Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and Palafox Market is celebrating with costumes, candy, a Haunted Trolley and creepy crawly creatures.

Palafox Market will transform into Halloween Market Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand VII in downtown Pensacola. Admission and activities (mini train rides excepted) are free.

Children are encouraged to come in costume and trick-or-treat with Palafox Market vendors throughout both parks. Families can also get up close with some seriously creepy creatures during Creepy Critters, a live-animal experience presented by Animal Tales.

An Animal Tales naturalist will introduce visitors to animals that are often misunderstood or considered scary, with animal ambassadors that may include a tarantula, coastal carpet python, Madagascar hissing cockroach, emperor scorpion, Norway rat and a mystery animal. The interactive program gives children and families an opportunity to learn more about the creatures while seeing them up close.

The Halloween fun continues with mini train rides, games and activities in the Kids Zone, photo opportunities and appearances by Winterfest Pensacola’s Pumpkinhead.

Even the free trolley connecting the two market locations is getting into the Halloween spirit. The Haunted Trolley will carry visitors between Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand VII, with special treats for young riders—and a chance to catch Pumpkinhead along the way.

Live music will be provided by the String Farm bluegrass band near the MLK bust.

“We love seeing families come downtown in costume and enjoy the Halloween Market,” said Walker Wilson, executive director of the Downtown Improvement Board. “It has become one of our most popular markets of the year, a great day for our local vendors and downtown businesses.”

Palafox Market, coordinated by the Downtown Improvement Board, brings more than 200 local vendors to the two downtown parks each Saturday. Vendors range from farmers and bakers to artists, makers and craftspeople, with all products grown, created or produced within 100 miles of Pensacola.

Halloween Market shoppers can browse seasonal produce, plants, baked goods, local honey, cut flowers, pet treats, spices, art, clothing, skin care products, candles and more. The market also offers an opportunity to shop for locally made fall décor and get an early start on holiday gifts.

On its busiest Saturdays, Palafox Market draws as many as 8,000 visitors to downtown Pensacola.

In 2020, Southern Living named Palafox Market the best farmers market in Florida. The market also regularly earns local honors in categories including “Best Farmers Market,” “Best Free Thing to Do” and “Best Place to Buy Local Produce.”

WANT TO GO?

What: Halloween Market at Palafox Market
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand VII
Admission: Free
More information: downtownpensacola.com