Pumpkin Spice Fest and water lights: 7 things to do on the South Shore this weekend

With the weekend shaping up to be (possibly, maybe, fingers crossed) drier than what seems to be an endless string of rainy Saturdays and Sundays, it's a good time to get out and enjoy a host of South Shore events taking place indoors and out.

Halloween-themed events are already in full swing, but there are also family-friendly festivals and benefit performances and events that will mix entertainment and good causes.

Here is a selection of seven events worth checking out in the area from Friday through Sunday:

'Misery' − from the mind of Stephen King

• When: Oct. 13-29: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays

• Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Drive, Norwell

• Tickets/admission: $36-$42

• For more info: Companytheatre.com

In this play at The Company Theatre, a famous romance novelist is rescued from a car crash in the backwoods of Maine by the self-proclaimed No. 1 fan of his novels. He soon comes to realize that the care he is receiving from this woman is only the beginning of an epic nightmare.

'What We Carry,' an exhibit by Quincy's Kayleigh MacDonald

• When: Oct. 13 to Nov. 10 (opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13)

• Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell

• Tickets/admission: Free

• For more info: Jameslibrary.org

Quincy-based artist Kayleigh MacDonald’s “What We Carry” is an ongoing photographic investigation of sustained vigilance as a source of trauma. Portraits of women and gender-non-conforming people with guns and other weapons for protection serve as a point of entry for conversations about self-preservation, collective trauma and recent gender-based legislation.

Montclair/Wollaston Neighborhood Association’s Pumpkin Spice Fest

• When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

• Where: Bishops Field/Montclair Park (across from the Montclair School), 108 Holbrook Road, Quincy

• Tickets/admission: Free, with donations encouraged

• For more info: Montclairwollaston.com

The 32-year-old Montclair/Wollaston Neighborhood Association's annual Pumpkin Spice Fest is an afternoon of family fun and food. Highlights will include pony rides, a bounce house, face painting, a tattoo artist, a balloon artist, touch-a-truck with first responder vehicles and more.

There will be a cash bar in partnership with the Wollaston Hill Neighborhood Association, food for sale in partnership with Montilio's Baking Co. and live music featuring Peter Mundt and the Rudderkings.

Donations and sponsorship are welcome, and RSVPs are requested. They help determine how much food and beer will be necessary on the day of the event. To RSVP, call or email Kevin Coughlin at 617-328-7749/James@montclairwollaston.com or visit the group's website.

Donations can be made through Venmo (@MontclairWollaston-NA).

Weymouth Water Lantern Festival

• When: 3- 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

• Where: George Lane Beach, 2-29 River St., Weymouth

• Tickets/admission: $45.99-$55.99 (You do not need a lantern or ticket to attend. Keep reading to see what a ticket gets you.)

• For more info: Search "Weymouth Water Lantern Festival" on Facebook

This family-friendly event will not only create a beautiful sight to behold, but it will also help Water.org, whose goal is to provide clean water and sanitation to people around the world.

Participants will design their own water lanterns. The ticket price comes with a floating lantern kit, an LED candle, a commemorative drawstring bag, a marker and playing and conversation cards.

A portion of the ticket sales help the event organizers clean up after the event and collect the lanterns, which are made from rice paper and wood so they are as eco-friendly as possible, and the LED candles are reused.

'Boo in the Barnyard' at Weir River Farm in Hingham

• When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

• Where: Weir River Farm, 140 Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham

• Tickets/admission: $10

• For more information: Thetrustees.org

Visitors are invited to wear a costume and meet sheep, Nutmeg the pony, Ruby the llama, Poppy the goat, Dixie the potbellied pig and a herd of black and white belted Galloway cattle. There will be a scavenger hunt, a seasonal crafts workshop and treats.

After visiting the barnyard, visitors can hike the woodland trails surrounding Weir River Farm to explore and experience the season.

A sensory-friendly "Boo in the Barnyard" hour will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. The hour will offer decreased participant capacity, reduced noise and other accommodations for anyone who might benefit from a sensory-friendly environment.

The event will be held in one-hour time slots throughout the afternoon.  Advance registration is required. Hourly time slots are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Infants in carriers are free.

This event will be held rain or shine, and dogs are not allowed on the property.

Halloween Bash Out Cancer Party at Quincy American Legion

• When: 7-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

• Where: American Legion, 81 Liberty St., Quincy

• Tickets/admission: $30-$35

• For more information: Jimmyscaring.org

The Quincy American Legion is planning a spooktacular night of fun at its annual Halloween Bash Out Cancer Party. Proceeds from the night of music, laughter and spooky surprises will benefit Jeff Foresta, who is battling cancer.

The event is a potluck, so attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite dish for all to share.

Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in the following categories: Crazy Barbie, Scary Barbie, Best Superhero, Most Elegant, Most Creative, Most Authentic, Dark Barbie or Ken, Animal Related, Vintage Masquerade Costume, Best Family Theme, Best Couple Costumes and Best Other Costume.

'Friends for Maui: Starting All Over' benefit concert

• When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

• Where: First Trinitarian Congregational Church, 381 Country Way, Scituate

• Tickets/admission: $10, with additional donations welcome

• For more information: Ftccscituate.org

In support of the communities affected by the recent Maui wildfire disaster, the Friends in Song, an a cappella vocal ensemble, will host a benefit performance under the direction of the church's music director, William B. Richter. Proceeds will benefit the Maui Strong Fund, launched by the Hawai’i Community Foundation (#MauiStrongFund). The concert is sponsored by Michelle McGrath PR.

The show will feature a program of uplifting songs selected to inspire hope after the Maui wildfire devastation. The concert subtitle, "Starting All Over," is derived from the cover tune of Oahu native and "American Idol" winner Iam Tongi’s original song “Starting All Over Again," a support anthem to raise awareness for the cause and to benefit Tongi’s greater Hawaiian community. Friends in Song will performs its own arrangement of this tune during this concert.

Friends in Song is an ensemble of 15 vocalists, including many professional musicians, who have performed together in friendship and harmony for 13 years. The group is recognized across the region for its tightly woven harmonies and joyous concerts.

For more about Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, visit  hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Fun events in Quincy, Norwell and othertowns this weekend, Oct. 13-15