Though the New England weather might be “unseasonably” warm this week, a selection of autumnal events can help you usher in the season. The 20th annual HONK! Festival will return at full volume with events across Cambridge and Somerville, and the India Society of Worcester will bring its inaugural Diwali celebration to Faneuil Hall. Or, if you’re frighteningly ready for Halloween already, you can head toward Fenway to test drive your costume … or put your dog in one. Here are six no-cost activities and events for the week of Oct. 6-12.
OPEN HOUSE FOR OPEN MINDS Youth leaders for the Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will host their annual Open House event, where attendees can learn more about the nonprofit’s programs for the city’s queer youth community. The event will include a buffet from Fresh City and a brief panel featuring the group’s youth leaders and volunteers. After, the event turns into an open mixer with interactive arts and crafts. Oct. 8, 5 p.m. BAGLY, 28 Court Square. bagly.org
CULTURAL ORCHESTRA For Hispanic Heritage Month, which continues through the 15th, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra will present a free concert featuring local saxophonist, composer, and featured soloist Edmar Colón. The hourlong concert will include nine pieces from Latin American and Spanish composers, including Astor Piazzolla, Bobby Capó, and Manuel de Falla. Oct. 9, 5:30 p.m. Chelsea High School, 299 Everett Ave., Chelsea. landmarksorchestra.org
MARCHING BAND MAGIC The 20th annual HONK! Festival will once again play host to activist street bands that will gather for performances across the city through the weekend. Events begin on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. with a Brass Band Blowout in Union Square. On Friday at 4 p.m., attendees can join lantern-making workshop at Hodgkins-Curtin park, which precedes a lantern parade starting at 6:30. On Saturday from 1-9 p.m., live bands perform at eight different venues around Davis Square, where live and recorded performances by international groups will be streamed on a screen. The fest’s culminating parade rolls in on Sunday at noon, with marching bands and activist groups taking to the streets from Davis to Harvard squares. Oct. 9-12. Various locations. honkfest.org
SPOOKY, SCARY, SCOOBY Early costume planners rejoice: There’s a perfect excuse to dress up — for the Kendall Center’s Spooky Saturday event. Partake in free face painting, mingle with other attendees on the roof garden, and dance like the graveyard gates just opened with a live DJ. At 6, catch an outdoor screening of Y2K classic “Scooby Doo” and revel in the Mystery Inc. gang’s shenanigans with complimentary popcorn. Oct. 11, 4-7:30 p.m. Urban Park Roof Garden, 325 Main St., Cambridge. kendallcenter.com
DOWNTOWN DIWALI The India Society of Worcester will host a Diwali celebration at Faneuil Hall. Learn more about the cultural significance of the Indian festival of lights through crafting activities and art vendors selling rangoli, henna, diya lamps, and lanterns. Local Indian dance and track groups will take the stage for a Bollywood and folk showcase, including special guests, Dhol Tasha Lezim, whose performance will combine traditional drumming and ensemble dance. Oct. 11, 5-9 p.m. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 1 Faneuil Hall Square. faneuilhallmarketplace.com
CANINES IN COSTUME Even the smallest corgis and collies can become the scariest hellhounds at Time Out Market’s Howl-Ween Patio rave, where guests are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends in their Halloween best. Take your pup to a bandana decorating station, a free treat bar, or mingle around the market with other dogs and their owners. Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Drive. www.eventbrite.com
Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.
Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to ryan.yau@globe.com.
Ryan Yau can be reached at ryan.yau@globe.com.
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