October in Long Beach: Six upcoming fall and Halloween events

by Emma Ellard

October has arrived in Long Beach, which means tricks and treats, falling leaves and a full calendar of local events. Long Beach residents can celebrate the season at these fall- and Halloween-themed happenings.

Concerts from Long Beach Live
Long Beach Live, a concert series, will be bringing free live music to Long Beach residents several times in the month of October. All concerts are from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Harper McCaughan Town Green.

Kicking off the month’s calendar is Long Beach Live tradition, Finally First Friday, which will bring musical stylings from 2 Left of Center to the Town Green on October 4. Then, Razzo Band will perform on October 11. Information and updates can be found on the Long Beach Live Facebook page.

Cruisin’ the Coast Weekend
Cruisin’ the Coast, self-styled as “America’s Largest Block Party,” will return to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for its 28th year from October 5-10. Cruisin’ the Coast brings together thousands of classic cars from across the country to cruise the beach-side highway, making stops in several Mississippi coast cities. The cruisers are expected to head to Long Beach on October 7 for a few special events, beginning with a car show and tailgate at the USM Gulf Park Campus, set for 3 until 5 p.m. Registration is neither required for the car show nor the tailgate, and admission is free, but attendees should bring their own lawn chairs, if desired. Food and refreshments will be available as supplies last, and a bounce house will be available for attending children.

Spectators can catch a parade of Cruisin’ the Coast registered vehicles starting at 5:30 p.m. on October 7. The parade will start at Long Beach High School, travel down Railroad Street and Jeff Davis Avenue, and end at the Town Green. The Tip Tops will then play live music at Long Beach Harbor from 6 until 9 p.m. More information and a list of Cruisin’ events can be found at www.cruisinthecoast.com.

Spooky Halloween Trail
For a sweet and spooky adventure with the kids, get them in their costumes and take them to Tricks! Treats! Trail! at the Long Beach Fitness Trail on Friday, October 18, from 5 until 6:30 p.m.

The City of Long Beach Mayor’s Office will sponsor the Halloween trail event. The trail is located behind the Long Beach Senior Activity Center. Candy will be provided while supplies last – it is not guaranteed to be available for the entire event. Businesses or individuals who would like to participate as part of the trail should RSVP with Courtney Cuervas, either via phone at 228-863- 1556 or via email at courtney.cuevas@cityoflongbeachms.com.

Night Out Against Crime
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is taking part in the Halloween fun to create connections between local law enforcement and the community. On October 19, from 5 until 7 p.m., LBPD will take to the Harper McCaughan Town Green. The event will feature food, refreshments, games, prizes, information, demonstrations and a costume contest. Admission is free. More information can be found on the Long Beach Police Department Facebook page.

Trunk or Treat on the Town Green

The family fun continues with Trunk or Treat on the Harper McCaughan Town Green on October 27, sponsored by First Baptist Church of Long Beach. The event will be set up from 5 until 7 p.m. Admission is free, and food, refreshments and candy will be available, as supplies last.

Costumes are encouraged, but those who sport them should make sure they are family-friendly.

Get to Know Long Beach with the Chamber of Commerce
The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce is offering several community engagement events in October, starting with Coffee with First Responders on October 3 from 7 to 9 a.m. at Bankhouse Coffee. The event is free for the community, and coffee and pastries will be complimentary for all local first responders.

Then, on October 15, tickets are available for Breakfast with the Mayor from 7 to 9a.m. at Hardy Hall Ballroom on the USM Gulf Park Campus. Updates from the mayor will be issued, and several Long Beach residents will be honored by the City. Members of the Long Beach Chamber can buy tickets for $30, while non-members can buy them for $40. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.mscoastchamber.com, or call Anna Claire Perronne at 228-604-0014.

Long Beach residents can keep an eye out for future events on the City of Long Beach events page.