Zombies, Birthdays & Fall Foliage: An Overstuffed Weekend Planner

1. ZOMBIE DAY

Where/When: Mentor Public Library main branch, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday

Why Go: Mentor Public Library will host its first ever zombie invasion, dubbed Z-Day, this weekend.

Uninfected teens will gather in the library’s James R. Garfield Room to test their survival skills, including playing zombie trivia. Those who miss questions will become infected and turn into the undead.

The last survivors will be awarded prizes. The undead transformations will occur through zombie makeup. (Teens are reminded to dress for undeath. Things could get messy.)

The newly undead teens will zombie walk around the library’s property to terrorize the neighborhood.  Following the zombie walk the undead will return to the library for prizes, zombie snacks and some zombie entertainment.

Pricing: Free, but the library does ask that teens register beforehand.

2. HOWL-O-WEEN

Where/When: Mentor Dog Park, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Friday

Why Go: Dress your pooch in its funniest, silliest or scariest costume for the annual Howl-O-Ween party.

Pets and owners can compete in a costume contest with categories like Face Only a Mother Could Love, Dog & Owner Lookalike and Best Costume.

The winners (both pets and owners) will receive prizes.

A few rules apply: dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations, licensed and not be in heat to come play.

Pricing: Free

3. THE ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Where/When: Great Lakes Mall, 19 a.m., Saturday

Why Go: Not in the mood for something spooky? How about the birthday party to end all birthday parties?

Parents can get ideas for their kids' next birthday bash during this special event.

There will be games, prizes and, of course, cake.

A special Pirates and Princesses Party will be going on inside the event for Simon Kidgits members. Not a member? Join on the spot and take part in the fun.

Visit usepromark.com for more details.

Pricing: Free

4. FALL FESTIVAL FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAKE COUNTY

Where/When: Deepwood: Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 10 a.m., Saturday

Why Go: Deepwood will host its second annual Fall Festival at the recreation site on the Deepwood Campus. This free event is open to the community and aimed at increasing awareness while providing fun-filled fall activities for all.

The day will include carnival games, a craft tent, face painting, cornhole, food, pumpkin patch and corn stalks for purchase, carriage rides, and music from Spirit Media (WELW 1330,) as well as the dedication of the Foley Field at 1 p.m.

The field is named after Mary Ellen Folley, who was the first superintendant of the Lake County 169 Board, which now known as Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood.

Pricing: Free

5. LAKE CATHOLIC OPEN HOUSE

Where/When: Lake Catholic High School, 6 p.m., Today (Thursday)

Why Go: Think Lake Catholic might be right for you or your child?

Join other prospective students and their families at an open house.

Students, faculty, staff, administration and coaches will be available to give tours of the campus and answer questions on why Lake Catholic could be right for your family.

For questions regarding the admissions process, contact Mary Jo Elber at 440-578-1020 ext. 234 or mjelber@lakecatholic.org

Pricing: Free

6. FALL TRAILS WORK DAY

Where/When: Mentor Marsh Nature Preserve, 2 p.m., Sunday

Why Go: Want to make one of the most beautiful places in Mentor even better?

Strap on a pair of gloves and pitch in during Fall Trails Work Day at the Mentor Marsh Nature Preserve.

Enjoy the beauty of the upland woods along the Zimmerman Trail as you and other volunteers work on fixing problem areas along our part of the Buckeye Trail.

Tools will be provided; wear sturdy footwear and bring gloves.

Registration is required. Please RSVP via the Mentor Marsh Facebook page, email rdonalds@cmnh.org or call the Nature Center at 440-257-0777.

Pricing: Free

7. SPOOKTACULAR FAMILY HALLOWEEN CONCERT

Where/When: 7700 Clocktower Dr, Kirtland, OH, 4 p.m., Sunday

Why Go: Lakeland's Division of Arts & Humanities present "Spooktacular!", a family-friendly Halloween concert featuring the Lakeland Civic Chorus, Singing Lakers and Madrigal Singers.

Children who attend dressed in their Halloween best will receive candy treats at the door. Parents, friends, and family are welcome to wear their spookiest garb and join in the Halloween spirit. The entire chorus and instrumental backup ensemble will appear in costume.

Musical highlights include:

• Music from Broadway musicals "Phantom of the Opera," "Sweeney Todd," and "Wicked" 
• Music from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Dark Shadows"
• a medley of scary TV themes
• Music from "Thriller"

Pricing: $7