Many cities and towns plan parades for Halloween each year. It’s a great way to get communities together and most parades are family friendly.
Below, in no particular order, find a list of Halloween Parades for 2011 as well as information on how to get there, dates, times and more.
NATIONAL
Geoffrey’s Halloween Parade (Toys R’ Us)
Check website for which stores in the US host this Halloween parade for kids and families.
Satruday October 29th, 12 – 3pm.
Get a FREE Sponge Bob Halloween Bag (while supplies last) plus enjoy other free giveaways. Geoffrey will lead the parade every half hour.
EAST
Rutland’s Annual Halloween Parade
Rutland, Vermont
This popular and successful annual parade, in its 52nd year, will occur on October 29th this year.
Parade participants usually include, and are subject to change, Catamount Radio, the American Red Cross, Cub Scouts, Drum Journeys, Jack O’ Lantern, Halloween Train, Mill River High School Princess, the Governor, Senators, floats and so much more. The parade will be broadcast live for locals.
Start time is 6:30pm. To regsiter: REGISTRATION There is no cost to participate or watch.
Portsmouth Halloween Parade
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
In its 16th year, this parade features alternative to contemporty themes. It is a celebration for those who are creative, free spirited and resourceful. No motorized vehicles, no open flames/fire, nothrowing of candy or any items. Since this is also a family venue, dress how you want, but take others into consideration and watchers should also be tolerant.
Held on October 31st – rain or shine. Arrive Peirce Island around 6pm, parade starts at 7pm.
Vienna Halloween Parade
Vienna, Virginia
A wonderful suburb outside of Washington DC, this parade is in its 65th year, therefore, its title this year is “Celebrating 65 years of Tradition: The Vienna Halloween Parade Through the Decades, 1946-2011.” It is sure to be special this year.
Be there by 6pm October 26th to see this spectacular parade that will include floats and bands as well as kids in costume, which was the reason the parade was started in 1946.
The kids in costume can march in FRONT of the parade. No registration required.
Parade Route: Maple Avenue from Branch Road to Center Street.
Village Halloween Parade
New York, New York
Enjoy this crazy, fun, creative parade. There will be dancers, puppets, music artists and more. If you go, show up in costume! It will also be broadcast on WPIX TV and NY1.
Location is 6th Avenue South of Spring Street – show up at 6:30pm, parade starts at 7pm, October 31st
WEST
Anaheim Fall Festival and Parade for Halloween
Anaheim, California
A great family venue for friends, couples, young and old alike. This one starts early in the day and has all sorts of fun activities such as a Kids Costume Contest at noon, the Family Festival starting at 11am with crafts a pumpkin patch and more, Trick or Treating around 4pm, and the Spooktacular Halloween Parade that starts at 6pm at West Street. The Parade continues on Broadway and ends at the Fall Festival at Center Street Promenade.
Event starts at 11am through 9pm.
The Las Vegas Halloween Parade
Las Vegas, Nevada
What’s better than being in the city of sin – it sounds like a great place to masquerade, pretend you are someone else and have a spooky time. There will be a costume contest in the parade for different genres such as scariest, Vegas theme, best float, funniest and more.
This parade is not shy – they have already suggested dressing up as Bin Laden or a zombie Amy Winehouse, so this is not for the easily offended.
The second annual Las Vegas Halloween Parade is on October 31st at 7pm on 4th Street and Hoover.
Ashland’s Children’s Halloween Celebration
Ashland, Oregon
This celebration in this artsy area not only includes a parade, but also music and treats.
The parade route will leave from the library to the Plaza. Musical acts and entertainment will move with the parade. This is a great family venue.
Festivities start at 3pm October 31.
MIDDLE
Davenport Halloween Parade
Davenport, Iowa
This annual, family friendly parade begins at 7pm on October 31st.
Parade route usually starts at 3rd and Brady Streets, heads West towards Scott Street then turns South to 2nd and ends at Iowa Street. There is usually a costume contest for those in the parade, and the judges stand has been located at 2nd and Harrison in the past. Parade lasts about 2 hours.
The Parade is Free. Check website for theme, for instance, in 2008 the theme was “Never Never Land.”
North Halstead Street Halloween Parade
Chicago, Illinois
This event which kicks off on October 31st, is in its 15th year. The parade will be located at Belmont and Halstead and feature creative souls marching down the street, in order to win that grand Halloween prize from the judges. Particpation is FREE. Awards, fun and live entertainment at the end (about 8pm).
Registration starts at 4pm and the parade begins at 7pm.
Bonus: On October 30th, a kids “Spooktacular” will be hosted with kid friendly activities.
Jaycees Chillicothe Halloween Parade
Chillcothe, Ohio
Forty-three miles south of Coumbus lies Chillicothe, Ohio, home of th Chillicothe Halloween Parade. Entries to this parade can be accepted on their online site. Floats and costumes will aslo be judged (starting at 4pm) for prizes (different categories and age groups) before the parade which starts at 7pm.
Parade date: Saturday October 29.