As the fall season settles in, Baton Rouge offers many festive events leading up to Halloween. With activities of all kinds, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Get Outdoors
BREC-A-Boo will be held Thursday from 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Greenwood Community Park in Baker, Louisiana. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in costumes. The event offers carnival games, ghostly visitors and a costume contest.
Haunted hikes are also offered for $3 per person, and concessions will be available.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center will also host haunted hikes on the Fridays leading up to Halloween. The hikes will be held from 6-9 p.m. and participants will learn about the “creepy critters” along the trail, including snakes, rats and insects.
In addition to the hike, the center will provide entertainment and games. There will be a creepy cavern, an animal morgue, crafts, carnival games, a swamp pet cemetery, costumed characters, special giveaways and food and drinks.
Participants should bring a flashlight and are encouraged to come dressed in costumes. The cost is $6 per person.
Bring your dogs dressed in their best Halloween gear to BREC’S Trick & Treat. Raising Cane’s Dog Park at Forest Community Park will host a Howl-O-Ween Costume PAWty on Oct. 21 from 6-8 p.m.
Featuring categories like Best Small Dog Costume, Best Medium/Large Dog Costume and Best Group Costume, the dog costume contest kicks off at 7 p.m.
Local rescue groups, pet organizations and pet-friendly businesses will be among those in attendance. There will also be musical performances for the enjoyment of guests.
Night Life
On Oct. 27, Blend Wine Bar will host Dancing Through the “Dead”-Cades, a costume soiree. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the event will resurrect ’60s, ’70s and ’80s apparel.
For $75 a person, guests can purchase admission and a five course meal with wine and cocktail pairings. DJ Parish will provide music for guests’ entertainment, and door prizes will be given for the best costumes. Those interested are encouraged to RSVP.
Get Active
Since it first began in 1992, Critical Mass, a bike ride, has occurred worldwide on the last Friday of each month. However, the Halloween Critical Mass is typically the largest of the year, with this ride drawing in the most bikers.
Bicyclists will don costumes and pass out candy while pedaling around the streets of Baton Rouge. Head to City Park at 6 p.m. on Oct. 28 to watch participants begin their ride.
Baton Rouge’s only costumed Halloween race will take place Oct. 29 from 8:30 a.m. until noon. The Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race is 200 feet longer than the typical 5K. Each participant will receive a medal.
For those wanting to push themselves, the Tough Pumpkin Challenge allows participants to run “the pi” while holding a pumpkin. Those participating in the challenge will receive an additional medal.
After the race, stick around for entertainment at Halloween Town on the Levee Green by the USS Kidd.
