It’s time to put the finishing touches on your costume (and your dog’s costume), load up on candy and start filling your schedule with some of these neighborhood (and family-friendly) activities:

Royal Lane Baptist Church hosts its fall festival 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 in the back parking lot, featuring free food and activities.

Town North YMCA will hold its Halloween Fright and Delight Carnival 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28.

It may not scream “Halloween”, but there will be lots of kids dressed up for Hillcrest High School’s Homecoming parade at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. This year’s theme is Candy Land.

NorthPark Center will host the sixth annual Sam’s Day, a huge, free event that raises money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Activities include a silent auction, obstacle course, bounce house, face painting, a performance by David Chicken – all with a Halloween theme. It all happens 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 in CenterPark Garden.

Orvis in Preston Center is calling dog owners to participate in a Pet Parade and Costume Contest, which includes prizes such as “Funniest Costume” and “Most Original Costume”. Last year’s winning dog came dressed as a fly fisherman. I sense a little bias considering Orvis is “a leader in the fly fishing industry”. The event starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. For questions, call 214.265.1600.

On your way to Orvis, you can stop by Gold’s Gym in Preston Center 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 30 to meet some adoptable dogs who will be fully outfitted in Halloween costumes. The event raises money for Operation Kindness.

If you’re doing some last-minute pumpkin carving, check out these neighborhood pumpkin patches.

Know of other events happening at your school, church or community center? Let us know and add them to our online calendar.