Anaheim Halloween Parade is returning on October 26, 2024, as part of the Anaheim Fall Festival, promising a day filled with seasonal fun, live performances, costume contests, and a grand evening parade.
With over 70,000 attendees annually, this beloved event combines community spirit with nostalgia, featuring historic floats, movie-quality costumes, and a lineup of family-friendly activities.
This detailed guide provides all the information you need to enjoy the event to the fullest.
Anaheim Halloween Parade Date, Time, and Location
- Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
- Festival Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Parade Start Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Downtown Anaheim – Center Street Promenade
- Parade Route: Starts at Anaheim City Hall (200 S. Anaheim Blvd) and winds west along Center Street and Broadway, ending near S. West St
Anaheim Halloween Parade (Starts at 7:00 PM)
The Anaheim Halloween Parade begins at 7:00 PM on October 26, 2024, kicking off from Anaheim City Hall and making its way along Center Street and Broadway.
The parade showcases movie-quality costumes, themed floats, and performances by local marching bands and dance groups.
Inspired by classic parades from the 1950s and 60s, it reflects both nostalgia and community pride. Andy Anaheim, the city mascot, leads the procession, followed by elaborately decorated floats.
Spectators line the streets to enjoy the event, which concludes at S. West Street. With an estimated 70,000 attendees each year, the parade offers a festive and lively experience for all ages.
Festival Schedule and Activities (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
1. Pumpkin Patch
The festival offers a fun pumpkin patch where visitors can pick out pumpkins to carve or decorate for Halloween.
In addition to pumpkin shopping, guests can participate in seasonal games and activities that add to the festive spirit, making this area especially fun for children and families to enjoy throughout the day.
2. Haunted House
A kid-friendly haunted house offers lighthearted scares, designed to be fun but not overwhelming for younger visitors. Families can explore spooky-themed rooms and interactive elements. It’s the perfect attraction for introducing little ones to Halloween thrills in a safe, controlled environment.
3. Craft Booths and Food Trucks
Guests can enjoy seasonal treats, snacks, and beverages from a variety of food trucks and local vendors.
The craft booths will feature Halloween-themed merchandise and handmade items, providing an opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts. This section caters to all ages, offering food and crafts to suit everyone’s tastes.
4. Live Performances
Throughout the festival, multiple stages will host a range of live performances. Visitors can enjoy acts like King Kukulele and The Bob Baker Marionettes, along with musical performances by local bands.
These shows enhance the festival experience, providing entertainment for guests as they explore the event and wait for the evening parade to begin.
Costume Contests Highlight for Families and Pets
1. Kiddie Costume Contest
The Kiddie Costume Contest is a favorite attraction during the Anaheim Fall Festival. It takes place on October 26, 2024, with registration from 11:00 to 11:45 AM, and the contest starting promptly at 12:00 PM.
Children are grouped into categories based on age: 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 years. Additionally, there is a Family Group category for groups of up to four members, with at least one child under 12 years old. Prizes include tickets to Disneyland and other fun rewards.
The contest is free to enter, but participation is limited to 300 contestants, so families are encouraged to arrive early for registration to secure a spot.
2. Doggie Costume Contest
The Doggie Costume Contest offers a chance for canine companions to show off their Halloween spirit. The event will take place during the festival, with registration open from 2:00 to 2:45 PM and the contest beginning at 3:00 PM.
Dogs must be on a leash and comfortable with large crowds, as the event draws many spectators. The contest is limited to dogs only, so no other pets such as cats or small animals are allowed.
Pet owners are asked to ensure their dogs are vaccinated, well-behaved, and ready for a fun, family-friendly environment.
Anaheim Halloween Parade Registration Details 2024
The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade offers free admission to all attendees, making it a family-friendly event accessible to everyone.
While entry to the festival and parade is complimentary, certain attractions and activities may have small fees. Food trucks, craft booths, and special interactive experiences are available for purchase, helping support local vendors and organizers.
This ensures the event remains vibrant and affordable while giving back to the community. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash as some vendors may not accept cards.
Parking and Transportation Tips for Participants
1. Parking
Visitors can park at the Center Street Parking Garage or Anaheim High School lot, both conveniently located near the festival area.
Due to road closures along the parade route, attendees are advised to arrive early to secure parking and avoid traffic congestion. Some residential streets along the route may have permit-only parking, so be mindful of parking restrictions.
2. Public Transit
The festival and parade are accessible by OC Bus routes, with stops along Lincoln Ave and Anaheim Blvd.
Attendees planning to use public transit should check bus schedules ahead of time to ensure their route is available after the parade concludes. This is a convenient option for those wanting to avoid parking challenges during the event.
Tips for Parade Attendees in 2024
- Arrive Early:
The parade and festival draw large crowds, so plan to arrive early to find parking and secure a good viewing spot along the parade route. Some pre-event activities may also take place earlier in the day, giving you extra entertainment if you arrive ahead of time. - Wear Layers:
October evenings in Anaheim can get cool, so bring jackets or blankets to stay comfortable throughout the evening. Dressing in layers ensures you can adjust to changing temperatures as the day shifts from the warm afternoon to cooler night. - Bring Cash:
Some food and craft vendors at the festival may not accept credit cards, so having cash on hand ensures smooth transactions. ATMs may be available nearby, but long lines are likely, making cash the more convenient option. - Use Glow Sticks or Flashlights:
If attending the parade with children, glow sticks or flashlights will help them stay visible in the crowd. These also make it easier for parents to spot their kids in busy areas, especially as it gets darker during the parade.
Conclusion
The Anaheim Halloween Parade 2024 promises a fun-filled experience with activities for visitors of all ages, making it a highlight of the fall season in Orange County.
With free access to both the festival and parade, families can enjoy costume contests, food booths, and exciting live performances.
Whether you explore the pumpkin patch, watch the movie-quality floats, or participate in the scavenger hunt, this event offers plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween.
Don’t forget to arrive early and dress comfortably for the day’s events on October 26, 2024 in downtown Anaheim.
FAQs
While the festival offers a variety of food trucks and booths, attendees are generally allowed to bring outside snacks and drinks. However, it’s recommended to enjoy the event’s local food offerings to support vendors. Alcohol is not permitted at the event to maintain a family-friendly environment.
The Anaheim Halloween Parade and festival will proceed rain or shine, but attendees are advised to check the weather forecast in advance. Bringing umbrellas or rain jackets is recommended in case of rain.
Yes, the festival welcomes volunteers to assist with various tasks, including managing activities, helping with crowd control, and distributing event materials. Those interested in volunteering can contact the event organizers through the Anaheim Fall Festival’s official website to sign up for available roles.
Kiddie Costume Contest is open to children 12 years and under, with specific age categories. The Doggie Costume Contest does not have age restrictions for pet owners, but dogs must be vaccinated and well-behaved. There is also a family group category in the kiddie contest, allowing families to participate together for extra fun.
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