5 things to do this weekend, including a Halloween dog parade and a STL GLD celebration

One of the greatest joys of graduating college and starting my first job was adopting a kitten for emotional support. Now that it’s spooky season, another lovely aspect of having a pet is being able to dress her up in a silly Dracula cape for Halloween and taking plenty of photos to cherish for years to come. (My cat Lilac despises wearing any sort of outfit, but I feel like this specific costume acts as reparations for her constant biting.) If you also love seeing sweet pets in adorable outfits, there will be a dog costume party in Downtown Crossing on Saturday. And if you’re not an animal person, check out the other seasonal activities happening across the city this weekend.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s late night event celebrates the 10th anniversary of Boston-based hip hop group STL GLD (pronounced Still Gold). The group has released four albums, and their latest “Rock Boyega” (2022) reflects on actor John Boyega speaking out against George Floyd’s murder in 2020. STL GLD also won Album of the Year for “Torch Song” in 2017 and Live Artist of the Year in 2018 at the Boston Music Awards. From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., STL GLD and artists they have collaborated with — DJ Bobby Bangers, Nate Nics, Brandie Blaze, Lightfoot — will perform on the Rock Boyega Main Stage. In the GLD X Lounge, visitors can listen to sets from the Chris Klaxton Quartet, DJ Edan and DJ Slipwax. The MFA will recreate STL GLD’s 2019 listening event for their album “The New Normal” and announce what’s next for the group in the Art of Americas Wing. Work inspired by STL GLD will be showcased in the GLD X Multimedia Art Gallery.

Other activities include a spotlight talk on artists Salvador Dalí and Diego Velázquez and a chance to make artwork inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore in honor of the late artists’ exhibition currently on view at the MFA. Visitors of all skill levels interested in studying the human form can sketch a live model with artists Lee “Square” Beard and Gina Romero from 9-11 p.m. DJ Real P will play music during the session. If visitors aren’t registered to vote yet, they can sign up just before the presidential election with Spark Boston at the event. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members in advance and $25 at the door.

Nonprofit Substation Community Supporters — an organization dedicated to preserving the historic substation building and engaging in arts and cultural programming — is hosting a free Halloween party at the Roslindale establishment. There will be aerialists, stilt walkers, acrobats and other circus performers along with music by DJ Frost and Rilla Force. The Substation’s bar will also serve craft beer, wine, cider and themed cocktails. The free event is financially supported by a Wake Up the Night grant, a program started by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Nightlife Economy to help boost nightlife events in the city.

Classical music fanatics can end the month with BACHtoberfest, a three-day series of concerts playing music by renowned Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The series is part of Music Worcester’s 11-year project to play Bach’s entire repertoire leading up to the 350th anniversary of his birth on March 21, 2035. On Friday night, CONCORA (Connecticut Choral Artists) will perform three of Bach’s cantatas (a vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment). In separate concerts on Saturday, Peter Krasinski will play the organ in an immersive multimedia concert and Zlatomir Fung will perform the Bach solo cello suites. On Sunday morning, the First Unitarian Church Choir will perform Bach’s Cantata BWV 61 during worship service. The BACHtoberfest Choir will close out the fest that evening with support from the Worcester Children’s Chorus. Admission ranges from free to $69.

A cuteness overload will flood Downtown Crossing on Saturday with the 10th annual Doggone Halloween Parade. Dogs and their humans will strut through the streets in adorable costumes for onlookers to enjoy. There will be awards for Best Costume, Cutest Costume, Scariest Costume, Best Dog & Human Duo and Best Dog & Child Duo. There will also be a vendor village with companies like Proud Dog Apparel and Happy Tails Dog Bakery, family-friendly activities and treats for people and pups. And Democracy Brewing will open a beer garden in the middle of the action. Humans can still sign up their pooches to participate through Eventbrite.

Kids and caregivers eager to collect candy a little early can head to the Prudential Center for its  30th annual PruBoo event. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., participants can trick-or-treat at over 40 stores, decorate pumpkins, get their faces painted, attend a magic show by Robert Clarke and listen to music by Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys. Kids ages 12 and under dressed in a costume can visit the View Boston observation deck for free with a paying adult. Trick-or-treaters can purchase $5 bags with all proceeds going to Boston Children’s Hospital. The event is free and open to the public.