Planning your DeSoto County Halloween weekend? The calendar from Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1, has trunk-or-treats in Southaven, two Mid-South Monarchs hockey games at the Landers Center, a big Friday night of high school football, the last Hernando Farmers Market of the season and the final chance to vote absentee in person before the Nov. 3 election. The weather should hold for daytime plans, but the National Weather Service expects showers and storms to move in on Halloween night, so trick-or-treaters may want to head out early.
Friday, Oct. 30: Trunk-or-Treats, Hockey and Football
Scare on Tanger Square, 5-8 p.m.
The Southaven Chamber of Commerce and Tanger Outlets Southaven host Scare on Tanger Square from 5 to 8 p.m., with decorated trunks, candy, food trucks and a Touch-a-Truck area. The chamber has posted a map of participating “trunkers” on its social media pages.
Mid-South Monarchs vs. Columbus River Dragons, 7 p.m.
The new Mid-South Monarchs pro hockey team hosts the Columbus River Dragons at the Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive in Southaven. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and the Landers Center box office.
High School Football, 7 p.m.
Most DeSoto County teams play Friday night, according to MaxPreps listings:
Hernando (6-2) at DeSoto Central (6-2): the top matchup of the night between two six-win teams.
Grenada (4-3) at Lake Cormorant (8-0): the unbeaten Gators try to stay perfect.
Horn Lake (0-8) at Southaven (2-5)
Saltillo (1-8) at Center Hill (6-2)
Olive Branch (3-6) at South Panola (4-3)
Lausanne Collegiate (5-3) at Northpoint Christian (3-6)
Friday is forecast to be partly sunny with a high near 81, and the night should stay dry with a low around 61.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween in DeSoto County
Last Hernando Farmers Market of 2026, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Hernando Farmers Market closes its season Saturday on the historic Courthouse Square, 497 W. Commerce St. The market runs only through October, so this is the final chance until next year to shop local produce, baked goods and crafts on the square.
Final Day for In-Person Absentee Voting, 8 a.m.-noon
The DeSoto County Circuit Clerk’s Office in the historic courthouse at 2535 Highway 51 South in Hernando is open Saturday morning for in-person absentee voting, and the deadline is noon. Only voters who meet Mississippi’s absentee eligibility rules may vote early. Everyone else votes at their precinct on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with an acceptable photo ID. DeSoto County leads Mississippi in absentee ballots cast.
Southaven Halloween Trunk-or-Treats, 3-5 p.m.
Jimmy Gray Chevrolet, 181 Goodman Road East: third annual trunk-or-treat with candy, snow cones, a bounce house and face painting from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Whataburger, 6829 Getwell Road: free dine-in kids’ meal for children 12 and under who arrive in costume.
The Southaven Chamber of Commerce also lists a 5K and 1K family fun run at Southaven City Hall on Halloween, with registration through RunSignup.
Monarchs vs. River Dragons, Game 2, 7 p.m.
The Monarchs and River Dragons meet again on Halloween night at the Landers Center. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Halloween Night Weather and Safety
The National Weather Service in Memphis forecasts a cloudy Saturday with a high near 77 and a 20% chance of showers after 1 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms become likely after 7 p.m., with a 60% chance of rain overnight. That makes late afternoon and early evening the best time to trick-or-treat. Read our full Halloween forecast.
A few reminders for families:
Add reflective tape or a flashlight to costumes, since it will be cloudy and dark early.
Pack rain jackets, and watch for slick roads if storms arrive.
Check candy before children eat it.
Sunday, Nov. 1: Fall Back an Hour
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, so set clocks back one hour before bed Saturday night. Sunday may start with a few showers before noon (30% chance), then turn partly sunny with a high near 75. The time change is also a good reminder to test smoke alarm batteries.
