie Fair at Reverchon Park. The event offers a day full of meat-free culinary exploration, plus games, fun and learning opportunities for visitors of any age.
Reverchon Park, 3505 Maple, free entry
Oct. 26
Neighborhood recycling drive
Lake Highlands United Methodist partners with Bubb Fundraising to host this recycling extravaganza, benefitting the environment, charity and many a home-storage space. From 9 a.m.-noon at the church parking lot facing McCree, recycle electronics, sporting goods, toys, media items, clothing and more. Find a full list of recyclable items at bubbfundraising.com.
Lake Highlands United Methodist Church, 9015 Plano, 214.348.6835, free
Oct. 26
Moss Haven Madness
Neighborhood elementary school Moss Haven knows how to throw a Halloween-y festival — tricks and treats, games and costume contests, made possible by the Moss Haven PTA. The party runs 4 -7 p.m.
Moss Haven Elementary, 9202 Moss Farm, 469.593.2200, free
