October 2026
Issue No. 13
The
Palatka Post
FEATURED THIS MONTH What’s Happening in October
Events • Tours • Discover Palatka Farmers Market Highlights & What's Next Bronson-Mulholland House A Look at Local History
What’s Inside
October Highlights This Month at a Glance
pg. 3 Events & Festivals What’s Happening Around Town
pg. 7 Local Spotlights Businesses and People to Watch
pg. 12
Travel Diaries Discover local restaurants and businesses
pg. 13
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October Highlights October has arrived, and Palatka is ready to welcome fall! This month, we’re celebrating the season with community traditions, taking a dive into the past with the Bronson-Mulholland House, and showcasing a hidden local gem. As temperatures begin to cool, it’s the perfect time to get out and experience Palatka! PAGE 03
OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS Farmers Markets Season 2 has kicked off! Bringing local makers, fresh finds, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and a lively Saturday market atmosphere to downtown Palatka. Tours Continue Visit Palatka tours continue every week, this month with a spooky twist! Hooked on Putnam Season 14 is winding down—there's still time to qualify before the November 14th prize drawing.
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Palatka Farmers Market Season 2 Join us the 1st & 3rd Saturday, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Putnam County Courthouse to kick off Season 2!
October 3rd Harvest Hoedown October 17th Fall Pumpkin Palooza with Trick or Treat What you’ll Find Live Music Kids Zone Local Vendors Free Family Fun Food Trucks & More LEARN MORE, VOLUNTEER, BECOME A VENDOR! PAGE 05
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As October brings cooler days and a little extra fall magic, Palatka comes alive with festive events, local traditions, and plenty of reasons to gather, explore, and enjoy all that our community has to offer.
October EVENTS IN PALATKA
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OCTOBER EVENTS 10 10 17 17
Art Reception at the Larimer
th The Larimer | 5:00pm
Meet the artists, explore current exhibitions, and enjoy an evening of art and community in downtown Palatka.
Bell’s After Dark th Elsie Elsie Bell’s | 7:00pm - 10:00pm Elsie Bell’s After Dark is back for its 3rd Annual Halloween Paranormal Experience! Join us for a spooky night of ghost hunting, a murder mystery, paranormal thrills, and plenty of twists!
Farmers Market th Palatka Putnam County Courthouse | 9:00am
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The Palatka Farmers Market is back at the Putnam County Courthouse Lawn — bringing local makers, fresh finds, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and a lively Saturday market atmosphere to downtown Palatka.
Elsie Bell’s After Dark Elsie Bell’s | 7:00pm - 10:00pm Elsie Bell’s After Dark is back for its 3rd Annual Halloween Paranormal Experience! Join us for a spooky night of ghost hunting, a murder mystery, paranormal thrills, and plenty of twists!
Ghost Tours at the Larimer The Larimer | 8:00pm Some stories never leave. Join us for an unforgetable evening of paranormal investigation and local lore inside one of Palatka’s most historic landmarks.
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OCTOBER EVENTS 24 24 24
North Florida Folk Network Harvest Festival
th Riverfront Park | 11:00am - 5:00pm Combining live music from (6) NFFN artists, visual arts, local culture, and interactive activities, the festival attracts visitors from across the region for a full day of entertainment.
Halloween Bar-O Market
th Bar O Rodeo Estates | 9:00am - 2:00pm At our annual fall event, we will be holding a costume contest and doing trick-or-treating for the kids! Enjoy a hat bar, candles, travel agency, home decor, sports cards, cookies, boutique, custom apparel, and so much more.
Harvest Festival Cruises
th Palatka City Dock & Boat Ramp | 11:30am - 2:00pm Hop aboard for a fun and easy 30-minute scenic boat ride during the Harvest Fest! These quick cruises are the perfect way to take a break from the crowd and enjoy the St. Johns River from a whole new perspective.
Waller - All Hours Weekend th Hog Hog Waller Campground & ATV Resort | 24-hour
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24-Hour riding begins Friday at 8AM and ends Sunday at 5PM. Gates and trails are open 24 hours during this period. || All ATVs, SXSs, UTVs, campers, and RVs are welcome.
