Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: Oct. 25 to 27

It will be a cool but sunny fall weekend in and around the region, which makes it a good one for long walks to see the leaves changing colour in local parks and trails or to hit up a pumpkin patch.

The Kitchener Rangers have back-to-back games with the Erie Otters — Friday night at home at The Aud and Saturday on the road.

The Guelph Storm play host to the Flint Firebirds Friday night, then hit the road to take on the Barrie Colts on Saturday.

If you're driving this weekend, here are some local gas prices:

Diwali Mela

Saturday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Huron Heights Secondary School, Kitchener

Diwali will be celebrated at this event with live entertainment, food, cultural vendor stalls, a magic show and music into the evening. Tickets required.

• Eventbrite page

Schneider Haus Halloween Party for Kids

Saturday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Schneider Haus, Kitchener

Get dressed up and go trick or treating at this party, plus explore the spooky forest, take part in some ghostly games and listen to stories around a campfire. Children can also make their own wand.

The event is best for children aged 12 and under and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are required.

• Schneider Haus event page

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to  7 p.m.

New Hamburg Fire Hall

Between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., people can pick up their pumpkins, then return at 6 p.m. with your carved jack-o-lantern and a loot bag to get some candy.

• Facebook event page

Trick-or-treat events

• Downtown Guelph's trick or treat starts at 12 p.m. and goes until candy runs out at more than 70 businesses.
• Halloween Hunt in Hespeler runs 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Treats in the Streets in uptown Waterloo runs 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Pumpkinpalooza in St. Jacobs runs 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. with several events. Trick or treating runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. but before that there's face painting, live children's entertainment, cookie decorating, spooky walks and pumpkin carving.

Spells & Stardust

Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

44 Gaukel, Kitchener

There will be vendors, food, a costume contest, live entertainment and a book/tarot/oracle deck exchange.

• Facebook event page

Bonus: Howloween Pooch Party

Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Gaukel Block, downtown Kitchener

The day includes a pack walk, a trick workshop, costume contest, a pet psychic, trivia and a scent workshop. 

• Facebook event page