This weekend has the stink of Halloween all over it.  Oh, some folks might try to pull the cobwebs over your eyes, talking about “autumn” and “the harvest.”   Yeah, that’s why we’re hitting every pumpkin patch and hayride within a 50 mile limit.  For autumn. And throwin’ candy in kids’ bags is totally a harvest thing.

We all know where this is heading. Four weeks of Halloween mania will give way to two solid months of … the C word. (Not the bad one, the good, merry-jolly one, but I don’t want to say it too loud lest little ears get ideas).  Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a little something up our sleeves, something to help you get an early start to your holiday prep?  Silly old bear!  Anyway, you know what they say: giveaways - you never have them until you’re having them. Surprise! We're having one! (You can do that sort of thing when you have 500 Facebook followers.)

This weekend holds tons of other surprises, like the Kinetic Sculpture Race, a skateboard art workshop, LA’s Largest Block Party and the Jewish County Fair, a concert at the beach and a chance to look to the stars.  Might even be enough to distract someone who has pumpkin on the brain. Or hunny…

Keep reading for our favorite picks for the weekend, and to get the deal on that giveaway…

Boston families are treated to a host of family-friendly festivals this weekend, from the Fungi Fest at the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Great Pumpkin Fest at the EcoTarium to Applefest at Wachusett Mountain and the National Cranberry Festival at Edaville Railroad; two celebrations of National Archaeology Day; and the opening of Anne of Green Gables, Wheelock Family Theatre's musical adaptation of the classic book. These, plus a pumpkin float, the annual Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boo at the Zoo are just some of the many weekend options available. And be sure to check our Events Calendar for more things to do.

We’ve also added some scary-fun haunted houses (among other things) to our growing collection of things to do for Halloween. Plus, let your creative spirit run wild with our DIY Halloween decorations (and some really cute masks) for you and the kids to make together. And while the Presidential debate is fresh on our minds, it’s a good time to read our post about Teaching Your Children about Voting. Plus, be sure to enter our Boxcar Children Signed Book Giveaway!

Enjoy!

There are a scary number of awesome Halloween and harvest festivals this weekend, and the most terrifying part will be deciding what to do! There are seasonal celebrations all over town, including Greenwich Village, Long Island City, Far Rockaway and Brooklyn Bridge Park to name just a few. Plus there are a slew of school fairs and special Halloween events, like the Spooky Nighttime Adventure at the NYBG's Haunted Pumpkin Garden.

If you're already suffering from Halloween and fall fatigue, there are lots of cool non-seasonal events, too. Check out cute cats and dogs at the American Kennel Club's Meet the Breeds, hit the Children's Museum of Manhattan's brand-new Grinch's Holiday Workshop, celebrate our melting pot at the annual Marco Polo Festival or marvel at youth circus performers at Cirkus in Wonderland.

Those are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Halloween Fun Guide.

Now that Halloween is nigh, you can count on some fun & spooky seasonal events such as the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival, the Children's SPOOKtacular Magic Show and the Last Fling Pumpkin Sling. If you need a break from all things pumpkin, there are other entertaining events including The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey and the Rock, Mineral and Gem Show. Read on for our top picks and remember you can find a listing of all NJ activities for kids in our Event Calendar.

One of the main reasons I love the New Victory is that the theater continually surprises me with its amazing lineup of multicultural dance, music,circus and dramatic performances for families. And the theater's searing season opener, Urban, is all of those genres rolled into one.

Conceived and performed by Circolombia, Urban features ridiculously fit youths doing incredible circus feats to a pounding reggaeton beat. But unlike other shows of its ilk, this one has dark references to the lives of the performers, most of whom were raised on the tough streets of Cali, Colombia. Their strength and daring is mixed with swagger and honesty and it's totally thrilling.

We love "green" and we love rhyming, so you bet we’re loving Green Halloween! Mommy Poppins NJ is excited to be participating in the Healthy and Green Halloween Bash with our pals, the Metro Moms. Dress the kids in costume for a weekend afternoon of healthy trick-or-treating, dancing, playing, games, natural organic products and treats, facepainting, arts & crafts and a super special secret GIVEAWAY just for MP NJ fans (read on for the super special secret details)!

Two scream-worthy exhibits are coming to town: A revival of the popular Harry Potter display at Discover Times Square, and Edvard Munch's signature painting, which is making its U.S. debut!

In other culture news, the Brooklyn Museum is making a big change to its free monthly First Saturdays parties. Plus we've got details about major G&T test changes, youth circus auditions and the return of the Boys Choir of Harlem.