October has arrived, ushering in cooler temperatures, vibrant fall festivals, and plenty of Halloween excitement! From facing your fears at the nationally renowned 13th Gate Haunted House to enjoying live music at Federales Fest and Live After 5, Baton Rouge is full of unforgettable experiences. Indulge in the rich flavors of the Lebanese Festival, and dive into one of the many Fifolet Festival events, including a 5K run, pub crawl, and Halloween parade.
This October, Baton Rouge is the ultimate destination for fall fun. Check out the top events we've handpicked just for you!
The 13th Gate Haunted House
October 1-31
Spooky season in Baton Rouge isn't official until you've braved the 13th Gate Haunted House! Step into 13 terrifying realms where your deepest fears become reality. From hidden underground tunnels crawling with live snakes to a zombie-infested graveyard and a haunting, abandoned asylum, this isn’t for the faint-hearted. Are you brave enough to face your nightmares? Grab your tickets and find out!
Live Music
Rock N Rowe: October 3, 10, 17, 24
Live After 5: October 11, 18, 25
Levitt AMP Baton Rouge: October 4, 18, 25
Sunday in the Park: October 6, 13, 20, 27
Weekends in Baton Rouge are made for live music! Whether it's dancing under the stars at Rock N Rowe on Thursdays, kicking off your weekend with Live After 5 or Levitt AMP on Fridays, or chilling out with Sunday in the Park, there's something for everyone. Bring your friends, lawn chairs, and good vibes to catch performances from Chubby Carrier, Hannah PK, Lil Nathan & The Zydeco Big Timers, and more. Get ready to groove all month long!
Photo Credit: Jordan Hefler
Federales Fest
October 5
Yee-haw! Federales Fest returns for a second year, celebrating the best of Southern music with a mix of country, rock-n-roll, and Americana. Taking over the scenic Live Oak at Cedar Lodge, this all-day festival features performances from Whitey Morgan and the 78’s, Dragon Smoke, and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. Hungry? Enjoy Southern-inspired dishes from local food vendors while you soak in the tunes. Don’t miss out on this incredible festival—tickets are on sale now!
Lebanese Festival
October 5
The Lebanese Festival is back and bigger than ever! Dive into a vibrant cultural experience with authentic Lebanese cuisine, live entertainment, and rich traditions. Hosted at the Goodwood Main Library this year, this family-friendly festival is free to attend and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy international flavors right here in Baton Rouge.
Perkins Rowe Arts Festival
October 5
Get ready to immerse yourself in creativity at the Perkins Rowe Arts Festival! This annual celebration of local talent returns from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The arts market will feature a variety of local artists showcasing everything from handcrafted jewelry to stunning canvases and unique crafts. Beyond the art, enjoy live music and family-friendly activities throughout the day, making it the perfect event for all ages.
Corn Maze at Burden
October 5, 12, 19, 26
Known as one of Baton Rouge's favorite fall traditions, the Corn Maze at Burden is packed with seasonal fun. Wander through the sunflower fields, enjoy a hayride, and climb the hay mountain. There's even a pumpkin patch for that perfect autumn photo. Make sure to get your tickets early, as this event always sells out fast!
Southern University Football & Homecoming
October 5: Southern vs. Nicholls State University
October 19: Homecoming game, Southern vs. Alcorn State University
Game day in Baton Rouge is always a blast, and Southern University's homecoming is the heart of HBCU culture. Join current students, alumni, and fans as they celebrate with a week of festivities leading up to the highly anticipated homecoming game. Whether you're cheering for the Jaguars or just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, this is the perfect time to explore everything Baton Rouge has to offer and extend your long week or weekend in Baton Rouge.
LSU Football: Celebrating 100 Years of Tiger Stadium
October 12: LSU vs. Ole Miss
This year, Tiger Stadium celebrates 100 years of thrilling football, and the game against Ole Miss is one you don’t want to miss. With a brand-new video board, an LED light show at the start of the 4th quarter, and a commemorative 100th-anniversary emblem on the field, the stadium atmosphere will be electric. 100 years has never looked so good!
Bridgerton Brunch on the River Terrace
October 13
Gentle readers, mark your calendars for October 13th as the Season's Diamond will be revealed at the Bridgerton Brunch on the River Terrace at the Shaw Center for the Arts! Guests will be treated to cocktails by Tippy Tap and brunch for each ticket. Plus, local treasures like The Charm Collective and Three Magnolias and Co will be waiting on the promenade in addition to complementary watercolor portraits by Asia Ardoin. Don't miss out on this splendid afternoon! Grab your tickets here.
Hollydays
October 17-19
Have a holly jolly time at Hollydays, the Junior League of Baton Rouge's premier holiday shopping event! It's never too early to start your holiday shopping, and Hollydays is the perfect place to do this. This event is your one-stop shop for finding unique gifts while supporting local vendors. With dozens of merchants and a festive atmosphere at the Raising Cane’s River Center, Hollydays is perfect for crossing everyone off your list.
Photo Credit: Jordan Hefler
Baton Rouge Zydeco Hockey
October 17, 18, 20, 25 (home games)
Cheer on the Baton Rouge Zydeco this October as they take to the ice for their home games at the River Center! The hockey team has already built a loyal fanbase, and game nights are always packed with excitement. Don’t miss your chance to support Baton Rouge's very own hockey squad—tickets are on sale now!
Boo at the Zoo
October 19, 20, 26, 27
BREC Baton Rouge Zoo’s family-friendly Boo at the Zoo is a perfect way to celebrate Halloween with the little ones! Dress up in your favorite costumes and enjoy a day filled with seasonal fun, including a mini pumpkin patch, Halloween photo ops, and a transformed zoo experience.
8th Annual Taste of the Deep South Festival
October 19-20
Henry Turner Jr.'s 8th Annual Taste of the Deep South Festival is a two-day celebration of music, food, and culture. Enjoy live performances spanning reggae, local bands, dance troupes, and more, while savoring delicious dishes from local food vendors. Held at Galvez Plaza in downtown Baton Rouge, this event is a can't-miss for festival lovers.
Spirits of Louisiana
October 24
Get ready to celebrate in style at the Old State Capitol’s signature fundraising event, Spirits of Louisiana! This year’s theme, "Royalty on the River," invites you to dress in your regal best and enjoy an evening of open bars, gourmet food, live music, exciting raffles, and an art auction. Grab your tickets and prepare for a night fit for royalty!
Fifolet Halloween Festival
Fifolet Pub Crawl: October 24
Fifolet Halloween Costume Ball: October 25
Fifolet Halloween 5K: October 26
Fifolet Arts Market: October 26
Fifolet Halloween Parade: October 26
Baton Rouge’s ultimate Halloween celebration, the Fifolet Halloween Festival, spans a spooky, fun-filled weekend! From the Fifolet Pub Crawl and the Costume Ball to the 5K race, spooky arts market, and the Halloween parade, this festival truly has it all. Embrace the Halloween spirit, and join in on the eerie fun—parades are a must in Louisiana, after all!
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
October 24-November 3
The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair returns this month! Get ready to experience the thrill of carnival rides, classic fair games, and indulge in all your favorite fair foods. From cotton candy and funnel cakes to corn dogs and more, this is the perfect chance to satisfy those cravings you've been dreaming about all year long.