Spooky season has finally begun! Check out some of the most exciting shows, gatherings and performances of the weekend in our first October roundup.
Pumpkinville: Witches and Wizards | October 7
Experience the first festivities of fall at the Myriad Botanical Gardens’ Pumpkinville. Back and better than ever, this year’s Halloween extravaganza includes displays of over 30,000 pumpkins, gourds and squashes in an array of spooky murals. Starting this weekend, visit the Children’s Garden to play handcrafted games, create art on pumpkins, grab goodies from magical vendors and more. Ride Mo’s Carousel or snag some tasty treats (without the tricks). Face painting and storytime with Glinda the Good Witch will take place Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month, so bring the kids along to enjoy the enchanted start of fall. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC.
Gothic Gardening | October 8
With the start of the Halloween season, what better way to get into the holiday festivities than creating a ghoulish garden. At the Myriad Gardens Saturday, an educational and hands-on Gothic Gardening program will highlight the dark aesthetics of these moody plants, flowers and foliage. Find out the best tricks or treats to tend to your plants and develop a plan for your own garden space. If light and bright flowers aren’t your style, jump into this gardening program to cultivate a darker twist on nature’s gifts. 10–11 a.m., Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC.
Haunt the Zoo | October 8
The Oklahoma City Zoo has been taken over by ghosts, ghouls, skeletons and more. This weekend marks the start of Haunt the Zoo — a month-long celebration of Halloween where kids can see a plethora of wild animals while capturing photos and grabbing candy from 13 different stations. Adults and children are encouraged to show up in their costumes and get lost in the Hay Maze, cheer on aquatic animals at the Halloween-themed Sea Lion Show and paint a personal pumpkin. You won’t want to miss out on this spook-tacular animal extravaganza. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 2000 Remington Pl., OKC.
The Rocky Horror Show | October 9
Visit the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma this weekend for a brilliant rendition of The Rocky Horror Show. Located in the Plaza District, you’ll have time to grab a bite to eat at any of the local restaurants, including Empire Slice House, Lúa, Oak & Ore, The Mule, The Press, Mexican Radio, Cheever’s and more. Join the theater and get ready to do the Time Warp again. 5–8 p.m., 1727 NW 16th St., OKC.
Magic Lantern Star Ball on Paseo | October 9
Head over to the beautiful Paseo District with the whole family when the Magic Lantern Star Bell commences. Creative and mystical creatures throughout the event encourage everyone at the festival to decorate their own costumes for the free ball. Studio workshops will offer ribbons, lace, glitter and other arts and crafts supplies for a chance to take a creative spin with your outfit. A variety of art-making programs will ensue, with pottery, painting and more. Your kids can settle down for the grand Story Time, where children can dream of the magic that awaits them at the ball. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, as performers of StarDanceSwan will lead children through the streets in a celebratory dance and expression of creativity. 5–7:30 p.m., north end of Paseo at 30th St. & Dewey Ave., OKC.