Convenience Big Store: The Woodlands is having a yearlong 50th birthday party, starting now

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Don't dress as a banana at the Ren Fest, and other Woodlands fall holiday tips.

Forget winter holidays—the fall holiday season is where it's at.

If you're ever bored on a weekend in these next few weeks, chances are there's something to celebrate. This weekend, there's The Woodlands Pride Festival—the largest free fest of its kind in Texas—as well as another weekend at the Texas Renaissance Fest (just don't go dressed as a banana.)

Halloween, of course, is on Oct. 31, and there are several spooky and less-spooky ways to celebrate around town this year. It's quickly followed by Dia de Los Muertos, with events held in The Woodlands and Spring. And soon after is Diwali, a festival of lights that I think everyone should see at least once. That'll be held Nov. 4 at the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands.

Check out my colleague Michael Garcia's harrowing ren fest experience here.

What holidays are you celebrating this year? Let me know at claire.partain@houstonchronicle.com.

What holidays are you celebrating this year?

Claire Partain, Suburban reporter producer

Claire.Partain@houstonchronicle.com

The Woodlands turns 50

The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway are seen near The Woodlands Mall, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

The Woodlands kicks off yearlong celebration for community's 50th birthday party.

The Woodlands' yearlong 50th anniversary celebration kicked off with an announcement party featuring officials and community members — including founder George Mitchell's son Grant Mitchell.

Need to Know

A woman screams as Montgomery County first responders respond to a simulated explosion at Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures, Friday, April 8, 2022, in New Caney. Thirteen different agencies from around Montgomery County and surrounding areas took part in the mock event where 100 people were treated for burns and other injuries after a chemical explosion in the theme park's pool pump room.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Montgomery County first responders to simulate terrorist attack at Mitchell Pavilion.

Montgomery County first responders are expected to launch a real time, full-scale emergency exercise at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands on Oct. 26.

Dustin Tamplin, a horror movie enthusiast, podcaster and film maker with ÒDarrylÓ, one of his movie props, and the main camera he used to film at his home Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 in Magnolia, TX.

Photo by: Michael Wyke, Contributor

Magnolia filmmaker turns Montgomery County into alien tourist hub.

Just in time for Halloween, Magnolia filmmaker Dustin Tamplen has debuted his second horror feature about a strange phenomenon in Montgomery County that involves extraterrestrials.

Openings and Closings

Local Mexican restaurant La Cocina de Roberto has expanded with a new food truck at 28486 Robinson Road in Oak Ridge North.

Shout out

History Channels' "Forged in Fire" stars Doug Marcaida and J. Neilson will judge a blade forging contest in Conroe Nov. 4-5.

One last thing …

They're back in it!

ICYMI: The 'Stros beat the Rangers 8-5 yesterday for Game 3 of the ALCS, relieving them of some pressure as they enter a three-game stretch on the road.

The Texas showdown continues tonight at 7 p.m.