NATCHEZ — A sea of purple is set to paint downtown this evening, serving as a precursor to a weekend filled with fun events.

Today’s weather is expected to be warm with a high temperature of 89 degrees and a low of 67. Residents can expect the warmth to stay through Sunday. No rain is expected.

Purple Dress Run

The Catholic Diocese of Jackson is hosting the Purple Dress Run at 5:30 p.m. today.

The run, which begins at Rolling River Bistro and will benefit the Shelter for Battered Families in Jackson, is meant to raise domestic violence awareness.

Donna Miller, member of Catholic Charities, Inc., said Natchez has hosted the run in years past.

“Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we thought this would be a good event to have,” she said.

The 5K run will weave down Main Street, turn left on Broadway and make its way back to Rolling River Bistro.

Registration cost is $40. Food and drinks will be provided after the race.

Miller said those wishing to participate could register at Rolling River Bistro the day of the event.

Friday Forum

The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce’s weekly Friday Forum will begin at 8 a.m. Friday at Natchez Coffee Company, 509 Franklin St.

The topic of discussion will be Initiative 42, a proposed state amendment that would protect each child’s right to educational opportunity through 12th grade.

The Natchez Little Theatre presents “The Little Foxes”

The Natchez Little Theatre, 319 Linton Ave., presents “The Little Foxes” — a play by Lillian Hellman that portrays the struggles of a small-town, family business set in Alabama.

The play begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Another production will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

For more information on the Natchez Little Theatre, visit natchezlittletheatre.org.

High School Homecoming

Before the Natchez High Bulldogs kickoff on the football field, students and alumni will celebrate homecoming with a parade at 2:30 p.m.

The parade will take place on the Natchez Bluff, continuing up Franklin Street and down Main Street.

Also, before Vidalia High School faces Jena High School, the Tojans will also have a homecoming parade at 3 p.m. Friday.

The parade boasts a new route this year, and will begin near the school’s practice fields, wrapping around the school.

The public is invited to attend.

Fright night football

Cathedral High School faces Adams County Christian School at 7 p.m. at ACCS.

Trinity Episcopal Day School will go head to head at Centreville Academy at 7 p.m., and Natchez High School will host South Jones High School at 7 p.m.

Vidalia High School will also play host to Jena High School at 7 p.m., and Ferriday High School will travel to Rayville High School for a contest at 7 p.m.

Second Saturday

Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the Second Saturday Downtown Natchez activities.

The Arts Center, 409 Franklin St., will host a children’s art activity with supplies provided from noon to 5 p.m.

All ages are invited to participate.

Saturday, the center will also host its Empty Store Fronts Project from noon to 5 p.m.

The project is open to everyone and has no cost.

All paintings will be kept by the center and displayed in empty storefront windows during the 2016 Natchez Tricentennial year.

Kitten and Cat Adoption Day

The Natchez-Adams County Humane Shelter will host a kitten and cat adoption day beginning at 10 a.m. at Stine Lumber Co.

Cats will sold at two for the price of one for $35, which includes vaccinations an spray/neuter surgery.

Day of the Dead altar and art exhibit

ArtsNatchez Gallery, located at 425 Main St., invites everyone to get in the Halloween spirit, or more specifically, the Day of the Dead spirit.

Inspired by the Spanish holiday that celebrates ancestral spirits, ArtsNatchez is featuring artwork that depicts the unique holiday.

Salongo Lee, ArtsNatchez member, said he and two other artists would display a Day of the Dead altar featuring candles and skulls — typical motifs of the holiday.

“It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a while,” Lee said.

The exhibit will be open to the public at 6 p.m. with refreshments provided.

Sixth Annual Blessing of the Animals

Furry friends from across the Miss-Lou will have the chance to receive a blessing — and maybe a few pats and head scratches — at the annual Blessing of the Animals Sunday.

The Rev. Nance Hixon of Grace United Methodist Church in Natchez will perform the blessing at 3 p.m. on the lawn of Grace United Methodist Church, 2 Fatherland Road.

Attendees are asked to bring their pets on a leash or in a carrier.