Fall is in full swing in Monroe-West Monroe and the possibilities for fun this month are endless. From spooks and scares, to family fun outdoors, you will not want to miss this month's lineup of fantastic fall events!

October 1-29

Get ready to decorate those pumpkins! Discover Monroe-West Monroe is hosting its 4th annual Monroe-West Monroe Pumpkin Decorating Contest during the month of October. Participants are asked to decorate their pumpkin with a Monroe-West Monroe theme. They are encouraged to highlight the great things about Ouachita Parish through painting, carving, or decorating their pumpkin.

Brown Bag Concert Series

Every Wednesday in October, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm

Fall is here and temperatures are cooling off, so you know what that means...outdoor concerts! Thanks to the NELA Arts Council, the Brown Bag Concert Series is back and better than ever with cool tunes every Wednesday in October free for all to enjoy. Kick back with friends and family, enjoy the fresh fall air, grab a Newk's box lunch on-site, and listen to live music from local artists in Palace Park.

Downtown Gallery Crawl

October 3, 5:00 pm-9:00 pm

It's time to Crawl! Come celebrate and experience the work of talented local artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally-owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe.

Murder Under the Big Top Dinner Theatre

October 5, 6, 11, & 12 at 7:00 pm

Strauss Theatre Center presents "Murder Under the Big Top," a dinner theatre that will tell an exciting and mysterious story. Showtimes are October 4, 5, 11, and 12. Each ticket includes drinks, three course meal, and the show.

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival

October 5, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival is back at Lazarre Park! The fest will feature artisans and craft vendors, live music, a kid's zone, and more! Food trucks will be selling Celtic themed items for all to enjoy. Don't forget to attend or register to participate in the free Highland Games at the festival!

ULM Football

October 5 & 12

Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle James Madison & Southern Miss this October at Malone Stadium!

6th Annual NELA Scarecrows in the Garden

October 8-12

Looking for a spooky fun time for the whole family? Look no further than the Biedenharn's 6th Annual NELA Scarecrows in the Garden! Opening night is Tuesday, October 8 from 3:00-8:00 PM. This event will feature local non-profits creating imaginative Halloween displays, celebrity judges, giveaways, and games in the garden. Vote for your favorite scarecrow, enjoy refreshments, and maybe even win a raffle prize! Visitors can view and vote for their favorite scarecrow display through October 12.

Skeletons on Tower

October 1-31

Imagine this: Giant 12 feet tall skeletons lining the streets! This wild imagination will come to life by taking a drive through Skeleton Lane, on Tower Drive, during the month of October. Spooky, scary skeletons will line the streets free for anyone to drive through and see!

Monroe Moccasins vs Athens Rock Lobsters

October 11

Hockey is back on the bayou! Come cheer on the Monroe Moccasins as they take on the Athens Rock Lobsters for their big home opener. All home games will be held at the Monroe Civic Center arena.

River Rat Paddle Challenge

October 12

Life is better on the river! The Annual River Rat Paddle Challenge will be 7.7 miles long down the scenic Ouachita River ending at Lazarre Park. This event draws competitive kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board racers from surrounding states, as well as many locals. As always, many will be showcasing their team spirit with themes, costumes, zany antics, and decorated paddle craft. It’s an event you won’t want to miss! This year's race benefits The Kiroli Foundation & ACE Academy. Ready, set, paddle!

Fall Market on the Alley

October 19

Need the perfect fall day experience? Go to the free Fall Market on the Alley! Artisan craft vendors, delectable menus from food trucks, and live music will fill this event. Joey Anders will play live from 11:30a.m.-1:30p.m. Do not miss this chance to experience downtown West Monroe in the fall!

Wineaux Fest

October 19

Get ready for the perfect fall festival! Thirsty Farmer's 3rd Annual Wineaux Fest is happening on October 19th. Enjoy an outdoor concert with Trey Gauthreaux from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm and Four on the Floor from 3:00-6:00 PM, food trucks, and Thirsty Farmer wines and ciders. Sip & Shop with 30+ market vendors including local farmers, makers, and artists. Make it a girls' trip, date night, or family outing!

Touch -A-Truck & Trick or Treat

October 19

Explore and climb on a variety of firetrucks, dump trucks, ambulances, tractors, police cars, and big rigs! Wear your Halloween costume and trick or treat at each vehicle. This event is for children of all ages. This family friendly event will be a fund raiser to support families of children with disabilities as well as adults with disabilities. FHF provides training on topics relevant to individuals with disabilities and their family members. The nonprofit agency gives families knowledge, support and confidence in their journey through life.

Dido and Aneas- An Opera at The Biedenharn

October 25

The ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts will present Dido and Aeneas- an opera by Henry Purcell. Performances will take place in the beautiful ElSong Gardens at the Biedenharn Museum on October 24, 25, & 26. This will be a unique arts experience that you will not want to miss!

Chennault Fest

October 25-27

Chennault Fest is an exciting event coming to Monroe for the first time in 2024! This event is a fundraiser for the Chennault Museum and the General Claire Chennault Foundation and will provide loads of family fun! This event will be loaded with Hot Air Balloons, Arts and Crafts, Live Music and more! The event is Friday October 25th 3:00 PM-10:00 PM, Saturday October 26th 11:00 AM-9:00 PM and Sunday October 27th 11:00 AM -4:00 PM. Arts & Crafts, Live Music and Food Trucks will be available during all open times. Balloon Times and Events will be posted as it becomes available. Tickets are on sale now. Weekend and Daily Tickets are available.

Boo at the Zoo

October 26

Take a trip to the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo for a day of happy Halloween fun! There will be food vendors and shopping merchants, along with trick-or-treating. Ride on the boat through the peaceful lagoon or take a ride on the train to get the best views of some of the animals. There will even be animal encounters for all to enjoy! Don't forget to wear your best or scariest costume for a chance to win the costume contest.

The Rocky Horror Show

October 30-November 2

Josh Madden Productions presents The Rocky Horror Show - the rock musical cult sensation from the '70s that is just as much fun as it has ever been! At Flying Tiger Brewery, experience the music, the mayhem, and the magic of this one of a kind production. Don't miss out on this thrilling show! Showtimes are as follows: October 30 & 31, November 1 & 2, each beginning at 7:00 PM.