Fall is one of the best times for churches to connect with their community. Families are already looking for safe, fun, family-friendly events, and a Trunk-or-Treat or Fall Festival checks every box. The challenge is simple: how do you let people know about it?

Word of mouth, flyers, and signs still work, but if you want to reach the families who live right around your church, Facebook local advertising is one of the most effective (and affordable) tools you can use. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Step 1: Create a Facebook Event

Start by creating a Facebook Event directly from your church’s page. Make sure the event listing includes:

• Date and time

• Address of the church

• A short but clear description (include details like food, games, bounce houses, or candy)

• A welcoming photo or graphic that shows families what to expect

This event becomes the “hub” you’ll promote in your ads.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ad Campaign

When you create your ad in Facebook Ads Manager (or directly from the event page), you’ll want to select:

• Objective: “Event Responses” works well, but “Engagement” or “Traffic” (to your event link) can also be effective.

• Location: Choose a radius around your church.

  • In a rural area: 10–15 miles may make sense.

  • In a metro area: 3–5 miles is usually plenty.

Step 3: Choose Your Target Audience

Your event is for families, so tell Facebook that.

• Under demographics, choose Parents → then select children ages 0–10.

• Keep the audience tight—these are the people most likely to show up.

Step 4: Decide How Long to Run the Ads

Timing matters. Don’t just run one ad and hope for the best; build momentum. Here’s a sample schedule you can adapt to your budget:

• 1 month out: Run an ad with a smaller budget (around $30) to build awareness.

• 3 weeks out: Increase to $40.

• 2 weeks out: Bump to $60—families are starting to make plans.

• 1 week out: If your budget allows, put in $100 to get maximum reach right before the event.

This staggered approach ensures people see your event multiple times and don’t forget about it.

Step 5: Budgeting

Even a small church can afford this. A total spend of around $200–$250 spread across a month can easily reach thousands of local families. If your church is in a smaller town, you may spend less and still reach nearly everyone.

Step 6: Add a Way for People to Connect

Make it easy for families to ask questions or get details. You can:

• Link the ad to Messenger (so they can message your church directly)

• Add a phone number in the event description

• Include a link to your church website or blog with all the details

The goal is to give people confidence that your event is organized, safe, and worth attending.

Step 7: Highlight What Makes It Fun

In your ads and event page, always call out the things parents want to know:

• Will there be free candy?

• Are there games or inflatables for kids?

• Is food available?

• Is it safe and family-friendly?

Simple details go a long way in getting families off the fence and into your parking lot.

Step 8: Collect RSVPs & Follow Up

Many churches like to have an RSVP system to get a better idea of who’s coming outside of their own members. One of the easiest free tools for this is SignUpGenius.

• Create a free event signup on SignUpGenius and drop the link into your Facebook Event page.

• Facebook does have a “Going” or “Interested” option, which is helpful, but SignUpGenius lets you collect names and email addresses, which is a great way to keep in touch.

• With those email addresses, you can send out reminders (a week before or a few days before the event) and even follow up afterward to thank families for coming, invite them back, and share more about your church.

If you don’t want to use SignUpGenius (or even if you do), consider creating a simple flyer with information about your church, kids’ programs, upcoming events, and worship services. Hand those out during the event so families leave with more than candy, they leave knowing your church is a place that cares about them.

Share the Gospel also.  We are the church and we are called to spread the Good News.  Candy won't change anyone's life for the better, but the knowledge that Jesus loves you and invites you to have a relationship with Him is life changing, so remember our purpose.  Memory Cross makes a number of kid friendly Halloween themed Gospel tracts that both parents and kids will love.  Check them out using this link.

Final Thoughts

Churches don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get the word out about a Trunk-or-Treat or Fall Festival. With a little planning and a few hundred dollars in Facebook ads, you can reach nearly every young family within a few miles of your church.

It’s about more than just attendance numbers. Every car that pulls into your lot is a chance to meet new people, show hospitality, and plant a seed that may grow into a long-term connection with your church.

I've created information on how to use SignUpGenius and sample cards that you can use for your Trunk-or-Treat or Fall Festival event.  Let me know what you think - Mike

✍️ Sample SignUpGenius Event Description

Event Title: Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival at [Church Name]

Event Description:
Join us for a safe, family-friendly evening of fun at [Church Name]! 🎃

We’ll have decorated trunks full of candy, games for kids, food, and fun for the whole family. This is a free event open to our community — everyone is welcome!

📅 Date: [Insert Date]
⏰ Time: [Insert Time]
📍 Location: [Church Address]

Please let us know you’re coming by signing up below. This helps us plan for candy, games, and food.

We can’t wait to see you!

📧 Sample Follow-Up Email (Send after the event)

Subject Line Options:

• Thanks for coming to Trunk-or-Treat! 🎃

• We loved meeting you at [Church Name]’s Fall Festival

• A special thank you from [Church Name]

Body:

Hello [First Name],

Thank you so much for joining us at our Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival! We loved seeing so many families from the community come out for a night of fun, food, and fellowship.

