Louisiana's Old State Capitol likes to call itself the state's castle on the river, and this fall it's giving people plenty of reasons to come inside. Here's what's coming up through Thanksgiving.

Spirits of Louisiana, Oct. 29

The museum's signature annual fundraiser plays on both meanings of "spirits": the history-haunted building itself and the craft liquors distilled around Louisiana. This year's theme, Ooh La La Louisiane, borrows from French nightlife, from masquerade and Rococo to Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge. Expect Louisiana-made drinks, live music, an auction and catering. It runs Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $100, and guests must be 21 or older. Proceeds go to preserving the building and to the museum's educational work. Park in the lot next to the Old Governor's Mansion at North Boulevard and Royal Street, and a free shuttle will run from 6 to 10 p.m.

Fall & Thanksgiving Craft Day, Nov. 1

The Free First Sunday on Nov. 1 is aimed at families. From noon to 4 p.m., kids can work their way through hands-on fall and Thanksgiving craft stations and take home keepsakes for the holiday table. It's free for all ages, and registration is available online.

An Evening with Veterans, Nov. 19

The museum and the Baton Rouge Bar Association are hosting a free panel where local veterans share their personal stories. It starts at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, with a community reception at 5. Attorneys can earn CLE credit for the panel.

On the walls

Excursions, Expeditions, and "Discoveries:" A Young Nation Expands follows the expeditions Thomas Jefferson sent west after the Louisiana Purchase. It pairs that history with photographs by LSU students who retraced part of the Dunbar and Hunter route. It's on view through Dec. 18. On Nov. 24, the museum opens Hidden in Plain Sight, an exhibit about Louisiana's disappearing coastal prairie. Both are free.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Louisiana's Old State Capitol.