Abu Dhabi's events calendar is packed over the last week of October, and a lot of it costs nothing or close to it. If you're in the capital between October 26 and November 1, here's what's worth your time.

Families have the most options. Kinokuniya at The Galleria Al Maryah runs a free story, colouring and craft session for two- to five-year-olds inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Monday, October 26 at 4pm — spaces are tight, so book ahead via WhatsApp on 0563659093. World Trade Center Abu Dhabi hosts free children's workshops every Tuesday from 4pm to 9pm (free with a Dhs150 same-day mall spend), while Khalidiyah Mall's Gem Quest runs daily until November 1 with gem mining, a puzzle challenge and a pixel art wall — free with a Dhs50 spend.

Culture-wise, the pick is the Traditional Handicrafts Festival at Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain, now in its 12th year. Free entry gets you artisan demonstrations, workshops and performances daily until November 11, from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays and later at weekends. In the city, 421 Arts Campus is showing Revelation, an immersive installation by Emirati artist Juma Alhaj, alongside a library and kids' Art in Play sessions (Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm). Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island has Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean, tracing 1,000 years of maritime trade routes, shipwrecks and spice routes — entry is Dhs70.

For something less sedate, Abu Dhabi Turf Club in Al Mushrif runs Sunset at the Turf on selected Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm: live horse racing from the garden, general admission from just Dhs10, with Premier tickets from Dhs80.

Food is well covered too. Shang Palace at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is running a limited Taste of Shangri-La menu until October 31 — handmade dim sum, wok-fried scallops in XO sauce, black pepper Wagyu beef and a five-course option with tea or wine pairing (daily 6pm to 10.30pm, book on 02 509 8555; vegetarians get their own menu). Berenjak in Al Bateen does Tehran-style Iranian food — mezze, kebabs and the crispy rice dish tahdig — at around Dhs250 for two. And if it's Tuesday, taco deals are running across the city at various price points.

Why it matters: this is a good snapshot of how much Abu Dhabi offers at low or no cost, especially for families — free library sessions, mall workshops and a heritage festival add up to a full week without a big budget. Sunset racing at Dhs10 is arguably the cheapest evening out in the city.