Historic Downtown Natchez is set to come alive this Halloween as local organizations team up to host a full evening of family-friendly festivities, live music, and trick-or-treating fun on Friday, October 31.
The celebration is a joint effort among the Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA), Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Natchez, Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works, the Natchez Police and Fire Departments, and Live @ Five, combining several of the city’s most beloved Halloween traditions into one walkable downtown event.
“This collaboration shows what makes Downtown Natchez special,” said Leah Hunter, Executive Director of the Downtown Natchez Alliance. “When organizations, departments and volunteers work together, downtown becomes more than a destination — it becomes a shared community experience.”
Halloween Night Schedule
12 p.m. – Event signage and traffic cones will be placed throughout downtown.
4–6 p.m. – Trick-or-Treat for Little Feet
Downtown merchants will welcome children for an afternoon of candy, costumes, and fun at participating businesses.
4–6 p.m. – Downtown Witches Ride Registration
Registration opens at the Pumpkin Patch for $5 per rider. Participants are encouraged to bring a donation for the Natchez Stewpot and take part in the costume contest.
-
The first flight of witches departs at 5:15 p.m., riding a short downtown route to Live @ Five.
-
The second flight, led by the Natchez Bicycle Club, departs at 6 p.m.
5 p.m. – Live @ Five on the Bluff
Live music from The Remedy kicks off the night, with free admission for all ages.
5:30–7:30 p.m. – Trunk ’r Treat with The Grinch
The Bluff will transform into a Halloween wonderland with decorated trunks, games, music, and plenty of candy. Families can meet The Grinch and enjoy carnival-style fun hosted by local businesses and organizations.
6:30 p.m. – Pumpkin Patch Awards Presentation
During Live @ Five’s intermission, DNA will announce winners of the Storefront Decorating Contest, Battle of the Businesses, and Howl-o-ween Pet Parade.
Community Spirit on Display
Ryan Porter, Director of Natchez Parks and Recreation, said the annual event continues to grow each year.
“We’re thrilled to partner with local organizations to create a Halloween celebration that’s memorable for everyone,” Porter said. “Trunk ’r Treat grows every year, and the creativity our community brings makes it a favorite for families.”
Sarah Lindsey Laukhuff, Director of Live @ Five, echoed that sentiment.
“Halloween night brings out the best of Natchez, with music, costumes, and community energy filling the streets,” she said. “It’s a night for everyone to enjoy downtown together.”
Plan Your Evening
Families can start the night with Trick-or-Treat for Little Feet along Main, Franklin, Commerce, Pearl, Broadway, and Canal streets, then head to the Pumpkin Patch on Main and South Pearl to catch the Witches Ride. From there, the fun continues on the Bluff with Trunk ’r Treat with The Grinch and Live @ Five.
Traffic, Parking, and Wayfinding
Families are encouraged to arrive early between 4 and 5 p.m. to find parking and begin trick-or-treating. Volunteers and city personnel will be stationed at intersections to guide pedestrians and maintain safety throughout the evening.
Public parking is available throughout downtown, including the lot across from the Post Office near Visit Natchez (accessible from Jefferson Street) and along North Broadway outside the event area.
Directional signage and wayfinding markers will guide visitors to trick-or-treat locations, event routes, and open parking areas.
Join the Fun
Businesses and organizations can register for Trunk ’r Treat at NatchezParks.com under “Sign Up for Activities.” Candy must be individually wrapped and commercially packaged.
Participants interested in joining the Downtown Witches Ride may pre-register at NatchezDNA.org under “Witches Ride.”
For more information about Downtown Natchez Alliance events, visit NatchezDNA.org or follow @DNAnatchez on Facebook and Instagram.
For Parks and Recreation updates, visit NatchezParks.com, and follow Live @ Five Natchez on Facebook for music and schedule announcements.
Comments