The Glasgow nights are drawing in and the weather can’t be relied upon to be as benign and photogenic as in our blog photo, so what can we get up to over the next few weeks that can keep everyone occupied and only a short dash and splash from home?

For families, anyone with toddlers should equip themselves with the snappily-titled Baby Aware Manual For Glasgow South East. Not available online, anyone can pick up a free copy in pharmacies – they have a pile in Kitchin’s – and local libraries. It’s 28 pages of parenting gold as it contains as comprehensive and up-to-date a list of local toddler groups and activities as it’s possible to find. I’ll be using it over the next few weeks to update the under-5s section on this website but do get hold of a copy if you can as it  also has great health advice and financial tips.

There’s also the next Tramway Family Day to look forward to. It’s a full-day Halloween extravaganza with craft workshops, composting fun and games. It’s free and perennially popular.

The Old Barn in Pollok Park is holding a charity books sale on Sunday 23rd to raise funds for education projects in South Africa. Volunteers have painstakingly catalogued donated books and it’s a quirky building, so pop down to have a look if you can. Drop in from 11-3pm – it’s in the stables complex near the golf club entrance.

For foodies, Gusto And Relish are holding their monthly evening extravanganza on Thursday 27th at 7.30pm. This month’s theme is seasonal, ethical and local with chef Ian attempting to create a three-course meal using only food sourced within 50 miles of home. Book in advance and BYOB.

Cookie celebrates the return of Chef Wars on the last Sunday of the month with three amateur chefs attempting to tickle your tastebuds. Why not try it if you’ve not been before? Sunday 30th October, time TBC.

Listen In – Lights Out at the GoSlow Cafe celebrates All Hallows Eve a little early next Saturday. Tickets are £5 with costume and £7 without. Food is available but its BYOB with £1 corkage. 29th October 7-10:30pm.

On Sunday 30 October at 8pm in The Shed there is a screening of cult horror classic Night of the Living Dead put on by the Southside Film Festival. (1968, 96 mins, 15) The screening will be preceded by the Southside’s first ever zombie walk in Shawlands. There will be prizes for the best zombie, so do go along dressed to terrify. Tickets are on sale at Young’s Interesting Books on Skirving Street.

And why not venture into the warmth of Glasgow’s most eclectic museum? The Burrell Collection has some great themed tours and adult workshops coming up. On Wednesday 2nd November there’s a quilling candle cards adult workshop from 10-12 followed by a tour on candlelight at the Burrell. The 8th sees a themed Rodin course and Wednesday 7th December gives you a chance to try ancient clay work. If the weather’s good there’s also some great walking tours, one of which culminates in Christmas wreath making (December 4th) or find out more about the history of Pollok on Sunday 20th at 2pm. There’s also one of the Southside’s best-kept secrets – the family film showings at 2pm on the second Sunday of the month on their cinema screen. All these events are free but it’s advisable to book in advance, 287 2564 or BurrellLA@glasgowlife.org.uk

Please post a comment if there’s an event in the area you’d like to share with Strathbungo.