Fort Walton Beach kicks off Halloween early with Friday night Trunk-or-Treat celebration
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Halloween celebrations are getting an early start in Fort Walton Beach, where costumes, candy baskets and decorated car trunks will bring families together for an evening of seasonal fun. Children will have a chance to collect treats while enjoying a community event just days before Halloween.
And there is still an opportunity for local residents to help make the celebration happen. Organizers are looking for volunteers willing to turn their vehicles into festive candy stations for young trick-or-treaters.
The City of Fort Walton Beach is inviting families to attend a Trunk-or-Treat event on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center. The celebration will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the center’s parking lot, located at 132 Jet Drive NW.
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The two-hour event offers families a chance to take part in a Halloween tradition centered around decorated vehicles rather than the usual door-to-door trick-or-treating. Children are encouraged to arrive in their Halloween costumes and bring baskets or bags to collect candy and other treats.
A major part of the celebration depends on community participation.
Organizers have issued a call for volunteers who can decorate their car trunks and distribute treats to the children attending. These volunteers will help create the Halloween atmosphere that makes Trunk-or-Treat events a popular seasonal activity for families.
The invitation is open to residents interested in contributing to the festivities, whether by preparing a decorated trunk or helping provide treats for the young participants.
Those interested in volunteering or seeking additional information about the event can contact Polly-Jo Pangelinan at 850-833-9580. Questions can also be submitted by email to [email protected].
With Halloween arriving on October 31, Friday’s gathering gives Fort Walton Beach families an opportunity to begin celebrating the holiday eight days early.
The event is scheduled to conclude at 8 p.m., leaving a two-hour window for families to visit the decorated trunks and enjoy the Halloween activities.
For residents planning to attend, the main preparations are simple: choose a costume, bring something to collect treats and head to the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center on Friday evening.
For those who would rather help distribute the candy, organizers are still encouraging volunteers to get involved and contribute to the community celebration.
