It’s October, and you know what that means: crisp weather, color-changing leaves and a plethora of spooky holiday-themed events.
Just kidding, living in Louisiana the first two usually don’t apply to us. But that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of Halloween-themed events this month. In Baton Rouge, there are lots of different ways to get into the Halloween spirit; here’s a list of the best options to put you in the fall mood and prepare you for the creepiest night of the year.
Corn Maze at Burden
What better way to jump into fall than to run around a cornfield maze with your friends and family? At the LSU AgCenter’s Botanic Gardens, you can enjoy a corn maze, games, and food every Saturday in October. The corn maze kicks off with the Corn Maze Festival, which includes pumpkin decorating, giant slingshots and a hay mountain, on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and ends on Oct. 28 with the Night Maze & Bonfire where you can listen to live music, play glow-in-the-dark bowling and make s’mores by a bonfire. If this doesn’t put you in the Halloween spirit, I don’t know what will.
The 13th Gate
Consistently recognized as one of the best and scariest haunted attractions in America, The 13th Gate returns for another horrifying year. Open until Nov. 4, this haunted house takes you through 13 nightmarish realms that tap into all of your worst fears. You’ll walk, crawl and travel through a snake-infested Louisiana swamp, crematory oven, hidden subterranean passages, a prehistoric ice cave and more terrifying settings. Tickets are only $30, which is a bargain considering this is, hands down, the scariest attraction in Baton Rouge.
Terror Tuesdays at The Tech Park
Horror movie fans can rejoice because every Tuesday at Louisiana Technology Park, university alumnus Connor Tarter will put on a double feature of classic horror films like “Night of the Living Dead,” “Friday the 13th” and —of course— “Halloween.” Each Tuesday will follow a specific theme like zombies, slashers, monsters, Stephen King classics and kings of horror, and there will be popcorn and soft drinks available. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will end around 10 p.m. Each event can only hold 25 people, so register soon on the Eventbrite page.
Theatre Baton Rouge presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
Back for the second year in a row, Theatre Baton Rouge is putting on a production of the musical, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” as a part of their Holiday Specials series. This musical that spawned the 1975 cult-classic film is a foolproof way to have a good time and prepare for Halloween, as any of the characters make good costumes. The show runs from Oct. 19 to a midnight performance on Oct. 28. General admission is $25, but student tickets are only $19.
”Hocus Pocus” on Friday the 13th
For an extra special spooky Friday the 13th celebration, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library will host a free showing of Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” at 7 p.m. in the plaza at the Main Library. Get your black cats and broomsticks ready for a creepy yet hilarious time.
Trick and Treat Howl-o-ween Costume Pawty
On Friday Oct. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., join local pet organizations, rescue groups and businesses for a four-legged friendly costume party at the Raising Cane’s Dog Park at Forest Community Park. Get your costumes ready, and come out to enjoy music, food and more. What’s better than dogs in Halloween costumes? Absolutely nothing.
”Psycho” at the Manship Theatre
Just in time for Halloween, the Manship Theatre is hosting a special screening of horror standard “Psycho” on Oct. 27. Not only is this an opportunity to see the classic on the big screen, but you can also enjoy a three-course meal from a special “Psycho” menu at Capital City Grill Downtown if you opt to buy the $33.50 Dinner and a Movie ticket. If you just want to watch the movie, there are tickets for $9.50 available. You can make reservations online for the film screening, and you can call 225-381-8140 for reservations at the restaurant.
Seaux LA presents: Costumes and Tunes Party
Seaux LA — a duo of local music curators who put on music events throughout the year — are celebrating Halloween weekend with a party on Friday, Oct. 27., featuring performances from Louisiana bands Loudness War, Neon Mountain, Sorry Ghost and Trashlight. The party, held at Kerry Bear’s Atomic Pop Shop, will also have costume contests among the patrons and bands. If you prefer a music show to a haunted house to get you into the spooky spirit, this event is made for you.
Spanish Moon’s Halloween events
Popular music venue The Spanish Moon is your go-to spot to celebrate Halloween with themed parties throughout the holiday weekend. Oct. 27 is the annual ‘80s Night Dance Party Halloween Ball. Doors open at 9 p.m. for this supernatural dance party and costume contest featuring the best dance hits from the ‘80s. The Bootywerk Halloween Ba$$h is on Saturday, and on Halloween night is the Spanish Moon Annual Halloween party. Featuring a cash prize costume contest and performances from Lemon Stevies, Captain Green and Radioactive, this party is your best bet on Halloween night after a weekend of celebrating.
Detailed masks are kept backstage in the costume room at 13th Gate.
