Parents can rest assured that Halloween is not cancelled this year. Costume-clad children are invited to trick-or-treat with vendors at the Bluffton Artisan Market from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 in the parking lot at Southern Barrel in Bluffton.

The Halloween-themed open-air market also will include a costume contest and competition for the “Best Decorated Booth.” Masks are required and social distancing best practices are encouraged.

“As always, we will have live music, lots of spooky sweets and treats and food vendors,” said Katie Silva, founder of Lowcountry Made, the organization sponsoring the Bluffton Artisan markets.

The Bluffton Artisan Market is an open-air shopping event with live music that features local makers from 1-6 p.m. Saturdays October 17 and November 14 in the Southern Barrel parking lot in Buckwalter Plaza in Bluffton. A two-day Christmas market will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 27-28.

Lowcountry Made is a promotional organization that represents a collective of Lowcountry artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs creating in the Lowcountry. They promote their “shop small” agenda with an online directory, maker to shopper newsletter, special events and wholesaling representation. The organization’s goal is to provide opportunities for local makers to help their brands succeed whatever each maker’s goals may be. 

“The open air markets provide an opportunity for families to get out of the house and feel a part of their community again in a safe way,” Silva said.