Las Cruces Zombie Walk, Great Candy Pumpkin Drop and other Halloween events this weekend
Zombie Walk
Downtown Las Cruces will once again be home to the walking dead. Start getting your zombie costumes ready because there are no limitations.
The popular event is in its ninth year and last year boasted a record attendance of over 4,000 event-goers and 500 parade and costume contest participants.
“This event grows every year and the people, I mean 'Zombies' of Doña Ana County love it,” said Jennifer L. Garcia Kozlowski, executive director of the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, which organizes the event.
Zombie Walk has been voted as one of the favorite community events for the last few years earning several Readers’ Choice Awards.
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This year Zombie Walk will have live music by The Beaux Peep Show, Emcees provided by Bravo Mic DJ's, Dance Entertainment by local high schools/dance troupes (Alma de Arte, Mayfield Diversity Dance, HD2 Hip Hop, Daring Diamond, Michelle's Dance Academy & Las Cruces School of Dance & Music). Food trucks and will be on site.
“This is such a fun event and is more fun every year. Las Cruces truly enjoys their Zombies," said event coordinator Janet Beatty Payne, “I can’t wait to see the innovative costumes that the walking dead come up with this year.”
The Zombie Parade starts at 7 p.m. and runs down Main Street. Trophies will be given for the best costumes in the areas of Best Adult, Best Youth, and Best Group.
Registration for the walk will begin at 5 p.m., next to the stage on the plaza.
There's no cost to participate. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/plaza-de-las-cruces/zombie-walk-2019/406986633247903/ or call 575-541-2444.
More:Five tips to stand out in the crowd at the Zombie Walk
Spooky Downtown
Before the Zombie Walk, the City of Las Cruces and Las Cruces Downtown Partnership invite the community to celebrate Halloween early at Spooky Downtown — a whole day of Halloween fun for ghouls of all ages. Event features vendors, food trucks, dance performances, live music and a laser show from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Info: www.las-cruces.org/spookydowntown.
Haunted Museum
As part of the city's Spooky Downtown, visit the Museum of Nature & Science for spooky and gross science — slime, spiders and more hands-on activities for all ages. Costumes welcome! It's from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and admission is free. Info: Call 575-522-3120 or visit www.las-cruces.org/museums
Bats!
The Southwest Environmental Center is excited to announce a Back by Noon evening outing to see and detect urban bats as part of the Fall 2019 Back by Midnight series from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Just in time for Halloween, bat biologist Rachel Burke will lead us through an urban area to uncover just how many bats are lurking in the shadows. A great walk for kids and adults alike! Advanced registrations are required and limited space is available. Call at 575-522-5552 to register or register online at https://www.wildmesquite.org/node/1300
Haunted House & Carnival
A haunted house and carnival canned food drive will benefit those less fortunate this holiday season from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at 2251 Calle de Santiago, Mesilla. Admission to haunted house is one canned good. Each game play costs one canned good. Info: www.facebook.com/events/2251-calle-de-santiago-mesilla-nm/haunted-house-and-carnival/248093412775143/
15th annual Great Pumpkin Candy Drop
From high in the sky, a Great Pumpkin will drop free candy. The event, sponsored by the City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department, Weaver’s Welding, and Friends of the Community, will include an afternoon of music, information booths, games and goodies. There will not be a drop for children 1 to 4 years of age. Children in this age group will be given a goody bag and can participate in all the free fun activities. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. at Maag Field, 1700 E. Hadley Ave. The candy drop happens at 1 p.m. Bags will be provided. Info: If you wish to donate candy, contact Weaver’s Welding at 575-524-2990 or for more information, contact Recreation Programs at 575-541-2455.
Peace Lutheran Trunk-or-Treat
The community is invited to Peace Lutheran Church for its Fall Festival with a Trunk-or-Treat, carnival games, bounce house, themed treats, and more There will be a children's costume contest and a prize for the top trunk. The free event is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 Missouri Ave. Info: www.facebook.com/events/1317054158472910/
More:Your ultimate guide to 2019 Halloween events in Las Cruces