Looking for weekend fun? Check out these 10 things to do in Columbus

Halloween is less than three weeks away, but if you're in the mood to let the "ghoul" times roll a little early, head to the Columbus Zoo, where Zoombezi Bay's splish-splash action has been temporarily replaced by the shrieks and screams of ZOMBIEzi Bay. The annual skele-bration of scariness offers a host of horrors including a new haunted house and other spooky spectacles.

In the art world, Secret Studio will host an open-to-the-public reception on Friday for "We Are The Culture," a showcase highlighting the unique experiences of Indigenous and Black Latinos. The exhibit will run through Nov. 6.

On Saturday, the Greater Columbus Convention Center will be transformed into a puppy paradise when the American Kennel Club (AKC) returns with Meet the Breeds, with hordes of hounds onsite for dog lovers to cuddle, caper, and cavort with.

These are just a few of the things you can do for entertainment over the next few days. Learn more about them and other events below. To receive these ideas in your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.

The undead come to life at ZOMBIEzi Bay

With Halloween nearing, Zoombezi Bay water park at the Columbus Zoo, 4850 Powell Road, Powell, has been transformed into ZOMBIEzi Bay, a fiendish world of four horror-fying haunted houses, two sinister scare zones, six alarming amusement rides, and other spooky surprises. New this year is the "Grave" haunted house, where four fun-seeking teens discover that their party didn't wake the dead; instead, they find themselves among the undead! Are you brave enough to party with them? Not suitable for children under 13, ZOMBIEzi Bay will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and 6-10 p.m. Sundays all this month, with bonus hours on adult nights (21 and older) from 6-10 p.m. this Thursday and Oct. 26. Ticket prices vary. (zombiezibay.columbuszoo.org)

'60s throwback concert to fight hunger

It was the era of civil rights sit-ins, anti-war marches, space flights, political assassinations, hippies, and fashion statements like bell bottoms, mini-skirts and Afros. Those hallmarks of the 1960s will be revived at the annual “Spirit of the ‘60’s Coffeehouse: Concert to Mix 1960’s History, Music, & Memories in Fundraiser to Fight Hunger." Arrive early to get a good seat for the show, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the basement of King Avenue Methodist Church, 299 W. King Ave., where local musician Bill Cohen will lead a candle-lit year-by-year journey through the decade, with live and familiar folk songs, news reports of the time, memorabilia displays, a trivia challenge and more. Proceeds from the suggested $15 donation (at the door) will go to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. The program is suitable for adults and mature teens. (facebook.com/billcohensings)

Art exhibit honors Indigenous and Black Latinos

A marginalized — or altogether forgotten — segment of the Latino population, Indigenous and Black Latinos face unique experiences of racism and prejudice. The exhibit "We Are The Culture: There is no Latinidad without us" acknowledges and celebrates Indigeneity and Blackness within Latino culture. The show will open Friday with a reception from 6-9 p.m. and run through Nov. 6 at Secret Studio, 503 W. Walnut St. Located in the Franklinton Arts District, Secret Studio is a multipurpose arts facility for creative audio recording, workshops, art openings and art events. Masks will be provided upon entry to help protect the community as COVID resurges. (facebook.com/secretstudiohq, 614-725-1310)

Chekhov goes to Texas in TPT's 'Show Business'

Founded by a group of women to explore dramatic issues from a feminine perspective, the Tipping Point Theatre Co. (TPT) will debut its production of Jane Martin's "Anton in Show Business" at 8 p.m. Friday on the Shedd Stage of the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave. Directed by Nancy Shelton Williams, the comedy follows three actresses pursuing their dream of performing in Anton Chekhov's "Three Sisters" in Texas. Additional performances will be at 8 p.m. Saturday and Oct. 20-21, and 2 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 22. Tickets are $15-$20. (eventbrite.com)

Millersport to host third annual Fall Family Festival

Millersport will celebrate farm, family and country during its third annual Fall Family Festival at various sites on Saturday. An assortment of live music will begin at noon with Mark Fellure singing the national anthem at Millersport Coffee, 11985 Lancaster St. Other attractions will include a sale by Dirt Floor Pottery at Millersport Coffee from 11:30 to 5 p.m.; local jewelry creations, apparel sales and discounted fall decor from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12041 Lancaster St.; a pumpkin and mums sale by Generation Farms, and animals for kids to pet from Apple Star Farms, both from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12003 Lancaster St. (escapetobuckeyelake.com/events)

Famed Finnish foursome to play at the Southern

Formed in 2001, Meta4 is one of Finland's most internationally successful string quartets. The ensemble, composed of Antti Tikkanen (violin), Atte Kilpeläinen (viola), Minna Pensola (violin), and Tomas Djupsjöbacka (cello), will perform at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., as Chamber Music Columbus showcases the second concert of its 76th season. Meta4's accolades include winning first place in both the International Shostakovich Quartet Competition in Moscow and the International Joseph Haydn Chamber Music Competition in Vienna. The quartet, which also was chosen as a BBC "New Generation Artist" for 2008–2010, has released three recordings. Tickets are $20-$60. (chambermusiccolumbus.org)

Plethora of pups on parade at AKC Meet the Breeds

From Affenpinschers to Yorkshire terriers, a cornucopia of canines will be on hand (or paw) for guests to greet and play with for the second year at AKC Meet the Breeds, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St. Visit booths representing more than 70 breeds with details about the country of origin, historical purpose, and function of each, learn about responsible ownership, and watch demonstrations of dog sports like disk-catching, obstacle course navigation and more. There also will be an interactive fun zone, games and an art station for kids, photo opportunities and other activities. Ticket prices are $20 for those 13 and older, $15 for those 65 and older, and $10 for children 12 and younger. VIP tickets are $50. (bit.ly/48EsAi1)

Jazz ensemble to get the crowd 'stomping'

The Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society (COHJS) will welcome jazz supergroup the High Street Stompers at a show and dance from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Clintonville Woman's Club, 3951 N. High St. The High Street Stompers were formed in 1987, when all the original members were professors of music at OSU. The event is BYOB, and there will be hot dogs, snacks, mixers and soda for purchase. General admission is $20; $15 for COHJS members and SwingColumbus dancers; $10 for students; and free for music educators and music students. (cohjs.org)

David Sedaris to 'talk pretty' at the Palace

Presented by WOSU, author-humorist David Sedaris will offer a selection of all-new readings and recollections at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. Sedaris penned such bestsellers as "Calypso," "Naked," "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim," and is a regular NPR contributor. His latest books are "Happy-Go-Lucky" and "A Carnival of Snackery." Sedaris also will hold a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of the Book Loft. Tickets are $55-$65. (capa.com)

Gallery exhibits, auction to raise HIV/AIDS awareness

When clients, patients, and visitors walk into lobby of the Equitas Health King-Lincoln Community Health Center & Pharmacy, 750 E. Long St., they'll be greeted by artwork in the lobby. Featuring the work of people living with or impacted by HIV, the rotating exhibits in the ART UP Gallery are designed to foster conversation, raise awareness, and help to erase the stigma associated with HIV. The first featured artist is Curtis Golden, whose work will be on display through November. Equitas is continuing a long history of celebrating local artists established by its biennial Art for Life art auction, which will begin with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Columbus Museum of Art. The auction has raised more than $7 million for HIV/AIDS healthcare since beginning in 1989. Ticket prices vary. (artforlife.equitashealth.com)

bpaschal@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 10 things to do in Columbus this weekend and beyond