Sure today is all dreary and rainy, but Saturday and Sunday look nice with crisp fall temperatures to put a rosy glow in your cheeks. So bundle up, don’t forget the kids, and head outside.

First up on Saturday, the 6th annual Art in Avondale Park festival. Art activities for the kids, jazz on the stage, arts and craft vendors. The festival kicks off with a children’s parade at 10, wraps up at 4. New this year is the music. Since this is down the street from me, we’ll definitely be there. Free admission.

Next, there are harvest celebrations at both botanical gardens Saturday — Aldridge and Birmingham. I’ll take them in alphabetical order. Aldridge promises “folk artists, food vendors, pumpkin painting, face painting, John Scalici’s drum circle, magician Michael Baker and pop/rock group Vasa.” Kids should wear their costumes for the contest and parade. Free admission, hours 9 to 1. Moving on, the BBG is hosting their first Great Pumpkin festival from 10 to 2, also free admission. Here’s what they offer: “cotton candy, scavenger hunt, and a showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Jones Valley Farm will display a giant pumpkin with a celebrity pumpkin carver! Specialty children’s menu provided by Kathy G, costume contest with prizes. Artists and various vendors will be there displaying their work.” Both guaranteed to give my boy a good naptime.

I’m all about interesting date nights. If your significant other is into Halloween, take him or her to the Alabama Theatre Saturday night for a night with the “Phantom of the Opera.” No, not that fancy version in theaters a few years back — the original 1925 silent picture starring Lon Chaney. Tickets (adults $12, children $6) on sale when doors open at 7. Show starts at 8.

Sunday is the last Vulcan AfterTunes of the year. Bummer. If you liked the music in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” then get yourself to Vulcan Park at 3. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for kids 5-12 and under that free. This weekend’s featured microbrew is Yazoo Brewing Company out of Nashville.

Also Sunday, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra has cooked up a spooky show for families. I can’t describe it better than them: “Dress in costume for fun and games. This program of musical thrills and chills is certain to please families of goblins, fairies and superheros alike! Join us for pre-concert family fun starting at 1:30 in the lobby of the Alys Stephens Center. Meet Conductor Yaniv Attar, hear a spooky tale for storyteller Lisa Hicks, learn the “Thriller” dance and collect treats for your Halloween goody bag. Don’t forget to dress up! Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume and Best Family Costume!” Actual concert starts at 2:30. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for kids.