Downtown Ames is holding a Halloween-themed Witches Walk. Participating businesses will be open late to have special deals and free samples all night long.

The free event will be open to the public from 6 to 8 p.m Thursday.

Sarah Dvorsky, the event coordinator, said the main idea of the Witches Walk is to bring both the Ames community and local businesses together.

“Businesses in Downtown Ames are encouraged to host samples, business specials, selfie stations and more to celebrate the upcoming spooky season,” Dvorsky said.

The first 300 people to show up at the event will receive a free Witches Walk tumbler. The tumblers can be redeemed at Tom Evans Plaza, on the south side of the intersection of Main Street and Burnett Avenue.

With a large variety of participating businesses, everyone will be able to find a deal that interests them.

Treats on a Leash will give out free snacks for pets and their owners. Life Distilled will have a deal for 20% off all crystals and will give out Stallie’s Sweets sugar cookies.

Kaylee, a local clothing boutique, will offer all customers 10% off accessories and serve snacks. Oak Lane Candle Co. will have 15% off all candles in-store.

True Path Reiki and Apothecary will hold a Halloween-themed craft of making spell jars and wands. Guests will also get the opportunity to receive a tarot reading.

Sweet Caroline’s restaurant will serve special Halloween-themed drinks. London Underground has special deals and drinks all night. The pub will debut its new fall cocktail menu and have $1 gin and tonic drinks for purchase.

PhotoSynthesis will set up a spooky-themed photo booth to take pictures, and the business will print them for free.

Dog-Eared Books will offer cocktails and mocktails to anyone who stops by during Witches Walk hours. Heroic Hair is offering lemonade and snacks to everybody downtown.

The Ames Public Library will also host specials for the event. The Literary Grounds bookstore in the library lobby will give the public $1 off of everything during the Witches Walk. They will also serve a non-alcoholic “witches brew” for customers.