2026 Business Booth Participation

Hosted by the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Scare on the Square is an annual Halloween event that brings together businesses, families, and the community for a fun-filled afternoon in historic Downtown Gainesville.

The event will be held in Historic Downtown Gainesville, Texas on Saturday, October 31st from 1 - 3 PM. The event features trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses and business booths throughout the Farmers Market, along with a costume contest, window decorating contest, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Business Participation
Businesses throughout Gainesville are invited to be part of Scare on the Square and help us create a fun, free trick-or-treating experience for local families!

Businesses Outside the Downtown District — $50 Farmers Market Booth
Businesses located outside the Downtown District can join the event by reserving a booth space at the Gainesville Farmers Market for $50. Your booth includes an 8' table and two chairs, and your business will be included on the official Scare on the Square map along with participating downtown businesses.

Bring your own candy, treats, giveaways, or promotional items to hand out, decorate your space, and introduce your business to families from around the community. You're also welcome to offer a free game, activity, or other interactive experience from your booth.

Please note: Farmers Market business booth spaces are promotional and community-engagement spaces only. No sales are permitted from these booths. Scare on the Square is intended to be a free community event, so anything offered from your booth, including candy, giveaways, games, or activities, must be provided to attendees at no charge.

Downtown District Businesses — FREE
Businesses located within the Downtown District may participate at no charge from their existing business location. Participating businesses will be included on the official Scare on the Square map so families know where to stop. Businesses are encouraged to decorate, hand out candy or other goodies, and have fun welcoming trick-or-treaters!

Registration deadline is Friday, October 23rd, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.

*** NEW THIS YEAR: The Business Decorating Contest is open to ALL businesses! ***

We're inviting businesses throughout the Gainesville area to show us their Halloween spirit! Decorate your storefront, window, lobby, office, or other customer-facing space and submit a photo for a chance to win $200!

All entries will be featured on the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, where the community will vote for their favorite by liking the photo. The entry with the most likes when voting closes wins!

You do not have to be located in Downtown Gainesville or participate in Scare on the Square to enter.

Want to participate?

Any business interested in the Business Decorating Contest can register using the contest sign-up link here.

 

If you have any questions about these events, please feel free to reach out.
info@gainesvillecofc.com
(940) 665-2831

By submitting this form, I am registering my business to participate in Scare on the Square on Saturday, October 31st, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m.

I understand that businesses located within the Downtown District may participate from their business location at no charge. Businesses located outside the Downtown District will participate from a designated booth space at the Gainesville Farmers Market for a $50 fee.

If a $50 participation fee applies to my business, I understand that I will be invoiced following registration and that payment must be received by the stated deadline of Friday, October 23rd, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. to confirm and reserve my booth space.

I understand that all participating businesses will be included on the official Scare on the Square map and are expected to provide candy, treats, giveaways, or another free experience for trick-or-treaters.

If participating from a Farmers Market booth, I understand that no sales are permitted and that all items, games, or activities offered to attendees must be provided free of charge. I also agree to disclose any planned games or activities on this registration form to assist with event planning.