Downtown Foley’s October Third Thursday event will take on a spooky theme this year, inviting residents, families and visitors to “The Prowl” for an evening of shopping, dining and local specials while launching a two-week scavenger hunt featuring seven hidden black cats.

The Prowl is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. in historic downtown Foley. The monthly Third Thursday celebration gives visitors an opportunity to explore local businesses, browse new arrivals, enjoy special merchant promotions and spend an evening with friends and family.

The event also will serve as the official kickoff for the downtown-wide Black Cat Hunt, a separate scavenger hunt that will continue from Oct. 15 through midnight on Halloween, Oct. 31.

During the hunt, seven whimsical black cats will be hidden inside businesses throughout Downtown Foley. Participation is free and open to all ages through the mobile-friendly Downtown Foley Passport.

Participants can access the passport on a mobile device at www.foleymainstreet.com, select the Black Cat Hunt tab and visit participating merchants throughout the district. When a hidden cat is found, participants check in through the digital passport and submit the cat’s specific name to earn 50 points for each location.

Anyone who finds and checks in all seven cats by midnight Oct. 31 will be automatically entered into a drawing for a $100 Downtown Foley Gift Certificate. The certificate can be redeemed at more than 20 participating downtown retailers, restaurants and service businesses.

The hidden cats will have names such as The Grim Creeper, described as “Silently stalking the aisles of your favorite downtown shop. How much more fun could it be?”

“Third Thursday is always a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, stroll our historic streets, and discover the unique businesses that make Foley so special,” said Darrelyn Dunmore, executive director of Foley Main Street. “The Prowl is an invitation to spend quality time downtown enjoying our evening atmosphere, and kicking off the Black Cat Hunt alongside it gives families and visitors an extra, playful reason to explore our local shops all month long while earning rewards along the way.”

Foley Main Street also will have a table at Dorothy June Booksellers from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15. Staff will distribute orange glow necklaces and assist participants with accessing their digital passports.

The Prowl is limited to the evening of Oct. 15, but participants can continue searching for the seven hidden cats throughout downtown through Halloween. Participation in the Black Cat Hunt is free.

For information about the Downtown Foley Passport, visit www.foleymainstreet.com/downtown-foley-passport-2/.

For information about participating businesses in the Third Thursday Prowl, visit www.foleymainstreet.com/third-thursday/.