Boo on the Avenue
th Downtown Palatka | 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Trick or treating fun for the kids! Come dressed up! Children up to the fifth grade, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
OCTOBER EVENTS 30
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Pirates & Pumpkins: A Kid-Friendly Halloween Cruise Palatka City Dock & Boat Ramp | 5:30pm Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for a kid-friendly, nonspooky Halloween cruise on the St. Johns River! Kids are encouraged to dress in their best pirate costumes for a fun afternoon on the water
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Elsie Bell’s After Dark
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Halloween Zombie Walk
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Elsie Bell’s | 7:00pm - 10:00pm Elsie Bell’s After Dark is back for its 3rd Annual Halloween Paranormal Experience! Join us for a spooky night of ghost hunting, a murder mystery, paranormal thrills, and plenty of twists!
Ravine Gardens State Park | 9:00am - 12:00pm Join us at 9AM on October 31st, as we team up with Girls Who Hike for our first-ever Halloween Zombie Walk! Make your way along the park’s 1.8-mile paved loop and trails, where creepy crawlies and spooktacular characters from Halloweens past may be lurking.
Halloween Horseback Poker Run Rodeheaver Boys Ranch | 9:00am - 12:00pm Get ready for the Halloween Horseback Poker Run at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch! Join us Saturday, October 31st for a fun-filled day on the trail and family fun for everyone! All while supporting the boys of Rodeheaver Boys Ranch.
Pirate Costume Contest River Cruise
st Palatka City Dock & Boat Ramp | 5:30pm
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Grab your best pirate costume, bring your crew, and climb aboard for a 1-hour pirate-themed cruise on the St. Johns River! This 21+ cruise is all about having a little fun on the water. Enjoy pirate-themed games, music, a costume contest, and a great evening out with friends.
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GET FEATURED
Our calendar highlights the events that make Palatka special — and we want to include yours. Submit your event to be featured on our website and in future editions.
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PAGE 11
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Discover Palatka featuring must-see spots, local favorites, and hidden gems.
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
ANGEL’S DINER Angel’s Diner is a beloved Palatka classic serving up everyone’s favorite hearty comfort food in a fun, nostalgic atmosphere. From their famous juicy burgers and crispy onion rings to classic diner favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re stopping in for a delicious breakfast, grabbing lunch with friends, or looking for a casual spot to enjoy a taste of local Palatka, Angel’s Diner is a welcoming spot with plenty of hometown charm. PAGE 12
Travel Diaries
When visiting Palatka, be sure to venture beyond the usual stops and explore some of the local spots that make our community unique. From historic landmarks and hidden gems to scenic outdoor spaces and longtime local favorites, there’s plenty to discover while you’re here. PAGE 13
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BRONSON-MULHOLLAND HOUSE
Built in 1854 by Judge Isaac H. Bronson, the elegant Bronson-Mulholland House offers visitors a glimpse into Palatka’s early history. The house features beautiful Greek Revival architecture, period furnishings, and stories that span generations. During the Civil War, the house played a role in the Union Occupation of Palatka. Over the years, it has served as a private residence, a school, and a community gathering place. Today, the Bronson-Mulholland House welcomes visitors for guided tours and special events, offering a unique opportunity to experience one of Palatka’s treasured historic landmarks. Admission is free, with tours available on Saturdays and the first Sunday of each 15 month 1:00pm - 4:00pm. PAGE 14
SUBMIT YOUR CATCH TODAY! TrophyCatch Submissions are due October 15th. Hooked on Putnam celebrates Putnam County’s world-class bass fishing, rewarding anglers for trophy catches reeled in from our local waterways. The deadline to submit a qualifying catch for this season is October 15th. PAGE 15
VISIT PALATKA TOURS Step into the shadows and discover a different side of Palatka after dark. Led by an experienced paranormal investigator, this guided tour takes you through historic downtown Palatka, with stops at some of the city’s oldest and most intriguing buildings. Hear the stories, legends, and unexplained encounters connected to these historic places while exploring Palatka’s haunted past. 17 PAGE 16
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OCTOBER 2026
ISSUE NO. 13
@VisitPalatka www.VisitPalatka.com · info@VisitPalatka.com
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