Harvest Jam at Eastern Shore Centre Returns Oct. 30 With Music, Trick-or-Treating and Costume Contest
Eastern Shore Centre in Spanish Fort will host its third annual Harvest Jam from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, on The Green. The free event features live music by Shea White, trick-or-treating at participating stores, pop-up vendors, a costume contest and giveaways.
SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Live music, pop-up shopping, trick-or-treating and a costume contest are coming to The Green at Eastern Shore Centre on Friday, Oct. 30, when the Harvest Jam at Eastern Shore Centre returns for its third year.
The free, family-friendly celebration runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Green near California Dreaming in Spanish Fort. Organizers are planning live music, kids activities, pop-up vendors, trick-or-treating at participating stores, a costume contest and giveaways, all on the evening before Halloween.
A signature fall event at the shopping center
Harvest Jam has become one of the open-air shopping center’s best-known community gatherings since it began two years ago. This year’s edition lands on a Friday, the night before Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, giving families an early chance to show off costumes and fill a candy bag before the main event.
“We are so excited to welcome our community back for a spooky good time at ESC!” said Sidney Carol Barnhardt, marketing associate for Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors. “Harvest Jam is one of our favorite signature events, and it kicks off our holiday season in the best way!”
Organizers said the evening is meant to give families and friends a chance to shop, socialize and make memories together in a relaxed community setting.
Music, vendors and activities
Singer Shea White will provide the live music. The Green offers open space for guests to gather near the stage while they take in the festivities.
Vendors and activities announced so far include:
- Mountain High Outfitters
- Catherine Cochran Art
- Blooming Fabulous
- A photo booth by Collective Events
- A bounce house for children
Organizers said additional vendors and participants will round out the lineup.
Trick-or-treating at ESC stores
One of the most popular parts of the evening for younger guests is trick-or-treating at the center’s shops. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Eastern Shore Centre tent first to pick up a Harvest Jam bag, then use it to collect treats from participating ESC retailers.
Store-to-store trick-or-treating at an outdoor shopping center has become a popular alternative to neighborhood rounds for many families. Walkways are well lit, the stops are close together and parents can combine an evening out with a little early holiday shopping.
A costume contest and giveaways will also be part of the program, so families may want to plan their costumes with the contest in mind.
Vendors still being accepted
Eastern Shore Centre is still accepting applications from vendors and other participants who would like to take part in Harvest Jam. Businesses, artists and organizations interested in a spot should contact Eastern Shore Centre through its website or social media channels for application details.
About Eastern Shore Centre
Eastern Shore Centre opened in November 2004 at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Malbis Parkway, also known as Alabama Highway 181, in Spanish Fort. It was developed as a lifestyle center that combines shopping, dining and entertainment in a walkable outdoor setting, and it has grown into one of the largest retail destinations on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.
The property has changed hands several times over the years. In June 2024, Wicker Park Capital Management acquired the center for about $33.2 million, according to a real estate industry report at the time, which described it as roughly 432,000 square feet on about 43 acres. Tenants include Belk, Barnes & Noble, Shoe Station, Half Shell Oyster House and Mountain High Outfitters, with Dillard’s as a shadow anchor.
Like many shopping centers around the country, Eastern Shore Centre has leaned into community events that draw people to spend time on the property rather than simply run errands. Seasonal gatherings such as Harvest Jam bring families onto The Green and past storefronts, and the center has continued to add new tenants this fall, including a golf cart dealership that opened in October.
Plan your visit
Because Harvest Jam is held outdoors on a weekday evening, a little planning can make the night easier:
- Arrive early. The event starts at 4 p.m., and the first hour is a good time to pick up a trick-or-treat bag before the crowds build.
- Bring a chair or blanket. The Green is open lawn space, and seating near the stage can fill up during live music.
- Dress for the weather. Late October evenings on the Gulf Coast can turn cool after sunset, so a light jacket over a costume may come in handy.
- Keep costumes safe. Choose comfortable shoes and costumes that do not block a child’s vision, especially in a busy parking area.
If you go
- What: Third annual Harvest Jam
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Where: The Green near California Dreaming, Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort
- Cost: Free
- Highlights: Live music by Shea White, kids activities, pop-up vendors, trick-or-treating at participating ESC retailers, a costume contest, a photo booth by Collective Events, a bounce house and giveaways
- Trick-or-treat bags: Available at the Eastern Shore Centre tent
- Vendors: Applications are being accepted through Eastern Shore Centre
