Alachua gears up for fall festivities, including car show and Halloween fun

Alachua residents have a full calendar of fall events to look forward to, with activities ranging from classic car shows to Halloween celebrations. The season officially kicks off this weekend with a car show in Alachua, followed by a series of community events stretching into November.

This Saturday, September 19, the D&S 2026 Classic Car Show will take place from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at O’Steen’s Car Barn, located at 16811 N.W. County Road 241 in Alachua. Spectator admission and parking are free. Vehicle registration costs $25 on the day of the event, with registration running from 8 to 10:30 a.m. The show features categories including Ford, GM, imports, Mopar, pickup, and lifted trucks. Awards are scheduled for 1 p.m. Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere, a 1950s Best Classy-Dressed Contest offers cash prizes for women and girls. Food will be available for purchase, and the event includes a 50/50 raffle and drawing. Proceeds from the show benefit Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Looking ahead, Alachua will host its annual Scarecrow Row 2026, with preparations already underway. Registration for the event began on September 1. This year's theme is "Superhero," and decorated scarecrows will adorn historic Main Street. Participating businesses will receive assigned poles for their displays. The Alachua Chamber of Commerce plans additional activities related to Scarecrow Row, with more details to be announced.

These scarecrow displays will set the stage for one of downtown Alachua’s largest family events, Trick or Treat on Main. This popular event is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. Main Street will close to traffic as local businesses distribute candy to children. The Alachua Chamber of Commerce estimates the event typically draws about 2,000 people. Costumes, Halloween music, and other activities are planned for families as they enjoy downtown.

The fall season in Alachua concludes with the Main Street Harvest Festival, scheduled for Sunday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street. This event offers another opportunity for community gathering before the end of the year.

Earlier this month, Waldo hosted its second annual Sweet Potato Festival on Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waldo City Square. The Waldo Area Historical Society hosted the event, which featured sweet potatoes and other seasonal activities. Also on September 19, the same day as Alachua's car show, downtown Newberry will host its fourth annual Fabulous ’50s Festival, combining a car show with vendors and 1950s music.

Residents can mark their calendars for these upcoming events to enjoy the autumn season locally.