Get set for two days of family-friendly fun at Pensacon’s FREE HalloweenFest, set for Oct. 5-6 at Splash City Adventures, 6709 Pensacola Blvd.

HalloweenFest combines the pop-culture fun of Pensacon with traditional Halloween celebrations for two full days of spooky pop-culture fun in an outdoor, convention-style atmosphere. The weekend will feature vendors, live entertainment, celebrity guests, artists, trick-or-treating and other fun in a safe environment. The first 50 kids who trick or treat will receive a free gift!

Costumes are encouraged, and each day will include a costume contest, with adults competing on Saturday and kids on Sunday. There is a nominal fee to compete in the adult contest.

Event hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. In addition, Saturday night will feature an appearance by Pensacola’s own nationally syndicated horror hosts from “Nightmare Theatre,” presenting the sci-fi classic, “Attack of the Giant Leeches.” “Nightmare Theatre” is produced at Pensacola’s WSRE-TV and is broadcast on PBS and other public television stations across the U.S.

Stay & Play

During the free HalloweenFest festivities, Splash City Adventures amusement park will offer a stay and play special for just $9.99 to enjoy the park’s many rides and attractions. Click here to purchase Stay & Play passes.

Special Guests

Special guests for this year’s event include:

• Actor Austin St. John, best known as the original Red Ranger on the beloved adventure series, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”
• Voice actor Ryan Drummond, the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog
• Artist Andy Price, famed for his “My Little Pony” work and the creator of “The Cryptid Creatures Coloring Book”
• Artist Derec Donovan, whose work includes comics starring Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, the X-Men and more, and the creator of “Trigger Mortis”
• Artist Rhiannon Owens, whose trading card work includes Marvel, DC, “Star Wars,” “Star Trek” and more
• Author and filmmaker Stephen J. Wise
• Author Kenneth Meade
• The Rare Air Emerald Coast Volkswagen Club, showcasing special vehicles

Charity Auction

Pensacon is thrilled to once again support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida with a weekend-long, raffle-style auction during HalloweenFest. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance at unique collectibles, original artwork and one-of-a-kind autographed memorabilia from past Pensacon guests and other stars.

Entertainment schedule

Saturday, Oct. 5

• 10 a.m.: Emerald Coast Honors Orchestra
• 11 a.m.: White Tied Quartet
• Noon: Emerald Coast Dance Conservatory
• 1 p.m.: Genezone
• 2 p.m.: Destiny Howard
• 3 p.m.: Willow
• 4 p.m.: Adult Costume Contest
• 5 p.m.: Karaoke

Vendor Space

Vendor and performance applications are now being accepted, and sponsorship packages are available. For more information, email halloween@pensacon.com.

Hotels

The following area hotels will offer special rates for HalloweenFest attendees:

Candlewood Suites Pensacola University Area

1953 Northcross Lane

Pensacola, FL 32514

(850) 435-4690

$109 per night

Hampton Inn & Suites Pensacola University Area

7050 Plantation Road

Pensacola, FL 32504

(850) 505-7500

$109 per night

Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach

2 Via De Luna Drive

Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

(850) 916-6000

$159-$169 per night

Holiday Inn Pensacola Beach Resort

14 Via De Luna Drive

Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

(850) 916-8081

$179 per night

Hyatt Place Pensacola Airport

2468 Skye Way

Pensacola, FL 32504

(850) 483.5599

$109 per night

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pensacola

487 Creighton Road

Pensacola, FL 32504

(850) 475-0055

$119-$129 per night

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Pensacola

481 Creighton Road

Pensacola, FL 32504

(850) 484-7022

$109-$119 per night