We want you to know that [Church Name] is more than just a place to visit once a year — it’s a family. We’d love to invite you back for:

• Sunday Worship Services: [Insert times]

• Kids & Youth Programs: [Insert details]

• Upcoming Events: [Insert next event — i.e., Christmas program]

We hope to see you again soon! If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this email or call us at [Phone Number].

Blessings,
[Pastor’s Name or Church Team]
[Church Website / Facebook Page Link]

👉 Here’s a Reminder Email Template you can schedule to go out either one week before or three days before your Trunk-or-Treat or Fall Festival. 

📧 Reminder Email – One Week Before

Subject Line Options:

• One week to go! 🎃 Trunk-or-Treat at [Church Name]

• Mark your calendars: Trunk-or-Treat is almost here!

• A safe, fun Fall night for your family — just one week away 🍬

Body:

Hello [First Name],

We’re so excited — our Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival is only one week away!

📅 Date: [Insert Date]
⏰ Time: [Insert Time]
📍 Location: [Church Address]

Bring your family and friends for:
🍬 Free candy from decorated trunks
🎯 Fun games for kids
🍔 Food & fellowship
🎶 A safe, welcoming atmosphere for everyone

If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time! Click here to RSVP: [Insert SignUpGenius Link]

We can’t wait to see you there!

Blessings,
[Church Team / Pastor’s Name]

📧 Reminder Email – 3 Days Before

Subject Line Options:

• Just a few days left! 🎃 Join us for Trunk-or-Treat

• This [Day of Week] — Trunk-or-Treat at [Church Name]!

• Don’t miss it: Free Fall Fun for the Family 🍁

Body:

Hi [First Name],

The wait is almost over — Trunk-or-Treat at [Church Name] is happening in just a few days!

📅 Date: [Insert Date]
⏰ Time: [Insert Time]
📍 Location: [Church Address]

We’ll have:
✅ Candy-filled trunks
✅ Games & activities for kids
✅ Food and family fun
✅ A safe and welcoming space for your family

👉 RSVP now if you haven’t already: [Insert SignUpGenius Link]

And if you forget to sign up, no problem — just come on out. We’d love to see you there!

Blessings,
[Church Team / Pastor’s Name]

 Here’s a one-page flyer template you can adapt and hand out at your Trunk-or-Treat or Fall Festival. It’s designed to be simple, welcoming, and easy to print on standard letter paper.

🍁 Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival Flyer Template 🍁

Front (Event Invitation)

🎃 YOU’RE INVITED! 🎃
Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival at [Church Name]

📅 Date: [Insert Date]
⏰ Time: [Insert Time]
📍 Location: [Church Address]

Bring the whole family for:
🍬 Free candy from decorated trunks
🎯 Games & activities for kids
🍔 Food & fellowship
🎶 Safe & family-friendly fun

✨ FREE ADMISSION — EVERYONE WELCOME! ✨

[Church Logo or Friendly Graphic Image Here]

Back (Church Info + Invitation to Worship)

🙏 Welcome to [Church Name] 🙏

We’re so glad you came! At [Church Name], we believe in being a place where families feel loved, kids have fun, and lives are changed by the hope of Jesus Christ.

💒 Weekly Worship Services:

• Sundays: [Insert Times]

• [Any other services/events]

👧 Kids & Youth Programs:

• [Insert short description — i.e., Sunday School, Kids’ Church, Youth Group nights]

🌐 Stay Connected:

• Website: [Insert URL]

• Facebook: [Insert FB Page Link]

• Phone: [Insert Number]

✉️ We’d Love to Stay in Touch!
If you signed up for Trunk-or-Treat through SignUpGenius, we’ll send you updates and future event invites. If not, visit our website or follow us on Facebook to stay connected.

✍️ Design Tips for Printing

• Use bright Fall colors (orange, gold, deep purple).

• On the front: include big photos or illustrations of kids in costumes & trunks full of candy.

• On the back: keep it clean and simple with your church’s branding and contact info.

• Print on 8.5x11 cardstock if possible so it feels sturdy.

Below are a few Facebook banners and ads you can use.  Feel free to download and modify as needed.  If you need any help, reach out to me:  mike@memorycross.com.

Other Resources available

• Turning Candy into Eternal Life - Every Christian has been called by Jesus to go out into the world and share His love and His Word. Most of the time, we think of this as happening in church services, mission trips, or one-on-one conversations. But what if one of the best opportunities comes on a night when kids are literally knocking on your door?

That’s what happens every Halloween. Children come dressed up, smiling, and eager for a gift. They expect candy, but as Christians, we have a chance to give them something even greater.  Read More

• How Churches Can Use Facebook Local Advertising to Promote Their Trunk-or-Treat or Fall Festival - Fall is one of the best times for churches to connect with their community. Families are already looking for safe, fun, family-friendly events, and a Trunk-or-Treat or Fall Festival checks every box. The challenge is simple: how do you let people know about it?