With our first autumn cold front coming through and the weekend almost here, it’s finally peak cozy season for us Houstonians. Say goodbye to 100 degree weather and hello to ready-to-bake Halloween cookies, y’all. 

This weekend especially is chock full of outdoor autumn events where you can enjoy the breeze while doing some shopping, eating new foods, or even watching a show. 

Houstonians in apartments and neighborhoods alike are getting in the mood for Halloween. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX) 

If you’re still stuck in the summer, I don’t blame you. Texas is a tough place to embrace the months where leaves are supposed to change color. But we’ve put together a list of spots near Bayou City for you to catch the orange and red foliage of the season. 

More in the mood for a bustling festival? We’ve got you covered there, too. There are fall fairs across the city this year.  

We’re at that perfect midpoint of October when everyone is breaking out their spooky decorations for trick-or-treating kids. Have you put out any frighteningly good decor? We want to see it! 

Send in a picture of your Halloween decorations to be featured in an October newsletter. 

☕ P.S.: I’ll be hosting a virtual call on Friday, Oct. 23 at noon called “Log On & Latte: Fall Office Hours,” where you can pop in for a community conversation over a cup of coffee (or whatever your preferred beverage is).

I want to hear about the coverage you think is important, what’s going on in your neighborhood, and what you want to see more of in this newsletter.

🔗 Join the call here!  

Richmond and Katy are in for a treat as a local movie theater plans a huge renovation, complete with family-friendly amenities. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX) 

🎃 Houston’s entertainment industry is getting ready for spooky season with themed food and drinks. Check out this list of local haunts to get your fright on. (Houston Culture Map) 

🎤 Beyoncé was in Houston on Oct. 13 for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Knowles-Rowland House, a new project aimed at giving permanent housing to the homeless. Here’s what the Queen’s trip to Houston was like. (Essence) 

❄️ Houston’s first cold front of the year is finally here. Check out what the weather is expected to be like for the rest of today and through the weekend. (Click2Houston) 

🏛 A brand new culture center has opened in Third Ward, celebrating the neighborhood’s rich history right at the center of Emancipation Park. (Houston Culture Map) 

💎 Pearland City Council says no to piercings, banning a new tattoo shop from offering them. This is why the suburb is worried about earrings. (Chron) 

🚀 An Italian aerospace company has put down roots in Houston, deciding that Houston Spaceport will house its new US office. The company is planning on launching commercial missions from Space City by December. Find out what they’re putting in our atmosphere. 

🍿 This Richmond movie theater is getting a $13 million upgrade. Get ready for a brand new bowling alley, laser tag, and an arcade. (Chron) 

Two community planning sessions are scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25 for Galveston’s new Juneteenth center. (Office Holidays/ CC BY-SA 2.0)

By Sam Cohen

Galveston has been working to immortalize Juneteenth history on the island since October of last year.

A designated Galveston Juneteenth center honoring the federal holiday has been slowly coming together, and residents are now being called upon to lend their opinions on what that center should include.

Two meetings will be held in October to give community members the opportunity to discuss what’s most important to them in terms of preserving Galveston’s Black history.

The sessions are scheduled for Oct. 24 and Oct. 25. Following the meetings, there will be another year of planning to help bring the center to fruition. 

“The vision [for the center] really has to come from the community and the people who hold this history closest,” Design Director Dayton Schroeter said.

He added, “Ultimately, as we synthesize and learn more about the community’s aspirations, I think we’ll be able to get to a place where we’re able to more concretely define exactly what this has the potential to be.”

If you’ve ever wondered if those delicious-looking berries on the trail are edible, this weekend is your chance to find out at the Family Foraging Clinic. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX) 

🍁 If you’re looking for a crisp downtown stroll in our newly cool weather accompanied by food, drink, and shopping options, the Good Times on Main is the place to be this weekend. 

🍻 The Buffalo Bayou Mural Festival Kickoff Party is happening at Karbach Brewing tonight. You’ll get to meet the muralists for free, watch a dance competition, check out a live art contest, and explore Houston’s Chicano culture. 

🌱 Ever wondered what you’d eat in a zombie apocalypse? Fear not, because there is a wild foraging walk this weekend where you and your family can learn what plants growing around Houston are safe to eat. 

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Anna Raj and features a story by Sam Cohen. I was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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