BATON ROUGE — Halloween is creeping closer, and we’re getting into the spirit on the 11th episode of Positively BR! From trying on costumes at a Baton Rouge party store that has been helping families celebrate for nearly 50 years to going behind the scenes at one of the area’s scariest haunted attractions, we’re covering all things spooky.

We’re also looking ahead to LSU homecoming weekend, breaking down this season’s formal fashion trends for high school and college students, and taking a trip to New Orleans for an immersive art experience that celebrates the city’s culture.

A Baton Rouge tradition with plenty of Halloween spirit

For nearly five decades, one Baton Rouge family business has helped people celebrate life’s biggest moments — and Halloween is no exception.

At Party Time, we’re trying on costumes, exploring creative looks and talking trends with owner Monty Travis, who shares how the business began with his grandmother in a garage on McKins Road.

The store started as a cake and candy spot before growing into a destination for celebrations of all kinds.

Whether you prefer a simple costume you can throw on and go or a full DIY look that takes creativity to the next level, there are plenty of ways to make Halloween your own.

As Travis explains, dressing up gives people the chance to become whoever they want to be — at least for a night.

The Savannah Bananas are coming to Baton Rouge

Get ready, Tiger fans! The Savannah Bananas are bringing their high-energy brand of baseball to Baton Rouge in March 2027.

The team is scheduled to play at Alex Box Stadium on March 4 before taking over Tiger Stadium on March 6. The games will bring Banana Ball’s mix of baseball, choreography and entertainment to two iconic LSU venues.

Homecoming season: What’s trending this year?

Homecoming season is here for high schools across the area, and LSU is getting ready for its own celebration this weekend.

The Tigers face Mississippi State on Saturday, Oct. 17, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. at Tiger Stadium.

With dances and celebrations on the calendar, we’re talking fashion with local boutiques Baubles and The Vault Luxe Consignment to find out what’s trending this formal season.

Dallas Cockrell, owner of The Vault Luxe Consignment, describes the shop as a high-end consignment boutique offering ball gowns, debutante gowns, cocktail attire and formalwear — with plenty of options for homecoming.

And this season, a few details are making a statement.

Fringe is in, along with beading that goes beyond the dress and into jewelry and accessories. Sequins and lace are also among the trends bringing texture and personality to formal looks.

Whether you’re shopping for LSU homecoming or a high school dance, the right details can make an outfit stand out.

One Tank Trips: A little New Orleans magic at JAMNOLA

For this week’s One Tank Trip, we’re heading to New Orleans to explore JAMNOLA — an immersive art experience on Frenchmen Street that brings the city’s creativity, music and culture to life.

JAMNOLA stands for Joy, Art, Music, New Orleans and Louisiana. The experience features dozens of immersive installations created by more than 100 local artists and creative collaborators, giving visitors the chance to step inside the artwork rather than simply admire it from a distance.

From larger-than-life installations and playful photo opportunities to pieces celebrating the people and traditions that make New Orleans unique, each space offers something different to discover.

It’s a colorful way to experience New Orleans, discover local artists and add something different to your next day trip.

Read more about our visit in One Tank Trips: JAMNOLA.

Behind the Scenes at 13th Gate: The Art of the Scare

At 13th Gate, the nightmares don’t just happen — they’re created. And a big part of bringing those terrifying characters to life starts in the makeup chair.

We’re going behind the scenes with Sarah Bess Brown, the attraction’s makeup department head, who has spent 18 years practicing her craft, from beauty makeup to special effects.

Brown attended the Joe Blasco School of Makeup in 2009, where she discovered a passion for the more creative side of the industry.

“I love doing clowns. Clowns. A lot of people are scared of clowns. And it's just very effective to do clowns. Right. And you can be creative or you can be gross. You can play a lot with clowns,” Brown says.

She says makeup school opened her eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.

“When I went to makeup school, I that's where I learned that it was a thing. I never knew about it before. And when that happened to school, it kind of opened my eyes and I was like, oh, I like this a lot too,” she says.

And her creativity extends beyond the haunted attraction. Brown also owns Kiss & Makeup Full Service Studio in Prairieville, where clients can reach out to book makeup services.

Whether you’re looking for a beauty look or something more creative, you can call, message or email the studio to learn more.

Kiss & Makeup Full Service Studio

• Phone: 225-677-0506

• Website: www.kissstudio.co

Now, David Hamilton and Angelica Butine are getting in the makeup chair themselves. Brown transforms the two while they talk all things Halloween, the artistry behind the scares and what inspired her to pursue a career in makeup.

From beauty to the bizarre, Brown proves that sometimes the scariest looks take the most creativity.

Watch Episode 11

From Halloween costumes and homecoming fashion to a New Orleans art adventure and the creative minds behind some of the season’s scariest looks, this episode of Positively BR has a little something for everyone.

Watch Positively BR every Friday at noon on YouTube and Spotify for more local stories, unique experiences and the people making the Capital Region a great place to call home.