So you aren't going to Voodoo Fest...

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By Hannah Catchings

Your buddy didn't score those free tickets after all. Maybe you have to pick up that extra shift at work. The reason doesn't matter. All you know is that you won't be at Voodoo Fest this weekend, but you're still itching for some fun. So, what else is happening?

You're in luck because a little holiday called Halloween also lays claim to the end of October. Revelry comes in all forms during this fun-filled weekend, packed with a variety of activities sure to cure those Voodoo blues.

To kick the weekend off there's the Carlotta Street Party. Every year costumed carousers flock to the street for one wild night of celebration alongside several thousand of their closest friends. As always the event is free, and various local bands provide live music. Festivities are on Friday this year, starting around 8 p.m.

Next on the list is the Pumpkin Smut ReUnion at Chelsea's Cafe. The event is a costume party which has been thrown by Upperline Event Productions since 2001. It starts at 10 p.m. on Friday.

"You only get to play make believe a few nights out of the year," said Upperline's event manager Joe Vuci Jr. about the party's one belief. "You will feel out of place without a costume," he warned.

Halloween enthusiasts looking to be a bit kinder to their livers can head to the Manship cult film series presentation of the movie, Freaks. According to the Manship website, the film is a "story of betrayal and retribution in the circus" from 1932.

So why check it out?

"Freaks is listed #3 on the Entertainment Weekly Top 50 Cult Classics," said John Kaufman, Manship Theatre's Director of Marketing. "Cash bars and popcorn are allowed in the theatre throughout the film," Kaufman added as further incentive.

The showing is Friday at 10 p.m.

Those who like a side of fright with their fun might be more interested in spending Halloween night downtown at the 13th Gate. On Saturday night, Baton Rouge's favorite haunted house opens at 6:30. In addition to the actual haunted house, there will be a new haunted midway called "Carnevil."

"Carnevil also has over 14 vendors including our infamous coffin ride, 'Buried Alive,'" said owner Dwayne Sanburn.

Food and other entertainment, like a fire troupe and an AC/DC tribute band, will be present as well.

If nothing so far has tickled your fancy, there's usually a re-run of Charlie Brown's "Great White Pumpkin" somewhere on television, or coffee sipping at Barnes and Noble.

A suitable entertainment niche for nearly every taste exists in Baton Rouge this Halloween weekend. Knowing what's on the menu, and what the other options are out there, helps whet the appetite. But, for a more expanded list of activities, go to www.tigerweekly.com and poke around in the events section.

Originally Published: Issue 821 - October 28, 2009

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