Halloween Happenings: Things to do in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- October 27, 2009 -- This year, Halloween is on a Saturday, making it a perfect way to participate in a weekend full of spooktacular Halloween events around The Woodlands.

Events on Friday, Oct. 30:
ATA Martial Arts will be hosting a free haunted house along with a safety/self defense class and costume party contest.

“There will be really awesome prizes [rewarded] that aren’t junky,” Kim Berry, ATA Martial Arts owner said.

There will be a drawing for free Tai Kwan Do classes and plenty of free candy.

“There will be safe candy for every kid that comes,” Berry said.

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. student members are allowed only and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. it is open to the public. This free event is open to all ages, but children under 10 must be accompanied by a parent.

The Fall Family Fun Night, sponsored by Oak Ridge Elementary’s PTO, will occur at Oak Ridge Elementary from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to this safe event full of food, fun and candy.

Events on Saturday, Oct. 31:
Start your fun early, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., Mutt Strutt 2009 will take place at Town Green Park. You won’t want to miss a catwalk of doggie pageant participants and children’s cute costumes. Be ready to see the Best Doggie Costume Pageant, Best Children’s Costume pageant, Best Stupid Pet Tricks and other doggie demonstrations. It is free to the public, but the registration fee is $35.00. Registered members will receive an event T-shirt and goodie bag.

Trick or Treat at Barker Street is an annual food drive for the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. You are encouraged to bring 1-3 bags of food to feed innocent pets searching for a home. Any dog who arrives in costume receives a free bag of Barker Street treats. Come to Barker Street Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique located at 442 Sawdust anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to drop of bags of food.

Halloween goodies, snow cones, face painting, and adoptable dogs will be at The Montgomery County Animal Shelter for the “Diamonds in the Ruff” event from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. These dogs have been at the shelter for over 90 days. They have already had their spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, a rabies certificate and a heartworm test. They are ready to be in a safe home!

An open house will take place at Cunae International School & Creekwood Cottage Preschool from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Families with school age children are encouraged to come out to this event full of flowers, skeletons and Halloween activities. Also during this event, school staff and high school students will be available to tour the campus, a registered wildlife preserve. Information will be provided about their International Baccalaureate curriculum, philosophy of best practices for the psychological well being of students and dual language preschool program.

Don’t miss the pumpkin patch, face painting, mini pumpkin painting and family fall photos at the Young Life Hay Maze. It starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. It costs $5 per person, but children three and under are free. This event is sponsored by The City of Shanandoah, Woodlands Wave Volleyball Club & The Woodlands Wings N' More.

The first annual Team In Training Children's Halloween Carnival will take place at Northshore Park from noon until 3. Activities include Hampster Ball, Arcade Van, Moonwalk, face painting, colored hair spray booth, fun Carnival games and more.

Walk, roll and stroll 1.5 miles around Rob Fleming Park from noon until 4 p.m. to help put an end to Rett Syndrome. Costumes are highly encouraged and there will be a contest for the “Best Dressed.” Free ice cream will be offered as well as a concert featuring Kevin Black.

Pumpkinfest will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Panther Creek Shopping Center. This is a free annual Halloween Carnival event hosted by high school students who participate in Interact Club. Activities include costume/coloring contests, cake walk, ring toss, face painting and even a Haunted House. Prizes will be rewarded.

Another exciting event is Light Night at The Woodlands Christian Center from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is for the whole family and includes a costume contest, games, food, prizes, music and free candy.

Happy Halloween!