HOPEFULLY THE RAIN is behind us for a wonderful outdoor weekend.  Here are some free activities to enjoy with your friends and family — when you’re not out trick-or-treating:

Listen to scary stories — Bring your blanket or chairs to cozy up and listen to Skyline Screamers: Ghost Tales Under the Stars, Friday, October 30, 7:30 p.m.  This free event in the Heights sponsored by the Houston Storytellers Guild is all about ghostly tales!  Marmion Park, Heights Blvd. at 18th Street.

Scream on the Green – It’s a free outdoor Halloween party for Houston at Discovery Green on October 31, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. Costume contests for adults, kids, and even dogs!  Live music, Living Statues, fortune tellers, face painting, Roller Skating car hop girls, Halloween treats, and scary music. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney.

Scare up some classic horror movies – Enjoy a free double feature of classic horror movies on Halloween at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Movies showing are Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein beginning at 7:30 p.m. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park.

Experience a cultural celebration — Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA) presents its annual Dia de los Muertos: Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Future on October 31 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and November 1 (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.). Festivities feature food from the Americas, arts and crafts, and a Calavera Fashion Show. Music, dance, theater, and arts present a playfully mock death and reaffirmation of life. Located at 1900 Kane Street in Houston’s Old Sixth Ward.

Hit the stores for candy — Lots of area retailers are passing out candy to kiddos in costume on Halloween. Read my post here about Free Retail Trick-or-Treating.

Craft some Halloween fun — Children can enjoy crafty Halloween goodies at Michael’s on October 31 from 10 a.m. to noon.  Receive a trick-or-treat pail, make-it and take-it Halloween frame, pencil toppers, balloon and candy.  While supplies last.