Have you taken your families to Dot Park to meet the Goats-In-Residence yet? If not, you should! These hungry beasts are busy munching on excess vegetation like poison ivy and other invasive plant species. They’re cute, too.

In an effort to make these cloven-hooved guests a more permanent presence (they are supposed to end their residency on Oct. 15) the Dorchester Park Association is accepting donations to assist with costs. Go to gofundme.com/5yOmz08. Any little bit will help, though if everyone donated just $10 that would guarantee the goats would have a home with us for a few years.

The association has also commissioned beloved artist Janet Harrold (of trolley-painting fame) to create goat-themed Christmas ornaments that will go on sale at Cedar Grove Gardens this month. Ornaments will retail for $9.95 each and proceeds will go directly to the goats! Stop by Dot Park or Cedar Grove Gardens (911 Adams St.) for more info.

Jack O’Lantern Journey at Franklin Park Zoo
Celebrate the spookiest season at this must-do event at Franklin Park Zoo starting Fri., Oct. 5. Meander along a half- mile trail filled with 5,000 festive and brightly-lit Jack O’Lanterns, complete with carving lessons and autumnal food (apple cider donuts, anyone?) and drink. Guests can also pre-order custom Jack O’Lanterns to display at their own houses and get into the spirit of the season. Go to jackolanternjourney.com for schedule and full details.

Let’s Float Some Pumpkins!
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will join with the Neponset River Greenway Council and state and local officials on Tuesday, October 16, to kick off the 17th annual Pumpkin Float event at Pope John Paul II Park. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Hallet Street entrance. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costumes and are welcome to bring a carved pumpkin no bigger than 8” in diameter. Organizers will provide lights and floats and will send your creations down Davenport Creek. Pro-tip: arrive about 10 minutes early as the park fills up fast!

Also coming up:

• Wed., Oct. 10, at 10:30 a.m. — Preschool Films and Fun at the Fields Corner BPL. Short films based on children’s literature and classic cartoons.

• Sat., Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. — Urban Farming Institute hosts a Food Day and Garlic Fest at Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, 487 Norfolk St in Mattapan. Activities will include face painting, pumpkin decoration, food demonstrations, and more.

• Sat., Oct. 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. VietAid 2018 Celebration at IUEC-Local 4, 50 Park St., Dorchester. A night full of music and cultural foods, highlighting small bites from various Vietnamese provinces and regions.

• Sun., Oct. 14, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.— BC High Open House for grades 7-8. Go to bchigh.edu for more info.

• Sun., Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. — Martin Richard Foundation Autumn Service Day at the IBEW Hall, Freeport St. Join the Martin Richard Foundation for a family-friendly day of service to those in need. Volunteers will engage in meaningful activities that support the homeless, children in need of care and resources, Boston Public Schools students, and more.

• Sun., Oct 21. – BC High Open house for Grades 9-11. Go to bchigh.edu for more info.

• Oct. 27 and 28 at 11 a.m. – ZooHowl returns to Franklin Park Zoo. Thrills, chills, and animals await you.