Nobody can say there’s nothing to do this weekend. As Halloween nears, the coming days are filled with entertainment from art, music, food, spooks, costumes and more. It’s definitely a good time for the youngsters.

1. Community Against Bullying: Friday kicks off with the Community Against Bullying’s teen dance, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Austin Holiday Inn Ballroom, 1701 Fourth St. NW. The word is out around town: It’s time to stamp out bullying. Tickets for the dance are available at Ellis Middle School and Hy-Vee.
2. Austin’s Got Talent: Those too young for a teen dance can hit up the Austin’s Got Talent show, 7 p.m. Friday at the Paramount Theatre. Almost 30 competitors will fight for the right to record their own CD, win a Fender guitar and get a chance to perform with the Grand Ole Opry at this year’s New Year’s eve show, also at the Paramount. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students.
3. HHH Spooky Mansion: Every mansion is a little spooky. And the Hormel Historic Home, 208 Fourth Ave. NW, will be that way on Saturday. Its Halloween spooky tour and dance begins at 3 p.m. for kids with $1 admission. After dark, things will get more spooky with a haunted house from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is $5, with a discount for the third time through, if anyone can handle the terror.
4. Artist Series’ Unexpected Boys: If unexpected frights and freaks aren’t your thing, perhaps The Unexpected Boys are. The tribute band of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and Broadway will perform 7 p.m. Saturday at Austin High School’s Knowlton Auditorium, 301 Third St. NW. “Oh What a Night” it could be.
5. Rent-an-athlete: Sunday is a good yard-work day, and this Sunday is particularly a good one. Riverland Community College is beginning it’s rent-an-athlete program, where residents can rent a Riverland athlete for household chores for $8 per hour while raising money for Riverland’s athletic programs. Call 433-0543 to rent an athlete.

Other events: Did I mention this weekend is packed? Even dogs can enjoy the Halloween atmosphere at a dog park kickoff event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Community Park off of First St. SW. Fall dinners are still occasionally popping up, and the Scary Guy will be in town for the next two weeks to scare bullies into submission.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and the AustinDailyHerald.com homepage.