Gainesville Chamber 9th Annual ‘Scare on the Square’ slated for Oct. 31

The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce (GACC) will host its 9th Annual Scare on the Square on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 from 1-3 p.m. at the Gainesville Farmers Market. This free Halloween event invites families to trick-or-treat their way through participating downtown businesses and booths at the Farmers Market while enjoying activities and plenty of candy throughout the afternoon.

This year’s event will once again feature the popular Costume Contest beginning at 2:30 p.m. with categories for children, adults, groups and even dogs. No registration is required to participate in the costume contest.

New this year, businesses throughout the Gainesville area are invited to decorate for fall or Halloween and compete for a $200 prize in the Business Decorating Contest, with entries featured online for the community to help choose a winner.

An official Scare on the Square map will be released before the event to help families find participating trick-or-treat stops.

For more information, please contact the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce at (940) 665-2831 or visit www.gainesvillecofc.com