Bluffton’s 5th annual Safety Spooktacular

Bluffton’s favorite family Halloween tradition is back. The Bluffton Police Department will host its fifth annual Safety Spooktacular on October 24th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oscar Frazier Park, 7 Recreation Court.

What began in 2021 as a combination of the department’s National Night Out and a Halloween celebration has grown into one of Bluffton’s most popular community events. The Safety Spooktacular brings together residents, first responders, and local businesses for an evening of trunk-or-treating, music, and Halloween fun — all with a focus on safety and community connection.

“This event started as a way to help families enjoy Halloween safely while getting to know their local first responders,” organizers said in a release. “It’s now a Bluffton tradition that’s as much about community spirit as it is about costumes and candy.”

The free event will feature dozens of local organizations and agencies offering treats, safety tips, and hands-on experiences. Bluffton police officers will serve up free hot dogs and hand out light-up safety necklaces, while firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, and emergency responders display vehicles and equipment, including fire engines, patrol cars, and even a helicopter.

New this year, the traditional costume contest has been replaced with a booth-decorating challenge. Each participating organization will compete for the “2025 Kids’ Choice Award” by decking out its table with imaginative Halloween decorations. Children can cast votes for their favorites by dropping tickets into voting buckets.

Participating organizations include the Bluffton Police Department, Bluffton Township Fire District, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, along with more than 40 community partners and local businesses such as Walmart, Beaufort Memorial’s Mobile Wellness Unit, The Rotary Club of Bluffton, Okatie Youth Ballet, and The Bluffton Bookshop.

The event’s family-friendly atmosphere and focus on safety reflect the police department’s goal of strengthening relationships between first responders and the community they serve.

The Bluffton Police Department encourages families to come in costume, meet their neighbors and local heroes, and enjoy a safe night of Halloween fun.

For more information, visit townofbluffton.sc.gov.