Haunted houses, haunted laboratories, trick-or-treating, and the 2023 State Cross Country Championships are headlining at the Bannock County Event Center this week.

Every Friday & Saturday in October – Spooky season has begun at the Bannock County Event Center! SRD’s Haunted Fairgrounds returns every Friday and Saturday night for the month of October. With two scare levels, this haunted attraction can be fun for the whole family or just those who want to be terrified. Open Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 to 11 p.m. Please visit pocatelloevents.com/srdshaunt for tickets and more information.

Saturday, Oct. 21 - Load ‘em in the Dark Cattle Company returns with their Super Saturday and Big Payday, sponsored by Trails West. Watch team roping with the family from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the indoor arena of the Bannock County Event Center. Admission is free. For entry fees and more information, visit the Load ‘em in the Dark Cattle Co. Facebook page.

Monday, Oct. 23 - The Bannock County Rodeo Association (BCRA) hosts barrel racing Monday nights at the Bannock County Event Center’s indoor arena. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the public can watch cowboys and girls of all ages compete in barrel racing. Admission is free.

Wednesday, Oct. 25 - Finally, it’s Wednesday: Time for Load ‘em in the Dark Cattle Company’s regular Wednesday night team roping and barrel racing events, presented by Courtesy Ford & Lincoln. Team roping is held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Indoor Arena. Barrel Racing is held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Arena 1. Admission is free. For entry fees and more information, visit the Load ‘em in the Dark Cattle Co. Facebook page.

Friday, Oct. 27 – Bring the candy buckets to the Portneuf Wellness Complex for Bannock County’s first annual Trick-or-Treat at the Port! On Friday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pavilion #3 and the parking lot of the complex, vendors will be lined up for trick-or-treaters. Those interested in being a vendor can contact 208-237-1340 or tjones@bannockcounty.us.

Saturday, Oct. 28 – Kids of all ages are invited to see the not-so-spooky side of science this Saturday. Idaho State University’s Department of Physics and Kiwanis Club of Pocatello is hosting the Haunted Science Laboratory. The Haunted Science Lab is open to the public on Oct. 28 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Bannock County Event Center, Building B. The cost to attend is $3 per person or $7 per family, cash only. For questions, contact 208-282-2350 or coseoutreach@isu.edu.

Saturday, Oct. 28 – More than 750 high school athletes from across Idaho will compete in the 2023 State Cross Country Championships at the Portneuf Wellness Complex on Saturday. Races will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until about 3 p.m., with award ceremonies after each race at the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre. The public is invited to attend with an attendance fee of $5 per car. For more information, visit idhsaa.org/cross-country.

Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 28-29 – Load ‘em in the Dark Cattle Co. and C&B Operations present the Spooktacular Rope n Run on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28-29, at the Bannock County Event Center’s Indoor Arena. Bring the family for a ropin’ good time, plus a costume contest and trunk-or-treat. Races begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday and at noon on Sunday. Admission is free. For entry fees and more information, visit the Load ‘em in the Dark Cattle Co. Facebook page.

The Event Center, located at 10588 Fairgrounds Drive in Pocatello, comprises the Portneuf Wellness Complex, Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre, indoor arena, grandstands, soccer fields, and RV park. For questions or to reserve our facilities, please contact us at 208-237-1340.