I had a long overdue garage sale this past weekend. Going through closets, cabinets, and junk drawers for garage sale booty started about a month ago. But even with several “gathering” weekends under my belt I still didn’t feel quite ready. We had a bumper crop of junk this go-round and I grossly underestimated the amount of time it takes to stick those little neon stickers on everything. Nevertheless, the show went on as planned bright and early Saturday morning. I knew if the sale didn’t happen this weekend I’d have to wait until spring to reschedule. Halloween may still be a few weeks away, but the “holiday season” is already gearing up.

Yep, like it or not, the season of festivals, parties, school pageants, parades, science fairs, sporting events, and multiple family get-togethers is upon us. Suffice to say, until the end of the year you’re going to have to be much more selective with the bounty of seasonal activities that have suddenly popped up.

With that in mind, here are a passel of out-of-the-ordinary events that will ease you into the seasonal marathon ahead. You have to pace yourself, you know.

Don’t miss the classic film ‘The General” at University Christian Church this Thursday.

Thursday’s a school night, but you might want to deviate from the routine just this one time to see the silent film classic ‘The General’ at University Christian Church in Fort Worth. Now, before you pooh-pooh the idea of seeing a movie without special effects, color, or even sound, you should know this flick is at the tippy-top of the list for many film critics as the best comedy ever made. Buster Keaton’s physical comedy and daredevil stunts make it one of those rare movies both you and your kiddos will enjoy. To make it extra special the film will be accompanied by an organist. Plus, popcorn, ice cream and admission are all free.

Help that werewolf get into character at the Halloween Movie Workshop. Photo: MediaTech Institute

Got an older kid that likes to make films? Teens 13-19 can try their hand at film making with the Movie Institute‘s Halloween Movie Workshop. During the 3-day class, kids will learn everything from scripting to editing from industry professionals as they craft a horror movie. They’ll have a frightfully good time and at the completion of  the workshop there will be a screening of their ghoulish masterpiece for family and friends.

Don’t worry, they only bite once. Photo: LakeCities Ballet Theatre/Nancy Loch

Speaking of ghoulish. How about a ballet with a bite? LakeCities Ballet Theatres’ production of “Le Ballet de Dracula” is the classic story of the famous vampire told with  dancing gypsies, bats, vampire brides and Dracula himself. If that’s not enough scary for you, check out the pre-performance workshop on October 15 at 12:30 p.m. for kids, ages 8 and older. The children will have a chance to tour the stage with Dracula’s Brides and take a tour of a haunted house. The workshop is free with the purchase of a performance ticket. There are only three performances this weekend at the MCL Grand in Lewisville, so don’t wait to get your tickets.

Kids can get a close up look at their favorite vehicles at the Touch-A-Truck event. Photo: arlington-tx.gov

Looking for an event that’s tons of fun? You and your truck-lovin’ littles won’t want to to miss Arlington Public Library’s 2nd annual Touch-a-Truck event. Junior can crawl all over (and under) big trucks and other vehicles like police cars, fire engines, garbage trucks, ambulances, mail trucks and much more. The fun happens this Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Arlington.

Say hello to the moon at Otsukimi. Photo: Crow Collection of Asian Art

Head to Klyde Warren Park this Saturday night for the the Crow Collection of Asian Art‘s  Otsukimi event. Celebrate the autumn moon with star-gazing and moon activities. If you don’t see the rabbit in the moon, pet a real one at the Bunny Burrow Rabbit Rescue petting zoo. Enjoy Japanese music and dance performances, along with calligraphy, a tea ceremony, ikebana demonstrations, and haiku poetry at this event under the stars.