SPOOKY FUN
� Do you hunger for blood? Are your teeth sharper than everyone else�s? Those who have an interest in vampires should consider attending the Vampire Lestat Ball, which will be Fri., Oct. 27 at Rosy�s Jazz Hall.
The bash, presented by Les Temps des Vampires, is inspired by the character invented and made famous by novelist (and New Orleans native) Anne Rice. 
This costumed event will be open to the public and is dedicated to the members of the now-defunct Anne Rice�s Vampire Lestat Fan Club.
Music will be performed by Red Heaven, Hungry Lucy, Beth Patterson, Votaire and more. Rice moved to California last year, but will be making a very special appearance at the gathering. Plus, author Laurell K. Hamilton will be making a cameo. Raffles will occur throughout the night, with chances to win autographed books and other various treats. Information, www.lestatsdarkgiftshop.com.
� The Ghostly Galavant will be presented by the Friends of the Cabildo � the support group for the Louisiana State Museum � on Oct. 28 and 29 at St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 in New Orleans � a historical area, usually off limits.
Tours will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., departing from the 1850 House Museum Store on 523 St. Ann Street on Jackson Square, and buses will provide transportation to and from the cemetery. Guests will be greeted by �ghosts� who will give a tour of the second oldest surviving cemetery and tell all kinds of funny, scary and interesting stories about the site. Information, 523-3939.
OAK ALLEY ARTS AND CRAFTS
� On Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., more than 130 artists and vendors from around the U.S. will be in Vacherie, for the first annual Oak Alley Plantation�s Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, featuring a plethera of original handmade creations, food and activites for all age groups. The proceeds from the festival will be used for the preservation and maintenance of Oak Alley Plantation.
Information, (225) 265-2151 or (800) 44-ALLEY.
� On Sat., Oct. 7, from 6-9 p.m., Julia and surrounding streets in the Warehouse/Arts District will host the annual Art for Art�s Sake. Free to the public, 50 various types of galleries will be participating, with a hip-hop themed after party from 8-9 p.m., hosted by the Contemporary Arts Center. Information, cacno.org.
FUNDRAISERS:
WALK, TALK AND SHOP FOR CURES 
� October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month � a disease that will strike more than 4,000 Louisiana women this year. Everyone who wants to help raise awareness and funds for the disease is invited to participate in the American Cancer Society�s 8th annual Making Strides Walk on Oct. 21. Participants should meet at Audubon Park in Shelter number 10 at 10 a.m. � with registration beginning at 8 a.m. The five-kilometer walk (a little over three miles) is non-competitive and supports the mission to fight cancer on four fronts: research, education, advocacy and patient services. Information, (800) ACS-2345, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
� During the month of October, a percentage of sales from Saks Fifth Avenue, Off 5th and saks.com will be donated directly to local and national women�s cancer organizations. Saks will be partnering with Hollywood�s Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and with six-year national sponsor, Mercedes-Benz USA. Information, saks.com.
A DAY IN THE GARDENS
The 18th annual Southern Garden Symposium & Workshops will be held in St. Francisville on Oct. 20 and 21. Refreshments will be served early in the morning before guests embark on a garden adventure filled with tours, lectures and demonstrations. Guests and participants will also be able to enjoy a gourmet lunch in the romantic Ruins Gardens of Afton Villa. In addition, a Speaker�s Gala will be held Oct. 20. Information, (225) 635-3738.
